Swiss International Air Lines allows dogs and cats to travel in the cabin, as checked baggage in the hold, or via cargo through Swiss WorldCargo. Cabin travel is the most straightforward option for small pets weighing up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs) total including carrier. Pets over that limit must travel in the hold or as cargo, subject to strict breed bans and route-specific restrictions.
This guide reflects information verified against the official Swiss Airlines pet policy page at swiss.com in February 2026. Fees and rules change; always confirm directly with Swiss before booking.
Quick Reference: Swiss International Air Lines Pet Policy
| Policy Detail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Species allowed | Dogs and cats only |
| Cabin weight limit | 8 kg (17.6 lbs) including carrier |
| Carrier dimensions | 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 9 in), max sum 118 cm |
| Domestic (Switzerland) cabin fee | CHF 75-140 (~$87-162 USD) per leg |
| Intra-Europe cabin fee | EUR 65-125 (~$71-137 USD) per leg |
| Long-haul cabin fee | USD 150-220 (~$150-254 USD) per leg |
| Booking method | “My Bookings” online (non-USA flights) or Swiss Service Centre: +41 848 700 700 |
| Advance booking required | At least 72 hours before departure for hold; 7+ days recommended for cabin |
| Brachycephalic dogs banned from hold | Boston Terrier, Boxer, Bulldog (all except American Bulldog), Chow Chow, Brussels Griffon, Japanese Chin, English Toy Spaniel, Pug, Pekingese, Shih Tzu |
| Cabin-prohibited destinations | Hong Kong, Ireland, UAE, UK, South Africa (cargo only) |
| Service animals | Free in cabin with documentation; dogs only |
| ESAs | Treated as pets; full fees apply |
Verify all fees and availability directly with Swiss before booking. Fees are paid at airport check-in, not online.
In-Cabin Pet Travel
Swiss International Air Lines permits dogs and cats in the cabin on most routes. The combined weight of pet plus carrier must not exceed 8 kg (17.6 lbs). Even medium-sized cats or small dogs with a heavier carrier can exceed this limit, so weigh both together before booking.
You may travel with up to two pets per passenger: one in cabin plus one in hold, or two in hold. Each flight has a limited number of cabin spots, and availability is not guaranteed. Book as early as possible.
The minimum age for cabin travel is 12 weeks on most routes. For flights to the USA, the minimum age is 6 months under CDC rules effective August 2024.
Key Takeaway: Swiss International Air Lines allows dogs and cats only in the cabin, up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs) including carrier. Only cats and dogs qualify; no other species are permitted.
Carrier Requirements
The carrier must be soft-sided, leak-proof, and scratch-resistant with no solid frame. Maximum dimensions are 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 9 in), with a maximum combined sum of 118 cm. The carrier size limit of 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 9 in) is among the stricter cabin policies among European carriers.
The carrier must have mesh ventilation panels on multiple sides and enough interior space for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down naturally. It must stow under the seat in front of you during takeoff, landing, and turbulence. In Business Class, the carrier may be stored in a closet or overhead bin, except in the last row of Business where under-seat stowage applies.
Measure your pet while they are standing and add at least 5 cm to each dimension before selecting a carrier. Gate agents at Zurich (ZRH) and Geneva (GVA) inspect carriers at security, and a rigid-framed bag will be denied boarding.
Tip: Weigh your pet inside the carrier on a home scale before your travel day. The 8 kg (17.6 lbs) limit includes the carrier itself, and a standard soft carrier weighs 0.5-1.5 kg on its own.
How to Book a Pet on Swiss International Air Lines
Pet reservations cannot be added during initial online flight booking. After securing your ticket, follow these steps:
- Log into “My Bookings” on swiss.com (available for non-USA flights) or call the Swiss Service Centre at +41 848 700 700 (Switzerland) or your country-specific number listed on the Swiss website.
- Submit the pet reservation request with your pet’s species, breed, and combined weight including carrier.
