For dog owners, planning a flight can involve a difficult question: will their companion be allowed to stay nearby? Italy has taken steps to make that possible for more travelers, expanding the framework for larger pets to fly in passenger cabins.

The change began on May 12, 2025, when Italy’s civil aviation authority, ENAC, approved a measure allowing airlines to develop procedures for carrying pets beyond the usual cabin weight limits of around 8–10 kilograms. Those limits varied by airline, often leaving owners of larger dogs with fewer travel options.

Since then, the initiative has progressed. In November 2025, ENAC announced ministerial approval of operational guidelines covering pets weighing up to 30 kilograms on domestic commercial flights. These guidelines provide airlines with a route to obtain authorization for the service, subject to specific safety requirements.

A further development followed in July 2026: ENAC approved ITA Airways’ request to increase its cabin pet weight limit from 10 to 30 kilograms on designated domestic services. The authorization applies only to certain aircraft models and approved cabin configurations, so travelers should not assume that every ITA flight offers this option.

For families who prefer to keep their dogs close during a journey, these developments could make flying a more practical choice. However, the policy is not a nationwide ban on transporting animals in the hold, nor does it guarantee cabin access for every dog.

Airline participation and approved operating procedures remain central to the arrangement. ENAC’s May 2025 guidance outlined measures including suitable carriers, secure positioning away from emergency exits, limits on the number of animals aboard, and separation arrangements for passengers with allergies. The aim is to accommodate pets while protecting everyone's safety and comfort.

Before buying a ticket, owners should ask the airline whether their particular flight accepts larger dogs in the cabin. They should also confirm the applicable weight limit, carrier or restraint requirements, charges, and documents needed for the journey. Regulatory approval is a reason to explore new options, rather than assume a reservation automatically includes space for a pet.

Italy’s approach recognizes something familiar to many dog owners: arranging a trip means considering the needs of the whole household, including its four-legged members. For travelers whose dogs qualify for an approved service, staying together during the flight is becoming more realistic.