We do not have a minimum age for air travel. However, a new-born less than one week old will need a certificate of fitness to travel from your GP.

Travelling by air does not present any specific health problems for a healthy baby or small child. However, if you are ever uncertain, contact your paediatrician.

We advise changing your flight arrangements in the event of the following:

• Acute head cold
• Following illness with a raised temperature
• After surgery

You must change your flight arrangements if your child is suffering from a contagious illness such as whooping cough, measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox etc.

Some illnesses are almost impossible to identify at birth, or else only develop afterwards. Risks are associated with, for example, serious anaemia, congenital heart diseases or too small or malformed lungs. In these cases it is possible that the symptoms of illness may become apparent during a flight.

Tip: You can help your child by breast or bottle feeding during the ascent and descent. This helps to balance out the pressure.

As a general rule, you will pay 10% of the regular fare for your baby until its second birthday and any other charges. We do not levy a service charge.

This rate does not entitle you to a separate seat for your child; he or she will travel on your lap.

If your child turns 2 while you are travelling, you will have to book a separate seat for him or her from this point on. The children’s rate will then generally apply. 

The following will make your flight pleasanter, especially if it is a long one:

• Cosy blanket to wrap up against the chill of the air conditioning
• Your child’s favourite cuddly animal
• Toys to entertain him or her
• Nappies and baby wipes
• Spare clothing for yourself and the baby
• Bottles and pacifier
• Any medication

Baby seat
You can book a separate seat for your baby at the children’s rate. You can then use your own car or baby seat on it. This way, you will have enough room for yourself and the baby. Please ensure that the seat is certified for air travel and is appropriate to our seat dimensions (40x40cm/15.7x15.7IN). You are responsible for fitting the seat to the aircraft seat. However, our crew will be pleased to help you.

Folding buggy/pushchair
Ask at check-in if you can take your folding one-piece buggy (about the size of an umbrella when folded) with you until you board the aircraft. E.g. for twin buggies this is generally not possible. Depending on where you are flying to, your buggy will be returned to you either when you disembark or on the baggage carousel.

There is no charge for the transportation of folding buggies and pushchairs.

The WCs on some aircraft will have a changing table. Our cabin crew will be pleased to show you where they are.

Business Class on longhaul flights and within Europe has special facilities for your baby.

• We will be pleased to provide you with a cot on request. This is a limited offer, and for safety reasons is only available for babies up to the age of eight months and a maximum weight of 11 kg. Contact our SWISS Service Center for this.
• We offer a special menu for babies. It consists of a jar of vegetable puree and one of fruit puree. Order this menu while you are making your online booking, or contact our Service Center at least 48 hours before departure.

Tips for flights from Zurich: There is a separate Children’s Lounge for passengers with babies and small children at Zurich in Transit A and on Dock E, where changing mats, care products, warming facilities for meals, children’s chairs, toys and play pens are available free of charge.