Swiss International Air Lines Pet TravelLX

What types of animals are permitted in the cabin?

Dogs and cats weighing up to 8 kg (including the travel carrier) may travel in the cabin. Larger trained guide dogs (e.g. for visually impaired passengers) may also travel in the cabin if they fit in front of the seat. Only dogs and cats are accepted; other animals are not permitted in the cabin.

What is the maximum weight allowed for a pet in the cabin?

The maximum combined weight of the animal and the soft travel carrier is 8 kg.

What are the carrier size requirements for in-cabin pet travel?

The soft travel carrier must not exceed 118 cm in total dimensions (55 x 40 x 23 cm) so it can be stowed under the seat in front. It should not have a solid frame. The animal must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down in a natural position inside the carrier.

Can pets travel in the cargo hold, and what are the requirements?

Yes. Dogs and cats that weigh more than 8 kg (including the transport container) or are in a container exceeding the permitted cabin size travel in the hold. Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds are NOT permitted in the hold. The container must comply with IATA Live Animals Regulations. Wire mesh or wire-top containers are not allowed. The pet must be checked in 2–3 hours before departure. Animals are not accepted in the hold in Hong Kong, Ireland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and South Africa — they must travel as cargo.

What are the fees for traveling with a pet?

Fees vary by zone. Cabin (max 8 kg): within Switzerland CHF 75/EUR 65/USD 80; Europe CHF 90/EUR 80/USD 95; Levant & North Africa CHF 100/EUR 90/USD 105; Short-haul intercontinental CHF 115/EUR 105/USD 120; Medium-haul intercontinental CHF 130/EUR 115/USD 135; Long-haul intercontinental CHF 140/EUR 125/USD 145; Japan CHF 105/EUR 85/USD 115. Hold (crate size 1): within Switzerland CHF 90/EUR 80/USD 95; Europe CHF 115/EUR 100/USD 120; etc. Hold (crate sizes 2–5) are higher. For tickets issued after 1 April 2021, a surcharge of EUR 150/CHF 170/USD 170/CAD 220 per animal applies for connections via GVA, FRA, MUC, VIE, or ZRH.

Is there a limit on the number of pets per passenger or per flight?

Each passenger may take a maximum of two animals. Combinations allowed: one in the cabin and one in the hold, or up to two in the hold (in one or two approved containers). There is also a limited number of pets per flight in both the cabin and hold.

Are there any breed restrictions for pets traveling in the cabin or cargo?

Yes. Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) dog breeds (e.g. Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, Shih Tzu, etc.) and snub-nosed cat breeds (British Shorthair, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian, Scottish Fold) are only permitted in the cabin — not in the hold. Certain breeds classified as dangerous (American Bulldog, Caucasian Ovcharka, Dogo Argentino, Kangal, Rottweiler) may only travel in a reinforced cargo crate and are not permitted in the cabin. American Bully is fundamentally prohibited in the hold. All crossbreeds of restricted breeds are subject to the same rules.

What documents and health certificates are required to travel with a pet?

Required documents include import, export, and transit papers; a health certificate; and a vaccination certificate — all presented in original. For cabin travel, a signed passenger confirmation form (two printed copies) must be presented at check-in. For US-bound dog travel, a CDC Dog Import Form confirmation (digital or printed) is required. For assistance dogs on US flights, the US DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form must be submitted at least 48 hours before the flight.

How do I book a flight for my pet, and can I do it online?

You can register your pet online via 'My Bookings' (except for USA flights) or contact the SWISS Service Centre. For US flights, a specific online registration form must be completed. Carriage of animals should be booked in advance. For cargo travel (animals without a companion or where legally required), contact Swiss WorldCargo.

Are there special requirements for international travel with a pet?

Yes. Requirements vary by destination. For dogs entering the USA, new CDC regulations apply from 1 August 2024: bookings are only accepted to Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami, New York-JFK, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and Newark (EWR) for dogs that have not been in a high-risk rabies region in the past 6 months. A CDC Dog Import Form must be completed and the confirmation presented. Only dogs aged 6 months or older are accepted for US entry. For Canada, special papers are required per the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Animals may only be imported as cargo (not checked baggage) to Hong Kong, Ireland, UAE, UK, and South Africa.

Are there temperature-related restrictions for pets traveling in the cargo hold?

The conditions in the hold are described as similar to those in the cabin, with pleasant temperature and air pressure on longer flights. No specific temperature embargo dates are published on the page, but snub-nosed breeds are excluded from the hold due to their sensitivity to temperature and stress.

What is the airline's policy on sedating pets during travel?

No information about sedation policy is provided on the SWISS pet travel page.

Is there a dedicated contact for pet travel inquiries?

Yes. Passengers should contact the SWISS Service Centre for bookings, questions about carriage requirements, and any special concerns. For cargo travel, Swiss WorldCargo should be contacted.

Source: Official pet policy page ↗