Large dogs flying in the cabin: rules and innovations between safety and welfare

As of today, Tuesday 23 September, even large dogs, over 10 kg, can travel in the aircraft cabin, alongside their owners, and thus say goodbye to the cargo hold. The solution was envisaged in May by Enac, the national civil aviation authority. At 9.00 am, the first Ita Airways flight with this novelty took off from Milan Linate for Rome Fiumicino. In particular, two large dogs were transported in the cabin without the use of a carrier. "They comfortably travelled next to their respective owners in dedicated seats, one in the first and one in the last row," reads a note from the company. On board the Ita Airways plane, to mark the demonstration flight, were Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Matteo Salvini, Ita Airways president Sandro Pappalardo, and Enac president Pierluigi Di Palma.

With the new Enac guidelines, therefore, pets weighing more than 8-10 kgs can travel in the cabin, albeit with precise safety conditions aimed, in any case, at ensuring their well-being during the journey. A change awaited by millions of passengers who consider their pet a true member of the family. "It is a cultural change before even a regulatory one," explained Enac's president, Pierluigi Di Palma. "It is a decision that can quickly and also with a progressive path allow, for example, a dog weighing over 10 kg to be taken on board, extending, with Enac's consent, the procedure already in place for the carrier concerned. A choice that, in recognising the value of the constitutional amendment of 2022 that introduces in art. 9 the protection of animals, respects the balance between pet welfare, safety and passenger comfort'.

The crux of the matter, also stressed by consumer associations, is that airlines are free to adhere to the new rules. The risk is therefore that few of them will implement these solutions. Before buying a ticket, however, it is necessary to make sure that the airline has joined the initiative.

 The important thing is that pets travel close to the window, seats near emergency exits are forbidden. Other measures in the guidelines include prior information to the crew and passengers involved, a maximum number of pets per flight, the possibility of creating 'buffer zones' for those with allergies or who do not like being close by, and the total weight of the pet and carrier. The carriers concerned must, in any case, submit an operational plan to Enac to obtain authorisation, drawn up in collaboration with the ground handling services.

In the last few days, Rome International Airport has opened a dog-friendly hotel to facilitate travel for pet owners. The facility offers temperature-controlled floors, private gardens and ambient music for relaxation. Dogs can enjoy grooming services, aromatherapy and even video calls with their owners. The hotel also serves as a nursery for local dog owners. Since opening in May, it has enjoyed considerable success, selling out in August. The Italian aviation authority recently changed the rules to allow large dogs to fly in the cabin on domestic flights.