ITA Airways to Allow Pets Up to 30 kg in Cabin on Domestic “Large Pet Friendly” Flights
ITA Airways is advancing its differentiation strategy in the Italian domestic market with a measure that redefines air travel for pets in the country. Following recent regulatory changes introduced by ENAC (Ente Nazionale per l’Aviazione Civile), the airline will offer in-cabin transport services for pets weighing up to 30 kg on domestic flights scheduled under the “Large Pet Friendly” modality.
This decision consolidates a process that began as a demonstration operation and has now been transformed into a structured commercial product.
From Demonstration Flight to Regular Service
This move was not improvised. Last September, the airline operated a demonstration flight between Milan Linate and Rome Fiumicino, transporting two large dogs in the cabin without carriers. This operation set both an operational and regulatory precedent, serving as a testbed to validate necessary procedures.
Following that trial, ITA Airways worked on adapting its internal processes to meet the required operational and quality standards. This was done to ensure both flight safety and the preservation of the experience for all other passengers. According to the company, developing this product required continuous effort focused on ensuring regulatory compliance while maintaining the highest levels of safety and quality.
→ ITA Airways volará entre Roma y Houston en el verano 2026
A Service Aligned with Passenger Evolution
In the official communication, Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways, emphasized that the initiative is a direct response to active customer feedback. The executive explained that, following the success of the demonstration flight, the company decided to turn that experience into a service available on domestic “Large Pet Friendly” flights.
Eberhart noted that the goal is to allow passengers to plan their trips alongside their pets “without separation,” reinforcing the concept that animals are part of the family unit.
Commercial Launch
The commercialization of the service is currently in the final stages of operational and commercial preparation. ITA Airways expects to make it available for sale during the upcoming IATA summer season, with the goal of allowing passengers to schedule trips with large pets starting next spring/summer.
Through this initiative, ITA Airways confirms its commitment to a more inclusive flight experience. The evolution—from increasing weight limits in 2024 to enabling “Large Pet Friendly” flights for pets up to 30 kg—demonstrates a gradual strategy based on operational testing and regulatory adaptation.
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