Carry-on baggage

Depending on the aircraft type or security requirements of national authorities, additional restrictions may apply in exceptional cases. These may also affect guests travelling in SWISS First and SWISS Business.

The carry-on baggage allowance for HON Circle Members, Senators, Frequent Travellers and guests with Star Alliance Gold or Silver status is determined by their respective travel class. An exception applies to the Economy Basic fare on short and medium-haul routes. Miles & More members with HON Circle, Senator and Star Alliance Gold status travelling on the Economy Basic fare on short and medium-haul routes may bring one carry-on bag into the cabin free of charge, in addition to their personal item.

On high-load flights, limited overhead bin space may mean that some compliant carry-on baggage also needs to be transported in the hold. We notify you of this before your flight by email, giving you the opportunity to check in your compliant carry-on baggage free of charge.

Please remove any valuables, any medication you need during travel, and all battery- or accumulator-powered devices, such as tablets, smartphones, laptops, power banks and e-cigarettes, and bring these into the cabin with you.

Clear aisles and well-used overhead bins prevent trip hazards and help boarding run smoothly. Here is how to stow your carry-on baggage:

Please note: The overhead bins above emergency exit rows are reserved for passengers seated in those rows.

On full flights operated with smaller aircraft, you may exceptionally be asked to check in larger carry-on items. These will be returned to you at the aircraft stairs upon disembarkation. This is for your safety and comfort.

Some countries, such as the United States, have stricter carry-on baggage regulations.

On certain regional flights or where country-specific rules apply (e.g. flights departing from India and the United States), guests in SWISS First and SWISS Business may also be required to check in their second carry-on bag.

Please also refer to our list of prohibited and dangerous items. Before you travel, we recommend checking your departure airport's website for local regulations.

For safety reasons, it is forbidden by law to transport certain items in your carry-on baggage. Prohibited items will be confiscated at the airport security check. No exceptions will be made. This also applies to items purchased at the airport prior to departure. SWISS accepts no liability for confiscated items.

That is why it is important that, before your trip, you acquaint yourself thoroughly with the rules and pack correctly. In this way you can avoid any hassle or losses.

In addition to the dangerous goods listed, some other dangerous goods are prohibited for transport for safety reasons. 

The transportation of liquids in carry-on baggage is subject to special legal regulations.

• Containers with liquids and gel-like substances may hold up to 100 ml (maximum capacity must be printed on container).
• Please note that this rule applies to the maximum capacity printed and not the actual contents.
• All containers must be transported in one resealable, clear plastic bag per person, the bag having a maximum capacity of 1 litre.

Liquids include pastes, lotions, mixtures of liquids and solids, as well as the contents of pressure containers, such as toothpaste, hair gel, drinks, soups, syrup, perfume, shaving foam and other items with a similar consistency, as well as sprays, aerosols and gels.

The regulations are statutory requirements. The local interpretation is the responsibility of the relevant authorities. SWISS has no influence in this regard.

Before your flight, please also check on the website of your departure airport which local regulations apply.