Do swiss air tickets include luggage

Economy Light generally permits only carry-on and a personal item; Economy Classic/Standard usually grants 1 checked piece up to 23 kg; Business/Premium fares commonly allow 2 checked pieces up to 32 kg each. Specific names and allowances vary by route and purchase channel, so check the fare rules shown at booking.

Typical size limits to watch for: carry-on around 55 × 40 × 23 cm (plus a small item), checked baggage with combined dimensions up to 158 cm (length+width+height). Overweight or oversize items incur extra charges that rise significantly at the airport. Online add-ons are usually cheaper than paying on arrival.

Practical recommendations: 1) Verify the baggage allowance printed on your booking confirmation and the carrier’s baggage page before departure. 2) Add checked pieces when buying the fare to reduce fees. 3) Use status benefits or premium cards for additional free pieces where available. 4) For sports gear, musical instruments or special cargo, pre-register and buy the special-rate option in advance.

When connecting on codeshares or partner bookings, follow the most restrictive allowance shown at check-in; weigh and measure your bags at home to avoid airport surcharges; keep receipts for any purchased excess allowance in case of disputes.

Checked and carry-on allowances: practical guide

Pick a fare that explicitly states a free checked-bag allowance on the booking page; if no checked piece is listed, add one online before check-in to save roughly 30–70% versus paying at the airport.

Typical limits to expect: hand baggage 8–12 kg with dimensions about 55×40×20–23 cm; standard checked piece 20–23 kg in economy, 32 kg in premium cabins; piece concept (one or two items) varies by fare class. Oversize/overweight fees usually apply per kilogram or per piece and are charged at higher rates at the airport.

Verify these four concrete items on the confirmation email or fare rules:

• Permitted cabin item weight and exact dimensions.
• Number of checked pieces allowed and maximum weight per piece.
• Costs for adding a piece online, changing weight allowance, and overweight charges.
• Rules for connecting flights operated by partner carriers (the most restrictive policy often applies).

If travelling with sports equipment, musical instruments or baby items, check size and handling rules separately; some items require advance booking and a fixed fee (example: skis typically €30–80, bikes €50–150 depending on route).

When you want to add extra weight cheaply: log into the airline account or booking reference, add a piece or an excess-weight allowance within 24–72 hours after booking, and use the carrier’s mobile app for the lowest published add-on price.

At the airport, expect staff to enforce weight and dimension limits with scales and gates; if you face a dispute, present the booking confirmation showing purchased bag allowance and the online receipt for any add-ons.

Practical packing tips: weigh bags at home with a digital scale, distribute weight across two pieces to avoid single-piece overweight fees, and use soft-sided bags that compress for tighter dimension checks.

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Which fare families grant checked baggage and exact allowances

Choose Classic or Flex if you need at least one checked bag; select Business or First for multiple pieces and higher per-piece weight limits.

Short‑haul / European and intraregional routes

Light: no checked bag granted.

Classic: 1 piece up to 23 kg (50 lb).

Flex: 1 piece up to 23 kg; purchasing an upgrade at booking is usually cheaper than adding weight later.

Business: typically 1 piece up to 23 kg on short sectors; check your booking for any route-specific 2-piece exceptions.

Long‑haul / intercontinental routes (including transatlantic and transpacific)

Light: no checked bag granted.

Classic: 1 piece up to 23 kg (piece-based markets apply the same single-piece rule).

Flex: 2 pieces up to 23 kg each on most long‑haul routings (where the piece concept applies); on weight-based markets this commonly totals 46 kg across one or more bags – consult the fare rules for your itinerary.

Business: 2 pieces up to 32 kg (70 lb) each.

First: 3 pieces up to 32 kg (70 lb) each.

Actionable tip: verify the allowance shown on your booking confirmation before packing – some destinations use the piece system while others use a total‑weight system, and infant fares or special promos may have different rules. Buying excess allowance during booking usually costs less than paying at the airport.

Carry-on allowance on the carrier: permitted dimensions, weight and personal item rules

Bring one cabin bag with maximum outer dimensions 55 × 40 × 23 cm (wheels and handles included) and a maximum weight of 8 kg; add one personal item that fits under the seat – recommended maximum 40 × 30 × 15 cm.

Measure your case fully assembled (wheels, side pockets, tags). Gate agents enforce both size and weight: overweight or oversized items will be required to go into the hold and may incur charges. Infants and certain special fares may have different entitlements; verify the allowance on your booking confirmation before arrival.

Higher travel classes frequently permit a second cabin piece or a higher weight limit; check the class information on your reservation for exact allowances and any route-specific differences (short‑haul vs long‑haul).

Packing tips: place heavier items in checked hold if total exceeds 8 kg, keep valuables and documents in the under‑seat bag, and use compressible soft-sided carry-ons to gain centimetres. For an under‑seat personal item consider a breathable daypack like the best mesh backpack. For trips where you prefer a single large bag that may end up checked, see the best large duffel bag for travel for long trips.

Liquids must follow standard hand‑carry liquid rules and electronic devices may need to be removed for security. At busy gates staff may request opening or reweighing of carry items; keep adaptable packing and quick access to essentials to avoid delays.

