ITA Airways to Let Large Dogs Fly in the Cabin
ITA Airways is introducing a cabin service that allows dogs weighing up to 30 kg to travel without a carrier on selected domestic flights. Large dogs will have a reserved area beside their owner instead of travelling in the hold. The scheme follows a trial between Milan Linate and Rome Fiumicino and operates under rules approved by ENAC, Italy’s civil aviation authority.
How ITA Airways’ Large Dog Service Works
- Service: Large Dog On Board
- Starts: 3 August 2026
- Flights: Selected domestic services marked "Large Dog"
- Cabin limit: Two large dogs per flight
- Weight bands: One over 10 kg to 15 kg; one over 15 kg to 30 kg
- Booking: CIAO Contact Centre, at least four days before departure
- Cost: Two tickets plus transport fee
- Check-in: Airport only; online check-in unavailable
- Availability: Depends on aircraft, animals and operating conditions
- Cost calculation: An example showing how the service price is calculated is available on the ITA Airways website
On board, the dog must stay on a mat supplied by ITA Airways on the floor in front of its reserved seat; it cannot sit on the seat. A muzzle, collar, leash and compliant crash-tested harness are required. The dog must be at least six months old. Owners also need a veterinary certificate issued within 20 days, identification and vaccination records, liability insurance and a signed acceptance form.
Domestic flights become a more realistic option for owners planning Italian city breaks, family visits or longer stays with a large dog. Until now, animals above standard cabin limits generally had to travel separately in the hold or use another form of transport. The service could reduce long road or rail journeys, although only flights specifically labelled "Large Dog" qualify and the initial route selection remains limited.
This is not a service that can be added at the last minute. Only two large dogs can travel on each eligible flight, confirmation is not automatic, and missing paperwork or the harness can lead to denied boarding. The extra ticket and transport fee will affect the budget. Even with those limits, keeping a dog of up to 30 kg in the cabin is a meaningful change for owners.
