SWISS Review: Seats, Amenities, Customer Service, Baggage Fees, and More

Key Takeaways

• SWISS has tiered economy fares in Europe and long-haul cabins including premium economy, lie-flat business, and private first class suites.
• With Miles & More and Star Alliance membership, SWISS travelers can access broad redemption options across major global carriers.
• SWISS is rated a 4-star airline (out of 5) by Skytrax and ranked 11th in the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards.

Swiss International Air Lines AG (SWISS) is Switzerland’s flag carrier and a member of the Star Alliance. It connects travelers to more than 110 destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

The airline offers a structured economy fare system within Europe and a suite of long-haul cabins, including economy, premium economy, business class, and first class.

Part of the Lufthansa Group, SWISS participates in the Miles & More loyalty program. Due to its Star Alliance membership, SWISS travelers can access a broad network of partners.

This guide covers fare classes, baggage allowances, fees, inflight amenities, and more to provide you with the information you need before your next flight with SWISS.

Basic Information

Airline: Swiss International Air Lines AG (SWISS)
Alliance: Star Alliance
Category: International airline
Frequent flyer program: Miles & More
Tagline: “Swiss all the way”
Number of passengers annually: 21 million
Fleet: 94
Main hub: Zurich Airport (ZRH)
Destinations: More than 110 destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and North and South America

Hot Tip:

Though often mistaken for Swissair, SWISS is a separate airline. Swissair went bankrupt in March 2002, and SWISS formed in July 2002, taking over many of Swissair’s routes. Swissair was the flag carrier of Switzerland from 1931 to 2002. SWISS is the current flag carrier of Switzerland.

Frequent Flyer Program

SWISS is part of the Miles & More frequent flyer program, which is also the loyalty program for Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, and Lufthansa. The airline is also part of the Star Alliance, which includes ANA, Asiana Airlines, Singapore Airlines, United Airlines, and other airlines.

Miles & More members earn award miles, status miles, and HON Circle miles. Award miles are earned on SWISS-operated flights and flights with partners and select international flights. Qualifying hotel stays, car rentals, and shopping partners also earn Miles & More miles.

The Miles & More^® World Elite Mastercard^® earns 2x miles on Miles & More partner airline tickets and 1x mile on all other purchases.

Miles & More^® World Elite Mastercard^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Lufthansa Miles & More card helps you earn Lufthansa miles on your daily purchases.

Miles & More^® World Elite Mastercard^®

The Lufthansa Miles & More card helps you earn Lufthansa miles on your daily purchases.

Welcome Offer

Earn up to 70,000 miles: Earn 50,000 miles after spending $3,000 on purchases and paying the annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days. Plus, earn 20,000 miles after spending $12,000 on purchases within the first 365 days.

Up to 70,000 miles

Annual Fee

$89

APR

19.74% - 29.74% Variable

Why We Like This Card

The Lufthansa Miles & More card can be a good option for travelers who want a card that will help them earn more Lufthansa miles on their daily purchases and achieve higher levels of Miles & More elite status.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 2x miles on Miles & More partner airline tickets
• 1x miles on all other purchases
• 2 complimentary Lufthansa Business Lounge vouchers annually

Cons

• Relatively poor earning rates
• Doesn’t offer many perks when flying with Lufthansa, like free checked bags or priority boarding, compared to competitor airline cards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn up to 70,000 miles: Earn 50,000 miles after spending $3,000 on purchases and paying the annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days. Plus, earn 20,000 miles after spending $12,000 on purchases within the first 365 days
• 2x miles on Miles & More partner airline tickets
• 1x miles on all other purchases
• 2 complimentary Lufthansa Business Lounge vouchers annually
• Annual companion ticket after each account anniversary
• Redeem for Flight Tickets from the entire Lufthansa Group and Star Alliance network
• Convert 5,000 to 25,000 miles earned on purchases into Points and Qualifying Points, helping you qualify for Miles & More status faster
• 0% intro APR offer on balance transfers
• No foreign transaction fees
• $89 annual fee

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.74% - 29.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 

Award miles can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and companion award discounts with Miles & More airlines and partners in the Star Alliance. That gives Miles & More flexibility to access award travel with numerous international airlines. Award miles typically expire after 36 months of inactivity unless you hold elite status or make purchases with the Lufthansa Miles & More card.

There are 3 elite tiers in Miles & More: Frequent Traveller, Senator, and HON Circle. You can earn status by earning status miles or completing qualifying flight segments during a calendar year. You can earn HON Circle status with HON Circle miles over 2 consecutive years on eligible premium cabins.

Hot Tip:

Get the full details for how to earn and redeem miles in our Miles & More loyalty program review.

