Italy Revolutionizes Pet Travel: Large Dogs Now Welcome in Airplane Cabins
In a groundbreaking move, Italy's Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) has authorized airlines to allow pets of any size or weight to travel in airplane cabins, provided they are secured in appropriate carriers. This decision marks a significant departure from the previous standard, where only small animals under 10 kg were permitted in the cabin, with larger pets relegated to the cargo hold.
ENAC's Progressive Policy Enhances Pet and Owner Comfort
Effective May 12, 2025, ENAC's new regulation permits pets of all sizes to accompany their owners in the cabin, eliminating the weight and size restrictions that previously confined larger animals to the hold. ENAC President Pierluigi Di Palma emphasized that this change represents a cultural shift prioritizing the well-being of animals and the comfort of passengers. He stated, "In our country, even 'oversized' pets can finally fly near their 'family members,' without being relegated to the hold."
Airlines Granted Flexibility to Implement New Guidelines
While ENAC has set the regulatory framework, individual airlines retain the discretion to adopt these new policies. Carriers can determine the number of pets allowed per flight, designate specific seating areas, and establish pricing for pet travel. To accommodate passengers with allergies or those who prefer distance from animals, airlines are encouraged to create "buffer zones" within the cabin.
ITA Airways Leads the Way with Enhanced Pet Travel Options
ITA Airways, Italy's national airline, has embraced ENAC's directive by increasing the maximum weight limit for pets traveling in the cabin on domestic flights from 8 kg to 10 kg, excluding the carrier's weight. The airline requires that pets be transported in well-ventilated, waterproof carriers measuring no more than 24 cm in height, 40 cm in length, and 30 cm in width. Each pet is issued a boarding pass at check-in, and the service is available for an additional fee of €73 on domestic routes.
Implications for International Travel and Future Developments
Currently, ENAC's regulation applies solely to domestic flights within Italy. International and intercontinental flights remain subject to existing weight and size restrictions, typically limiting in-cabin pet travel to animals under 8 kg. However, ENAC has expressed willingness to evaluate similar requests from other airlines, potentially paving the way for broader adoption of pet-friendly policies across Europe and beyond.
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