SWISS Air Carry On Rules: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re planning to travel with just a carry-on, you’ll need to be up to speed with airline carry-on policies.  Specifically, the various rules and regulations each carrier has for what you can and cannot “carry-on” to the plane.   Each airline’s rules are different, so don’t just assume what works for one will work for all airlines.

If you are going to be flying SWISS, then here are the SWISS Air carry-on rules you need to be aware of regarding size, weight, fees, liquids, etc.

SWISS Air Carry-On Size and Weight Restrictions

SWISS Air allows one carry-on bag and one personal item onboard, at no charge, for economy class and they allow two carry-on bags plus a personal item for those flying in the business and first-class cabins. (Unfortunately, flights from the U.S. can only bring on one bag and one personal item regardless of class of service).  

The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you, and the carry-on bag must be stowed in the overhead bin.

SWISS Air Carry-On Size Dimensions

SWISS Air size requirements for a carry-on are:

• Dimensions for carry-on baggage: max. 55 x 40 x 23 cm
• Dimensions for personal items: max. 40 x 30 x 10 cm

A foldable garment bag with the maximum dimensions of 57 x 54 x 15 cm can also be accepted as hand baggage.

If you aren’t sure what size your carry-on is, SWISS typically provides “size check templates” located at their ticketing counters and departure gates.  But if you wait until you get to either of these locations and have an issue, it’s too late.

If the bag is too big or too heavy, you’re going to have to pay a fee, so it’s always better to know your bag size and the limitations in advance.

What does SWISS Air consider a Personal item?

Personal items include a purse, briefcase, laptop, backpack, shopping bag, or a similar-sized item.

The following items may be brought onboard without counting toward your carry-on limit.

• Handbag, laptop bag, or shoulder bag (max. 40 x 30 x 10 cm)
• Child’s seat
• One pair of crutches, arm or leg splints, other kinds of prostheses
• Medical equipment

You may bring so-called “pocket buggies” on board as part of your free hand baggage allowance, provided they are packed accordingly and are no longer recognizable as pushchairs.

SWISS Air Carry-On Weight Limits

SWISS Air requires carry-on bags to weigh less than 8 kg (18 lbs.). However, they don’t weigh your carry-on items prior to boarding, so you’re generally not going to have a problem if it’s too heavy. The weight issue applies to check baggage more than carry-on bags since they weigh your checked bags when you check in for your flight.

SWISS Air Carry-On Rules for Small Regional Aircraft

If you are flying one of SWISS Air’s regional planes, it may not be possible to carry your hand baggage on board, even if it has the correct dimensions and weight. If this is the case, SWISS will check it in and carry it in the hold, free of charge.

If you want to make sure you have a bag that will fit, check out this article on the best carry-on luggage for regional jets.

Related Content: SWISS Airlines Flight Deals

Carry-On Liquids: SWISS Air Liquids Policy

The rules for carry-on liquids are set by the TSA in the US and the EASA and European Commission in Europe.  SWISS Air doesn’t have its own specific Liquids Policy, they just enforce the rules and policies of the Authorities.

• Containers with liquids and gel-like substances may hold up to 100 ml (maximum capacity must be printed on the container).
• All containers must be carried in a plastic bag (transparent, resealable, max. capacity of 1 liter). One bag per person.
• The bag must be presented separately at security. Take your liquids out of your carry-on baggage at the security screening point and present them separately. In exceptional cases, liquids may be opened in the course of security checks and removed from their outer packaging.
• Liquid duty-free goods purchased at an international airport or on board an aircraft outside the EU must be transported in a tamper-proof, certified bag on connecting flights via an EU airport. The proof of purchase must be inside the bag and the bag must be sealed by the retailer.
• Medicines and special food (e.g. baby food) can be carried outside the plastic bag and must also be presented at security.

Below is a table that provides some examples of Non-solid Food and Personal Items that are considered “liquids”:

The TSA 3-1-1 Rule

Each passenger may carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels, and aerosols. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, and lotion.

Any liquid that does not meet the TSA 3-1-1 rule will either have to be checked with your luggage or will be thrown away at the security checkpoint.

Here is a little video to help illustrate:

Carry-On Food

There are two different scenarios pertaining to food: 

1. The food you bring with you to the airport, and
2. The food you buy at the airport after you have gone through security.

An important thing to note is the classification of liquid foods vs. solid foods.  

The general rule is “If you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it, or pour it, then it’s considered a liquid or gel”.   This means your food may be considered a liquid and will fall under the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule, which mandates that any liquid, gel, cream, aerosol, or paste in a carry-on must be 3.4 ounces or less, and fit in one quart-size resealable bag (only one such bag is allowed per passenger).

