When transporting a pet by a commercial airline, it is extremely important to understand their pet policy. These policies vary between airlines. Some allow small pets to fly in the cabin and others don’t. It is important to know the answers to all your questions before making your decision to fly your pet on any commercial airline. Does Edelweiss allow pets on your specific route? How much does it cost to fly a dog or cat on Edelweiss? What documents will I need? What are the carrier or crate requirements for Edelweiss? All your answers related to Edelweiss pet policy are answered below.
Note: It is important to mention that the pet policy of the airline that operates your pet’s route will preside over the policy of the airline that owns the route. This is important to note because if the operating airline changes during your trip, then you will likely need to claim and recheck your pet on the next airline. This will cause you to clear customs and enter the layover country. You will need time and extra documentation to accommodate this process during the layover unless flying domestically.
Classes of service offered to pets by commercial airlines
- In-Cabin: Pets traveling in the cabin must fly with an adult passenger and travel in an airline compliant
carrier stowed under the seat. - Checked Baggage: Pets traveling with a passenger that are not permitted in the cabin due to size or breed can be transported as checked baggage in the cargo hold.
- Air Cargo: Unaccompanied, very large pets or pets flying to countries that require that pets enter under air cargo will travel as manifest cargo in the hold.
Can my pet fly with me in the cabin? Yes
Can my pet fly with me as checked baggage? Yes
Can my pet fly as manifest cargo? Yes
Where is Edelweiss based?
Edelweiss (IATA:WK) is the sister company of Swiss International Air Lines and a subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group. This airline is based out of Zurich Airport in Switzerland. Most layovers within Edelweiss’s network will occur in this airport.
What countries does Edelweiss fly to?
Edelweiss offers service to pets to the following countries: Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, Greece, Ireland, Jordan, Mauritius (air cargo only), Morocco, Oman, Portugal, North Macedonia, South Africa (cargo only), Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey and United States.
Edelweiss Pet Policy – In Cabin
If your dog or cat meets the requirements listed in Edelweiss’s pet policy to fly in the cabin, it will need an airline-compliant pet carrier unless you are flying with a service dog who is trained to assist you in a task required to address a physical or medical disability.
Pets allowed flown by Edelweiss in the cabin
Small dogs and cats can fly in the cabin on Edelweiss (see route restrictions below). Pets must be clean, healthy, harmless and mannerly. No pets are permitted in Business Class on Airbus 340 aircraft.
Reservations
Passengers flying with pets must make a reservation for them at least 4 days in advance by contacting Edelweiss’ Service Center at +418 483 33 593. Maximum number of pets per passenger is two, whether they are flying in the cabin or as air cargo.
Age requirements
All dogs and cats flying in the cabin with Edelweiss must be a minimum of 12 weeks of age. The minimum age for pets flying to the United States is six months.
Pet carrier requirements
Your pet’s carrier must:
- Have adequate ventilation on at least 3 sides (domestic US) or 4 sides (international)
- Be large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around comfortably
- Be able to accommodate your entire pet. No part of your pet can extend out of the carrier
- Be able to fit under the seat in front of you
- Have a waterproof bottom and absorbent pet pad
- Have secure fasteners (heavy duty zippers are recommended)
Maximum soft carrier measurement is 21.7″L x 16″W x 9″H (55 x 40 x 23 cm). Ventilation must be provided on all sides of the carrier. Exit row or bulkhead seats cannot be reserved when flying with a pet. Pets must remain in carriers for the duration of the flight.
Related: Selecting a pet carrier that is airline compliant
Forms required
All documentation for your destination country will be required. Edelweiss also requires pet owners to complete an In-Cabin form.
The passenger assumes full responsibility and expense for complying with applicable laws, customs and/or other governmental regulations, requirements, or restrictions of the country, state or territory to and from which your pet is being transported. Upon arrival, health certificates, import permits, and other papers may be required by local authorities depending upon the route on which your pet is traveling.
Route restrictions
Pets are not permitted on flights to Iceland or the United Kingdom. Pets can be flown out of Iceland as air cargo. No pets are permitted on flights to or from the Maldives, Egypt and the Seychelles. All pets flying to Sri Lanka must have preapproval clearance from Department of Animal Production and Health.
