SWISS dog in cabin: weight, carrier and booking

SWISS accepts dogs and cats up to 8 kg in the cabin and allows a longer carrier than most: up to 55 x 40 x 23 cm. For snub-nosed breeds the cabin is the only option — never the hold.

At a glance

• Cabin. dog or cat up to 8 kg, carrier included
• Cabin carrier. soft-sided, maximum 55 x 40 x 23 cm (118 cm total)
• Snub-nosed breeds. cabin only, never in the hold
• Hold. above 8 kg, as excess baggage
• Cabin fee. from €65 within Switzerland and €80 in Europe, up to €125 long-haul
• Hold surcharge. extra €150 for transfers via FRA, MUC, VIE, ZRH or GVA
• Maximum per passenger. 2 animals, one in the cabin and one in the hold
• Minimum age. 12 weeks

A more generous carrier allowance

The SWISS limit is 118 cm as the sum of the three dimensions, with a maximum of 55 x 40 x 23 cm. That is longer than the 46 cm allowed by Air France and KLM — for a small but long dog, a dachshund for instance, it can be the difference between cabin and hold.

The carrier must be soft and padded, leak-proof, odour-proof and large enough for the animal to stand, lie down and turn around.

Booking is not automatic

Announce your pet well in advance: on most routes you can do it yourself in "My bookings", while flights to and from the United States need the dedicated registration form or the Service Centre. SWISS checks the carriage conditions and pet space availability, which is limited per flight.

The service only applies to SWISS-operated flights: on an itinerary including Lufthansa or Austrian legs, those airlines' rules apply.

At check-in you must present two printed copies of the completed and signed form, required on all flights for cabin carriage. The only exception is an assistance dog on direct flights to and from the United States.

New from 4 May 2026: hold crate requirements

From 4 May 2026 the container used for hold transport must meet additional IATA Live Animals Regulations requirements: ventilation openings must not exceed 25 x 25 mm for dogs and 19 x 19 mm for cats, and must be small enough — or covered with mesh — to stop the animal pushing any body part through.

Non-compliant kennels are refused at check-in, which means the pet is not accepted for transport. If your crate was bought before 2024, check it now: few airports sell compliant containers on site.

The other IATA requirements still apply: rigid container with a solid top (never wire mesh), wheels removed, food and water bowls fixed to the door, and spacers on the sides.

Snub-nosed breeds: the rule is reversed

SWISS accepts brachycephalic breeds in the cabin only, never in the hold, precisely because they are more sensitive to temperature and stress. If you have a pug or a French bulldog under 8 kg, this is one of the first airlines to look at.

Pregnant animals are not accepted. Each passenger may take a maximum of two animals: one in the cabin and one in the hold, or both in the hold.

Countries where pets travel as cargo only

For the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates and South Africa, import is allowed as cargo only — none of these destinations accept an accompanied pet.

For the United States only certain airports are accepted — Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami, New York JFK, Philadelphia, Washington DC, with Newark available again — and the dog must be at least 6 months old.

Frequently asked questions

• Does SWISS allow dogs in the cabin?
  Yes, dogs and cats up to 8 kg including the carrier, which can measure up to 55 x 40 x 23 cm. Announce the pet in advance through "My bookings" or the Service Centre, and bring two printed copies of the signed form to check-in.
• Does SWISS accept snub-nosed dogs?
  Yes, but in the cabin only. Brachycephalic breeds are not accepted in the hold because they are more sensitive to temperature and stress.
• How much does a dog cost on SWISS?
  In the cabin it starts from €65 within Switzerland and €80 in Europe, rising to €125 on long-haul intercontinental routes. In the hold it runs from €80 to €380 depending on zone and crate size, with a €150 surcharge for transfers via Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna, Zurich and Geneva. Assistance dogs travel free.
• Is my hold crate still valid in 2026?
  Only if it meets the new IATA requirements in force from 4 May 2026: ventilation openings no larger than 25 x 25 mm for dogs and 19 x 19 mm for cats. Non-compliant kennels are refused at check-in and the pet is not accepted.
• Can I take my dog to the United Kingdom with SWISS?
  Not as an accompanied pet. For the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the UAE and South Africa, transport is only possible as cargo.
• How many pets can I take with SWISS?
  A maximum of two per passenger: one in the cabin and one in the hold, or two in the hold, in approved containers.

Experiences from people who flew SWISS

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