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

SWISS: 55 × 40 × 23 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 in), up to 8 kg (17.6 lb). Turkish: 55 × 40 × 23 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 in), up to 8 kg (17.6 lb).

Where do SWISS and Turkish fly from?

SWISS's main hubs are Zurich (ZRH). Turkish's are Istanbul (IST). The better pick is often whichever flies nonstop from your airport.

Are SWISS and Turkish partners?

Yes. Both belong to Star Alliance, so you can usually earn miles and use elite benefits across the two.

LX vs TK · 2026 comparison

SWISS vs Turkish

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

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. Turkish: EcoFly fares include the 8 kg carry-on and a personal item.

SWISS doesn't clearly win any category; Turkish wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare and cheaper checked bags. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.

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

SWISS

No clear category wins

Turkish

Wins 2 categories

A carry-on on its cheapest fare
Cheaper checked bags

Quick verdict

SWISS doesn't clearly win any category; Turkish wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare and cheaper checked bags. Check the cheapest fare's bag rules before you compare prices.

Carry-on size: SWISS: 55 × 40 × 23 cm · Turkish: 55 × 40 × 23 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare: SWISS: Not on some basic fares · Turkish: Included on every fare
First checked bag (regular economy): SWISS: 1 free bag · Turkish: 2 free bags

Side by side

	SWISS	Turkish
Bags
Carry-on size	55 × 40 × 23 cm	55 × 40 × 23 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare	Not on some basic fares	Included on every fare
Carry-on weight limit	8 kg (17.6 lb)	8 kg (17.6 lb)
Personal item	40 × 30 × 15 cm	40 × 30 × 15 cm
First checked bag (regular economy)	1 free bag	2 free bags
Network
Alliance	Star Alliance	Star Alliance
Loyalty program	Miles & More	Miles&Smiles
Main hubs	ZRH	IST

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

Both airlines allow a carry-on up to 55 × 40 × 23 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 in).

SWISS's Economy Basic can be personal-item only, while Turkish includes it on every fare.

Carry-on weight limits: 8 kg (17.6 lb) on SWISS, 8 kg (17.6 lb) on Turkish.

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

SWISS includes one bag with Economy Classic on flights between the U.S. and Switzerland, and Turkish includes two bags with ExtraFly on flights between the U.S. and Türkiye.

Basic economy

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.

Turkish (EcoFly): EcoFly fares include the 8 kg carry-on and a personal item.

Loyalty and where they fly

Both are Star Alliance members, so status and miles can work across the two.

Loyalty programs: Miles & More (SWISS) and Miles&Smiles (Turkish).

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

Which should you book?

Choose SWISS if you want…

to earn and use Star Alliance miles and status
nonstops from ZRH

Choose Turkish if you want…

a carry-on on its cheapest fare
cheaper checked bags
to earn and use Star Alliance miles and status
nonstops from IST

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.

SWISS vs Turkish FAQ

It depends on what matters most to you. SWISS doesn't clearly win any category; Turkish wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare and cheaper checked bags. 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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