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 piece concept applies worldwide on all flights carried out by SWISS. The below free baggage allowance apply to SWISS flights all over the world. For journeys involving other airlines, see our information about interline journeys at the bottom of the page.

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)
Flights commencing in Brazil 2 x 32kg / 70lbs (instead of 1 x 23kg)
Between: South Africa – USA, Canada* 2 x 23kg / 50lbs (instead of 1 x 23kg)
**Between: India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Iran – USA or Canada 2 x 23kg / 50lbs (instead of 1 x 23kg)

*Applies for tickets issued after January 3rd 2012
**Following conditions must be observed:

Routings:
Between USA / Canada – India / Turkey / Qatar / Saudi Arabia / Arabic Emirates / Iran but only to/from following US destinations: Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver, Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Charlotte, New York, Washington, Boston, Philadelphia, Detroit, Miami and Orlando
Travel must always be via Europe

Carrier conditions:
Operating carrier must be: LH/LX/OS/SN/AC/UA*
Marketing carrier must be: LH/LX/OS/SN/AC/UA*
As soon as another carrier than LH/LX/OS/SN/AC/UA is involved in the itinerary,
the exception does not apply

*the exception only applies for transatlantic codeshare flights between UA and LH/LX/OS/SN/AC but not for solely UA operated flights

Tickets must be issued on/after:
01MAR12: for routings between US/CA – India, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates (excluding United Airways and Air Canada)
04JUL12: Air Canada joined
18AUG12: United Airlines joined as a overwater codeshare partner, Iran was added to the routing.

Increased baggage allowance for frequent flyers

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.

    Interline Journeys

For tickets including flights with other airlines than SWISS, the following rule applies according to the IATA resolution 302:

As a general rule the above 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 baggage provisions (allowance and charges) may also apply on SWISS flights or to SWISS flight numbers. Also, the free baggage allowance may change if you interrupt your trip or if you’re holding separate tickets for one journey. Your applicable free baggage allowance is shown on your electronic ticket

Exception for tickets, where the origin or destination (furthest point) is in the USA: Pursuant to the new customer protection law by the US Department of Transportation, on itineraries involving multiple carriers, the baggage allowances and fees of the of the first carrier on interline flights or the first marketing carrier on codeshare flights will apply to all subsequent flights in the itinerary.

Please refer to your e-ticket or contact a SWISS representative for further details.

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 for tickets issued until 31 May 2012

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, Turkey** – USA, Canada or Mexico CHF 70
EUR 50
USD 70
CAD 70
Between: India** – USA, Canada or Mexico USD 70
CAD 70
Between: United Arab Emirates**, Egypt, Israel, Oman – USA, Canada or Mexico USD 70
CAD 70
Between: South Africa* – USA, Canada or Mexico** USD 70
CAD 70

*For tickets issued after January 3rd 2012 no fee applies for second item between South Africa - USA, Canada
**For tickets issued after February, 29 2012, no fee applies for second item between Turkey, India, United Arab Emirates - USA, Canada. See Free Baggage Allowance for detailed conditions.

 

Reduced rates for second item of baggage on some routes for tickets issued on/after 1 June 2012

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*, Egypt, Israel, Oman – USA, Canada or Mexico CHF 90
EUR 75
USD 100
CAD 100
Between: United Kingdom – Canada CAD 70
EUR 50
*excluding Turkey

 

 

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

 

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

 

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.
  • Rates are charged separately four outbound and return flight
  • 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
  • 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.

Interline Journeys

For tickets including flights with other airlines than SWISS, the following rule applies according to the IATA resolution 302:

As a general rule the above 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 baggage provisions (allowance and charges) may also apply on SWISS flights or to SWISS flight numbers. Also, the free baggage allowance may change if you interrupt your trip or if you’re holding separate tickets for one journey. Your applicable free baggage allowance is shown on your electronic ticket

Exception for tickets, where the origin or destination (furthest point) is in the USA: Pursuant to the new customer protection law by the US Department of Transportation, on itineraries involving multiple carriers, the baggage allowances and fees of the of the first carrier on interline flights or the first marketing carrier on codeshare flights will apply to all subsequent flights in the itinerary.

Please refer to your e-ticket or contact a SWISS representative for further details.

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

For tickets issued on/after 01 June 2012, the concept of transporting sports equipment has been simplified.

Your checked sports equipment is free of charge if within your free baggage allowance. If your free baggage allowance is exceeded by either the weight per piece or amount of pieces, following special sports charges apply:

Charges for category “Normal”

Within Europe Intercontinental
CHF 60 
EUR 50  
USD/CAD 70		 CHF 120 
EUR 100  
USD/CAD 150

Charges for category "Big"

Within Europe Intercontinental
CHF 120
EUR 100
CAD/USD 150		 CHF 240
EUR 200
USD/CAD 300

For the frequently transported sports items listed below we offer the special sports item charges. For all sports items not on the list, the normal excess baggage rates apply.

