During the summer season, SWISS expects an average of around 60,000 passengers per day on some 450 flights. The airline has prepared intensively for the busiest time of the year and aims to achieve flight operations that are as stable and punctual as possible. With a few simple preparations, travelers, too, can contribute to starting their holidays in a relaxed way.

The summer holidays are among the busiest weeks of the year. While millions of people are setting off on their holidays, SWISS expects an average of around 60,000 passengers per day on up to 450 flights during the summer months of July and August. For many, this marks the start of the best time of the year – often a trip they have looked forward to for a long time and saved for. “Summer is the most demanding and, quite literally, the hottest time of the year for aviation. These weeks show particularly clearly how robust flight operations really are,” says Oliver Buchhofer, Chief Operating Officer of SWISS. For summer 2026, SWISS is aiming for punctuality of 65 percent and stability of more than 98 percent. Oliver Buchhofer: “It is always a major effort, but we have prepared intensively and are confident that we can achieve our targets.”

“Stable flight operations do not happen by chance,” Buchhofer continues. “Behind every single flight, specialists make dozens of decisions every day. They coordinate aircraft and crews, monitor weather developments, plan alternatives and support passengers when irregularities occur. In doing so, we work closely with our partners such as Zurich Airport, Skyguide, Swissport and MeteoSwiss. Especially in the high season, this interaction shows how important it is. Only together can we offer our guests a travel experience that is as smooth as possible. But travelers themselves, too, can contribute to starting their holidays in a relaxed way with a few simple precautions.”

The most important tips for summer travel

Plan enough time buffer

The summer holidays are among the busiest times of the year. Those who plan enough time for the journey to the airport, baggage drop-off at check-in and the security check start their holidays much more relaxed. Especially on peak days, it is worth setting off a little earlier – whether by car or with an offer from SWISS Air Rail.

With carry-on baggage, less is often more

Oversized or overfilled carry-on baggage regularly leads to discussions at the gate and can delay boarding. Those who check their booking again and verify what is included in the booked fare are on the safe side when boarding. A look at the permitted weights, contents and dimensions before departure avoids unpleasant surprises. Anything that is not necessarily needed during the flight is better transported in checked baggage. What many underestimate: just a few additional or oversized items of baggage can slow down the boarding process and affect the entire flight operation. Those who travel with the intended baggage contribute to enabling everyone to depart on time.

Power banks always belong in carry-on baggage

For safety reasons, power banks, spare batteries and loose lithium batteries may not be transported in checked baggage. They belong in the cabin. Since the beginning of the year, new rules have applied at SWISS: a maximum of two power banks with a battery power of up to 100 watt-hours are permitted per person. They must be carried in carry-on baggage and may not be stowed in the overhead baggage bins. Charging power banks on board and charging them from the aircraft’s electrical power supply are not permitted. The use of power banks to power essential medical devices is exempt. Power banks with a battery power of between 100 and 160 watt-hours may only be brought on board with prior approval from the respective airline. With these rules, SWISS is enhancing safety on board.

Use the SWISS app as a travel companion

Gate changes, flight times or other important information are displayed directly in the SWISS app. Especially when travel traffic is dense, it is worth activating notifications. Many issues can be handled there quickly and easily by passengers themselves.

Plan some leeway for connecting flights

Not every delay can be prevented. Thunderstorms, airspace restrictions or high traffic volumes can affect the flight schedule. Those who make sure to allow sufficient connecting time when booking travel more relaxed and increase the chances of reaching their connecting flight without problems.

Check documents before departure

An expired passport or missing entry documents can hold up the holidays before departure. It is therefore worth doing a quick check of the documents and the entry requirements of the destination country before traveling.

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