Swiss Airlines Baggage Policy 2026 | Carry-On, Checked & Fees Guide

The Swiss Airlines baggage policy outlines how many bags you can take, their weight and size limits, and what fees apply for excess or special baggage. If you’re flying from the USA to Europe or beyond, these rules are essential. Swiss Airlines follows a weight and piece concept depending on your fare class and travel route.

Your ticket type (Economy Light, Classic, or Business), your travel route, and your frequent flyer status determine how much free baggage you’re allowed under the Swiss Airlines baggage policy. So before you pack, always double-check your ticket details or visit Swiss’s baggage calculator for the exact limits.

Hand Baggage Rules (Carry-On Policy)

Under the Swiss Airlines baggage policy, passengers are allowed a certain amount of carry-on or hand baggage depending on their travel class.

• Economy Class: 1 piece of carry-on baggage up to 8 kg (18 lbs) with a maximum size of 55 x 40 x 23 cm.

• Business & First Class: 2 pieces of carry-on baggage, each up to 8 kg (18 lbs) with the same size limit.

• Personal Item: All passengers can bring one personal item, such as a handbag, laptop bag, or camera case, that fits under the seat in front of them.

Liquids are allowed in containers of 100 ml or less, packed in a 1-liter transparent bag as per TSA regulations. Swiss Airlines follows U.S. airport security standards for all flights departing from the USA.

If your carry-on exceeds the allowed size or weight, it will be checked in as part of your checked baggage allowance or charged as excess baggage under the Swiss Airlines baggage policy.

Checked Baggage Allowance

Your checked baggage allowance depends on your travel class and ticket type. Here’s how the Swiss Airlines baggage policy breaks down for flights from the USA:

• Economy Light: No free checked baggage. You’ll have to pay for any checked bags.

• Economy Classic & Flex: 1 checked bag free, up to 23 kg (50 lbs), and total size must not exceed 158 cm (sum of length + width + height).

• Business Class: 2 checked bags, each up to 32 kg (70 lbs).

• First Class: 3 checked bags, each up to 32 kg (70 lbs).

Swiss Airlines uses the “piece concept” for intercontinental routes like those from the USA to Europe. That means your baggage allowance is counted by number of pieces rather than total weight.

Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees

Going over the limit? Be careful — Swiss Airlines charges steep fees for bags that exceed size or weight limits under the Swiss Airlines baggage policy.

Here’s how it works:

• Overweight Bags: If a checked bag exceeds 23 kg in Economy or 32 kg in Business/First, it will be charged an overweight fee.

• Oversized Bags: Any bag larger than 158 cm in total dimensions is considered oversized and charged extra.

• Excess Bags: If you bring more bags than your allowance, you’ll pay per additional bag. The cost for a second checked bag on USA–Switzerland routes typically starts around USD 90 per bag (for up to 23 kg).

Always prepay for extra bags online. It’s cheaper than paying at the airport.

Sports Equipment and Special Items

Swiss Airlines welcomes sports gear and musical instruments, but these items have special rules under the Swiss Airlines baggage policy.

• Sports equipment such as skis, golf bags, surfboards, or bicycles can travel as part of your free baggage allowance if they meet weight and size requirements.

• If the item exceeds your allowance, you’ll pay a sports equipment fee depending on size, route, and fare.

• Maximum weight for any special item is 32 kg. Anything heavier must be shipped as cargo.

• Musical instruments that fit into the cabin size limit can be taken as carry-on. Larger instruments must either be checked or may require an extra seat.

Pro tip from ASAPTrips: Always register your sports or musical equipment in advance to avoid issues at check-in.

Traveling with Infants and Children

Under the Swiss Airlines baggage policy, infants and small children have their own baggage allowances:

• If your infant doesn’t have a seat, you may carry baby food, a foldable stroller, and a car seat for free.

• If the child has their own seat, they get the same baggage allowance as an adult passenger in that class.

• Baby strollers can usually be taken to the aircraft door before being checked.

