ITA Airways has secured clearance from Italy's National Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) to transport dogs weighing up to 30 kg in passenger cabins without carriers, marking a historic moment for Italian commercial aviation. Service begins 3 August, opening new possibilities for pet owners who previously faced difficult choices about separating from their animals or arranging ground transportation for inter-city travel.
Why This Matters
• Weight ceiling increased: Dogs up to 30 kg in Business Class and 15 kg in Economy can now fly cabin without a carrier — previously only smaller animals qualified.
• Booking window tight: Reservations must be made through ITA's Customer Information Assistance Office (CIAO) at least 4 days before departure.
• Dual-seat requirement: Owners must purchase two seats to accommodate the animal, with pet transport fees starting around €73 on domestic routes. Check with ITA for the exact pricing structure and whether this fee is additional to seat costs.
• Allergy protocols: Passengers with documented sensitivities or phobias can request seat changes or rebooking without penalty if a large dog is confirmed on their flight.
How the Cabin Configuration Works
ITA Airways has designated specific flights for large-dog transport, with each approved flight accommodating animals according to weight categories. The exact operational procedures—including how dogs are secured, seating configurations, and safety protocols during taxi and takeoff—follow standard aviation safety requirements that ITA has implemented following ENAC authorization.
For the initial rollout, flights will also accommodate smaller dogs in carriers in Economy sections, with appropriate spacing between passenger zones to minimize disturbances. After the trial period, ITA may expand capacity based on safety data and passenger feedback, reflecting lessons learned from operational demonstrations.
Eligibility and Documentation
Dogs must meet standard EU pet travel requirements, including proper identification, microchipping, and up-to-date veterinary records. The animal cannot exhibit aggressive behavior during the booking process, and owners sign liability waivers. ITA's ground staff will conduct assessments during check-in to ensure the dog is fit for travel and meets all requirements.
The carrier's specific breed guidelines and any restrictions will be confirmed during the booking consultation. Owners should contact ITA directly to confirm whether their dog meets all eligibility criteria before purchasing tickets.
What This Means for Residents
For expats and Italian nationals who relocate frequently between Rome, Milan, Naples, and other hubs, this policy addresses a persistent challenge. Ground transport for a large dog between Rome and Milan typically costs €200-€300 via pet taxi services and takes 6-8 hours, compared to a 1-hour flight. Families moving for work or splitting time between regions now have a faster option, though the dual-seat cost still represents a premium compared to some alternatives.
The service also benefits pet owners concerned about cargo travel, which some veterinary behaviorists note can be stressful for animals. Cabin travel allows owners to monitor their pets in real time during the flight.
Allergy sufferers should note that the airline notifies all passengers during booking if a large dog is confirmed on their flight, allowing a 48-hour window to cancel or rebook without penalty.
Regulatory Context and European Precedent
ENAC's authorization follows a regulatory landscape across the European Union where standards for large-animal cabin transport vary by carrier and member state. Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, and Iberia maintain strict weight limits for cabin pets, typically confining larger animals to cargo. British Airways restricts cabin pets to certified assistance animals only. ITA's decision represents a national choice under EU aviation law, which permits member states to establish their own animal-transport standards within safety frameworks.
This development aligns with a broader trend in Italian consumer regulation favoring family-inclusive services. In 2025, the Italian Ministry of Transport loosened restrictions on pets aboard Trenitalia high-speed trains, allowing dogs in first-class compartments under specific conditions, signaling growing accommodation of pet travel across Italian transportation.
Expansion Timeline and International Hurdles
ITA plans to extend the service to additional domestic routes by the end of 2026, prioritizing high-frequency corridors. International expansion depends on reciprocal agreements with foreign aviation authorities. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) have not signaled openness to similar policies, meaning transatlantic pet owners will continue relying on cargo or charter services.
Within Europe, ITA is exploring possibilities for large-dog flights on select routes, though no timeline has been confirmed. The absence of EU-wide standards currently creates inconsistencies: a dog approved for one airline's cabin might face restrictions on another carrier.
Operational Realities
Ground handling introduces logistical considerations. Airports accommodating large-dog flights require appropriate pet relief facilities and designated holding areas. Rome Fiumicino and Milan Malpensa have enhanced their pet facilities to support the service.
Cabin cleaning between flights requires additional time on large-dog services to maintain hygiene standards. ITA has adjusted turnaround schedules accordingly to ensure safety and cleanliness.
Cost Breakdown
A typical Rome-Milan Large Dog booking costs approximately:
• Two Economy seats: €100-€150 each = €200-€300 total
• Pet transport fee: €73 (verify current pricing with ITA)
• Estimated combined cost: €273-€373+
For comparison, pet taxi services for the same route average €250 but add 6-8 hours of travel time. Trenitalia's Frecciarossa train offers pet travel at €30-€50 with a 3-hour journey, though with different routing options.
Passenger Sentiment and Broader Implications
ITA Airways CEO Joerg Eberhart highlighted that the initiative responds to customer demand from those viewing their pets as family members. Early interest suggests strong uptake among expatriate professionals, retirees managing multiple properties, and families relocating for seasonal work.
Italy's pet-ownership demographics support this trend: an estimated 60% of Italian households own at least one pet, and domestic tourism increasingly prioritizes pet-friendly accommodations. This creates demand for seamless transport options connecting travelers with their destinations.
Whether other European carriers follow ITA's model depends on regulatory appetite and operational feedback. For now, this service provides Italian residents and visitors with a new travel option for their large dogs on select domestic flights.