Ticketing

SWISS has 4 fare classes: economy, premium economy, business, and first. Amenities and inclusions vary depending on whether you’re flying within Europe or on a long-haul flight, as well as the economy tier you choose within Europe. Long-haul flights have upgraded seating, dining, and amenities.

Hot Tip:

See the definitive guide to SWISS direct routes from the U.S. and the best ways to book SWISS business class with points.

Baggage Fees

SWISS baggage allowances depend on your fare type, cabin class, and route. Checked baggage is typically included, except for on Economy Light. Carry-on allowances are particularly generous for business and first class intercontinental fares. Paying for baggage online in advance is cheaper than paying at the airport.

All passengers can carry a small personal item with a maximum size of 40 x 30 x 10 centimeters (15.7 x 11.8 x 3.9 inches). Most fares include at least 1 carry-on bag up to 8 kilograms (17.6 pounds) and 55 x 40 x 23 centimeters (21.6 x 15.7 x 9 inches). Additional fees apply for oversize or overweight carry-on items.

Economy Classic and Flex can check 1 bag up to 23 kilograms (50 pounds), premium economy can check 2 bags up to 23 kilograms (50 pounds), business can check up to 32 kilograms (70 pounds), and first can check up to 3 bags up to 32 kilograms (70 pounds) each.

Extra checked bag fees range from $20 to $105 within Europe or $70 to $287 for intercontinental flights. Bags over 62 linear inches are special baggage and are included if they fit within your baggage allowance.

Hot Tip:

“Maximum linear dimensions” refers to the number you get when you add the length, width, and depth of a piece of luggage. For example, if you have a suitcase that’s 26 inches long, 20 inches wide, and 16 inches deep, then its linear dimensions are 62 inches, or right at the maximum for many airlines.

Other Fees and Add-Ons

Additional fees for services and selections vary depending on your route, cabin class, and the time of purchase. Typically, purchasing in advance is more cost-effective than paying at the airport.

• Change and cancellation fees: Economy Flex fares allow changes with no fee, although a fare difference may apply. Economy Classic fares charge a rebooking fee starting around €60 to €120 ($65 to $130). Economy Light fares can’t be changed.
• Seat fees: Seat selections are complimentary for business and first class fares and for top-tier Miles & More elites. Economy seat fees vary by seat type and flight length, but range from €15 ($16) to €100 ($108), from standard to extra-legroom seats.
• Wi-Fi: Long-haul flights offer complimentary messaging. Wi-Fi packages range from $28 to $40, depending on whether you want to connect for 4 hours or the full flight.
• Onboard food and drinks: Within Europe, the SWISS Saveurs buy-on-board service is available, with snacks and drinks from €4 to €12 ($4 to $13).
• Pet transportation: Pets can travel in the cabin or the cargo hold, but are not permitted in first class. Cabin pets can be up to 8 kilograms (17.6 pounds) including the carrier, and up to 32 kilograms (70 pounds) in the cargo hold. Snub-nosed breeds are not permitted in the cargo hold. Fees depend on the size and route but generally range from €65 to €125 ($80 to $145).
• Unaccompanied minors: Unaccompanied minors 4 to 11 must use the unaccompanied minor service, though it’s optional with children 12 to 17. The fee ranges from €85 to €150 ($95 to $170), depending on the zone. The service includes airport assistance and supervision on the aircraft.

Hot Tip:

Get the details on SWISS baggage fees in our guide.

SWISS Lounges

SWISS has extensive lounges in Zurich and Geneva and offers worldwide access to Lufthansa Group lounges, Star Alliance lounges, and select contract lounges. Entry depends on your travel class or Miles & More status.

SWISS Lounge locations include 9 lounges in Zurich Airport (ZRH) (including a SWISS Arrival Lounge) and 3 lounges in Geneva Airport (GVA). Typical SWISS Lounge amenities include hot and cold buffet meals, complimentary alcohol and soft drinks, Wi-Fi, work zones, and quiet areas. Showers are available in numerous lounges, and lounges may feature airport or Alpine views. First class lounges have à la carte dining, day rooms, and conference rooms.

Complimentary SWISS Lounge access is available to SWISS first and business passengers, Miles & More HON Circle and Senator members, and Star Alliance Gold members when traveling on a Star Alliance carrier.

Elite members can typically bring 1 guest. First class and HON Circle members can bring up to 2 guests, though rules may vary by lounge.

Access to the Zurich arrival lounge is available to SWISS first and business passengers and HON Circle, Senator, and Frequent Traveller members.

Economy and premium economy passengers can purchase lounge access, which generally ranges from €35 to €49 ($38 to $55).

