SWISS Carry-On Rules: Basic, Light, Size and Weight

SWISS Economy Light includes a cabin bag; short-/medium-haul Economy Basic normally does not. The standard cabin size is 55×40×23 cm, up to 8 kg per piece. One personal item up to 40×30×15 cm goes under the seat.

Cabin allowance by fare

The SWISS cabin rules list aircraft and regional exceptions, including restrictions on the second Business/First bag. Each bag has its own 8 kg limit: two pieces do not authorize a single 16 kg suitcase. The source does not give a separate numeric weight for the personal item; that is not an unlimited-weight promise.

Basic: when to add a cabin bag

For short-/medium-haul Basic, SWISS permits an advance cabin-bag purchase, online up to two hours before departure. It is not available at the airport. Eligible HON Circle, Senator and Star Alliance Gold passengers may already have one cabin bag. Long-haul Basic includes a cabin bag: check the actual booking before buying an add-on.

Check your bag. Basic models the short-/medium-haul personal-item allowance. For a confirmed long-haul or status cabin allowance, select Economy with the published allowance; after buying a cabin bag, select the paid-bag option. The checker cannot determine status eligibility. For connections, use the operating carrier on each leg in the route checker.

Measuring and a possible gate check

Measure the packed bag at its widest points, including protruding parts, and weigh each piece. Do not rely on a product’s litres or “cabin approved” label. SWISS says it checks size, weight and quantity; we have no measured airport-by-airport checking rate or guaranteed tolerance.

Non-compliant bags can go in the hold for a route-dependent charge. Limited space may also require a compliant bag to go in the hold. SWISS tells passengers to remove valuables, needed medicine and all battery-powered devices first. Keep these accessible. For a suitcase you plan to check, see the separate checked-baggage guide.

Liquids and infants

Zurich Airport allows containers up to 2 litres at the main checkpoint for passengers beginning their journey there. Its transfer checkpoints still use 100 ml containers in a 1-litre bag; SWISS also excludes First Lounge A from the new rule. Double-walled containers must be empty. Check the return and transfer airports separately.

An infant on an adult’s lap has no separate cabin-bag allowance. Strollers and approved child seats have their own conditions; confirm the equipment and infant’s ticket with SWISS. A personal-item fit result does not approve restricted contents or extra baggage.