🔄 Updated : June 30, 2026

SWISS (Switzerland) is one of the airlines that accept dogs both in the cabin and in the hold, under conditions. Weight limits, fees, affected breeds and booking: here is everything you need to know before you reserve.

In the cabin

SWISS accepts a dog in the cabin if its weight, carrier included, does not exceed 8 kg (18 lb). The carrier must be soft-sided and fit under the seat in front of you.

Airline conditions: dog + carrier under 8 kg (18 lb); soft carrier max 55 × 40 × 23 cm (21.5 × 15.5 × 9 in).

In the hold

Above the cabin limit, your dog travels in a pressurized, heated hold, inside an IATA-compliant crate.

Airline conditions: over 8 kg (18 lb) in the hold (as excess baggage); brachycephalic breeds banned from the hold.

Brachycephalic breeds

Like most airlines, SWISS restricts flat-faced breeds (bulldogs, pugs, boxers, etc.), which are generally banned from the hold because of the respiratory risk. If your dog is brachycephalic, favor the cabin when its weight allows, and confirm the rule before booking.

⚠️ Heat: seasonal embargoes may apply during periods of high temperatures. Check the dates of your trip. Our advice: heatstroke in dogs.

How to book

Pet spots on board are limited: book as early as possible.

  1. Buy your ticket, then contact SWISS to add your dog to the booking.
  2. Prepare the health documents (microchip identification, rabies vaccination, passport or health certificate, sometimes a rabies titer test) — see our guide to international travel with a dog.
  3. Choose the right container: an approved soft carrier (cabin) or an IATA crate (hold). Size it with our IATA dog crate calculator.

🧰 Our tools to plan your trip

Dog flight checker Can my dog fly? 62 airlines compared, by departure airport, destination and your dog's weight. Open the checker → IATA crate calculator IATA crate calculator The airline-approved crate size for your dog, using the official IATA formula. Calculate the size → Entry requirements by country Entry requirements checker Country-by-country entry rules: paperwork, vaccines, lead times and official sources. Check the rules →

Compare with other airlines

How dogs are treated varies widely from one airline to another. To find the best option for your route and your dog’s weight, use our can-my-dog-fly comparison tool and check the comparison of 62 airlines. To prepare for the flight itself, also read our advice on dog travel anxiety.

➡️ Next step : your journey

  1. Check the health requirements
  2. Choose an IATA-compliant travel crate
  3. Prepare your dog for the stress of flying
  4. Compare the 62 airlines

🌍 Where can you fly with SWISS? Our entry-requirement guides for its destinations: Switzerland, Germany, Canada, Japan, United Kingdom, Turkey.

Frequently asked questions

Does SWISS accept dogs in the cabin?
Yes, up to 8 kg (18 lb), carrier included.
Does SWISS transport dogs in the hold?
Yes, in an IATA-compliant crate — except brachycephalic breeds in most cases.

Sources

SWISS — traveling with animals, accessed June 2026. Conditions and fees change regularly: confirm with SWISS before booking.