Paws in the Air! ITA Airways (Finally!) Welcomes Large Dogs in the Cabin

It is time to rejoice in dog lovers. It may finally come to pass to be able to have your emotional (and stressful) farewell to your medium or large pup in the cargo terminal, at least in Italy when flying.

The flagship carrier of Italy, ITA Airways, has officially rocked the pet travel industry by introducing its Large Pet Friendly service during the Summer of 2026. They are now also allowing dogs, to a large size of 30 kilograms, to be carried and sit next to you in the passenger cabin after successfully doing a trial run.

This is a monumental shift. The weight limit in the carrier (including the carrier) has been 810kg, which is the industry standard over years. Anything heavier spelled out the awful cargo hold. ITA has since become among the pioneering airline companies in Europe to open the cabin doors to an expansively broader range of breeds, such as Collies, Golden Retrievers.

However, there is much that you must know before you pack the bag of your pooch. With this service, there is a particular and very organised set of rules, which make everything (human and canine) safe and comfortable in its way.

It is here that the critical information on flying your large dog within ITA Airways is provided.

The Big Question: Where and Which Dogs?

To begin with, the most critical caveats:

• Domestic Routes Only (At the Start): At the start of Summer 2026, this service is only offered in domestic aeronautics, on a scheduled flight within Italy. The old weight limits are still applicable in case you are flying in or out of Italy internationally.
• The 30kg Cap: The maximum weight of your dog should not exceed 30 kilograms (about 66 lbs). In dogs over this weight, or when flight is international, the carrier has suspended the hold transport (AVIH) to a great extent, and so this cabin service is your only feasible choice.

Large Pets allowed in the cabin: ITA Airways Official Press Release.

This official announcement signifies the beginning of the next stage of the Large Pet Friendly project, that is, a successful pilot stage to become a part of the airline in the summer of 2026, focusing on animal welfare and comfort to passengers.

How it Works: The On-Board Protocols

O, forget the little, cuddly carrier. The dog is not a 30kg, which is not fitting under the seat. But this is what the large-dog experience is like:

1. Specific Seat: You are not allowed to sit anywhere. Upon reservation (that should be done a long time ago by calling the airline), you will be assigned a certain location. This, according to most reports, will necessitate reserving the window seat and possibly the seat next to it as well to guarantee the dog enough floor space. This is because you will be practically paying the area that your dog is consuming.
2. Required Gear:
   • The Absorbent Mat: You have to carry an absorbent mat or blanket on which your dog will be able to sit or lie during the flight.
   • Leash and Muzzle: the dog should always be put on a leash on board. You should also definitely have a muzzle. It does not need to be worn throughout the flight but it must be put on during certain periods (boarding and deplaning) and in the event that the flight crew requests.
3. Strict Capacity: The cabin has strict capacities on the number of large animals that can be carried in it, which in most cases is not more than six dogs in one flight. once those slots are filled, no more pets can be added.

Preconditions: Before You Book.

You cannot turn up and appear with your pet and a dream. The list of preparation is long:

• Veterinary Approval: Your pet dog needs to be healthy.
• Age and Identification: The dog should be 6 months old and his microchip should be readable.
• Documentation: You should show valid European pet passport which will include the information about the animal and its confirmation of current up-to-date vaccinations (particularly rabies).
• Globally, there will be a Pet-Friendly Service Fee, which will obviously add to the price of the service, the set-up of which is, perhaps, going to be determined by the size of the seat/space you must book.

What is the Booking Process?

This is not a reservation which can be made online. Due to the space restrictions and the seating arrangement policies, you will be required to get a phone call to ITA Airways (their special customer care section) so that you can book a place to put your large pet. The airline can recommend early booking as there are capacity limitations.

The Verdict

It is a bold and very desirable step of ITA Airways. They are acknowledging the fact that to a great number of people, a dog is not baggage to be moved in the stressful cargo hold of an airplane, but family to be taken aboard the plane in the comfortable cabin.

One should keep in mind this is still a premeditated setting. You are not reserving an anarchy carnival. By the regulations on the use of mats, muzzles and strict capacity, it is apparent that the airline is attempting to strike a balance between the new pet friendly environment and the comfort and safety of all passengers.

When you are a dog owner in Italy, then your travel possibilities have increased greatly. Begin to plan that Italian road trip, this time, though, maybe leave the road behind you, and see it all out of the air.

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