ITA Airways will begin allowing dogs weighing up to 30 kilograms (66 pounds) to travel in the passenger cabin from 3 August, becoming one of the first major airlines to introduce such a service.
Called “Large Dog On Board,” the new option allows eligible dogs to travel without a carrier, secured in a designated space next to their owner. During the initial rollout, only two large dogs will be permitted per flight—one weighing up to 30 kg in Business Class and another up to 15 kg in Economy Class.
The service will initially be available only on selected domestic routes within Italy, with bookings required through ITA Airways’ customer assistance office at least four days before departure. International flights are currently excluded, while certified assistance dogs will continue to receive boarding priority.
The decision follows a successful trial conducted last year on flights between Milan and Rome, after which Italy’s civil aviation authority approved regulations allowing the programme to become permanent.
The move places ITA Airways ahead of many major European carriers, where cabin pet weight limits generally remain between 8 and 10 kilograms, while several airlines still do not permit large pets inside passenger cabins.