Swiss International Air LinesLX

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) is the flag carrier of Switzerland and the country's largest airline. Headquartered in Kloten near Zurich Airport, SWISS operates a fleet of approximately 90 aircraft serving over 100 destinations in 43 countries, carrying around 16.5 million passengers annually.

SWISS was established following the 2002 bankruptcy of Swissair, building on the operations of former regional carrier Crossair. The airline officially launched on March 31, 2002. In 2005, SWISS became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group, joining sister airlines Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings.

As a member of Star Alliance, SWISS offers seamless connections through 25 partner airlines including United, Air Canada, Singapore Airlines, and ANA. The airline is renowned for Swiss quality, precision, and hospitality, exemplified by its signature "SWISS Taste of Switzerland" culinary program featuring rotating menus from top Swiss chefs and the complimentary chocolate given to every passenger.

Carry-On Allowance

Personal Item (all fares):

• Dimensions: 40 x 30 x 10 cm (16 x 12 x 4 in)
• Shoulder bag, laptop bag, or handbag
• Must fit under seat

Cabin Bag:

• Dimensions: 55 x 40 x 23 cm (22 x 16 x 9 in)
• Weight: 8 kg (18 lbs) maximum
• Economy/Premium Economy: 1 bag
• Business/First: 2 bags (8 kg each)

Class	Personal Item	Cabin Bag	Total Weight
Economy	1	1	8 kg (18 lbs)
Premium Economy	1	1	8 kg (18 lbs)
Business	1	2	16 kg (35 lbs)
First	1	2	16 kg (35 lbs)

Checked Baggage

European/Short-Haul Flights:

Fare	Bags Included	Weight	Purchase Price (Online)
Economy Light	0	-	CHF 30 (~$34)
Economy Classic	1	23 kg (50 lbs)	-
Economy Flex	1	23 kg (50 lbs)	-
Business	2	32 kg (70 lbs) each	-

Intercontinental/Long-Haul Flights:

Fare	Bags Included	Weight
Economy Light	0	CHF 70-75 (~$79-85) to purchase
Economy Classic	1	23 kg (50 lbs)
Premium Economy	2	23 kg each
Business	2	32 kg (70 lbs) each
First	3	32 kg each

Note: USA/Canada routes: Economy Light first bag costs CHF 75 (~$85)

Maximum dimensions: 158 cm (62 in) linear (L + W + H) Maximum weight: 32 kg (70 lbs) per bag

Extra Bag Fees

European (Online Booking):

Route Type	Extra Bag Fee
Within Switzerland	CHF 64 (~$72)
Europe	CHF 73 (~$82)
North Africa/Levant	CHF 92 (~$104)

Intercontinental (Online Booking):

Route Type	Extra Bag Fee
Short-haul intercontinental	CHF 138 (~$156)
Medium-haul intercontinental	CHF 184 (~$208)
Long-haul intercontinental	CHF 230 (~$260)

Airport fees are 25% higher than online prices - always book bags online.

Overweight & Oversized Fees

Condition	Europe	Intercontinental
Overweight (24-32 kg)	CHF 57 (~$64)	CHF 173 (~$195)
Oversized (159-292 cm)	CHF 57 (~$64)	CHF 173 (~$195)
Both overweight AND oversized	CHF 114 (~$129)	CHF 346 (~$390)

Elite Status Baggage Benefits

Miles & More Senator and HON Circle members receive additional baggage allowances based on status and route.

Special Items

Item	Fee	Notes
Golf clubs	Standard bag fee	Counts as 1 checked bag
Skis/snowboards	Standard bag fee	Counts as 1 checked bag
Bicycle	Varies by route	Must be boxed
Car seat	Free	One per child
Stroller	Free	Gate-check available
CPAP	Free	Doesn't count as carry-on

Fees as of January 2025. Verify at swiss.com before traveling.

SWISS Senses (New 2025 Product)

SWISS is introducing its new "SWISS Senses" cabin product on the Airbus A350-900, with the first aircraft delivered in late 2025:

First Class:

• Private suites with lockable doors and 1.80m high walls
• Lie-flat bed approximately 2.05m long
• Middle suite: 117 cm seat width, 43" screen
• Window suites: 77 cm width, 27-32" screens
• Heating and cooling seat elements

Business Class:

• 1-2-1 configuration with direct aisle access
• Multiple seat options: Classic, Privacy, Extra Long Bed, Double Seat, Extra Space
• Seat width: ~52 cm
• Bed length: Up to 2.20m
• 45 seats on A350

