SWISS
Switzerland’s full-service flag carrier, operating an extensive European and intercontinental network with Zurich as its primary hub.
About SWISS
Swiss International Air Lines, commonly branded as SWISS, is Switzerland’s flag carrier and a scheduled full-service airline. It began operations in 2002 after being formed from the regional carrier Crossair and parts of the former Swissair network. SWISS is owned by the Lufthansa Group while retaining a distinct Swiss identity, operating under the LX airline code from its headquarters in Switzerland.
Zurich is the airline’s primary hub and the principal gateway for most connecting traffic, while Geneva supports a substantial network of its own. Basel also appears among its busiest departure points, alongside Brussels and New York. SWISS serves 118 destinations across 57 countries on 379 routes, combining dense European coverage with services to North America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
The operating fleet is built around Airbus A220, A320-family, A330 and A340 aircraft, Boeing 777 wide-bodies and newer Airbus A350s. Equipment historically or otherwise associated with its services has also included Airbus A318, A319, A321, A330-200 and Avro regional jets. Cabins vary by aircraft and route, with Economy and Business widely offered and Premium Economy and First available on selected long-haul services.
SWISS is a member of Star Alliance, giving passengers access to a broad network of partner airlines and coordinated connections. Its loyalty programme is Miles & More, shared with Lufthansa and several other European carriers. Members can earn and redeem miles across participating airlines, while qualifying frequent travellers may receive benefits such as lounge access, additional baggage allowances and priority airport services, subject to status and fare conditions.
A major strength is the breadth of the Zurich hub, where short-haul services connect with a varied intercontinental schedule under one airline group. Service is generally positioned above the basic low-cost model, particularly on long-haul routes. The principal challenge is that Zurich connections can involve premium fares, while tight transfer times, seasonal schedules and differences between aircraft types may affect the experience, so travellers should compare fare inclusions carefully.
Good to know
Flying with SWISS — what to expect
Check Fare Inclusions
Economy fares do not all include the same checked-baggage or ticket-change benefits. Review the selected fare family before paying, especially on European routes.
Cabins Vary
Premium Economy and First are limited to selected long-haul aircraft and routes. Confirm the cabin layout during booking because equipment substitutions can change the available seats.
Zurich Connections
Zurich is designed for connecting traffic, but passengers arriving from outside the Schengen Area may need to clear passport control. Leave additional time when travelling on separate tickets.
Carry-On Checks
Cabin-bag limits depend on the travel class, and staff may check both size and weight. Smaller regional or short-haul aircraft can also have tighter storage space.
Miles And More
Miles & More members can earn miles on eligible SWISS fares and selected partner flights. Earning rates, status credit and lounge eligibility depend on the booking class and membership tier.
Network overview
Where SWISS flies
SWISS operates 379 routes to 118 destinations across 57 countries, its longest sector reaching Singapore to Zurich (10,304 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities SWISS flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Singapore → Zurich
10,304 km · SIN → ZRH
The longest sector in the SWISS network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by SWISS
Notable destinations on SWISS's network.
LXZurichdirectLXGenevadirectLXBaseldirectLXBrusselsdirectLXFrankfurtdirectLXLondondirectLXMunichdirectLXNew YorkdirectLXDusseldorfdirectLXHamburgdirectLXIstanbuldirectLXPalmadirectDestination list is indicative of SWISS's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
More from Switzerland
Other airlines based in Switzerland
FAQ
SWISS — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Fares are often lower outside major holidays, school breaks and peak summer travel periods. Compare nearby dates and book earlier for long-haul trips or travel during high-demand events.
- Zurich is SWISS’s primary hub and its main connecting gateway. Geneva and Basel are also important departure points within Switzerland.
- SWISS applies cabin-bag size, weight and quantity limits according to travel class. Check the allowance shown with your booking because Economy and premium-cabin entitlements differ, and smaller aircraft may have limited overhead space.
- SWISS serves 118 destinations across 57 countries, operating 379 routes.
- SWISS flies throughout Europe and to intercontinental destinations in North America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Notable cities include London, Frankfurt, Munich, New York and Istanbul.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee.
- The longest SWISS route is Singapore to Zurich, covering about 10,304 km nonstop.
- The busiest SWISS departure points by route count are Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Brussels and New York. Zurich is the airline’s dominant hub and offers the widest range of connections.