Optional Services and Fees   

SWISS includes most services in the ticket price, but there are a few services which may include additional fees.

This page gives a summary of optional services and the associated fees with links to more information on swiss.com.

Free baggage allowance

The baggage rules for tickets issued on or after August 1st 2011 have been revised and simplified.  The piece concept applies worldwide on all flights carried out by SWISS.

General baggage allowance

Number of baggage items per person included per booking class:  

SWISS Economy SWISS Business SWISS First
1 x max. 23kg / 50lbs 2 x max. 32kg / 70lbs

Total weight max. 64kg /140lbs		 3 x max. 32kg / 70lbs

Total weight max. 96kg / 210lbs

Small children under 2 years of age have an allowance of 1 x max. 23kg / 50lbs plus a folding buggy in all classes.


Other baggage allowance rules

Increased baggage allowance on various routes

The number of items of baggage, and in some cases the weight limit, may be higher on some routes for SWISS Economy passengers.

From / to Baggage limit SWISS Economy
  • West Africa
  • East/Central Africa
  • Japan
 2 x 23kg / 50lbs (instead of 1 x 23kg)
Star Round-The-World tariffs 2 x 23kg / 50lbs (instead of 1 x 23kg)
Flights commencing in Brazil 2 x 32kg / 70lbs (instead of 1 x 23kg)
Between: South Africa – USA, Canada or Mexico* 2 x 23kg / 50lbs (instead of 1 x 23kg)
Between: India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Turkey – USA, Canada or Mexico** 2 x 23kg / 50lbs (instead of 1 x 23kg)

*Applies for tickets issued after January 3rd 2012
**Applies for tickets issued on / after March 1st 2012 on flights operated by a Lufthansa Group member

Increased baggage allowance on various routes

Miles & More members with the status Frequent Traveller or higher, Star Alliance Gold members and SWISS Golf Travellers can enjoy the benefits of an increased baggage allowance on all flights.

 

Status From/to/via USA, Canada Other destinations
  • HON
  • Senator
  • STAR Gold
 + (plus) 1 baggage item of 23kg / 50lbs ( in Economy) or + 1 item of 32kg / 70lbs (in Business and First) + (plus) 1 baggage item of 23kg / 50lbs ( in Economy) or + 1 item of 32kg / 70lbs (in Business and First)

+ (plus) 1 set of golf equipment
Frequent Traveller  + 1 (plus) baggage item of 23kg / 50lbs in SWISS Economy + (plus) 1 baggage item of 23kg / 50lbs in SWISS Economy
SWISS Golf Traveller +1 (plus) set of golf equipment
Miles & More members no additional baggage allowance

 

Excess baggage

If your baggage exceeds the baggage allowance in the tables either by quantity, weight or mass ( length + width + height more than 158 cm), then it will be classed as Excess baggage. The Excess baggage rates will apply.  

Hand Baggage

In addition to your checked baggage, you can also carry hand baggage in the cabin. You will find the current definitions under Hand baggage.

    Note on combined trips and flights

    Please observe the information on your ticket/s. The baggage allowances on your flights may differ if:
  • You have several tickets for one journey
  • You interrupt your trip

As a general rule these free baggage allowances apply when SWISS operates the geographically longest or most significant stretch of the journey. Should this most significant stretch of the route be operated by another airline, its regulations may also apply on SWISS flights or to SWISS flight numbers.

Please note the free baggage allowance shown on your airline ticket or passenger receipt (e.g. 1PC = 1 baggage item).

Rates for additional baggage in all classes

General rates apply for baggage taken in addition to the baggage allowance. The rates are to be paid in local currency at the airport before departure.

Additional baggage items weighing max. 23kg / 50lbs

Baggage item / dimensions Price European flight* Price Intercontinental flight*
Additional item of baggage -
max. 158cm extent		 CHF 90
EUR 70		 CHF 225
EUR 150
USD 200
Additional item of baggage oversized - over 158cm extent CHF 150
EUR 100		 CHF 450
EUR 300
USD 400
*Rates charged separately for outbound and return flight.

Additional baggage items weighing 24-32kg / 50-70lbs

Baggage item / dimensions Price European flight* Price Intercontinental flight*
Extra item of baggage heavy - max. 158cm extent CHF 150
EUR 100		 CHF 450
EUR 300
USD 400
Extra item of baggage heavy and oversized - over 158cm extent CHF 300
EUR 200		 CHF 550
EUR 400
USD 550
*Rates charged separately for outbound and return flight.

Reduced rates for second item of baggage on some routes

We offer reduced rates in SWISS Economy between certain routes for a second item of baggage weighing 23kg /50lbs.

Routes Price Intercontinental flight*
Between: Europe – USA, Canada or Mexico CHF 70
EUR 50
USD 70
CAD 70
Between: India – USA, Canada or Mexico USD 70
CAD 70
Between: Middle East* – USA, Canada or Mexico
(*Egypt, Israel, Oman, United Arab Emirates)		 USD 70
CAD 70
Between: South Africa – USA, Canada or Mexico USD 70
CAD 70
*Rates charged separately for outbound and return flight.

