ITA Airways is launching the “Large Dog On Board” service, designed to allow dogs weighing up to 30 kg to travel in the cabin without a carrier on select “Large Dog” domestic scheduled flights.

The service, available for purchase starting today and operational as of August 3, can be booked through ITA Airways’ Customer Information Assistance Office (CIAO) at least four days prior to the flight date. The launch of the service follows the first demonstration flight conducted last September from Milan Linate to Rome Fiumicino, during which two large dogs traveled in the cabin without a carrier.

In this first phase, the Large Dog On Board service will initially be available on selected domestic flights operated by ITA Airways, in compliance with the maximum number of Large Dogs allowed on board under the authorization granted by ENAC.

 

With the launch of the “Large Dog On Board” service, a maximum of two large dogs - one weighing up to 30 kg in Business Class and another weighing up to 15 kg in Economy Class - will be transported in the cabin in spaces reserved for them. During the first two months after the service’s launch, a maximum of two standard-sized dogs (weighing up to 10 kg) will be allowed on board (only in Economy Class and at least eight rows away from the large dogs). Subsequently, the number of standard-sized dogs will increase to four. ITA Airways plans to expand the service on domestic flights and to extend it to international flights, subject to the progressive review of limits and procedures by the competent regulatory authorities.

 

With the introduction of this service on its flights, ITA Airways is playing a leading role in another historic milestone for Italian commercial aviation by implementing the new regulations on the transport of dogs in the cabin adopted by ENAC, the Italian Civil Aviation Authority.

“With the launch of the Large Dog On Board service, ITA Airways is taking a concrete step toward a way of traveling that is increasingly attentive to the needs of its passengers”, says Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways. “We have listened to our customers’ requests and worked together with ENAC - whom I would like to thank - to allow them to travel with their four-legged friends, avoiding separation and making the flight experience more comfortable for the whole family. This achievement confirms our commitment to promoting innovative, responsible air travel that combines customer care, the well-being of dogs, and full compliance with safety requirements”.

 

The launch of the first domestic scheduled flights open to large dogs marks a significant evolution in the travel experience offered by ITA Airways. The new service underscores the airline’s focus on customer needs and its commitment to offering innovative solutions, while fully complying with safety requirements and ensuring the well-being of all passengers.

 

All information regarding the “Large Dog On Board” service is available at this link.