Regulations for the transportation of your animal

When in Rome...

The rules and regulations for travelling by air with animals differ from country to country. It is the passenger’s responsibility to ensure all necessary documents have been issued and authorities contacted. 

Limited transportation / embargo

All destinations: The maximum number of animals allowed to be transported per person is two (regardless of whether the animals travel in the cabin or in hold). Dogs and cats may travel only once they have reached the age of 12 weeks. For flights from / to USA animals must have reached the age of 6 months. The embargoes listed below refer to travel starting from Zurich (Switzerland). If you start your journey in another country, these guidelines may differ. In this case, please inform yourself about the applicable regulations at an early stage.

• Costa Rica – The Veterinary Health Certificate is required for entry and exit with an animal. For entry into Costa Rica, this must be stamped by the competent Swiss authorities. To leave Costa Rica, the certificate must be stamped by the official authority ‘SENASA’. In San José, someone from SENASA is available at the airport every day, in Liberia only from Monday to Friday.
• England – An embargo on all types of animal transportation is in place.
• Iceland –  Restrictions apply: Animals are not permitted in the cargo hold or cabin on flights from Zurich to Akureyri. On flights from Zurich to Reykjavik/Keflavik, animals may only be transported in the cabin. On flights from Iceland to Zurich, animals are permitted in the cargo hold; on the route from Reykjavik/Keflavik to Zurich, they are also permitted in the cabin. Further information on importing live animals can be found on the MAST website.
• Ireland – There is an embargo on the transport of animals of any kind on flights from Zurich to Ireland. Animals may be transported from Ireland to Zurich.
• Maldives – An embargo on all types of animal transportation is in place.
• Marsa Alam (Egypt) – An embargo on all types of animal transportation is in place.
• Mauritius – Animals to Mauritius may only be transported as cargo.
• Namibia – Animals can only be transported to Windhoek in the cabin or as cargo via a specialised animal transport company. Strict import regulations apply in accordance with the MAFWLR website.
• Norway – Only animals from EU and EFTA countries may be transported on flights to Norway.
• Oman – Strict transport restrictions apply. Please consult www.customs.gov.om for more information. Futhermore, the Veterinary Health Certificate must be filled out in advance. 
• Scotland (Edinburgh) – All animals to Edinburgh must be booked as cargo through Extrordinair.
• Seychelles (Mahé) – An embargo on all types of animal transportation is in place.
• South Africa (Cape Town) – Animals can only be transported to Cape Town as cargo. On flights from Cape Town to Zurich, animals transported in the cargo hold must not weigh more than 32 kg.
• Sri Lanka (Colombo) – For the transportation of cats and dogs a "Pre-Clearance Approval" is required. - Instructions
• USA (Denver, Las Vegas, Seattle and Tampa Bay) – There is an embargo on the transport of dogs in the cabin and in the cargo hold on all Edelweiss flights to the USA. Animal transport as air freight is still possible; please contact an animal transport company for this. The transport of assistance dogs remains possible in compliance with the guidelines of the CDC (U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention).

Useful Links

Travelling in the Cabin

Only dogs and cats weighing up to a maximum of 8 kg including the pet carrier may travel in the cabin. If your pet is travelling in the cabin, it must do so in a waterproof soft container (maximum dimensions 55 x 40 x 23 cm) with adequate circulation.

The container must be closed whilst on board and your pet's head must stay within the pet container. The animal is not allowed to leave the container during your stay on board. The container must be stowed under your seat for the duration of the flight. The nature of the seats on the Airbus A340 and the Airbus A350 makes this impossible in Business Class. The crew will put the transport container in the wardrobe, in an overhead locker, or under an Economy Class seat for takeoff and landing. Please note that a passenger travelling with an animal may never, for safety reasons, be seated in a bulkhead or emergency exit seat. If you want to take your pet in the cabin with you, it is essential that you book this in advance, up to 4 days before your departure, through our service center via +41848333593.

Due to an IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulation for the transport of live animals, a confirmation is needed as from February 1, 2023 that the animal meets the requirements mentioned. Please present two copies of the fully completed and signed form at the check-in desk. This applies to all cats and dogs (including service dogs) transported in the cabin.

Transportation of Animals in the Passenger Cabin

Transport Carrier in the Hold

You as the owner of the animal are responsible for paying to rent or purchase the suitable pet carrier. Transport boxes are available from any good pet shop. No more than two animals, that are of comparable size and weighing 14kg or less each, may be transported in the same kennel. They must be able to stand, lie down and move in the crate.We recommend checking in at the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure.

Further information on the requirements for transport containers can be found on the following page:

Registration and fees

Service Dogs

Since 01 March 2021, only trained service dogs are accepted for cabin transportation on Edelweiss flights.

Emotional support dogs are no longer classified as service dogs. We will therefore no longer accept new bookings of emotional support dogs as of this date. They may still travel as pets, in either a suitable container for transportation in the passenger cabin or in the cargo hold, depending on the size and weight, against a fee.

Service Dog

The Right Pet Carrier

Do take the greatest possible care when purchasing the suitable transport carrier for your pet. Remember that you are taking your pet out of its normal environment, and that might cause it to feel stressed.

Tip: It is a good idea to try and get your pet accustomed to its carrier before you travel.

Further information on the requirements for transport containers can be found on the following page:

Registration and fees

Transportation of Fighting Dogs

We classify the following breeds of dog as fighting dogs, including crossbreeds: American Bulldog, American Bully (fundamentally prohibited due to potential snub-nosed characteristic), Caucasian Ovcharka (Caucasian Shepherd), Dogo Argentino, Karabash (Kangal Dog, Anatolian Shepherd), Rottweiler

Cargo crates for Fighting Dogs

Dogs that are considered fighting dogs may only be carried in a suitable cargo crate and are not permitted in the cabin. Dogs aged between 3 and 6 months old are exempt from this regulation. In line with the IATA Live Animals Regulations Container Requirement 82, the cargo crate must comply with certain requirements detailed in the listed criteria.

Cargo crates for dangerous dog breeds must comply with the following criteria:

• Frame must be constructed by using min. 25x25mm wooden or steel beams.
• The kennel must be made of solid wood (min. 12mm) and be bolted or screwed together.
• If the door is fully ventilated by a welded wire mesh (thickness 2.5mm), an additional layer must be installed.
• Ventilation holes should be covered with welded wired mesh.
• Backing doorstops must be installed to protect the door from being pulled into the kennel or pushed out of the kennel.
• A locking mechanism which can be secured by a cable/zip tie must be installed. The mechanism must avoid accidental opening of the kennel.
• Handles must be installed on both long sides of the kennel.
• The container openings must be small enough to ensure that the animal cannot get any part of its body through them and the container must ensure protection against bites or scratches by the animal.

Regulations for snub-nosed animals

Snub-nosed breeds of dogs and cats are particularly sensitive to temperatures and transport stress. Your pet could suffer health problems or even die during the journey. For this reason, SWISS excludes these breeds from carriage in the hold.

This restriction also applies to crossbreeds of the breeds listed above.