Check in
Pets should be presented at the airport ticket counter in their carriers more than 30 minutes before normal check in times for the specific airport.
Related: How to clear airport security with a pet
Pet fee
The cost to fly your pet in the cabin will depend on the route and will vary between CHF 70 | EUR 60 | GBP 65 | USD 70 | CAD 90 and CHF 125 | EUR 110 | GBP 115 | USD 125 | CAD 165.
Service dog pet policy
All service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge. They must be trained by a person or organization that specializes in service dog training to provide specific tasks for a person with a disability such as visual, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Passengers must provide proof that their pet was trained at a school accredited by one of the following organizations:
- Assistance Dogs International (ADI)
- Assistance Dogs Europe (ADEu)
- International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF)
Passengers must supply information regarding their dog’s breed, weight and age. The Animal in Passenger Cabin form is required. Minimum age is four months. One service dog is permitted per passenger on routes not involving the United States. On US routes, two service dogs are permitted.
Service dogs must be suitably marked, harnessed and leashed. They must fit in the space provided at their passenger’s feet without intruding on cabin operations or other passengers. They must be clean, mannerly and not show any signs of aggression toward other passengers or the flight crew. Muzzles should be available if needed.
If flights involve the United States, Department of Transportation forms must be completed and submitted at least 48 hours prior to departure. All required documentation required for the destination country must submitted to medicalservices@flyedelweiss.com.
All service dogs are subject to the same requirements as regular dogs when traveling internationally.
Edelweiss Pet Policy – Checked Baggage
If the size of your pet is too large to fit in an airline-compliant pet carrier, or it is a pet other than a cat or dog, it will be transported as checked baggage on Edelweiss if it is flying with an adult passenger. This section of the cargo department has the same temperature and pressure as the passenger cabin.
Live animals are checked in by reservation employees and are checked in at the airport terminal. The airline will move your pet between aircraft in their fleet during layovers if the layover is not over about 3 hours in length.
Pets flown by Edelweiss as checked baggage
Dogs and cats can be flown as checked baggage when accompanied by an adult passenger.
Reservations
Passengers flying with pets must make a reservation for them at least 4 days in advance by contacting Edelweiss’ Service Center at +418 483 33 593. Maximum number of pets per passenger is two, whether they are flying in the cabin or as air cargo.
Age requirements
All dogs and cats flying in the cabin with Edelweiss must be a minimum of 12 weeks of age. The minimum age for pets flying to the United States is six months.
Pet crate requirements
Maximum crate size: 41″L x 29.5″W x 31″H (105 x 75 x 79 cm). All crates must conform to regulations imposed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For more information, see PET CRATE REQUIREMENTS.
Route or aircraft restrictions
Pets are not permitted on flights to Iceland or the United Kingdom. Pets can be flown out of Iceland as air cargo. No pets are permitted on flights to or from the Maldives, Egypt and the Seychelles. All pets flying to Sri Lanka must have preapproval clearance from Department of Animal Production and Health.
Forms Required
All documentation required for the destination country must be available. The passenger assumes full responsibility and expense for complying with applicable laws, customs and/or other governmental regulations, requirements, or restrictions of the country, state or territory to and from which your pet is being transported. Upon arrival, health certificates, import permits, and other papers may be required by local authorities depending upon the route on which your pet is traveling.
Check in
Pets should be presented at the airport ticket counter in their carriers more than 30 minutes before normal check in times for the specific airport.
Pet fee
The cost to fly your pet as checked baggage on Edelweiss will depend on the size of your pet’s crate and the itinerary.
- Crates measuring 60 x 45 x 40 cm: between CHF 115 |EUR 100 | GBP 105 USD 115 | CAD 150 to CHF 220 | EUR 190 |
GBP 200 | USD 220 | CAD 285. - Crates measuring 71 x 50 x 51 to 105 x 75 x 79 cm: CHF 230 | EUR 200 | GBP 210 | USD 230 | CAD 300 to CHF 440 | EUR 380 | GBP 405 | USD 440 | CAD 570.
