Italian flag carrier ITA Airways has announced the launch of “Large Dog On Board,” an initiative designed to allow large dogs to travel inside the passenger cabin without a pet carrier. The service will be operational starting August 3, with bookings available upon request through the airline’s Customer Support and Information Office. Bookings must be requested at least four days prior to the scheduled flight date.
This measure comes following the successful execution of a demonstration flight held last September between Milan Linate Airport (LIN) and Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO). During the trial, two large dogs traveled in the cabin without transport containers, successfully proving the operational and safety viability of the procedure.
Capacity, Fleet Allocation, and Operational Restrictions
In its initial operational phase, the service will be restricted to select domestic routes within Italy and will be subject to capacity limitations authorized by the Ente Nazionale per l’Aviazione Civile (ENAC), Italy’s civil aviation authority. The operational guidelines establish strict parameters for cabin allocation:
- Maximum Capacity for Large Dogs: A maximum of two large dogs will be permitted per flight. One dog weighing up to 30 kg (66 lbs) may travel in Business Class, while one dog weighing up to 15 kg (33 lbs) will be permitted in Economy Class, both seated in designated areas of the cabin.
- Initial Coexistence Phase (Months 1 and 2): During the first two months of operations, a maximum of two standard-sized dogs (weighing up to 10 kg / 22 lbs) will be concurrently authorized. These pets will be restricted exclusively to the Economy Class cabin and must be seated at least eight rows away from the large dogs.
- Second Operational Phase: Following the initial two-month period, the allowance for standard-sized pets in Economy Class will increase to a maximum of four per flight.
Expansion Strategy and Executive Endorsement
ITA Airways has confirmed plans to gradually scale the “Large Dog On Board” service across its domestic route network before eventual implementation on international flights. This phased rollout remains subject to ongoing reviews of capacity limits and operational protocols by the competent regulatory authorities.
By adopting ENAC’s updated regulatory framework, the airline strengthens its positioning within the European airline industry, leading a transformation in passenger experience and the management of in-cabin animal transport.
“With the launch of the Large Dog On Board service, ITA Airways takes a concrete step toward a travel experience that is increasingly attentive to passenger needs. We listened to our customers’ requests and worked alongside ENAC—whom I wish to thank—to enable passengers to travel with their four-legged companions, avoiding separation and making the flight experience more comfortable for the whole family. This milestone reaffirms our commitment to promoting innovative and responsible air travel that balances customer service, animal welfare, and full compliance with safety requirements.”
— Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways.
The establishment of the first scheduled domestic flights accommodating heavier dogs represents a significant advancement in passenger service offerings within regional commercial aviation. The airline will continue evaluating these operational procedures alongside ENAC to validate the next stages of international route integration.
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