Swiss International Air Lines AG — aka SWISS — is, as you probably have already guessed, Switzerland’s flag-carrying airline. Headquartered at Zurich Airport, Swiss International maintains 92 aircraft and flies to 102 destinations across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America.
The holding company also owns Edelweiss Air, Swiss AviationSoftware, Swiss Aviation Training, Swiss WorldCargo, and SWISStours.
Swiss International Carry-On Cabin Baggage
How many carry-on bags — or as the airline calls it, “hand baggage” — can you bring on a SWISS flight? The answer depends on your cabin class.
Passengers flying First and Business classes are allowed two hand baggage pieces that weigh no more than 8 kilograms nor physically larger than 55 x 40 x 23 cm. However, if you’re flying from Italy or the United States, only one carry-on baggage item is allowed. Economy class ticket holders can only bring one bag aboard of the same size. South Africa has its own set of cabin-baggage rules. If you’re flying to or from that country and have luggage concerns, it’s best to call the Swiss International Airlines customer service to understand the exact restrictions for your flight.
Swiss International is relatively strict about its hand baggage policy. Items that exceed the limit by the smallest amount are checked — and passengers are charged. Packed flights may also suffer cabin-baggage overage. In such instances, attendants will transfer some baggage from the cabin to the hold.
In addition to the allotted carry-on luggage, Swiss International Airlines allows passengers a shoulder bag, laptop bag, or handbag that doesn’t exceed 40 x 30 x 10 cm. Child seats are also permitted, as are medical tools and equipment.
| Cabin Class and Fare | Number of Bags | Number of Personal Items (If Space Is Available | Total Weight Allowance | Size Restrictions Per Item |
| Swiss Economy | 1 | 1 | 8 kg | 55 x 40 x 23 cm |
| Swiss Business | 2* | 1 | 8 kg | 55 x 40 x 23 cm |
| Swiss First | 2* | 1 | 8 kg | 55 x 40 x 23 cm |
*Except when flying from Italy or the United States. On those flights, only one carry-on piece per person is permitted.
Forbidden cabin items on Swiss International Airlines can be found here and here.
Swiss International Checked Baggage
Checked baggage on Swiss International flights depends on class, fare, and route.
For flights that take off and land within Europe, Light fares don’t include a luggage allowance. People with Classic and Flex tickets can check one item that weighs no more than 23 kilograms. Passengers in Business class are permitted two checked bags that cannot weigh more than 32 kilograms.
The rules for intercontinental flights are identical to those for European routes — except that First class passengers can check three bags that weigh no more than 32 kilograms each.
Infants have baggage rights, too, on Swiss International! They’re all entitled to collapsible pushchairs, no matter the fare. Additionally, babies can also check one baggage item that doesn’t weigh more than 23 kilograms if they’re not flying “light.”
Suitcases and items checked as part of Swiss International Airlines baggage allowance cannot exceed 158 cm in size.
Joining one of SWISS’s frequent flyer programs will increase your luggage allowance.
Swiss International Excess Baggage Policy
Passengers who bring more than their allotted baggage allowance on Swiss International Airlines’ flights must pay a premium fee to check each additional item.
Luggage pieces that weigh between 24 and 32 kilograms and carried by people flying in one of the Economy classes are subject to overweight baggage charges.
Note: Swiss International doesn’t allow suitcases that weigh over 32 kilograms in the hold. If you have items that tip the scales, you’ll need to secure alternative shipping methods — like Stasher’s international luggage shipping service.
Swiss International Sports Equipment
Swiss International has a generous sports equipment policy.
Passengers that haven’t used up their baggage allowance can substitute sports equipment for suitcases at no extra charge. Folks who have used up their allotments are subject to overage fees. However, everyone, except those with Economy Light fares, can check ski equipment for free!
SWISS has a table outlining its sports equipment pricing structure for everything from bikes to hockey equipment to surfboards. Prices range between 70 and 400 euros.
Swiss International Musical Instruments
SWISS’ musical instrument shipping works the same as sports equipment. If you haven’t used up your baggage allowance, and your instrument doesn’t weigh more than 32 kilograms and is properly packed, you can check it as part of your baggage allowance. If it exceeds weight or size limits for your class, overage fees will apply.
Or, you can always buy a ticket for an instrument and bring it aboard.
Contact Swiss International
Swiss International passengers can contact the airline several ways. Head here to the company’s customer service portal and go from there. The page includes the best phone number for every country.
Alternative to Excess Baggage Fees
Are you flying Swiss International Airlines and have a lot of luggage to transport? The excess baggage fees can get pretty steep.
But there’s a less expensive, more efficient option: luggage shipping.
A major convenience of which far too few people take advantage, luggage shipping eliminates nearly all airport stress, and it’s often less expensive. Moreover, luggage shippers come to you, which means no schlepping baggage for you at all!
Don’t talk yourself out of it. Get in touch today with Stasher. Their award-winning customer service team will answer all your questions and get you set up. If you’re like 99 percent of people who try it, once you do luggage shipping, you’ll never go back to the old-fashioned way.