- Complete and submit the Swiss pet conditions form. Print two copies to bring to the airport.
- Wait for an email confirmation before assuming your pet is booked. Spots are limited and not guaranteed until confirmed.
- For USA-bound flights with a service animal, email the DOT Service Animal Form and Relief Attestation to Swiss at least 48 hours before departure.
- Prepare all destination-specific documents at least two weeks before travel (see Required Documents section).
- Arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before departure. Online check-in is not available when traveling with a pet.
- At check-in, present both printed pet conditions forms, all health documentation, and pay the pet fee. Fees are collected at the airport, not online.
Warning: USA-bound flights cannot use “My Bookings” for pet additions. You must call the Swiss Service Centre directly. Allow extra time for this step, as wait times vary.
Fees Breakdown
Swiss International Air Lines charges approximately CHF 70-100 for in-cabin pets on European routes as of February 2026. Long-haul intercontinental routes cost significantly more. All fees are paid at airport check-in and apply per leg.
| Travel Type | Route Category | Fee | Currency | USD Equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabin | Domestic (Switzerland) | CHF 75-140 | CHF | ~$87-162 | Per leg; last Business row under-seat applies |
| Cabin | Intra-Europe | EUR 65-125 | EUR | ~$71-137 | Short-haul routes |
| Cabin | Long-haul intercontinental | USD 150-220 | USD | ~$150-254 | +CHF 170 surcharge via FRA/MUC/VIE/ZRH/GVA hubs |
| Hold | Europe/Domestic | CHF 185-300 | CHF | ~$213-347 | Crate size 1; +CHF 170 (~$196 USD) via hubs |
| Hold | Long-haul | USD 300-445 | USD | ~$300-514 | Crate sizes 2-5 |
| Cargo (unaccompanied) | All routes | Contact Swiss WorldCargo | Varies | Varies | Via swissworldcargo.com; required for some destinations |
Hub surcharges of CHF 170 (~$196 USD) apply when routing through Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), Vienna (VIE), Zurich (ZRH), or Geneva (GVA). Verify current fees with Swiss before booking, as these ranges reflect February 2026 data.
Key Takeaway: Cabin fees on Swiss International Air Lines range from EUR 65 (~$71 USD) intra-Europe to USD 220+ (~$254 USD) on long-haul routes. Hold and cargo fees are substantially higher and vary by crate size and route.
Check-In and Airport Process
Arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before departure for domestic flights and at least 3 hours for international flights requiring document checks. Online check-in is not available for passengers traveling with pets.
At the check-in counter, present both printed copies of the Swiss pet conditions form, all required health certificates and vaccination records, and your pet in the approved carrier. Pay the pet fee at this point. Security staff will inspect the carrier. Service dogs receive a separate behavior assessment at the gate.
Connections through Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), or Vienna (VIE) add a CHF 170 (~$196 USD) surcharge and may involve additional document checks. Factor this into your routing decision.
Service Animals
Swiss International Air Lines recognizes trained assistance dogs for passengers with disabilities. Service animals must be dogs; no other species qualify. One or two service dogs may travel free of charge in the cabin.
Required documentation includes a training certificate from an ADI, ADEu, or IGDF-accredited organization, or full trainer details if independently trained. For flights to or from the USA, you must also submit the US DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form and the Service Animal Relief Attestation Form (for flights over 8 hours) by email to Swiss at least 48 hours before departure. DOT forms are available at transportation.gov.
Service dogs travel in the foot space in front of your seat, not on a seat. They must wear a harness and remain under control at all times. A muzzle is recommended. First and Business Class may have limitations on floor space; confirm when booking.
Tip: Email your DOT forms to Swiss exactly 48 hours before departure and request a confirmation reply. Bring printed copies to the airport as backup. Pre-approval prevents gate-level delays.