 

  • Sports items category "Normal" 
    Sports equipment Definition
    Golf Equipment* 1 golf bag containing 1 set  of golf clubs, golf balls and tees, 1 pair of golf shoes
    Ski Equipment ** 1 pair of ski, 1 pair of poles, 1 pair of boots (even if in separate bag), 1 helmet
    Snowboard Equipment 1 snowboard, 1 pair of boots (even if in separate bag, 1 helmet
    Waterski Equipment 1 pair of water ski or 1 slalom water ski
    Bicycle 1 regular bike (no motor / no e-bike) or 1 special children’s trolley to use with a bike or 1 one-wheel bike
    Scuba Equipment 1 diving mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit, BCD-jacket, regulator, 1 empty tankbottle, 1 lamp (switched off, energy source separately packed, removed battery protected against short circuit)
    Surfboard 1 board (up to 2m)
    Boogieboard / Bodyboard / Wakeboard 1 board
    Kite Surfboard 1 kite, 1 board
    Waveboard 1 board, 1 set of body protection (knee, arms, etc.), 1 helmet
    Archery Equipment 1 set of bow and arrow packed in 1 durable protective container
    Bowling Equipment 1 bowling bag, 1 bowling ball, 1 pair of shoes
    Fishing Equipment 1 tackle box or 1 haversack or 1 angler’s basket, 1 rod, 1 bag or 1 box
    Sporting/Hunting Weapons plus Ammunition Sporting/Hunting guns, pistols, rifles plus ammunition (ammunition must be packed separately)
    Parachute Equipment 1 set of Parachute Equipment packed in 1 container
    Skateboard 1 board, 1 set of body protection (knee, arms, etc.) 1 helmet
    Tennis- / Squash-/Badmington Equipment 1 set of rackets and balls packed in 1 bag
    Alpinist / Hiking / Walking Equipment 1 backpack, 1 ice pick, 1 pair of climbing iron, 1 pair of poles
    Hockey Equipment 1 hockey bag, hockey sticks, 1 pair of ice skates, 1 set of body protection (knee,arms, etc.), 1 helmet
    Inline skates 1 pair of inline skates, 1 set of body protection (knee,arms,etc.), 1 helmet
    Javelin 1 set of javelin packed in one container
    *Swiss Golf Traveller can check-in 1 set of golfing equipment free of charge. SWISS HON Circle and Senator members can check-in 1 set of golfing equipment free of charge on worldwide routes except for flights to/from/via USA/CAN.
    **On flights operated by SWISS, the 1st pair of ski/winter sport equipment is always free of charge
  • Sports items category "Big" 
    Sports equipment Definition
    Tandem Bike 1 tandem bike with max. 2 seats (no motor/no e-bike)
    Windsurf Equipment 1 board, 1 sail, 1 boom, 1 mast, 1 gear bag
    Hang Gliding Equipment 1 set of hang gliding equipment packed in 1 container
    Longboard 1 board (exceeding 2m)
    Horse Riding Equipment 1 saddle, 1 set of horse harness, 1 horse whip, 1 pair of riding boots, 1 bareback pad, 1 set of polo sticks
    Canoe/Kayak 1 canoe or 1 kayak (no motor attached), 1 set of paddles
    Rubber Dinghy 1 rubber dinghy (no motor attached), 1 set of paddles
    Pole Vault Equipment 1 set of vaulting poles packed in 1 container
  • Winter sports equipment 
    Free transport on SWISS operated flights.  
    Sports equipment Definition
    Ski equipment 1 pair of ski, 1 pair of poles, 1 pair of boots (even if in separate bag), 1 helmet
    Snowboard equipment 1 snowboard, 1 pair of boots (even if in separate bag, 1 helmet

Terms and conditions
  • SWISS does not accept sports equipment of more than 32kgs
  •  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
  • If the sports equipment contains more items than defined in the above list, the normal excess baggage rates apply for the entire sports equipment
  • The assignment to the 2 categories is final and doesn’t change depending on the weight/size of the sports item.
    Example: a windsurf equipment is always charged according to the category “big”, irrespective of its size/weight
  • Weapons and bicycles must be reserved in advance
  • If you travel as a group and/or bring large or a rather excessive amount of sport equipment, contact a SWISS service center for pre-advice.
  • Charges for sports equipment apply for a single route. The charge will be paid twice for a return flight.
  • Swiss advises careful and appropriate packing.

    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 are collected for children travelling alone on any SWISS flight. The charges are collected per child travelling alone and per flight.

    Per flight / sector CHF EUR USD/CAD
    Domestic (within Switzerland) CHF50 EUR40 USD/CAD60
    Europe CHF50 EUR40 USD/CAD60
    Intercontinental CHF100 EUR80 USD/CAD120

    Example:
    For flights from Geneva – Zurich – Athens, we charge CHF100.- per child (1 x domestic + 1 x Europe charge)
    For a flight from Zurich – Athens, we charge CHF50.- per child (1 x European charge)
    For flights from Paris – Zurich – New York, we charge CHF150.- per child (1 x European charge + 1 x Intercontinental charge

    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. 118 cm)
    • The pet must be kept completely (including head and tail) inside the pet pack during the entire flight 
    • 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.

    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 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 as animal in hold

      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