Swiss Air
Planning to fly with your dog? While air travel can be a quick way to get dogs or pets from one place to another, you should always plan ahead and make sure you know airlines have different policies about transporting pets. Some allow pets to travel in the aircraft cabin as part of your carry-on luggage allowance, while others will only allow pets to travel in the cargo area, and fees can vary from at all to more than $500. Also, most airlines only allow up to 4 dogs on each flight, so always make sure it is available for your dog BEFORE buying your own ticket. And always notice the airline 48 hours ahead of your trip.
To make your travel easy, please familiarize yourself with current U.S. Travel Regulations or International Pet Travel restrictions before you go. Have a great trip!
Pet In Cabin Policy
The following animals will travel in the cabin Dogs and cats weighing up to 8 kg (weight including transport container). Larger dogs with protective or assistance functions (e.g. guide dogs for the visually impaired).
Requirements You must transport your animal in a soft container that is clean, escape-proof and scratchproof. The maximum container size is 55 x 23 x 40 cm.
There must be enough space in it for the animal, which must remain fully in the transport container for the entire flight. It is not allowed to run around in the cabin.
Your animal must be clean and healthy and must not annoy any of the passengers. It must not be dangerous or pregnant, and must not smell.
The transport container must be large enough for the animal to stand in its natural position, to turn around and to lie down.
The transport container must be stowed under your seat during the entire flight. Due to the design of the seats in the Airbus 330/340, this is not possible in SWISS Business (except in the last row) or SWISS First. Our crew will stow the transport container in the cloakroom, in one of the overhead luggage compartments or under another passenger seat during take-off and landing.
There are no size and weight restrictions for dogs with protective or assistance functions. They travel free in the cabin, and do not have to be in a transport container.
Emotional support dogs are only accepted free of charge on SWISS flights to/from the USA (including direct connections). For flights outside the USA the emotional support dog will be transported in the cabin or cargo department depending on weight and size – additional charges apply.
Pet Cargo Policy
The following animals travel in the hold Dogs and cats as well as hares and rabbits that weight more than 8 kg (weight including transport container) bigger than the permitted size (max. 55 x 23 x 40 cm).
Animals other than dogs, cats, rabbits and hares are not allowed to travel in the hold. Certain species may be transported as cargo. Which species are affected you will find the detailed information under "Advanced regulations".
Information and special requirements for the transportation of breeds of fighting dogs as well as pug nosed dogs and cats can be found under "Advanced regulation".
Requirements Your pet must be clean, healthy and not dangerous. It must not be pregnant, and must not smell.
It must travel in a suitable container or crate, and must have enough food and water for the entire journey.
The conditions in the hold are similar to those in the cabin. The temperature and air pressure are also pleasant on longer flights. It is not possible to visit the hold during the flight. Check-in with your pet. You should be at our counter at least one hour before the latest check-in time.
Carrier Guideline
Cargo crates for dangerous dogs
Dogs that are considered dangerous breeds may only be transported in a suitable cargo crate and are not allowed to be carried in the cabin. Dogs aged between 3 and 6 months old are exempt from this regulation. In line with the IATA Live Animals Regulations container Requirement 82, the cargo crate must comply with certain criteria, which are detailed in the listed specifications.
Cargo crates for dangerous dog breeds must comply with the following criteria:
The cargo crate must be made from wood, metal, synthetic materials, welded wire mesh or standard wire mesh.
Additional requirements apply to the frame, sides, floor, roof and door of the cargo crate. Please consult the graphic "Cargo crates for dangerous dog breeds".
No part of the crate is allowed to be made from plastic.
The door must be made from a heavy duty wire mesh, metal or reinforced wood and must be equipped with a safety lock that prevents accidental opening.
Other Restrictions
Kindly note: Each passenger is permitted to take a maximum of two animals with him/her (in an approved transport container).
Transport can be in the cabin and/or in the hold:
A maximum of two animals (dog or cat) in the cabin
One animal (dog or cat) in the cabin and one animal in the hold
A maximum of two animals in the hold (in one or two approved transport containers)
Dogs and cats are only permitted to travel from the age of 12 weeks and above. The same rule applies to flights from the USA. For flights to the USA, travel is only permitted from the age of 16 weeks and above.
Please note also that in the following countries animals may only be imported as cargo:
Australia
Hong Kong
Ireland
Kenya
South Africa
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
Travel to Hawaii / International Travel
Travelling to Switzerland with dogs and cats
If you fly directly to Switzerland, your pet will be checked by Customs at the airport. If the animal fails to meet the entry requirements, it will be confiscated by the Border Veterinary Service and must immediately return to its country of origin. This will be at the expense of the person who brought the animal into the country. If it is not possible to return the animal within 10 days, it will have to be put down. For further information, please refer to the website of the Swiss Federal Veterinary Office.
Fees
The cabin fee is $100 each way; cargo fee for a small kennel 60X45X40 is $200 each way, and all other kennels are $400 each way.
Contact Information