Emotional Support Animals
Swiss International Air Lines does not recognize emotional support animals as service animals. This policy took effect on 1 March 2021, following the US DOT rule change that removed ESA protections under the Air Carrier Access Act.
ESAs must travel as regular pets. They are subject to all standard pet fees, carrier requirements, weight limits, and breed restrictions. No special documentation or waivers apply. If your ESA exceeds 8 kg (17.6 lbs) including carrier, it must travel in the hold or cargo.
Hold and Cargo Travel
Swiss WorldCargo handles pets over 8 kg (17.6 lbs) and all unaccompanied pet shipments. There is no published upper weight limit for cargo travel. Swiss Cargo operates seasonal temperature embargoes during extreme summer and winter weather conditions; contact Swiss WorldCargo at swissworldcargo.com to confirm availability during your travel period.
IATA Live Animals Regulations govern crate specifications for hold and cargo travel. Crates must be sturdy and lockable, with a waterproof base and absorbent bedding material. Ventilation openings are required on all sides, with maximum hole sizes of 25 mm for dogs and 19 mm for cats. Food and water bowls must be fixed inside the crate. Wheels are not permitted. Spacers must be attached to the outside to prevent ventilation from being blocked.
Book hold travel through the Swiss Service Centre at +41 848 700 700 no later than 72 hours before departure. For unaccompanied cargo or destinations requiring cargo-only transport, book directly through Swiss WorldCargo.
Warning: Brachycephalic dogs and cats are banned from hold and cargo travel on Swiss International Air Lines due to respiratory risk. See the Breed Restrictions section for the full list of affected breeds.
Breed Restrictions
Swiss International Air Lines applies two separate restriction categories: brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds and dangerous breeds. These categories have different rules for cabin and hold access.
Brachycephalic dogs (cabin permitted, hold and cargo banned):
Boston Terrier, Boxer, Bulldog (all varieties except American Bulldog), Chow Chow, Brussels Griffon, Japanese Chin, English Toy Spaniel, Pug, Pekingese, Shih Tzu.
Brachycephalic cats (cabin permitted, hold and cargo banned):
British Shorthair, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian, Scottish Fold.
Dangerous breeds (cabin banned, cargo only with special crate):
American Bulldog, American Bully, Caucasian Ovcharka, Dogo Argentino, Karabash/Kangal, Rottweiler, Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier.
Puppies of dangerous breeds aged 3-6 months may be exempt from some cargo crate requirements; contact Swiss directly to confirm. No breed-specific documentation beyond the standard health certificate is required.
Warning: If your dog or cat is a brachycephalic breed, cabin is the only Swiss travel option. Hold and cargo are not available for these breeds under any circumstances. Verify your breed’s status with Swiss before booking at +41 848 700 700.
Required Documents
All pets require a vet-issued health certificate in original form. Timing requirements vary by destination; obtain the certificate within the window specified by your destination country’s import rules.
Rabies vaccination records are required for most destinations. For high-risk rabies countries traveling to the USA, a rabies titer test result is also required. USA-bound pets must meet new cdc regulations for dogs, including the CDC Dog Import Form and proof of US-issued rabies vaccination or a valid US-issued microchip.
The EU Pet Passport is accepted on routes where it is valid. Print two copies of the Swiss pet conditions form and bring both to check-in. Destination-specific import and export permits must be presented at check-in.
Microchip requirements are not specified by Swiss Airlines directly, but many destination countries require a microchip as a government import condition. Check your destination country’s official government import rules at least 4 weeks before travel.
Submit your completed Swiss pet conditions form online immediately after receiving your booking confirmation. Printing two copies at home before your travel day avoids delays at the check-in counter.
Route-Specific Restrictions
Cabin pet travel is prohibited on flights to and from Hong Kong, Ireland, UAE, UK, and South Africa. Pets on these routes must travel as cargo only, booked through Swiss WorldCargo.
Destinations including Australia, Hawaii, and Japan are not listed on the Swiss policy page as cargo-only, but these countries have strict government-level quarantine requirements. Verify current import rules through official government channels before booking.
