interviews by Maximiliano Crocamo
Beginning Aug. 3, ITA Airways will allow larger dogs to travel in the passenger cabin on selected domestic flights under a new service introduced following regulatory approval from Italy’s civil aviation authority.
The initiative, called Large Dog On Board, will permit dogs weighing up to 30 kilograms to fly in the cabin without a traditional pet carrier, marking a significant change in Italy’s commercial aviation rules for traveling with animals.
Tickets for the service are now available and must be booked through ITA Airways’ Customer Information Assistance Office (CIAO) at least four days before departure.
The launch follows a demonstration flight conducted in September 2025 between Milan Linate and Rome Fiumicino, during which two large dogs traveled in the cabin without carriers. The trial came after the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) introduced new regulations allowing airlines to transport larger dogs in the cabin under specific safety conditions.
Initially, the service will be available only on selected domestic flights and within the limits established by ENAC. At launch, each eligible flight may accommodate a maximum of two large dogs in designated areas: one dog weighing up to 30 kilograms in Business Class and one weighing up to 15 kilograms in Economy Class.
Joerg Eberhart, ITA Airways’ chief executive and general manager, said the new service responds to growing demand from passengers who wish to travel with their pets while avoiding separation during flights.
He said the airline had worked with ENAC to develop a solution that balances passenger needs, animal welfare and aviation safety requirements.
The introduction of the service represents one of the first applications of ENAC’s updated regulations, which broaden the options for transporting larger dogs on commercial flights in Italy while maintaining operational and safety standards.