How to add or change checked baggage online, via app or at the terminal

Add or modify checked bags through Manage Booking or the carrier mobile app using your reservation code and surname – do this as early as possible; most operators permit online changes up to 2 hours before scheduled departure, while terminal additions are often more expensive.

Online: log in to Manage Booking, open the reservation, select the “Extras” or “Baggage” section, choose additional pieces or kilos and assign them to the passenger and flight segment, complete payment by card, then download or request a new confirmation and boarding pass. Keep the confirmation e‑mail as proof of the change.

Via app: follow the same flow as the website – open your reservation, tap baggage, select quantity/weight, pay with the stored card or a new card, and accept any updated terms. Enable push or e‑mail notifications so the updated allowance and digital boarding pass arrive automatically.

At the terminal: use a self‑service kiosk to add and pay for checked bags and to print bag tags; if kiosks are unavailable go to the check‑in desk. Bring reservation code, ID and the card used for payment. Counters and bag‑drop typically close about 45–60 minutes before short/medium departures and earlier for long‑haul flights; arrive with extra time if changes are needed.

Overweight, oversized and special items: if a bag exceeds the paid allowance you will be charged an overweight/oversize fee – prepay online when possible to avoid higher terminal surcharges. Sports equipment, musical instruments and fragile items often require a separate booking or advance notification and may have handling rules and different maximum weights per piece.

Receipts and tags: retain the payment receipt and the printed or mobile confirmation; attach the issued bag tag securely and insist on a weigh slip at the desk or kiosk. If you need a claim later, the booking reference plus the payment receipt and tag number are required.

Practical tips: add checked bags during booking or soon after purchase for the lowest rates; verify baggage changes for any codeshare or connecting flight segments since adjustments sometimes must be made with the operating carrier; if adding at the terminal, arrive earlier than usual to avoid rushing through check‑in and security.

Overweight, oversized and excess baggage fees: how to calculate and pay

Pre-pay any excess, overweight or oversize charges via Manage booking or the carrier’s app–online rates are almost always lower than airport counters and will prevent surprises at check-in.

How to calculate fees

• Find your allowance: check your fare details for “piece” or “weight” concept. Piece fares specify number of bags and max kg per bag; weight fares specify total kilos allowed.
• Weigh and measure: use a scale and tape. Linear dimension = length + width + height. Standard acceptance limit for checked items is 158 cm (62 in) linear; per-piece maximum weight commonly accepted is 32 kg (70 lb). Items heavier than 32 kg are often refused and must be handled as cargo.
• Identify the excess type:
  • Extra piece – more items than the number allotted by your fare.
  • Overweight – a single item that exceeds the permitted weight per piece but is under or equal to the carrier’s absolute limit (usually 32 kg).
  • Oversize – an item whose linear dimension exceeds the permitted maximum (commonly 158 cm).
• Combine surcharges: fees stack. If one bag is both over the weight allowance and over 158 cm, you will be charged both an overweight and an oversize fee; if you also exceed the number of pieces, add the extra-piece charge.
• Calculation examples:
  1. Piece-fare example: fare grants 1 piece, 23 kg. You bring 1 bag of 28 kg and 165 cm linear → total surcharge = overweight fee + oversize fee.
  2. Weight-fare example: fare grants 30 kg total. You check two bags of 20 kg each (40 kg total) → excess = 10 kg; if the carrier charges per kg, pay (rate per kg × 10 kg); if carrier enforces piece limits instead, you may pay an extra-piece fee per additional bag.
• Special items: sports equipment, musical instruments and pushchairs may have dedicated rates or require advance booking. Measure and consult the carrier’s specific policy for those categories.

How to pay

• Manage booking / app: fastest method. Select “add baggage” or “modify baggage”, choose extra piece or higher weight option, complete payment with card or permitted digital methods. Confirmation and updated boarding pass are issued electronically.
• Online prior to departure: usually cheaper than airport. Purchase as soon as you know you’ll exceed allowance – many carriers allow changes up to a few hours before scheduled departure.
• Check-in kiosk or counter: possible if you missed online purchase; expect higher fees. Payment accepted by card or cash depending on airport.
• Gate: some items can only be assessed at gate (e.g., last-minute sports gear). Gate charges are typically at the highest rate and may be refused if weight/dimensions exceed carrier or safety limits.
• Receipts and tags: keep electronic receipt and the checked-item tag. If you prepaid online and the system still charges at the airport, show proof of purchase to the agent.
• If you prefer not to pay surcharges, alternatives: redistribute contents across permitted carry-on/personal item, ship excess via courier, or purchase a higher fare or additional baggage allowance online before departure.

Baggage allowance for codeshare or partner-ticketed flights: who’s responsible

Use the operating carrier’s baggage rules for every flown segment: that carrier sets allowance type (kg or piece), size limits and fees at check‑in.

