AI
Written with AI assistance•24. April 2026•
AI
Generated IllustrationAirlines within the Lufthansa Group, including SWISS, are launching a new, cheaper 'Economy Basic' fare for short and medium-haul flights. The ticket only includes a small personal item like a laptop bag, with standard carry-on luggage requiring a higher fare or extra fees.
"This is an expansion of our offering. Anyone wishing to fly without hand luggage and benefit from a corresponding price will now have this option with us too."
"Millions of passengers deliberately choose lower fares with only minimal baggage and should not be forced to pay for extras they don’t need."
The era of the 'free' carry-on is officially over for Switzerland’s national carrier. Starting April 28, SWISS and the Lufthansa Group are detonating a bombshell in the European aviation market by introducing 'Economy Basic'—a fare so stripped-back it excludes the traditional overhead trolley bag. This move represents a seismic shift in how premium European airlines compete with budget disruptors. While the airline frames this as 'giving passengers more choice,' the reality is a fundamental restructuring of the Swiss travel experience. By May 19, the first wave of passengers will confront a new boarding reality where the cheapest ticket buys you a seat and a small space under it, nothing more. This isn't just a minor adjustment; it is an aggressive pivot toward a 'pay-as-you-fly' philosophy that mirrors the ruthless efficiency of low-cost carriers.
A staggering 40 x 30 x 15 centimeters—that is the new limit for the budget-conscious traveler. This rigid dimension means that anything larger than a standard laptop bag or a compact rucksack will now trigger an immediate financial penalty. For years, the 55x40x23cm trolley was the gold standard of short-haul travel; now, it becomes a luxury add-on starting at €15 (approximately 13.80 CHF). The Lufthansa Group is rolling this out across its entire fleet, including Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Air Dolomiti, with a total group-wide implementation deadline set for 2026. This precision-engineered restriction forces a choice: pack with minimalist discipline or pay the premium. Meanwhile, the existing 'Economy Light' fare will pivot to include a rebooking option, attempting to soften the blow of the new, even lower tier.
Airlines are grappling with a dual crisis of surging fuel costs and fierce competition, and the overhead bin has become the latest battlefield. The Lufthansa Group argues that millions of passengers are currently subsidizing luggage they don't use. By unbundling the carry-on bag, SWISS claims it can offer a more 'attractive entry-level option' for day-trippers and business commuters. However, consumer advocacy groups like BEUC are already sounding the alarm, challenging the legality of charging for standard cabin bags. The tension is palpable: while the airline association A4E defends the move as a victory for consumer flexibility, travelers see a creeping 'Ryanair-ization' of a brand that once stood for all-inclusive Swiss quality. With four distinct Economy tiers now in play, the complexity of booking a simple flight has never been higher.
Switzerland is witnessing the final death of the traditional full-service short-haul model. This transition to 'Economy Basic' aligns SWISS with the strategies of Air France and other global giants who have realized that to survive, they must mimic the lean operations of budget rivals. The implications for the Swiss traveler are profound: the 'Swissness' of the brand is being redefined from 'everything included' to 'everything optional.' As fuel prices soar due to geopolitical instability, these ancillary fees for baggage and flexibility are no longer just 'extras'—they are the lifeblood of the airline's profit margin. Looking ahead, the 2026 full rollout will likely see this model become the industry standard, leaving the all-inclusive experience as a relic of the past for all but the most affluent Business Class travelers. The message from Zurich is clear: if you want the convenience of a suitcase, be prepared to pay the price.