FAQs: Baggage
As a general rule, the checked baggage allowance on SWISS flights is as follows:
- SWISS Economy: 1 x 23 kg (No free baggage allowance for Light fares)
- SWISS Business: 2 x 32 kg
- SWISS First: 3 x 32 kg
Baggage items must not exceed a total size of 158 cm (width + height + depth).
Baggage rules may differ on some routes. On flights operated by a partner airline, the rules of the operating airline apply.
A checked baggage item must not exceed a total size of 158 cm (width + height + depth). If your baggage item exceeds these dimensions, SWISS will charge an excess baggage fee. Excess baggage must not exceed a total size of 292 cm (width + height + depth).
When you book a trip with more than one airline, the applicable baggage regulations are those of the airline that flies the most significant route of the itinerary (generally the longest route geographically), and under whose flight number this route was booked. This is regardless of which airline actually operates the flight. You can find information about the baggage regulations of our partner airlines here.
We will be pleased to transport any baggage items for you that are too heavy or too large, for an additional fee per leg.
We will be pleased to transport additional baggage for you for an additional fee per leg. If you would like to take more than four additional baggage items with you, you must register this in advance with our Service Centre.
As a general rule, the hand baggage allowance on SWISS flights is as follows:
- SWISS Economy: 1 x 8 kg
- SWISS Business: 2 x 8 kg
- SWISS First: 2 x 8 kg
Hand baggage must not exceed the dimensions of 55 x 40 x 23 cm. Baggage rules may differ on some routes. On flights operated by a partner airline, the rules of the operating airline apply. Hand baggage is not allowed for infants sitting on an adult’s lap.
You are permitted to take urgently required medication in liquid form on board with you. However, you may only take the amount you will require during the flight. We suggest that you carry a medical certificate for such medication in English with you.
The following restrictions apply to liquids, gels, creams and lotions:
- Liquids must be carried in a container with a maximum capacity of 100 ml or 100 g.
- Containers must be transported in a resealable clear plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre.
- Only one such bag is permitted per person (available from retailers/at the airport).
- The bag and all the containers must be properly closed and presented at the security check.
Liquid baby food may be carried on SWISS flights. We offer special baby food (fruit and vegetable purees) on intercontinental flights. Baby meals can be ordered up to 48 hours before departure either when you book or via our Service Centre.
As a general rule, you are permitted to carry liquids in your checked baggage. However, special rules apply to certain liquids and spray cans. Liquids that come under the category of prohibited items must not be carried.
You will find a list of the items that are not permitted on board under prohibited items in hand baggage.
As a general rule, items that could endanger passengers’ health and safety may not be transported on the aircraft. You will find a list of the items that are not permitted on board under dangerous goods.
Your sports equipment will be transported free of charge if you do not exceed your checked baggage allowance and you are not travelling on a Light fare. You will only incur charges if you carry more baggage items than permitted, or if your baggage exceeds the permitted weight or size. Register your sports equipment in good time through the Service Centre.
You can take your musical instrument with you in the cabin. You can carry it as hand baggage or will have to buy an additional ticket depending on its size and weight. You can also bring and check in your musical instrument as additional baggage.
Please note that your musical instrument must be packed in a hard case with as little space for movement as possible and with sufficient padding. This is the only way we can ensure that it cannot be damaged during carriage in the cargo hold. This also applies to musical instruments that cannot be accepted in the cabin as hand baggage and have to be loaded at short notice. Conventional carrying cases are not suitable for air carriage.
Please ensure you contact our Service Centre if your musical instrument exceeds dimensions of 55 x 40 x 23 cm and/or a weight of 8 kg because you will have to book an additional passenger seat. You must do so at the same time as booking your ticket. The prices for taking your musical instrument depend on the ticket prices available.
Musical instruments that you wish to add to your booking for carriage in the cabin must not exceed the following size and weight specifications:
- 155 x 42 x 25 cm (height x width x length) for musical instruments that stand on the floor in front of the seat
- 110 x 42 x 50 cm (height x width x length) for musical instruments fixed to the seat
- Maximum weight 75 kg
As a general rule, you are not permitted to take firearms on board. Special regulations apply to the transportation of sporting and hunting firearms and ammunition. The weapon and the ammunition must be packed in separate containers and checked in inside one or more items of baggage. For further information on the transportation of sporting and hunting weapons, please refer to the special baggage section.
If you would like to send your baggage or other items as freight, you are welcome to use the services of SWISS WorldCargo. We will be pleased to receive any questions you may have concerning freight and unaccompanied shipments online.
If your baggage is missing or damaged when you arrive, or if you have left it at the airport or on board, you will find information about how to proceed on the baggage irregularities page.
Your checked baggage must not include any money, medication, keys, jewellery, precious metals, computers, personal electronic devices, bearer bonds, securities or other valuables, business documents, passports or other identification documents, or samples.