 

Rates for baggage within the baggage allowance
(variations in weight and/or dimensions)

We offer attractive rates for SWISS passengers whose checked baggage exceeds the baggage allowance either in weight and/or dimensions. 

Economy passengers

Variation Price European flight* Price Intercontinental flight*
Oversized - over 158 cm CHF 70
EUR 50		 CHF 150
EUR 100
USD 150
Heavy (24-32kg /50-70lbs) CHF 70
EUR 50		 CHF 150
EUR 100
USD 150
Heavy and oversized (24-32kg / 50-70lbs and over 158cm extent) CHF 150
EUR 100		 CHF 300
EUR 200
USD 300
*Rates charged separately for outbound and return flight.

Business & First passengers

Variation Price European flight* Price Intercontinental flight*
Oversized - over 158 cm extent CHF 70
EUR 50		 CHF 150
EUR 100
USD 150
*Rates charged separately for outbound and return flight.

Further information on excess baggage and rates

  • The rates are charged per route, with connecting flights that depart within the following 24 hours counting as one route.
  • The rates are to be paid in local currency at the airport before departure.  
  • The standard weight for an additional item of baggage is also 23kg / 50lbs for SWISS First and SWISS Business.
  • 158cm extent =  length + width + height 
  • Items of baggage weighing more than 32kg / 70lbs will not be processed at the counter.
  • There are specific definitions for weight and size categories (see tables). There are no tolerances.
  •  If you intend to take more than 4 items of baggage (5 for SWISS First) with you, please inform the SWISS Service Center of this at least 48 hours before departure.
  • Please check in your excess baggage at least 20 minutes before the latest check-in time.

Sending excess baggage as freight

If you do not necessarily have to have your excess baggage on the same aircraft with you, we recommend the favourable rates offered by Swiss WorldCargo.

You are responsible for the formalities and costs (customs and handling on arrival) associated with the transportation. 


Sports Baggage

When taking sport items along on your SWISS flight we will take care of it in an easy way. There are three different categories for transporting sports equipments:
Small, Medium and Large. Fixed baggage rates apply within these categories for approved sports equipment.

Definition of categories

Category Weight & size Sport Equipment with fixed categorisation
Small Up to 15kg and/or 1.40m extent  Snow Equipment (max. 23kg)
Golf Equipment (max. 23kg)
Medium 16kg - 30kg and/or 1.41 - 2m extent Bicycle
Large 31kg - 32kg and/or more than 2m extent Windsurf, Canoe, Kayak
Terms
  • There is always a charge for transporting sports equipment regardless of the baggage allowance on SWISS flights; the only exceptions are sports equipment in the category SMALL which, can be included in the baggage allowance.
  • Please book your sports equipment when you make your reservation (except skiing and golf baggage).
  • The displayed tariffs apply for a single route. The tariff will be paid twice for a return flight. It applies for adults and children over the age of 2 years.
  • SWISS advises careful and appropriate packing.

In the event of any questions please contact your local SWISS Reservations Office.

Sports equipment rates

Category Within Europe Intercontinental
Small CHF 60
EUR 35
USD 50		 CHF 110
EUR 70
USD/CAD 100
Medium CHF 110
EUR 70
USD 100		 CHF 220
EUR 150
USD/CAD 200
Large CHF 220
EUR 150
USD 200		 CHF 440
EUR 300
USD/CAD 400

Other Currencies
References for payable amount are as following:

  • Switzerland: amount listed in CHF as reference
  • Europe (excluding Switzerland) amount listed in EUR as reference
  • Outside Europe: amount listed in USD as reference
  • Canada: amount listed in CAD as reference

    Exceptions on flights operated by SWISS
  • 1 piece of winter sports baggage (max. 23kg) per customer can be transported free of charge. Small children under 2 years of age are excepted from this rule.
  • Swiss Golf Travellers may check in 1 set of golfing equipment (max. 23 kg) free of charge
  • HON and SEN Members may check in one set of golfing equipment (max. 23kg) on worldwide routes except to/from/via US/CA free of charge

A single set of equipment consists of one or more items

Equipment Items
Diving equipment 1 diving mask, 1 snorkel, 1 pair of flippers, 1 neoprene suit, 1 buoyancy compensator, 1 mouthpiece (regulator)
Not included: lead weights, oxygen bottle (empty, valve open), diving torch (to be carried in hand baggage without batteries)
Angling equipment 1 fishing rod, 1 bag, 1 equipment box or 1 basket
Sporting firearms 1 sporting firearm (pistol, revolver, hunting rifle), max. 5 kg ammunition
Bicycle* 1 regular bicycle without motor or 1 tandem or 1 child trolley for the bicycle
Surfboards 1 surfboard or 1 kiteboard
Windsurfing equipment 1 board, 1 sail, 1 pole
Hang glider 1 hang glider or glider (excl. paraglider)
Golfing equipment 1 golf bag, 1 set of clubs, 1 set of golf balls, 1 pair of golf shoes
Winter sports equipment
A or B		 A: 1 helmet, 1 pair of ski boots, 1 pair of ski sticks, 1 pair of skis
B: 1 snowboard, 1 pair of snowboard boots

*Recommendation for bicycle transportation: in a hard shell container or cardboard box (available free at check-in in Switzerland, dimensions: 162 x 92 x 24 cm). Turn the handlebar by 90 degrees, set to lowest position, tie to frame. Set saddle to bottom position. Remove the front wheel and attach to frame. Deflate all the tires.

