Italy has introduced new rules allowing medium-sized and large dogs to travel in the cabin on flights, the transport ministry announced on Monday.
The move, approved by the Italian civil aviation authority ENAC, overturns a long-standing policy that required larger dogs to travel in the cargo hold.
“This is a battle of common sense and civility,” said Italy’s Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini, praising the decision. ENAC President Pierluigi Di Palma echoed the sentiment, describing the changes as “in full compliance with flight safety” while addressing “new societal needs.”
Under the new guidelines, pets must be housed in carriers that can be placed on seats and secured with seat belts or other anchoring systems. The combined weight of the pet and carrier may exceed previous limits but cannot be more than the maximum weight allowed for an average passenger.
Airlines will now have the responsibility to set fares and travel conditions for passengers flying with pets. Until now, airlines in Italy have had varying policies regarding pet travel. Many low-cost carriers prohibited pets in the cabin except for guide dogs, while ITA Airways increased its pet weight limit in the cabin from 8 kg to 10 kg on domestic flights last year.
The new air travel rules align with recent changes in Italy’s railways, which have become increasingly pet-friendly, particularly during the summer travel season.
