Which has the bigger carry-on allowance, KLM or SWISS?

KLM: 55 × 35 × 25 cm (21.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 in), up to 12 kg (26.5 lb). SWISS: 55 × 40 × 23 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 in), up to 8 kg (17.6 lb). SWISS allows the larger bag.

Where do KLM and SWISS fly from?

KLM's main hubs are Amsterdam (AMS). SWISS's are Zurich (ZRH). The better pick is often whichever flies nonstop from your airport.

Are KLM and SWISS partners?

They aren't in the same alliance (KLM: SkyTeam; SWISS: Star Alliance), so miles and status generally don't transfer between them.

KL vs LX · 2026 comparison

KLM vs SWISS

Q: Do KLM and SWISS include a carry-on on basic economy?

KLM: The Basic fare on short-haul routes includes only a small under-seat bag. Light fares include a cabin bag but no checked bag. SWISS: Economy Basic on European routes includes only a personal item (40 × 30 × 15 cm), no carry-on, checked bag or seat choice. Economy Light keeps the 8 kg carry-on, and Miles & More Senators and Star Alliance Gold members may still bring one.

KLM wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit; SWISS wins on a bigger carry-on. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.

Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction

KLM

Wins 1 category

A more generous carry-on weight limit

SWISS

Wins 1 category

A bigger carry-on

Quick verdict

KLM wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit; SWISS wins on a bigger carry-on. Check the cheapest fare's bag rules before you compare prices.

Carry-on size: KLM: 55 × 35 × 25 cm · SWISS: 55 × 40 × 23 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare: KLM: Not on some basic fares · SWISS: Not on some basic fares
First checked bag (regular economy): KLM: 1 free bag · SWISS: 1 free bag

Side by side

	KLM	SWISS
Bags
Carry-on size	55 × 35 × 25 cm	55 × 40 × 23 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare	Not on some basic fares	Not on some basic fares
Carry-on weight limit	12 kg (26.5 lb)	8 kg (17.6 lb)
Personal item	40 × 30 × 15 cm	40 × 30 × 15 cm
First checked bag (regular economy)	1 free bag	1 free bag
Network
Alliance	SkyTeam	Star Alliance
Loyalty program	Flying Blue	Miles & More
Main hubs	AMS	ZRH

Highlighted values are better for travelers. Fees are for U.S. domestic economy flights; on-time data is 2025 U.S. DOT figures for each airline's own flights.

Bags and fees

KLM allows a carry-on up to 55 × 35 × 25 cm (21.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 in), and SWISS up to 55 × 40 × 23 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 in), so SWISS's is roomier.

KLM's Basic / Light can be personal-item only, while SWISS's Economy Basic can be personal-item only.

Carry-on weight limits: 12 kg (26.5 lb) on KLM, 8 kg (17.6 lb) on SWISS.

Personal items: 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in) on KLM, and 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in) on SWISS.

KLM includes one bag with Standard on flights between North America and Europe, and SWISS includes one bag with Economy Classic on flights between the U.S. and Switzerland.

Basic economy

KLM (Basic / Light): The Basic fare on short-haul routes includes only a small under-seat bag. Light fares include a cabin bag but no checked bag.

SWISS (Economy Basic): Economy Basic on European routes includes only a personal item (40 × 30 × 15 cm), no carry-on, checked bag or seat choice. Economy Light keeps the 8 kg carry-on, and Miles & More Senators and Star Alliance Gold members may still bring one.

Loyalty and where they fly

KLM is in SkyTeam and SWISS is in Star Alliance.

Loyalty programs: Flying Blue (KLM) and Miles & More (SWISS).

KLM's main hubs are Amsterdam (AMS). SWISS's are Zurich (ZRH). The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.

Which should you book?

Choose KLM if you want…

a more generous carry-on weight limit
to earn and use SkyTeam miles and status
nonstops from AMS

Choose SWISS if you want…

a bigger carry-on
to earn and use Star Alliance miles and status
nonstops from ZRH

On a route both fly, the cheaper ticket isn't always the cheaper trip: add the bags you'll actually bring, and check the fare rules before you book.

KLM vs SWISS FAQ

It depends on what matters most to you. KLM wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit; SWISS wins on a bigger carry-on. If they fly the same route, compare the total price with bags included.

Keep comparing

Sources

Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Airlines change their rules without notice, so confirm with the airline before you fly.

Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.

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