Edelweiss Pet Policy – Air Cargo
All live animals flying as air cargo travel under an airline manifest or air waybill and are tracked throughout the entire flight. The airlines are responsible for caring for your pet during layovers as well. Unlike checked baggage, pets are generally checked in and claimed at the airline’s cargo facility. This facility is located on airport grounds; however, not the terminal. Many airlines require that an agent books the transport. If you need a licensed agent to arrange your pet’s transport, send us an email at info@pettraveltransport.com.
Edelweiss contacts with Swiss World Cargo for live animal services. Find more information on Swiss World Cargo services.
Edelweiss Pet Crate Requirements
All pet crates must conform to regulations set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The container must be large enough for your pet(s) to stand, turn around, and lie down. The crate must be made of fiberglass, metal, rigid plastics, weld metal mesh, solid wood or plywood.
The crate door must have a secure, spring-loaded, all-around locking system with the pins extending beyond the horizontal extrusions above and below the door. The floor must be waterproof. The crate must not have wheels attached when checking your pet. Metal hardware should be used to fasten the top and bottom halves of your pet crate together. Edelweiss requires either metal or plastic threaded nuts and bolts to secure both halves of the crate.
All crates must be labeled with LIVE ANIMAL stickers and a Shipping Declaration that includes feeding and watering instructions.
Related: Is your pet’s crate IATA-compliant?
All pets should be acclimated to their crates prior to travel. This may take weeks or even months to accomplish; however it is the best thing you can do for pet before flying.
Related: Acclimating your pet to its crate or carrier
Temperature Restrictions – Checked Baggage
When temperatures rise above or drop under certain levels, commercial airlines will prohibit the transport of live animals in the cargo hold. These restrictions are implemented for the safety of your pet. It is important to note that the risk from high or low temperatures is not when your pet is airborne. The risks come during preflight holding, loading on the tarmac and taxiing to the take-off runway.
Pets will not be accepted as checked baggage or air cargo when actual or forecasted temperatures are above 85°F (29.4°C) or below 45°F (7.2°C) at any airport on the itinerary. Pets may be accepted at temperatures below 45°F with an acclimation certificate, however, no pet will be transported at temperatures lower than 20°F (-6.6°C).
Note that the temperature restrictions for summer travel are lower for brachycephalic (snub-nosed) pets.
Cold-blooded animals are exempt from these restrictions.
Related: Why temperatures matter for pets flying in the cargo hold
Breeds Banned by Edelweiss
The following breeds with brachycephalic (flat- or snub-nosed) characteristics will not be flown in the cargo hold on Edelweiss.
DOGS: Affenpinscher, Bulldog (all breeds*), Pug, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, Bullmastiff, Bull Terrier (except Mini-Bull Terrier), Chow Chow, English Toy Spaniel (King Charles Spaniel), Japanese Chin (also known as Japanese Spaniel), Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, Pit Bull, Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Shar Pei and Tibetan Spaniel.
CATS: British Shorthair, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan Cat, Persian Cat and Scottish Fold.
Private Jet Charter
Another option for pet owners who do not want their pet to fly in the cargo hold is a pet-friendly private jet charter. Your pet can fly in your lap, at your feet or beside you comfortably without being confined. We can arrange flights from anywhere in the world to anywhere you need to go on your time schedule, without the crowds or commotion of a commercial airport.
Other Information
The information published here is a guideline for Edelweiss pet policy. For more airline pet policies, click the banner below.
Further Reading
How to keep your pet safe when flying in the cargo hold
Tips for airline pet travel
Requirements for a pet transiting a country by air
When do you need a pet transporter?
Routing your pet’s flight
Flying with a snub-nosed breed
More information on airline pet travel
Have a comment or question about flying with Edelweiss? Post it below and we will respond. You can also reach out by posting to our Blog, X (Twitter), Facebook, or Email or follow our activities on Instagram and TikTok.
To the best of our ability, we ensure that recommendations given on PetTravel.com reflect the current regulations. We cannot predict how a given airline may enforce these regulations. Noncompliance may result in the need to deny your pet boarding privileges at the time of check in. We suggest that you minimize the disruptions that may occur by following Edelweiss pet policy.
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