Travellers may check-in online between 23 hours and one hour before take-off. At London Heathrow, passengers are advised to check-in at least 90 minutes before departure. At London City Airport the latest check-in time is 30 minutes before departure (Economy passengers) or 20 minutes for Business-Class travellers. At Manchester and Birmingham airports the latest check-in time is 30 minutes (Economy Class)

Mobile check-in is also an option, available between 23 hours and one hour.

Hand luggage: Economy-Class passengers may bring one piece of hand luggage with dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20cm and weighing up to 8kg. Business and First-Class passengers are permitted to bring two pieces, dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20 cm, weighing up to 8kg. A personal item is also permitted. This can include a coat, umbrella or handbag. Those travelling with an infant are also allowed to bring a car seat or baby carrier and baby food for the journey.

Checked: the baggage allowance depends on the class of travel and the destination to which you are travelling. For European and intercontinental flights (except flights to/from the US and Canada) a weight concept applies. Economy-Class passengers - 20kg, Business Class - 30kg and First Class - 40kg. Infants (under two years) are entitled to one piece of baggage with a maximum weight of 10kg plus a collapsible pram.

For flights between the US, Canada and the Caribbean, and flights departing South America, the baggage allowance is calculated by the number of items. Economy-Class travellers - two pieces measuring 158cm (length + width + height) up to 20kg, Business Class - two pieces measuring 158cm up to 32kg, First Class, two pieces measuring 158cm up to 32kg.

For flights between the US, Canada and the Caribbean, and flights departing South America, the baggage allowance is calculated by the number of items. Economy-Class travellers - two pieces measuring 158cm (length + width + height) up to 20kg, Business Class - two pieces measuring 158cm  up to 32kg, First Class, two pieces measuring 158cm up to 32kg. 

Excess: Swiss uses a "zone table" to calculate excess baggage rates. For example, a flight from London or Dublin (Zone 3) to Geneva (Zone 1) carries an excess baggage rate of €15 per kilogramme (about £13). A flight from London (Zone 3) to Hong Kong (Zone 6) has an excess baggage rate of €50 per kilogramme (about £46).

Depends on the aircraft, but, in general, the seat pitch in Economy Class is 81cm (32in), Business Class about 152cm (60in) and First Class about 211cm (83in).

Seats can be selected by passengers during online check-in.

Rebooking and cancellations and refunds are possible with a couple of fare classes - Economy Flex and Business Flex. With these classes, rebooking is free. With Economy Saver and Economy, rebooking carries a fee of between £30 and £50.

Infants - in a parent's lap - fly for 10 per cent of the adult fare. There are discounts for children between 2 and 11 years. This varies by destination. For example, there is no child discount on a London-Geneva run, but there is on a London-Hong Kong flight.

None

Dogs and cats are allowed in the cabin as long as they weigh no more than 8kg (including the travel box) and are kept in a container that is stowed away under your seat for the flight. Animals can also be transported as cargo, in the cargo section of the aircraft, or as freight.

If your musical instrument does not exceed the dimensions or weight of a normal item of hand baggage, you can take it with you as hand baggage (note: one item of hand baggage per passenger). For larger instruments an additional seat may be purchased (arrange this by calling the airline or asking your travel agent; the price will be the currently valid ticket price).

Meals are fresh, tasty and varied. Entertainment is decent with films, games, music and other programming. Younger flyers may create their own menu and there's a good selection of films, music and games for kids.

Miles & More

Read reviews and see photographs of SWISS meals taken by fellow flyers at AirlineMeals.net.

SWISS magazine is published ten times a year and can be read online.

Swiss International Air Lines is a member of the Star Alliance.