Premium Economy:

• 2-3-2 configuration
• 39" (99 cm) seat pitch - nearly one meter
• Enhanced comfort and service

Economy Class:

• 3-3-3 configuration on A350
• 31" (79 cm) seat pitch
• 13.3" 4K OLED screens
• Good 6" (15 cm) recline

Current Fleet Seat Specifications

Class	Pitch	Width	Features
Economy (Short-haul)	29-32"	17-18"	Personal device streaming
Economy (Long-haul)	31-32"	17-18"	Seatback screens
Premium Economy	38-39"	18-19"	Larger screens, legrest
Business (777)	60"	20.5"	Lie-flat beds
First	80"+	20"+	Private suites

SWISS Taste of Switzerland

SWISS's signature culinary program rotates every three months, featuring dishes created by top Swiss chefs representing different cantons and regions:

Current Featured Chefs (Late 2025):

• First Class: Tanja Grandits (Stucki Basel, 2 Michelin stars) and Lorenzo Albrici (Locanda Orico, 1 Michelin star)
• Business Class: Olivier Jean (L'Atelier Robuchon, Geneva) and Badrutt's Palace (St. Moritz)

Program highlights:

• Chefs represent all four Swiss language regions (German, French, Italian, Romansh)
• Locally sourced, sustainable ingredients
• Wines and cheeses from the featured canton
• 23+ years of continuous operation

Catering by Class

Economy (Short-haul):

• Flights under 50 min: Valser mineral water and SWISS chocolate
• Flights 50+ min: Buy-on-board "SWISS Saveurs" service
• Pre-order available for better selection

Economy (Long-haul):

• Complimentary multi-course meals
• Choice of hot main courses
• Meal timing based on flight duration
• Complimentary beer, wine, spirits

Premium Economy:

• Enhanced meal service on china
• Welcome drink
• Amenity kit
• Larger portions and better selection

Business Class:

• Pre-select main course online
• Multi-course fine dining
• Swiss wines and regional specialties
• Turndown service with mattress pad

First Class:

• Personalized dining service
• Top chef creations
• Extensive wine list
• Dine-on-demand flexibility

The SWISS Chocolate Tradition

Every SWISS flight ends with the famous "SWISS Schöggeli" - a complimentary Frey chocolate bar given to all passengers before landing. This beloved tradition distributes over 54,000 chocolates daily (19.3 million per year, ~270 tonnes). The chocolate is Rainforest Alliance certified.

Entertainment

Long-haul:

• Personal HD seatback screens
• On-demand movies, TV, music, games
• Noise-canceling headphones in Business/First
• USB charging at every seat

Short-haul:

• Streaming to personal devices via onboard WiFi
• Digital magazines available

WiFi

Available on most long-haul and select short-haul flights. Purchase options:

• Messaging packages
• Full internet access
• Free messaging for Miles & More members (select flights)

Booking:

• Economy Light has no checked bag - compare total cost with Classic fare
• Book directly on swiss.com for easier service recovery during disruptions
• First Class includes SWISS First Lounge access at Zurich

The SWISS Chocolate:

• Every passenger receives complimentary Frey chocolate before landing
• A beloved tradition since SWISS began - don't miss it!
• Some passengers collect the wrappers as souvenirs

At the Airport:

• Zurich Senator Lounge has famous whisky bar with 200+ varieties
• Zurich Business Lounges feature covered terrace with Alpine views
• Allow extra time at Zurich - it's a large airport with multiple terminals
• Early check-in available up to 23 hours before at ZRH and GVA

Lounge Access:

• Business Class: SWISS Business Lounges
• Senator/Star Alliance Gold: Senator Lounges + 1 guest
• HON Circle/First Class: First Lounges worldwide
• Purchase day passes available on some flights

Upgrades:

• Miles & More upgrade vouchers available for Senator and HON Circle
• Paid upgrade offers sometimes appear 24-48 hours before departure
• Senator and HON Circle members get priority on upgrade waitlists

Baggage:

• Always book bags online - airport fees are 25% higher
• 8 kg carry-on weight limit is enforced
• Golf and ski equipment count as standard checked bags

Earning Miles:

• Transfer partners include all major credit card programs
• Earn on all Star Alliance flights
• HON Circle Points only earned in Business/First on Lufthansa Group

Common Issues:

• Economy Light is restrictive - changes are expensive and no bag included
• Short-haul flights have streaming only (no seatback screens)
• Fuel surcharges on awards can be substantial
• Geneva Airport is smaller - lounges are more compact than Zurich