Switzerland is outside the EU — own customs authority. Zurich is a major destination for UK finance professionals in Swiss private banking, pharmaceuticals and technology. Swiss Air Lines Cargo at ZRH handles UK personal effects efficiently. Swiss customs are thorough but well-organised — correct documentation means smooth clearance.
🇨🇭 Zurich, Switzerland • Air: 4-7 working days • Sea: 3-6 weeks sea via Basel • Arrival: Zurich Airport (ZRH) — Swiss International Air Lines Cargo • Cargo: SWISS WorldCargo • Airlines: Swiss International, British Airways, easyJet • Airline fee: a steep fee per extra bag • 0800 096 38 39
UK finance professionals, pharmaceutical and tech sector workers. Typical customers: UK finance, pharmaceutical and tech professionals..
Call 0800 096 38 39 or quote online. Your UK postcode, Zurich destination, bag count and collection date. Price confirmed before we collect.
Within M25: Mon–Fri 09:30–16:00 • Outside M25: Mon–Fri 10:00–17:00. Weekend collections within Greater London only, subject to surcharge. £75 deposit secures your date.
All freight moves through Heathrow cargo — 2 miles from MetEx House, Hounslow. Air freight to Zurich Airport (ZRH) — Swiss International Air Lines Cargo in 4-7 working days. Sea freight alternative: 3-6 weeks sea via Basel. These sea transit times are approximate — the actual time depends on when your LCL container finishes loading and consolidating, the vessel’s sailing date and route, any transhipment hub before the final destination, and customs clearance, so please allow a week or two either side.
Collect from the cargo warehouse with passport and Air Waybill reference. Destination handling charges payable locally in Switzerland. We advise on known charges at booking.
Airlines serving Zurich from the UK include Swiss International, British Airways, easyJet. Their excess baggage fees run a steep fee per extra bag at check-in. Our price is confirmed before collection — and as long as your bags are what you told us, that’s the price you pay on the day.
“Zurich is a route we handle regularly. For two or more bags, we are almost always cheaper than paying Swiss International at check-in. Call 0800 096 38 39 with your postcode, Zurich destination and bag count — written quotation immediately, no obligation.”
Non-EU — Swiss customs (Eidgenössische Zollverwaltung). Personal effects clearance requires itemised list, passport copy and residence permit or proof of relocation. Switzerland is outside the EU — own customs authority applies independently of EU rules.
Switzerland customs requirements can be specific to your residency status. A 5-minute call to 0800 096 38 39 before you pack can save significant time at the Zurich end.
Airline excess-baggage charges add up fast once you go past a bag or two, and they often bill by the kilo on top. Once you have more than a couple of bags, sending them with us usually works out cheaper and a good deal less stressful.
| Factor | Excess Baggage Fees | Ship with Us |
|---|---|---|
| Cost for 2+ bags | Often £150–500+ per extra bag | Usually works out cheaper |
| Size limits | Strict airline limits; oversized bags rejected | We can ship boxes, crates, odd shapes |
| Pickup | You carry to airport; pay at check-in | We collect from your door, UK-wide |
| Delivery | Airport baggage claim only | Door delivery or airport, your choice |
| Timing | Arrives with your flight | Can arrive before or after you |
| Fragile items | Airline handling; damage common | Professional packing; insurable |
Excess Luggage Co. has been shipping personal effects from the UK since 1998 — over 28 years of experience. Operating from MetEx House, 2 miles from Heathrow cargo terminals, we are one of the UK's longest-established specialist luggage freight services. Expat forums and community discussions cite our 25-year track record and confirmed pricing as key reasons customers choose us.
Tell us your UK postcode, Zurich destination, bag count and collection date. Written quotation. We collect.
Door collection from any UK address, Monday to Friday. Select your nearest city for local collection details:
✍ Within M25: Mon–Fri 09:30–16:00 • Outside M25: Mon–Fri 10:00–17:00 • Full collection info
Door collection Monday to Friday from any UK address. Select your nearest city for local collection times and details:
✍ Within M25: Mon–Fri 09:30–16:00 • Outside M25: Mon–Fri 10:00–17:00
On a door-to-airport service we fly your shipment to the destination airport. From that point the consignee takes over, and may be responsible for:
Collect promptly after arrival — storage fees accrue daily and are set by the handling agent, not by us.
Why we tell you now: we would rather over-explain than have you meet a charge you were not expecting. We believe in being upfront and transparent from the beginning. See our customs guide for the full picture.
Our premises, our warehouse, our staff and our vehicles — photographed on the job. Not stock images.
— practical guidesWhat to pack, what customs expects, what you can’t send, and how cover works.
If you’re flying to Zurich yourself and only have one or two extra bags, paying the airline for excess baggage may be the simplest option. But for larger amounts — multiple bags, boxes, or a full relocation — sending your belongings as unaccompanied luggage is usually more flexible and often more economical. Here’s an honest comparison:
| Extra airline baggage | Shipping with Excess Luggage | |
|---|---|---|
| Collected from your door | You carry it to the airport yourself | Yes — we collect from your UK address |
| How much you can send | Limited by airline allowance | No practical limit — bags, boxes, furniture |
| Price predictability | Per-bag fees, can add up fast | Written quotation before we collect |
| Do you have to be flying? | Yes | No — send it independently |
| Customs paperwork | You handle it alone | We guide you through it |
| Oversized / awkward items | Often refused or penalised | Handled routinely |
| Best for | 1–2 extra bags on your own flight | Larger moves, boxes, unaccompanied items |
We’ll always give you an honest steer — if the airline is genuinely cheaper for what you’re sending, we’ll tell you.