Swiss International Air Lines Baggage Fees & Tips To Cover the Expenses

Updated: July 1, 2023, 1:26am CDT

Edited by:

Swiss International Air Lines Baggage Fees & Tips To Cover the Expenses

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

With Swiss International Air Lines, it’s all about planning ahead with your baggage, as fees are significantly cheaper to book online at swiss.com rather than amending your booking at check-in.

Swiss International Air Lines Carry-on Allowance

1 personal item: FREE
Economy and Premium Economy: 1 FREE standard carry-on bag
Business and First: 2 FREE standard carry-on bags

Size and Weight Restrictions

Personal: 15.7 x 11.8 x 3.9 inches (40 x 30 x 10 cm)
Standard: 21.6 x 15.7 x 9 inches (55 x 40 x 23 cm) and 17.6 pounds (8 kg)

Lap Infant Carry-on Policy

Lap infants will be charged approximately 10% of an adult fare. You can carry on a certified car seat and baby food but there is no specific carry-on allowance for infants. Strollers are not permitted on board. Baby bassinets and special baby food (suitable for up to 24 months) is offered on all long-haul flights and should be requested upon booking.

Stroller Gate Check Policy

With the 10% ticket fee, an infant has a checked allowance of 1 piece of luggage weighing up to 50 pounds (23 kg) plus a folding stroller. Smaller collapsible strollers are sometimes permitted to be taken up to the gate, so ask at check-in if this is possible. Otherwise, all strollers must be checked baggage.

Swiss International Air Lines Checked Baggage Allowance

All baggage must not exceed 62 linear inches (158 cm) width + height + depth.

European Routes

Light: No baggage included
Classic and Flex: 1 piece 50 pounds (23 kg)
Business: 2 pieces at 70 pounds (32 kg) each (total weight maximum 141 pounds/64 kg)

Intercontinental Routes

Light: No baggage included
Economy: 1 piece 50 pounds (23 kg)
Premium Economy: 2 pieces at 50 pounds (23 kg) each (total weight maximum 101 pounds/46 kg)
Business: 2 pieces at 70 pounds (32 kg) each (total weight maximum 141 pounds/64 kg)
First: 3 pieces at 70 pounds (32 kg) each (total weight maximum 211 pounds/96 kg)

Increased Baggage Allowances for Specific Routes

Economy class passengers benefit from higher checked baggage limits (2 pieces at 50 pounds (23 kg)) on the following routes where each piece must not exceed a total size (width + height + depth) of 62 inches (158 cm):

Between U.S./Canada/Mexico and Afghanistan, Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Yemen
From or to Japan
From U.S./Canada to East, West, Central Africa (without Mauritius)
From U.S./Canada to South Africa

Additional/Excess Baggage Fees

Baggage rates apply for 1 route only, and return flight fees are payable at the departure airport in local currency.

SCROLL FOR MORE

Zones	Overweight or Oversized (>24 kg/32 kg or >158 cm)	Overweight and Oversized (>24 kg/32 kg and >158 cm)
Within Switzerland	$46	$93
Europe	$57	$114
The Levant and North Africa	$86	$173
Short-haul Intercontinental	$115	$230
Medium-haul Intercontinental	$138	$276
Long-haul Intercontinental	$173	$346

Tariffs for Flights From/to Japan

SCROLL FOR MORE

Within the FREE Baggage Allowance	Rate
Oversize (circumference more than 158 cm)	$300
Very Heavy (24 to 32 kg)	$150
Very Heavy and Oversize (24 to 32 kg, circumference more than 158 cm)	$450

Individual baggage pieces must not exceed 70 pounds (32 kg). Heavier baggage will need to be checked as cargo.

When traveling on an Economy Light Fare, you can upgrade to include a piece of checked baggage — the price depends on when/where you update your booking:

SCROLL FOR MORE

Sales Location	Within Switzerland	Europe	Intercontinental (Canada/U.S.)	Intercontinental
On swiss.com	$20	$30	$70	$70
At Check-in	$60	$60	$70	$105

Charges for an Additional Piece of Baggage

SCROLL FOR MORE

Zones	Economy Max. 23 kg and max. 158 cm on swiss.com	First/Business Max. 23 kg and max. 158 cm at the check-in counter	Economy Max. 23 kg and max. 158 cm at the check-in counter	Overweight or oversized (>24 kg or >158 cm)	Overweight and oversized (>24 kg and >158 cm)
Within Switzerland	$64	$80	$80	$126	$172
Europe	$73	$92	$92	$149	$206
The Levant and North Africa	$92	$115	$115	$201	$287
Short-haul Intercontinental	$138	$172	$172	$287	$402
Medium-haul Intercontinental	$184	$230	$230	$368	$506
Long-haul Intercontinental	$230	$287	$287	$460	$633

Tariffs for Flights From/to Japan

SCROLL FOR MORE

Additional Baggage Item	Check-in
Standard (max. 23 kg, circumference less than 158 cm)	$200
Oversized (circumference more than 158 cm)	$500
Very Heavy (24 to 32 kg)	$350
Very Heavy and Oversized (24 to 32 kg, circumference more than 158 cm)	$650

Discounted Rates

Economy passengers on some intercontinental routes can purchase an additional item of baggage (23 kg, circumference 158 cm) at a lower rate at check-in or when booking.

