SWISS Airlines Hand Baggage Policy: Rules & Restrictions!

SWISS is pretty consistent with cabin baggage, but it’s not a “close enough” airline—especially on size and weight. If you pack to the published limits (and keep your personal item truly under-seat sized), you’ll usually have a smooth boarding experience.

For cross-airline context, you can also reference my guide to airline carry-on luggage rules

SWISS carry-on rules at a glance

• Carry-on size: 55 × 40 × 23 cm (about 21.7″ × 15.7″ × 9.1″)
• Carry-on weight: 8 kg (17.6 lb) per carry-on
• Personal item size: 40 × 30 × 15 cm (about 15.7″ × 11.8″ × 5.9″)
• Economy / Premium Economy: 1 carry-on + 1 personal item
• Business / First: 2 carry-ons + 1 personal item
• Enforcement: oversized/overweight carry-ons can be removed at the gate and treated as checked baggage (fees are higher at the gate)
• Liquids: 100 ml containers inside one clear, resealable 1-liter bag (details below)

SWISS carry-on size limit

SWISS’s standard carry-on size limit is 55 × 40 × 23 cm, including wheels and handles. If you’re close to the limit, measure the bag fully packed—stuffed exterior pockets are what usually push bags over.

Special route note: South Africa

SWISS publishes different hand baggage rules for flights from and within South Africa (smaller size and lower weight allowance). If your itinerary touches South Africa, double-check the special limit before you pack.

SWISS carry-on weight limit

SWISS publishes an 8 kg (17.6 lb) carry-on weight limit per cabin bag, and it’s worth treating as real—especially if you pack heavy shoes, dense tech, or lots of liquids.

SWISS personal item rules (under-seat bag)

In addition to your main carry-on, SWISS allows one smaller personal item (handbag, laptop bag, or shoulder bag) with a published limit of 40 × 30 × 15 cm.

Practical tip: use this as your “can’t lose it” bag—passport, medication, chargers, and anything fragile—so you’re not stressed if your carry-on gets gate-checked on a full flight.

Recommended Carry-On Bag for SWISS

If you want fewer “will this fit?” moments at the gate, start with a carry-on that’s designed for international cabin limits. That’s why I recommend the Travelpro Maxlite 5 International Expandable Carry-On Spinner (19″)—it’s compact for a spinner, easy to maneuver, and a practical default for international airlines.

If the airline you’re flying is known for strict sizing or weight checks, keep the bag unexpanded and avoid overstuffing exterior pockets so it stays as slim as it measures.

Bag dimensions (overall, including wheels and carry handles): 21.75″ × 15.75″ × 7.75″
Fit note for SWISS: SWISS’s limit is 55 × 40 × 23 cm. This bag is very close to that footprint when converted, so the “don’t expand it” advice matters more than usual.

SWISS Air Liquid Allowance

SWISS uses the standard liquids rule you’ll see at most airports:

• Liquids: containers must be 100 ml (3.4 oz) or less
• Bag: one clear, resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 liter
• Quantity: one liquids bag per person
• Screening: present the bag separately at security when required
• Duty-free liquids: should remain sealed with proof of purchase (and there are extra steps if you connect onward within the U.S.)

If you want a plain-English walkthrough of what counts as a liquid and how to pack toiletries so they don’t get pulled, use my TSA liquids rule guide.

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.

Carry-On Pets

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 March 1, 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 their size and weight, for an additional fee.

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