Reserve a place for your pet before travelling

Inform our Service Center if you wish to take an animal with you on a SWISS flight. Cabin transport is subject to a charge.

Travelling with your pet

Animals on board  Travelling with your pet 

 

With SWISS, you can take your pet along on all routes. Right next to you in the cabin or under cabin conditions in the cargo section of the aircraft. Enjoy your flight together with your best friend.

A specific fee is usually charged in return for the transport of an animal. For fees for transport of an animal in cabin or in the cargo section, please refer to the respective section below.  

The general terms and conditions of transport issued by the aviation transport leader affiliated to the IATA make no exception to the above rules. It follows that, although animals taken into the cabin are deemed hand baggage, you will still be charged a fee for their transportation, this regardless of how much other baggage you take with you.

Animal transport by air is subject to laws and regulations that differ substantially from country to country. Present all the original documents required for the transport (import, export and transit papers, health and vaccination certificates) and book the transport of your pet with SWISS in advance. If the animal has not had the required vaccinations, then the owner is responsible for the return flights both of the animal and the owner.

  • Transport in the cabin 
     
    The following pets are allowed in the cabin
    • Dogs and cats
    • Animals with protection or assistance functions, e.g. guide dogs for persons with impaired vision.

    Prerequisites for transport in the cabin
    • Pet pack: your pet is kept in a clean, escape-proof, scratch-proof, soft-sided pack. (Length + width + height = max. 118 cm)
    • The pet must be kept completely (including head and tail) inside the pet pack during the entire flight 
    • The pet has enough room in the pet pack. It is not allowed to move about freely on board. 
    • The  pet pack must remain stowed away under your seat for the duration of the entire flight. 
    • The pet and pet pack together must not weigh more than 8 kg.
    • Your pet must be clean and healthy, not dangerous, not smell, not pregnant, and not be a nuisance to passengers.

    Note: Due to the structure of the seats, it is not possible to stow away the pet under your seat in the First and Business Class sections of the Airbus 330/340. In this case, the pet pack can be placed in the wardrobe, baggage compartment or maybe under a seat in the Economy Class for take-off and landing.

    There are no size or weight restrictions for dogs that perform a protective or support function; they will travel in the cabin for no extra charge and without a container.

    The following countries do not allow animals to be transported in the cabin nor checked-in as “baggage”: Ireland, the UK, Kenya, South Africa, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates. Animals travelling to these countries may only be checked in as freight.

    Transport in the Cabin
    Area of Application CHF EUR USD CAD
    Flights within Switzerland
    Flights Switzerland – Europe    		 60
    Flights Switzerland –Intercontinental 90
    Flights within Europe 50
    Flights Europe – Intercontinental 70
    Flights Intercontinental - Europe 100 100
  • Transport as animal in hold 

    In a suitable container, your pet can travel safely in the cargo section of the aircraft. Temperature and air pressure are similar to the situation in the cabin. It is not possible to visit the pet during the flight. At SWISS, you check in together with your pet. SWISS will provide you with all the information you need regarding booking, costs and check-in procedures for your pet.

    Prerequisites for transport in the cargo section:
    • Clean, healthy, not dangerous, no odour
    • Not pregnant
    • Travels in a suitable container or transport cage (Pet Pack), has enough food and water for the duration of the trip

    We advise you to be at the check-in counter 1 hour before the last check-in time.

    The following countries do not allow animals to be transported in the cabin nor checked-in as “baggage”:  Ireland, the UK, Kenya, South Africa, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates.
    Animals travelling to these countries may only be checked in as freight. 

    Transport as animal in hold

    Area of Application Animal Small Kennel
    (Max. 60x45x40cm)    		 Animal
    Bigger
    Kennels
    Flights within Switzerland
    Flights Switzerland – Europe    		 CHF 120 CHF 240
    Flights Switzerland –Intercontinental CHF 180 CHF 360
    Flights within Europe EUR 100 EUR 200
    Flights Europe – Intercontinental EUR 150 EUR 300
    Flights Intercontinental - Europe USD 200
    CAD 200    		 USD 400
    CAD 400
    Flights Intercontinental – Intercontinental via Europe USD 200
    CAD 200    		 USD 400
    CAD 400
  • Transport as freight 

    You don't necessarily have to accompany your pet - it can be safely transported as freight without you. In many countries, the transport of pets as freight is mandatory.
    The safety and comfort of your pet is SWISS’ top priority even in this case. Your pet may travel on the same aircraft as yourself or on another one. For more information regarding the booking, costs and procedures for this service, contact Swiss WorldCargo as early as possible on +41 44 564 54 54.

    Swiss WorldCargo
  • Guidelines for transport containers 
    The International Air Transport Association (IATA) defined guidelines for your pet’s well-being. In the interest of the animals, SWISS adheres to these definitions for quality, kind and minimum size. Please affix the IATA label “Live Animals” to the container.
  • Traveling to Switzerland with your dogs and cats 

    If you fly into Switzerland directly, you will be checked by Customs at the airport. If you come from a non-EU country a fee of CHF 88 is charged for this Customs check. If the animals do not meet the entry requirements, they will be confiscated by the Border Veterinary Service and must be returned immediately to their country of origin at the expense of the person bringing the animals into the country. If a return is not possible within 10 days, the animals must be put down.

    Please check the website of the Swiss federal veterinary office  for complete information.