FOCA

The FOCA (Federal Office of Civil Aviation), known in German as the Bundesamt für Zivilluftfahrt (BAZL), is the Swiss governmental body responsible for the oversight of civil aviation in Switzerland. Although Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, it maintains strict regulatory alignment with EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) through bilateral agreements. Consequently, Swiss safety standards and passenger rights largely follow European benchmarks (notably Regulation EC 261/2004). FOCA oversees airport infrastructure, airline licensing, operational safety, and consumer protection.

Official changes from this authority that affect passengers appear in this guide's updates as they are published. Each one is checked against the official document before it goes live.

FOCA does not stipulate specific baggage prices, but it requires full transparency ("all-in" pricing):

• Fares: It is mandatory for the total ticket price, including all mandatory taxes and fees, to be displayed from the very first stage of the booking process.
• Carry-on baggage: Under EASA-aligned regulations, FOCA monitors compliance with carry-on baggage dimensions, requiring airlines to maintain clear criteria to ensure passengers are not subject to surprise charges at the boarding gate.
• Security: Liquid restrictions remain harmonized with the European standard (containers up to 100ml in transparent bags), except at airports that have implemented next-generation Computed Tomography (CT) scanners, where the liquid restriction has been relaxed.

Animal health rules in Switzerland come from the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO), not from FOCA, and follow European standards:

• Documents: microchip, valid rabies vaccination and a pet passport (EU/Switzerland) or an official health certificate; from an unlisted country, also a rabies antibody test.
• Ban: Switzerland prohibits importing dogs with cosmetically cropped ears or docked tails; owners living abroad may bring such a dog for holidays or short stays, against a deposit paid at customs.
• Cabin vs. hold: each airline decides whether it accepts animals in the cabin, the maximum weight and the breeds; the carrier must meet the IATA standard.

For families flying from Switzerland, European safety recommendations and airline policies apply:

• Seats: ask for seats together when booking, as seat selection rules and fees vary by airline. On flights departing from the European Union, from 23 October 2027, Regulation (EU) 2026/2202 requires the airline to offer anyone accompanying a child under 14 on the same booking a seat next to the child free of charge.
• Equipment: many airlines carry one stroller and one car seat per child free of charge; to use the car seat on board, it must be approved for aviation and the child needs their own seat.
• Priority: many airlines offer early boarding for families with babies.

Switzerland strictly adheres to Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006 concerning the rights of persons with disabilities or reduced mobility:

• Assistance: Airport assistance services in Switzerland are a free right. This must be requested at least 48 hours in advance of the flight through the airline or travel agency.
• MEDIF (Medical Information Form): Medical forms are only required if the passenger's condition necessitates onboard oxygen, stretchers, or continuous medical assistance during the flight. FOCA recommends that the form be completed clearly to avoid boarding refusals by the crew.
• Equipment: Powered wheelchairs must be declared in advance (battery type) to ensure compliance with IATA/FOCA dangerous goods regulations.

• FOCA - Official Civil Aviation Portal (Switzerland)
• FOCA - Passenger Rights
• FSVO - Travelling with pets
• FOCA - Assistance for persons with reduced mobility
• EASA/FOCA - Safety and Operational Rules