Breakthrough in Traveling with Animals: Large Dogs Allowed in Aircraft Cabins in Italy

The Italian aviation market is undergoing a significant transformation in its pro-family and pro-animal policies, opening passenger cabins to pets of much larger sizes than before. The new regulations, reported by leading Italian and German media, primarily concern domestic flights operated by the national carrier ITA Airways and the regional airline Aeroitalia. The main change is the drastic increase in the weight limit for dogs in the cabin from the previous 8-10 kilograms to 30 kilograms. ITA Airways announced that passengers will be able to purchase a seat next to them for their dog, provided appropriate safety and hygiene standards are maintained. This initiative is seen as a strategic move ahead of the upcoming holiday season, aimed at attracting pet owners who have previously avoided air travel due to the stress associated with transporting their pet in the cargo hold. Aeroitalia has already conducted a test flight from Palermo, during which a large dog traveled on board without a traditional carrier. German media, including ZEIT ONLINE, point out that this decision is particularly significant in the context of the planned acquisition of ITA Airways by the Lufthansa Group, which could influence travel standards across Europe. However, the carriers emphasize that this service is an additional paid service, and the number of animals on board a single aircraft remains strictly limited to ensure the comfort of all passengers. Historically, the transport of larger dogs in civil aviation was reserved almost exclusively for certified assistance dogs, while domestic pets had to travel in special cages in the cargo hold. The introduction of the new rules required adjustments to operational procedures and training for cabin crew in handling unusual passengers. Although the changes currently mainly apply to connections within Italy, industry experts predict that the success of this model may encourage other European carriers to revise their strict regulations. It is worth emphasizing that dog owners are required to possess a complete set of veterinary documents and ensure that their animal does not disturb the peace of other travelers. „Introduciamo questa innovazione per rispondere alle esigenze dei nostri passeggeri, che considerano i loro animali come membri della famiglia.” (We are introducing this innovation to meet the needs of our passengers, who consider their animals as family members.) — ITA Airways press release

Perspektywy mediów: Liberal and lifestyle media emphasize the aspect of empathy and treating animals as family members in modern society. Business portals focus on economic pragmatism and the desire to increase revenue from ancillary services before summer.