Dog Flight Guide
Swiss International Air Lines

Europe

Flying with a dog on Swiss International Air Lines LX

Cabin + cargo Score: 80

Here is the Swiss International Air Lines pet policy for dogs, checked against the airline's own pages in October 2026. Below: what applies in the cabin and in the hold, the breed rules for your dog, and what to sort out before you fly.

Swiss International Air Lines dog policy at a glance

In the cabin

Up to 8 kg

Allowed
Max weight 8 kg dog + carrier
Carrier 55 × 40 × 23 cm 21.5 × 15.5 × 9 inand max 118 cm in total
Dogs per carrier Not listed
Fee 75–160 CHF varies by routeCHF 75-160 per animal depending on route (CHF 245 from/to Japan)
How it travels Under the seat in front with you
4 carriers fit by their dimensions

In the hold

Available

Allowed
Max weight Not listed
Kennel Not listed
Fee 90–440 CHF varies by route and sizeCHF 90-440 per animal depending on route and crate size (plus CHF 170 for hold transfers via Zurich, Geneva, Frankfurt, Munich or Vienna)
How it travels Checked baggage on your flight, climate-controlled hold

Swiss International Air Lines pet carrier size: dog carriers that fit

We checked every carrier in our comparison against the limits of Swiss International Air Lines, size by size. Shown are the ones that fit by their dimensions, most mentioned first. At the gate, Swiss International Air Lines decides.

Breed rules

Restrictions

Snub-nosed

Cabin, with you
Allowed
Hold, on your flight
Not allowed

Strong breeds

Cabin, with you
Not allowed
Hold, on your flight
Conditional

Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds and their crossbreeds, including American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Bull Terrier, are not accepted in the hold or as cargo and may only fly in the cabin. Dangerous breeds (American Bulldog, Caucasian Ovcharka, Dogo Argentino, Kangal, Rottweiler) are not allowed in the cabin and must travel in a special cargo crate, and the American Bully is not accepted.

Assistance dogs

Allowed

Certified assistance and guide dogs accepted in cabin free of charge. Documentation from a recognized organization required. Contact airline in advance.

Summary

general

Pets can travel either in the cabin or in the hold across the entire route network. Carriage must be booked in advance and all required travel documents arranged. Weight limits, fees and breed rules are not stated on this page.

cabin

The carrier must be soft, clean, leak-proof and scratch-resistant, with no solid frame, so it can be stowed under the seat in front.

hold

Pets can travel in the hold on the passenger's flight across the route network, but no specific kennel dimensions or weight limits are stated on this page.

Before you fly

  • Check which vaccinations and health documents your route requires, and keep them with you.
  • Reserve your dog's spot early, as places per flight are limited.
  • Check the entry rules of your destination country.
  • Get your dog used to the carrier or kennel well before the trip.
  • Larger dogs travel in the climate-controlled hold, so book that early too.

Always double-check

Airline pet policies change often and vary by route, aircraft and season. Confirm the current rules directly with Swiss International Air Lines before booking.

Visit Swiss International Air Lines

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Flying with a dog on Swiss International Air Lines: FAQ

What is the Swiss International Air Lines pet policy for dogs? ▾

Swiss International Air Lines allows small dogs up to 8 kg in the cabin, and larger dogs travel in the hold. Some breeds are restricted, and the Dog-Friendly Score is 80/100. Checked against the official policy in October 2026.

Can I bring my dog in the cabin on Swiss International Air Lines? ▾

Yes. Swiss International Air Lines allows small dogs up to 8 kg (including the carrier) in the cabin, as long as the carrier fits under the seat in front of you.

Can my dog travel in cargo on Swiss International Air Lines? ▾

Yes. Swiss International Air Lines transports dogs in the temperature-controlled hold. Advance booking and an IATA-compliant travel crate are usually required.

How much does it cost to fly a dog on Swiss International Air Lines? ▾

On Swiss International Air Lines, the in-cabin fee is 75–160 CHF (varies by route); the airline states: CHF 75-160 per animal depending on route (CHF 245 from/to Japan), and the hold fee is 90–440 CHF (varies by route and size); the airline states: CHF 90-440 per animal depending on route and crate size (plus CHF 170 for hold transfers via Zurich, Geneva, Frankfurt, Munich or Vienna). Fees change, so confirm the exact amount when you book.

Are there breed restrictions on Swiss International Air Lines? ▾

Yes. Swiss International Air Lines restricts certain breeds: Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds and their crossbreeds, including American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Bull Terrier, are not accepted in the hold or as cargo and may only fly in the cabin. Dangerous breeds (American Bulldog, Caucasian Ovcharka, Dogo Argentino, Kangal, Rottweiler) are not allowed in the cabin and must travel in a special cargo crate, and the American Bully is not accepted. Check the breed rules for your dog before booking.

Does Swiss International Air Lines accept assistance dogs? ▾

Yes. Trained assistance dogs are accepted in the cabin, usually free of charge, with the required documentation. Contact Swiss International Air Lines in advance.

Last verified: 5 October 2026