The TSA website advises what food can be brought with you on your flight.  This applies to food you are bringing from home through security.   Once you get through security, you can bring just about any food on the plane that you buy at the airport.

SWISS Air Carry-On Pet Policy

SWISS Air may not charge for your carry-on bag, but they will charge for your carry-on pet. The price depends upon the route and is charged once per flight direction.

You can take your pet with you on any route. It will travel safely and in comfort, either in the cabin or in the cargo section. Book your trip in advance and make sure you have all the required travel documents.

Please note: each passenger is permitted to take a maximum of two animals with him/her (in an approved transport container). Dogs and cats weighing up to 8 kg (weight including transport container) can travel in the cabin.

Transport can be in the cabin and/or in the hold:

• A maximum of two animals (dog or cat) in the cabin
• One animal (dog or cat) in the cabin and one animal in the hold
• A maximum of two animals in the hold (in one or two approved transport containers)

Dogs and cats are only permitted to travel from the age of 12 weeks and above. The same rule applies to flights from the USA. For flights to the USA, travel is only permitted from the age of 16 weeks and above.

Please also note that in the following countries animals may only be imported as cargo:

• Hong Kong
• Ireland
• South Africa
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom

Requirements of a pet flying in the cabin of the aircraft:

• You must transport your animal in a soft container that is clean, escape-proof, and scratch-proof. The maximum container size is 118 cm (55 x 40 x 23 cm).
• There must be enough space in it for the animal, which must remain fully in the transport container for the entire flight. It is not allowed to run around in the cabin.
• Your animal must be clean and healthy and should not bother any other passengers. It should not be dangerous, pregnant, or smell.
• The transport container must be large enough for the animal to stand in its natural position, turn around and lie down.
• The transport container must be stowed under your seat during the entire flight. Due to the design of the seats in the Airbus 330/340, this is not possible in SWISS Business (except in the last row) or baggage compartments or under another passenger seat during take-off and landing.
• There are no size and weight restrictions for dogs with protective or assistance functions. They can travel freely in the cabin and do not have to be in a transport container.

TSA Approved Pet Carrier for SWISS Air

If you do plan on bringing your pet with you, make sure you follow TSA’s pet policy and have an approved Pet Carrier that conforms to SWISS Air’s pet policy.

Emotional Support Animals

As of 01 March 2021, only trained service dogs are accepted in the cabin on Swiss flights. Emotional support dogs are no longer classified as service dogs therefore; we will no longer accept new bookings of emotional support dogs as of this date. They will travel as pets, either in a suitable transport container in the passenger cabin or in the cargo hold, depending on the size and weight, against a fee.

Prohibited Items and Dangerous Goods

There are certain items that are considered dangerous and classified as hazardous material.  Dangerous goods are prohibited from both your carry-on and checked bags on all flights.  These rules are not specific to any airline and are mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration and European Aviation Safety Agency.

Items considered “dangerous goods” are prohibited under SWISS Air’s carry-on policy and include the following:

• Firearms and ammunition
• Stunning devices, mace, tear gas, and pepper spray
• Poisonous, infectious, or radioactive substances
• Sharp or pointed objects (knives, swords, cutting instruments, razors, ice skates, carpet knives, metal scissors, box cutters, or similar items) 
• Camping equipment containing flammable liquids or gasses 
• Flammable liquids, including gasoline and kerosene
• Self-Balancing devices such as hoverboards, including electric skateboards, balance boards, and gravity boards
• Medical or liquid oxygen 
• Torch lighters, lighter fluid, strike-anywhere matches, and fire starters
• Wet-cell batteries

The following items are not considered “dangerous goods” and are allowed when packaged properly, in accordance with FAA regulations

• Hiking or trekking poles
• Hair dryer/Straightener
• Hair spray
• Sunscreen/bug spray
• Food as a carry on
• Fishing hooks
• Fragile glass items

A complete list can be found on the FAA website, the TSA website, and/or the EASA website.

One more way to find them is with the SWISS Air summary of dangerous goods page.

SWISS Air Carry-On Size and Fees

SWISS Air does not charge a fee for carry-on baggage that meets their size requirements.  If your bag is too large and doesn’t meet Swiss Air’s carry-on restrictions, you may be charged a fee to gate check it.

Here is a link to SWISS Air Carry-On page to make sure you have the most up-to-date information.

More related articles….

1. 5 Tips to Travel with Just One Bag
2. How to Use Packing Cubes to Travel with Just A Carry-On
3. The Best Carry-On Bags for Regional and Small Jets
4. 5 Essential Things to Stay Organized While on The Road