Many prospective passengers wonder how strict Swiss Airlines’ hand baggage regulations are. This concern is well-founded, as different airlines have different rules and levels of compliance. The purpose of the guide is to explain how Swiss Airlines will treat hand luggage in 2023.
Swiss Airline’s Main Carry-On Allowance
The basic carry-on baggage allowance on Swiss Airlines is quite standard. For standard ticket holders, the maximum dimensions of hand baggage are 55 x 40 x 23 cm and the maximum weight is 8 kg. These dimensions include any wheels and handles.
If you are flying economy class, you are allowed one bag. However, if you have a Business or First Class ticket, you are allowed two bags.
Swiss Airline’s Personal Item Policy
In addition to your main carry-on baggage, Swiss Airlines allows you to bring a small personal item with you on board, measuring 40 x 30 x 10 cm. The airline’s website lists wallets, briefcases, and laptop bags as examples of personal items. It’s worth noting that airlines don’t usually check the dimensions of personal items as carefully, so small deviations from the norm are usually tolerated.
Swiss Airline’s Carry-On Liquids
When it comes to liquids, you are allowed to carry a small bag of liquids in your hand luggage. Each liquid container must not exceed 100 ml and these items must be placed in a small transparent bag with a tightly closing lid. If you require information on restrictions and exemptions, for example for liquids such as infant formula and medicines, please refer to Swiss Airlines’ instructions.
How Strict is Swiss Airlines with Carry-On Weight?
Swiss Airlines is generally strict about the size of your hand luggage. The maximum dimensions of hand luggage are 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 9 inches), including wheels and handles. Passengers are also allowed to carry one personal item, such as a wallet, briefcase, or laptop bag, measuring 40 x 30 x 10 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 3.9 inches).
Swiss Airlines staff will check the dimensions of your hand baggage at the boarding gate. If your hand baggage is too large, you will have to check it in and pay a baggage fee.
Here are some tips on how to avoid problems with the size of your hand baggage when flying with Swiss Airlines:
- Measure your hand luggage before you go to the airport;
- Make sure your hand baggage fits easily into the sizing cage at the gate;
- If you have any doubts about the size of your hand baggage, please contact a Swiss Airlines representative for assistance;
- It is also important to note that Swiss Airlines has weight limits for hand luggage. The hand baggage weight limit is 8 kg (17.6 lbs). If your hand baggage is too heavy, you will have to check it in and pay a baggage fee.
By following these tips, you can avoid problems with the size and weight of your hand baggage when flying with Swiss Airlines.
My Main Carry-On Bag is Slightly Oversized, Should I Risk It?
This is a common dilemma travelers face when it comes to Swiss Airlines’ carry-on baggage policy. The answer, however, is simple. Rules are rules, and not following them can result in having to pay for checked baggage.
The money spent on checked baggage fees could be invested in a compliant suitcase that will last you for years to come. If you have a soft-edged suitcase that is only slightly oversized, such as a backpack, then you will be able to squeeze it into a dimensional unit if necessary. However, if you have a hard suitcase that exceeds the dimensions, it’s unlikely to fit and you won’t get away with it.
Swiss Airlines Baggage Fees
Swiss Airlines baggage fees vary depending on the route, class of service, and fare. However, there are some general rules to follow:
- Economy Class passengers may carry one bag weighing up to 23 kg (50.7 lbs) free of charge;
- Business Class passengers may carry two bags weighing up to 32 kg (70.5 lbs) each free of charge;
- First Class passengers may carry three bags weighing up to 32 kg (70.5 lbs) each free of charge.
If you need to check in additional bags or if your bags exceed the weight limit, you will be charged a baggage fee. The baggage fee depends on the itinerary and the number of bags to be checked in.
The following are examples of Swiss Airlines baggage fees:
Route: Zurich (ZRH) to New York (JFK):
- Economy Class: 100 Swiss francs (approximately $106 USD) for an additional checked bag;
- Business Class: 150 Swiss francs (approx. 160 USD) for an additional checked bag;
- First Class: CHF 200 (approx. USD 213) for an additional baggage allowance.
Route: Geneva (GVA) – London Heathrow (LHR):
- Economy Class: 75 Swiss francs (approx. 80 USD) for an additional checked bag;
- Business Class: 125 Swiss francs (approx. 133 USD) for an additional checked bag;
- First Class: 175 Swiss francs (approx. 187 USD) per additional bag.
You can pay for your baggage online when booking your ticket, at the check-in desk or at the gate.
Here are some tips on how to save money on Swiss Airlines baggage fees:
- Book your tickets in advance. Swiss Airlines often offers discounts for booking early;
- Join Swiss Airlines’ frequent flyer program. Members of the frequent flyer program receive discounts on checked baggage and other extras;
- Consider flying on another airline that charges lower baggage fees;
- If you are flying with Swiss Airlines and need to drop off your baggage, be sure to check the baggage fees before booking your ticket.
For more information on baggage fees, please contact Swiss Airlines Customer Service.
To Summarize
Swiss Airlines is quite strict about hand luggage and often checks oversized bags. To avoid potential problems, it is recommended to take precautions and purchase a suitcase with a maximum carry-on allowance that meets their requirements.
If you decide to take a risk with an oversized bag, a soft bag like a backpack has a better chance of being inspected, as it is more flexible and can be squeezed into the dimensions if necessary.