Routing through hub airports including Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), Vienna (VIE), Zurich (ZRH), and Geneva (GVA) adds a CHF 170 (~$196 USD) surcharge per connection.
Codeshare flight pet policies are not confirmed by Swiss. If your itinerary includes a codeshare segment, contact Swiss directly at +41 848 700 700 to confirm whether pet travel is permitted on the operating carrier’s segment.
Swiss Cargo applies temperature embargoes during extreme summer and winter weather. Specific temperature thresholds and embargo months are not published. Contact Swiss WorldCargo at swissworldcargo.com to confirm availability during your travel dates.
Tip: Always check the official government pet import website for your destination country at least 4 weeks before travel. Swiss Airlines can deny boarding if destination import documents are incomplete, regardless of your pet reservation status.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I bring my dog in the cabin on Swiss Airlines?
Yes. Dogs and cats weighing under 8 kg (17.6 lbs) including carrier can travel in the cabin on most Swiss routes. Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old (6 months for USA flights). Brachycephalic breeds are permitted in cabin but banned from hold and cargo. Dangerous breeds are banned from cabin entirely.
How much does Swiss charge for in-cabin pets?
Cabin fees start at EUR 65 (~$71 USD) for intra-European routes and CHF 75 (~$87 USD) for domestic Swiss routes. Long-haul intercontinental flights cost USD 150-220 (~$150-254 USD). A hub surcharge of CHF 170 (~$196 USD) applies when routing through FRA, MUC, VIE, ZRH, or GVA. Fees are paid at airport check-in. Verify current amounts with Swiss before booking.
What are the carrier size limits for Swiss Airlines?
Maximum carrier dimensions are 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 9 in) with a maximum combined sum of 118 cm. The carrier must be soft-sided, leak-proof, and scratch-resistant. It must fit under the seat in front of you.
Are brachycephalic dogs allowed on Swiss?
Brachycephalic dogs including Pugs, Boxers, Boston Terriers, Bulldogs (except American Bulldog), Chow Chows, Brussels Griffons, Japanese Chins, English Toy Spaniels, Pekingese, and Shih Tzus may travel in the cabin only. They are banned from hold and cargo travel. Brachycephalic cats including British Shorthairs, Exotic Shorthairs, Himalayans, Persians, and Scottish Folds face the same restriction.
Does Swiss Airlines allow emotional support animals?
No. Swiss does not recognize ESAs as service animals. Since 1 March 2021, ESAs are treated as regular pets and are subject to all standard fees, carrier requirements, and weight limits. No special documentation applies.
How do I book a pet on Swiss Airlines?
Pet booking is not available during initial online flight purchase. After booking your flight, log into “My Bookings” on swiss.com (non-USA flights only) or call the Swiss Service Centre at +41 848 700 700. Confirm at least 7 days in advance for cabin pets and no later than 72 hours before departure for hold pets. You will receive an email confirmation. Spots are limited and not guaranteed until confirmed.
What documents does my pet need for Swiss flights?
Required documents include a vet-issued health certificate (original, timed to your destination’s requirements), rabies vaccination records, and destination-specific import permits. USA-bound pets need the CDC Dog Import Form. The EU Pet Passport is accepted where valid. Print two copies of the Swiss pet conditions form for check-in. Microchip requirements depend on your destination country’s government rules, not Swiss Airlines directly.
A Note on Policy Accuracy
The information in this article was verified against the official Swiss International Air Lines pet policy page at swiss.com/us/en/prepare/special-care/animals-travelling in February 2026. Fee ranges reflect data available at that time and are subject to change without notice.
International pet travel standards referenced in this article follow the IATA Live Animals Regulations, available at iata.org. US service animal rules follow DOT guidance at transportation.gov.
This article is for informational purposes only. Airlines that allow pets in cabin policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Swiss International Air Lines before booking.