Traveling with Pets

Swiss Airlines allows small cats and dogs to travel in the cabin if they meet weight and size limits. Pets must remain in their carrier under the seat and must not exceed 8 kg total (including the carrier). Larger pets travel in the cargo hold as checked baggage under special Swiss Airlines baggage policy rules.

Baggage for Codeshare and Partner Flights

If your ticket includes flights operated by another airline (such as United or Lufthansa), the Swiss Airlines baggage policy might not apply to the entire trip. Usually, the “Most Significant Carrier” rule decides which airline’s baggage policy applies — typically the airline operating the longest segment.

So, if your Swiss ticket includes a domestic U.S. flight on United Airlines, United’s baggage rules may apply to that leg. Always check your ticket or contact Swiss customer service for confirmation.

Lost, Delayed, or Damaged Baggage

In rare cases, baggage may get delayed or damaged. If this happens, Swiss Airlines provides assistance under the Swiss Airlines baggage policy:

1. Report the issue immediately at the Swiss baggage service desk or online.

2. You’ll receive a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).

3. Swiss tracks your bag and updates you through WorldTracer.

4. If your bag is declared lost after 21 days, you can claim compensation.

Swiss Airlines follows the Montreal Convention for baggage claims, meaning compensation is limited per passenger unless you declared a higher value before travel.

Extra Baggage and Pre-Purchase Options

You can buy extra baggage through the Manage Booking section on Swiss.com or during online check-in.

Buying additional bags online costs less than paying at the airport.
For example:

• Within Europe: from $50 per extra bag

• Intercontinental: from $120 per extra bag

Prohibited Items

Swiss Airlines strictly follows international safety regulations. Prohibited items include:

• Flammable materials

• Explosives or fireworks

• Sharp objects (knives, scissors)

• Lithium batteries (in checked baggage)

Always check the airline’s restricted items list before packing.

Tips to Avoid Extra Charges

1. Weigh your bags before leaving home.

2. Buy extra baggage online at least 24 hours before departure.

3. Pack smartly — distribute weight evenly between bags.

4. Join Miles & More loyalty program to get extra baggage benefits.

Baggage Policy for Connecting Flights

If your journey involves connecting flights with partner airlines (like United or Lufthansa), the Swiss Airlines baggage policy applies only to the Swiss-operated leg. Always check the rules of your connecting carrier before travel.

How to Save Money on Baggage Fees (ASAPTrips Tips)

At ASAPTrips, we know baggage fees can ruin your budget. Follow these tips to avoid paying extra under the Swiss Airlines baggage policy:

1. Choose your fare wisely: The Economy Light fare looks cheap but includes no checked bags. If you plan to check luggage, go for Economy Classic or Flex.

2. Weigh your bags at home: A simple luggage scale can save you from overweight fees at the airport.

3. Prepay online: Extra bags are cheaper when booked before check-in.

4. Use your credit card benefits: Some travel credit cards reimburse airline baggage fees — check your benefits!

5. Join Miles & More or Star Alliance programs: Frequent flyers often get extra baggage allowance under loyalty programs.

6. Travel light: Use compression packing cubes to reduce luggage size and weight.

Summary: Key Takeaways from the Swiss Airlines Baggage Policy

• Economy Light = No free checked bag.

• Economy Classic = 1 free checked bag (23 kg).

• Business Class = 2 checked bags (32 kg each).

• Carry-on limit = 1 bag (8 kg) in Economy, 2 in Business/First.

• Overweight or oversized bags incur fees.

• Sports equipment and pets have special rules.

• Always check your exact allowance before flying.

Final Thoughts — Fly Smart with Swiss and ASAPTrips

Flying with Swiss is smooth, safe, and comfortable — as long as you understand the Swiss Airlines baggage policy. By knowing your baggage limits, prepaying for extras, and packing smartly, you can travel stress-free.

ASAPTrips recommends checking your exact baggage allowance using the official Swiss Airlines baggage calculator before your trip. This small step can save you money and hassle at the airport.

So pack smart, follow the Swiss Airlines baggage policy, and enjoy your journey with Swiss — one of Europe’s most reliable airlines. and want to know more details about other airlines baggage policy to click here.