ITA Airways is looking to make traveling with dogs and cats significantly easier: on select domestic flights, medium-sized and large pets will soon be permitted to fly in the passenger cabin. According to the airline, the new offering applies to animals with a total weight of up to 30 kilograms.
Pets: "Large Pet Friendly" on Domestic Routes
The move follows regulatory changes by the Italian Civil Aviation Authority ENAC, which provide the basis on which ITA Airways can introduce in-cabin transport for larger animals. The airline describes this as a targeted expansion of its offerings for passengers who wish to travel together with their four-legged companions. As far back as last September, ITA Airways had conducted a demonstration flight on which two larger dogs traveled in the cabin alongside their owners without a transport carrier. The route ran from Milan Linate to Rome Fiumicino. That trial was described as an important step toward preparing procedures and standards for regular operations.
Launch Planned with the Summer 2026 Schedule
ITA Airways CEO Joerg Eberhart notes that the decision is also based on feedback from travelers. For many people, pets are part of the family; accordingly, the goal is to make it possible to travel without having to separate animals from their owners. Sales for the new service are set to begin with the summer 2026 flight schedule. Which domestic routes will be included, what conditions will apply in detail, and whether additional fees will be charged are details the airline intends to announce at the time of launch .
Traveling with a Large Dog: Many Still Prefer the Car
Larger dogs have traditionally been transported in the cargo hold during flights, separated from their owners. Conditions there, including limited space, noise levels, and temperature fluctuations , are considered stressful. For this reason, many pet owners opt instead for longer car trips, arrange for care at home, or forgo travel altogether.