The rules are changing for passengers traveling by plane with a large dog. Starting August 3, ITA Airways will launch its new “Large Dog On Board” service, which will allow dogs weighing up to 30 kilograms to travel in the cabin alongside their owners on select domestic flights. This is a change many have been waiting for, but it comes with specific requirements, operational limitations, and additional costs that you should be aware of before booking.
Only two dogs per flight
The service will be available exclusively on domestic flights designated as “Large Dog” and will allow a maximum of two dogs in the cabin: one weighing more than 10 and up to 15 kilograms, and one weighing between 15 and 30 kilograms. However, booking confirmation is subject to availability, the type of aircraft, the presence of other animals, and the flight’s operational requirements.
During the trip, the dog may not occupy a seat. It must remain in the designated area, on a mat provided by the airline and secured with an approved crash-tested harness, and must also be wearing a collar, leash, and muzzle.
Documents, Certificates, and Insurance
To use this service, the dog must be at least six months old, be identified with an ISO microchip, be up to date on vaccinations, have undergone parasite treatment, and be deemed fit to fly by a veterinarian. The certificate, issued no more than 20 days before departure, must also attest to the animal’s weight and behavior.
In addition, the dog’s identification document or passport, vaccination records, a pet liability insurance policy, and the Pet Acceptance Form will be required. If even one of these requirements is missing, transport will not be authorized.
How much does it cost?
This service cannot be purchased online or through travel agencies: requests must be made exclusively through the ITA Airways CIAO Contact Center, preferably at least four days before departure.
Of course, there is a cost associated with this service. In addition to the passenger’s ticket, you must purchase a second ticket to reserve space for the dog in the cabin. On top of that, there is a 95-euro fee charged by ITA Airways for transporting the animal. Certified service dogs will always take priority over the “Large Dog On Board” service. Their presence on board may therefore reduce the number of dogs allowed or make the service unavailable on that flight.
The option to allow even large dogs to travel in the cabin is a significant development for many owners. At least in this initial phase, however, it will be a highly regulated service: limited seats, pre-trip checks, and strict requirements will make it an option available to a still relatively small group of people.
