FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)  SECURITY REGULATIONS FOR HAND BAGGAGE 

SWISS RECOMMENDS

Come to the airport at least 20 minutes earlier than usual. The security checks may result in longer waiting times.

questions and answers

Forbidden items include liquids, unless they are packed individually in containers with a maximum capacity of 100 ml and carried in a re-sealable clear plastic bag with a maximum volume of 1 litre.
  • Individually means that each container has a maximum capacity of 100 ml.
  • If the weight is indicated in grams, the general rule is: 100 g are equivalent to 100 ml
  • 1 plastic bag = one bag for each passenger (ticket holder). If a group/family is travelling together, more than one bag per person is allowed - however, the total number of bags must not exceed the number of travellers. An infant with a ticket is also entitled to a bag of his/her own.
  • Re-sealable plastic bag = a bag with a built-in closure, e.g. Ziploc or snap fastener.
  • Bag with a maximum volume of 1 litre = the bag may be smaller, but not larger. Permissible bags have a size of approximately 20 x 20 cm.
The contents fit easily into the plastic bag and the bag is closed completely.
  • The contents fit easily = The contents are clearly visible 
  • The bag is closed completely = No objects protrude from the bag, the bag is sealed
Exceptions are allowed...
...if the liquid: will be used up during the trip and is necessary for medical purposes or due to special dietary requirements - this includes baby food. Upon request, travellers will have to prove the authenticity of the liquids they are carrying.
    • a) The liquid will be used up during the trip: This refers to the entire journey of the passenger and is not linked to the duration of the flight. A passenger on  a one-hour flight is allowed to carry medication in a quantity of more than 100 ml or that does not fit in the plastic bag (this amount will be sufficient even for a longer journey), if the passenger does not want to take the risk of transporting the medication in his/her checked-in baggage. SWISS recommends interpreting this requirement depending on each individual situation.
    • b) The liquid is required for medical purposes: This refers to liquid medication, whether prescribed by a doctor or purchased over the counter. In principle, restrictions for over-the-counter medication (e.g. nasal sprays, cough syrup, liquids for contact lenses) beyond the permitted quantity are tighter, as they are not regarded as ‘vital’ medication.

In addition, liquids that are not classified as medication, but serve medical purposes, are allowed in the hand baggage - examples: ice (used to cool e.g. organs to be transplanted), blood or blood products and 'normal' liquids, if there is a medical reason for their use (e.g. an autistic passenger 'needs' his/her own cola brand)‘
    • c) The liquid is needed for special dietary requirements: This refers to nutrients ensuring the health of the traveller. Examples: Baby food (if you are travelling with an infant) or special foodstuffs, e.g. for passengers with lactose or gluten intolerance.
    • d) Authenticity:
Should there be any doubts as to the quantity or whether the liquids are really needed for medical or dietary reasons, a plausibility check is required.

Passengers may be asked to taste the liquids or rub them into their skin to prove that they are not dangerous.

In case of prescribed medication, travellers have to prove that the medication is intended for their own use, e.g. if the medication is labelled with a name or by presenting a medical certificate.
Duty free sales
  • Purchased before the security check: Liquids you bought in an outlet that is not subject to the security regulations are not allowed.
  • Purchased at another EU airport: These items remain untouched in their sealed packaging - together with a proof of purchase. Your onward flight will depart on the same day.
  • Round trips: These items remain untouched in their sealed packaging, together with a proof of purchase. Your return trip is on the same day.
  • Purchased on board: The liquids are sealed and enclosed in manipulation-proof packaging - with the exception of passengers who have no onward flight. The packaging sealed for the onward flight remains closed until the final destination has been reached.
Miscellaneous
  • Are there differences between EU destinations and US destinations - what differences?
    Passengers travelling to the USA purchase tax-free items only after the security check or on board the aircraft. In the USA, the capacity limit for individual packs is 90 ml, in a plastic bag. EU requirements allow a volume of 100 ml. The USA accepts the higher EU limits.
  • What happens if a passenger arrives at an EU airport and the liquids he is carrying exceed the limit? Or the passenger is carrying a sealed or unsealed bag from a duty free shop?
    The items will be confiscated by the security authorities. Authorities are currently discussing the acceptance of such items. A change of the valid regulations is not planned in the foreseeable future. We recommend travellers to purchase duty free items either on board the EU airline or at a transfer airport within the EU.
Notes and tips
  • Hand baggage in the cabin
    In general, you should only carry the most essential items. If they are absolutely necessary for the duration of the flight, you may take along liquids, gels, lotions and the like only in individual packs with a maximum capacity of 100 ml each and in a re-sealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre.
The plastic bag must be presented at the security check and X-rayed separately from the remaining hand baggage.
  • Checked baggage and check-in
    Pack your items and liquids in your checked baggage and check it in. Please note that dangerous objects are not allowed in checked-in baggage.
  • Laptops, larger electronic devices, coats and jackets
    These items must be scanned separately. Have them ready before the security check, use the tubs provided for the X-ray scan.