• Which policy applies: the carrier operating the physical flight enforces rules and charges at the airport; the marketing partner’s policy shown on booking may not be applied at check‑in.
• If your itinerary is on one reservation and bags are checked through to final destination, each operating segment’s rules still govern how much and what will be charged if requirements differ.
• When segments are on separate reservations, expect to collect and re‑check bags between connections and to pay fees per the second carrier’s conditions.

How to verify and avoid surprises:

1. Open the booking and find the “operated by” label for each flight leg; list the operating carrier names and search their baggage pages for that fare class.
2. Compare piece vs weight systems: if one carrier uses pieces (e.g., 1 piece 23 kg) and another uses kilograms, the operating carrier’s metric applies at its check‑in desk.
3. If your confirmation shows a different allowance than the operating carrier’s website, contact the operating carrier before departure and request written confirmation (email or chat transcript).
4. For add‑on baggage, purchase through the operating carrier’s website or app when possible; third‑party booking systems sometimes cannot modify operating carrier records.

Handling disputes and fee differences:

• If charged at the airport according to the operating carrier and you believe the marketing partner promised more, keep receipts and escalate to the marketing carrier’s customer service for reimbursement after travel.
• Refunds are rare; keep timestamps of pre‑travel confirmations showing a different allowance to support claims.

Frequent‑traveller benefits and status allowances:

• Status-based free checked pieces or additional weight apply only if the operating carrier recognizes the partner status on that flight; confirm recognition before check‑in.
• If status isn’t recognized, buy the allowance from the operating carrier in advance to lock a lower online fee instead of paying higher airport rates.

Practical checklist before departure:

• Verify “operated by” for every segment in the reservation.
• Check the operating carrier’s baggage policy for your fare code, piece/weight system and size limits.
• Pre‑purchase extra allowance with the operating carrier where possible.
• Bring printed or saved screenshots of allowance shown at booking and any customer‑service confirmations.
• If flights are on separate reservations, allow time to collect and re‑check bags and budget for additional fees.

Rules and booking tips for sports equipment, musical instruments and special items

Declare and pre-pay sports gear, musical instruments or other special items during reservation or at least 48–72 hours prior to departure; last‑minute acceptance at the airport is frequently more expensive or may be refused.

Skis and snowboards: pack in a dedicated soft or hard bag, remove loose straps, and keep poles separate if possible. Typical permitted handling treats one ski/snowboard bag as a single special piece – common weight thresholds are 23 kg (standard) or up to 32 kg (higher allowance) per piece; maximum length commonly accepted without cargo routing is about 200–220 cm. Expect add‑on charges roughly €30–€150 one‑way depending on route and whether the item was prepaid.

Bicycles: box or hard case mandatory, pedals and handlebars partially removed, tyres deflated to recommended pressure, and frame protected. Carriers usually limit individual bike weight to 23–32 kg and linear dimensions to ~200–300 cm; charge bands for bikes are typically €50–€200 one‑way. If the packed bike exceeds weight limits, treat as oversized freight and obtain a cargo quote.

Boards (surf, windsurf, kite): use padded bag + nose protection; leash removed. Many operators accept boards up to ~3.0 m as special articles with separate fees; if length exceeds the carrier’s special‑item maximum, arrange cargo shipment in advance.

Musical instruments: small instruments that fit permitted cabin dimensions should be carried on as a cabin or personal item. Larger instruments (guitar, cello) options: 1) reserve and purchase the adjacent seat for the instrument (book early; seat purchase often cheaper than damage claims); 2) check as a fragile special piece in a rigid case and declare at check‑in; 3) ship as cargo. If checking, label as fragile, photograph instrument and case, and retain proof of value for claims. Insurance for high‑value instruments is strongly advised.

Packing and protection: use a rigid case for fragile items, add internal padding, secure moving parts, and fix sharp edges. Tape zippers shut and attach a copy of your contact details and route. For valuable items, place a copy of the purchase invoice and serial number inside the case and keep digital photos outside.

Documentation and liability: always declare value at check‑in if the carrier offers declared value coverage; without declared value, liability often follows standard limits and may be insufficient for high‑value equipment. For international movements, carry any necessary permits (e.g., CITES for certain animal products or protected woods in instruments).

Booking channels and fees: add special items via the booking page/manage‑booking, official mobile app, or by phone. Prepaid special‑item fees are usually 20–60% cheaper than airport purchase. Third‑party freight or courier services can be preferable for very heavy, long, or valuable items – request door‑to‑door quotes and compare to carrier excess/oversize rates.

Connecting flights and partner operators: verify the operating carrier’s special‑item policy before departure; codeshare segments may be governed by the partner’s rules and heavier fees. If the trip involves interline transfers, obtain written confirmation at check‑in that the item is accepted through to the final destination.

Check‑in timing and handling: arrive at least 45–90 minutes before standard check‑in close when presenting special items; cargo or oversize check‑in may require 2–3 hours. Request fragile handling and, when available, a priority tag or special handling receipt as proof of acceptance.

Damage prevention and claims: inspect the case at collection and photograph damage immediately. Report visible damage to the handling desk and file a written irregularity report before leaving the terminal. Keep all receipts for repairs or temporary replacements for claim submission.