Unaccompanied minors (UM)

Children travelling without a companion are known as “unaccompanied minors” (UM), and we offer special assistance for them at the airport and on board. This makes sure that your child arrives safely at his destination even when travelling alone.

The assistance charges apply for children travelling alone on any SWISS flight. The outward and return journeys are invoiced separately. Only one charge is made for several children travelling together.

Flights in Europe and Switzerland

Area of Application CHF EUR
Direct flights within Europe and within Switzerland
Example: Paris–Zurich
Example: Zurich–Geneva		 60 40
Transfer flights within Europe
Example: Nice–Zurich–London		 120 80

Flights outside Europe

Area of Application CHF EUR USD
Direct Flights to/from outside Europe
Example: Hong Kong–Zurich		 120 80 120
Transfer flights to/from outside Europe
Example: New York–Zurich–Paris		 150 100 150
Direct flights from Canada CAD 120
Transfer flights from Canada CAD 150

Additional information on Unaccompanied minors and the service charges can be found at: 
Unaccompanied minors

Animals on board

With SWISS, you can take your pet along on all routes. Right next to you in the cabin or under cabin conditions in the cargo section of the aircraft. Enjoy your flight together with your best friend.

A specific fee is charged in return for the transport of an animal.  The following highlights the fees for transport of an animal in cabin or in the cargo section.


Transport in the cabin

The following pets are allowed in the cabin
  • Dogs and cats
  • Animals with protection or assistance functions, e.g. guide dogs for persons with impaired vision.

Prerequisites for transport in the cabin

  • Pet pack: your pet is kept in a clean, escape-proof, scratch-proof, soft-sided pack. (Length + width + height = max. 115 cm) 
  • The pet has enough room in the pet pack. It is not allowed to move about freely on board. 
  • The  pet pack must remain stowed away under your seat for the duration of the entire flight. 
  • The pet and pet pack together must not weigh more than 8 kg.
  • Your pet must be clean and healthy, not dangerous, not smell, not pregnant, and not be a nuisance to passengers.

Note: Due to the structure of the seats, it is not possible to stow away the pet under your seat in the First and Business Class sections of the Airbus 330/340. In this case, the pet pack can be placed in the wardrobe, baggage compartment or maybe under a seat in the Economy Class for take-off and landing.

There are no size or weight restrictions for dogs that perform a protective or support function; they will travel in the cabin for no extra charge and without a container.

Transport in the Cabin

Area of Application CHF EUR USD CAD
Flights within Switzerland
Flights Switzerland – Europe		 70
Flights Switzerland –Intercontinental 90
Flights within Europe 50
Flights Europe – Intercontinental 70
Flights Intercontinental - Europe 100 100

    Transport in the cabin

    In as suitable container, your pet can travel safely in the cargo section of the aircraft. Temperature and air pressure are similar to the situation in the cabin. It is not possible to visit the pet during the flight. At SWISS, you check in together with your pet. SWISS will provide you with all the information you need regarding booking, costs and check-in procedures for your pet.
    Prerequisites for transport in the cargo section:
    • Clean, healthy, not dangerous, no odour
    • Not pregnant
    • Travels in a suitable container or transport cage (Pet Pack), has enough food and water for the duration of the trip

    We advise you to be at the check-in counter 1 hour before the last check-in time.

    The following countries do not allow animals to be transported in the cabin nor checked-in as “baggage”:  Ireland, the UK, Kenya, South Africa, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates.
    Animals travelling to these countries may only be checked in as freight. 

    Transport in the cargo section

    Area of Application Animal Small Kennel
    (Max. 60x45x40cm)    		 Animal
    Bigger
    Kennels
    Flights within Switzerland
    Flights Switzerland – Europe    		 CHF 150 CHF 300
    Flights Switzerland –Intercontinental CHF 250 CHF 500
    Flights within Europe EUR 100 EUR 200
    Flights Europe – Intercontinental EUR 150 EUR 300
    Flights Intercontinental - Europe USD 200
    CAD 200    		 USD 400
    CAD 400
    Flights Intercontinental – Intercontinental via Europe USD 250
    CAD 250    		 USD 500
    CAD 500
    For additional information for transport of an animal in cabin or in the cargo section, please refer to: 

Travelling with your pet

Health and special needs

    Inflight Oxygen

    Area of Application Fee
    Flights within Europe CHF 300*
    All other Flights CHF 450*
    Oxygen in transit ZRH CHF 300*
    * or equivalent at BSR

    For additional information for health and special needs, please refer to: 

Health and special needs


Administrative Fees

Description USD
Phone reservation boooking fee

Adult
Child
Infant

20
10
free

Phone reservation Refund Service Charge 25
Phone reservation fee for handling totally unused tickets first issued by a travel agency 40
Name correction fee if the ticket has to be reissued 40