Inflight Inclusions, Amenities, and Seat Specs

Economy Fares Within Europe

Economy flights within Europe have a tiered system with Light, Classic, and Flex fares. Standard seats have 29- to 30-inch pitch and 16.5- to 18-inch width.

• Light fares offer 1 carry-on item of up to 8 kilograms (17.6 pounds). Checked baggage, SWISS Saveurs buy-on-board snacks and meals, and seat reservations are available for additional fees.
• Classic fares include 1 carry-on item of up to 8 kilograms (17.6 pounds), 1 checked bag up to 23 kilograms (50 pounds), advance seat reservation, and rebooking for a fee.
• Flex fares offer 1 carry-on item of up to 8 kilograms (17.6 pounds), 1 checked bag up to 23 kilograms (50 pounds), 50% bonus mileage earning, priority boarding, advance seat reservation, preferred zone seating, rebooking, and a same-day earlier flight with SWISS, if available.

Business Class Within Europe

SWISS business offers enhanced service:

• 2 carry-on items of up to 8 kilograms (17.6 pounds)
• 2 checked bags up to 23 kilograms (50 pounds)
• Blocked neighboring seats
• Hot meals
• Priority check-in, boarding, and baggage
• Lounge access
• Advance seat reservation
• Business shuttle service in Zurich (ZRH) when remote-stand operations apply

Long-Haul Economy

Amenities include:

• Standard seats with 31- to 32-inch pitch and 16- to 19.5-inch width and an adjustable headrest
• 2 complimentary hot meal choices, wine, and spirits
• Pillow and blanket
• 9 to 13.3-inch seatback entertainment
• USB-A power port
• 1 checked bag up to 23 kilograms (50 pounds)

Long-Haul Premium Economy

Amenities include:

• Hardshell seats with 39-inch pitch and 18-inch width, more recline, and a double armrest
• Welcome drink
• 3-course meal and drinks
• Pillow, amenity kit, and blanket
• 15.6-inch seatback entertainment and noise-reducing headphones
• USB-A power port
• 2 checked bags up to 23 kilograms (50 pounds) each

Long-Haul Business

Amenities include:

• Lie-flat seats with direct aisle access on most aircraft
• Adjustable seat firmness and massage
• Multicourse dining, premium wines, and full bar service
• Priority check-in, boarding, baggage, and security
• Lounge access
• 12.1- to 16-inch seatback entertainment
• USB and 110V power outlets
• Amenity kit
• 2 checked bags up to 32 kilograms (70 pounds) each
• Business class shuttle at Zurich from remote positions

Long-Haul First

Amenities include:

• Suite seating, including a lie-flat bed; privacy doors or fully enclosed suites on most aircraft
• Duvet bedding, pajamas, slippers, and an amenity kit
• First class check-in counters and private security lanes
• SWISS First Lounge access and worldwide Star Alliance first class lounges
• 3 checked bags up to 32 kilograms (70 pounds) each and 2 carry-on bags up to 8 kilograms (17.6 pounds) each
• Priority boarding and baggage
• USB port, 110V power outlet, and enhanced storage
• Dining on demand and exclusive wine selections
• Business class shuttle at Zurich from remote positions

SWISS Customer Satisfaction

Most Common Complaints

The most common complaints on TrustPilot.com, where SWISS has a 1.4 out of 5 (bad) score from more than 3,000 reviews, include difficulties with the booking process, unhelpful support, and low value for the cost.

Consumer Rankings and Ratings

• Skytrax rating: 4-star airline (out of 5)
• Tripadvisor airline review rating: 3.5 out of 5 (average from 16,767 reviews)
• Kayak customer rating: 7.5 out of 10 (average from 1,797 verified reviews)

Safety and Performance

SWISS has a good safety record, with no fatal accidents in over 20 years. The last fatal accident involving a Swiss carrier was with Crossair in 2001, which later became part of SWISS. There have been no fatal SWISS accidents since that incident. Like most major international airlines, SWISS experiences occasional nonfatal operational incidents, including technical issues, sensor warnings, and precautionary landings.

With a modern long-haul fleet and oversight from the Lufthansa Group, SWISS boasts strong operational reliability and a low rate of serious safety incidents.

Recent Awards

SWISS is among the world’s best airlines, ranking 11th in the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards.

Final Thoughts

SWISS offers dependable service and refined premium cabins. Within Europe, economy travelers can choose from tiered fares, and business class offers blocked middle seating. Long-haul SWISS passengers, particularly in premium fares, can expect upgraded dining, generous baggage allowances, and premium amenities.

The flexibility of the Miles & More program and Star Alliance membership make SWISS an approachable airline. Though some of its fees may be costly, the overall experience is polished, especially in premium economy, business, and first.

SWISS is a solid choice for travelers connecting through Zurich or seeking a comfortable European carrier.