Italy: dogs weighing up to 30 kg allowed on board without a carrier – when will the service start?
The launch follows the first demonstration flight on a scheduled route, which took place at the end of 2025 from Milan Linate to Rome Fiumicino, during which two large dogs travelled in the cabin without a carrier
by the Rome Editorial Staff
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Key points
From today, Ita Airways is offering its “Large Dog On Board” service, which allows dogs weighing up to 30 kg to travel in the cabin without a carrier, on selected domestic scheduled flights. The service will be available from 3 August and can be booked through the airline’s Customer Information Assistance Office (Ciao), at least four days before the flight date.
The first flight last autumn
The launch follows the first demonstration flight carried out in late 2025 from Milan Linate to Rome Fiumicino, during which two large dogs travelled in the cabin without a pet carrier.
Approval from ENAC
The service follows authorisation from ENAC, the Italian Civil Aviation Authority, based on the new regulations on the carriage of dogs in the cabin adopted by the Authority. In the initial phase, a maximum of two large dogs will be carried in the cabin in designated areas: one weighing up to 30 kg in Business Class, and the other weighing up to 15 kg in Economy Class.
How it will work
In the first two months following the launch, there will be a maximum of two standard-sized dogs (up to 10 kg), only in Economy Class and at least eight rows away from large dogs; thereafter, this number may increase to four. The airline plans to expand the service on domestic flights and extend it to international flights, subject to the gradual review of limits and procedures by the relevant regulatory bodies.
‘Paying attention to passengers’ needs’
“With the launch of the ‘Large Dog On Board’ service, ITA Airways is taking a concrete step towards a way of travelling that is increasingly attuned to the needs of its passengers,” says Joerg Eberhart, CEO and Managing Director of ITA – “We have listened to our customers’ requests and worked alongside ENAC – whom I would like to thank – to enable them to travel with their four-legged friends, avoiding separation and making the flying experience more peaceful for the whole family. This achievement confirms our commitment to promoting innovative, responsible air travel that combines customer care, the wellbeing of dogs and full compliance with safety requirements.”