SCROLL FOR MORE

Routes	swiss.com	Check-in
Between U.S./Canada/Mexico/Central America and Worldwide	₣85 €80 $85 CA$85	₣100 €90 $100 CA$100
Between U.S. and Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan	₣85 €80 $85	₣100 €90 $100

Exclusions and Waivers

Increased Baggage Allowance for Frequent Flyers

On all SWISS-operated flights for Classic, Flex, and Business Fares (not applicable to Light Fares), passengers with the following status have a higher baggage limit:

SCROLL FOR MORE

Status	Status
HON Circle Senator STAR Gold	+ 1 baggage item of 50 pounds (23 kg) in economy class + 1 baggage item of 70 pounds (32 kg) in business and first class + 1 set of golf equipment
Frequent Traveller	+ 1 baggage item of 50 pounds (23 kg) in economy class
SWISS Golf Traveller	1 set of golf equipment

SCROLL FOR MORE

Status	To/From/Via U.S, Canada	Other Destinations
HON Circle Senator STAR Gold	+1 bag 50 pounds (23 kg) in economy class +1 bag 70 pounds (32 kg) in business and first class	+ 1 piece of luggage 50 pounds (23 kg) in economy class + 1 bag with 70 pounds (32 kg) in business and first class + 1 golf equipment
Frequent Traveller	+1 bag 50 pounds (23 kg) in economy class	+ 1 piece of luggage 50 pounds (23 kg) in economy class
SWISS Golf Traveller	+1 golf equipment	+ 1 golf equipment

The baggage allowances and fees of the first carrier on interline flights or the first marketing carrier on codeshare flights will apply to all subsequent flights in the itinerary.

Can I Prepay for Baggage?

Swiss International Airlines allows passengers the ability to prepay for luggage online or via the call center.

Here are the ways you can prepay:

Log in to your booking on the Manage my bookings area of the Swiss website and add baggage up to an hour before departure
Contact the call center by calling 833-626-0737

Recommended Cards That Reimburse Your Baggage Fees

You can redeem Capital One miles for 1 cent each as a statement credit for previous travel purchases (within 90 days) using one of the following cards:

TOP PICK

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Welcome OfferEarn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
75,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$1,350

Annual Fee

$395

APR

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Excellent (740-840)

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

Pros

10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
5x miles per $1 on flights purchased through Capital One Travel
2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
$300 annual travel credit on bookings made through Capital One Travel
Unlimited complimentary access for cardholder and 2 guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
10,000 bonus miles awarded on your account anniversary each year
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
Add authorized users for no additional annual fee (rates & fees)
No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)

Cons

$395 annual fee (rates & fees)
Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more
Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®

Financial Snapshot

APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Welcome OfferEnjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
75,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$1,350

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent Credit (670-850)

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

Pros

5x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)
Access to Capital One transfer partners

Cons

$95 annual fee (rates & fees)
Limited elite benefits

Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®
Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Financial Snapshot

APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Welcome OfferEarn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel.
20,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$360

Annual Fee

APR

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Interested in a travel rewards credit card without one of those pesky annual fees? Then say hello to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

In addition to no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card offers no foreign transaction fees.

But is this card worth its salt, or is it merely a shell of the more popular Capital One Venture card?

Pros

No annual fee (rates & fees)
No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)
Ability to use transfer partners
Fraud coverage

Cons

Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
No luxury travel or elite benefits

$0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Financial Snapshot

APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

To see more airline baggage fees and policies, click here.

Featured Image Credit: Upgraded Points

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Swiss Airlines charge for baggage?

Swiss Airlines charges for baggage if you’ve booked an Economy Light Fare which doesn’t include any checked baggage allowance. This can be purchased online and will cost $20 if you’re flying within Switzerland and $30 for flights within Europe. It can be purchased at check-in for $60 (within Switzerland or Europe).

What is Swiss Air's baggage allowance?

All fare types apart from Economy Light receive free baggage allowance within their ticket. For Economy, Classic, or Flex fares, 1 piece (50 pounds/23 kg) is included. Premium economy passengers get 2 pieces (50 pounds/23 kg). Business passengers receive 2 pieces (70 pounds/32 kg each) and first class receives 3 pieces (70 pounds/32 kg each). Each piece of baggage must not exceed max linear dimensions of 62 inches (158 cm).

How many carry on bags allowed on Swiss Air?

All passengers on Swiss Air can bring 1 personal item into the cabin measuring up to 15.7 x 11.8 x 3.9 inches (40 x 30 x 10 cm). Economy and premium economy passengers can bring an additional piece of standard carry-on up to 21.6 x 15.7 x 9 inches (55 x 40 x 23 cm) and 17.6 pounds (8 kg) and Business and first class can bring 2 standard carry-on bags.

What is the weight limit for baggage on Swiss Air?

Swiss Air has a single checked bag weight limit of 50 pounds (23 kg) for Economy Light, Classic, Flex, and premium economy fares and 70 pounds (32 kg) for business and first class. Standard carry-on can weigh up to 17.4 pounds (8 kg) with the weight of a personal item not disclosed.

Was this page helpful?

About Erin Miller

An experienced points hacker, Erin is Alex’s partner-in-crime and contributes to Upgraded Points with in-depth guides and relationship management. Erin’s work has been cited in multiple major publications.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE^™