Italy has taken a step to break down barriers for pet lovers by allowing large dogs to fly in the cabin, thanks to a new regulation from the National Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC). This decision reflects a growing shift toward inclusive, pet-friendly travel across Europe, offering new opportunities for multi-species families to stay together, even at 30,000 feet.
More than 2.6 million Spaniards visited Italy in the first ten months of 2024, and many of them are pet owners who struggle with the usual travel restrictions. Airlines often limit cabin pets to under 8 or 10 kilograms, including the carrier, making it almost impossible for larger dogs to fly outside the cargo hold. However, Italy’s new rules are now set to make travel easier and safer for both pets and their owners.
Italy’s New Rule for Big Dogs
The new ENAC regulation eliminates strict weight limits for pets traveling in the cabin. As long as the animal is placed in an approved carrier that can be anchored with seatbelts or similar systems, it may accompany its caregiver inside the aircraft, regardless of weight. This is a major improvement over earlier rules, which capped pet weight at 8 to 10 kilograms depending on the airline.
Pierluigi Di Palma, president of ENAC, stated that the rule change responds to “new social needs of travelers” and is fully compliant with flight safety standards. The initiative was supported by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport under Matteo Salvini, who called it a “battle of common sense and civic spirit.”
Each airline will be allowed to establish specific procedures and fees, subject to approval by ENAC. But the main goal remains: giving families the chance to travel with their dogs without the trauma of cargo holds.
How Other Countries Compare
Italy now leads the way in pet travel, but how do other European countries stack up?
| Country | Airline | Cabin Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | Iberia, Vueling, Ryanair | 10 kg (with carrier) |
| France | Air France | 8 kg |
| Germany | Lufthansa | 8 kg |
| UK | British Airways | Not allowed (except assistance dogs) |
| Netherlands | KLM | 8 kg |
| Latvia | Air Baltic | 12 kg |
None of these countries currently matches Italy’s open-ended allowance. While some travelers applaud Air Baltic’s slightly more generous 12 kg limit, the Italian model sets a new benchmark for humane and inclusive pet travel.
Animal Welfare and Social Response
Animal welfare groups and pet owners alike have celebrated the change. Cargo holds can be dangerous for animals, with past reports of injuries, stress, and even death during flights. ENAC’s new rule recognizes the importance of keeping pets safe and close to their families during travel.
According to the European Commission, no EU-wide weight standard exists, allowing each airline and country to establish its own policies. Italy’s new rules could inspire other governments to consider similar changes. Early reactions on social media have been overwhelmingly positive, with users calling the policy “life-changing” for people with larger pets.
What About Large Cats?
While the new regulation makes it clear that large dogs are now welcome in the cabin under proper safety measures, it raises an interesting question: what about large cats? Many cat owners, especially those with sizable breeds like Maine Coons or Norwegian Forest Cats, also face the challenge of traveling under restrictive airline policies.
ENAC’s update doesn’t explicitly exclude cats, but the regulation’s language primarily references dogs. If airlines adopt a species-neutral approach to the new rules—as long as the pet fits safely in an approved carrier secured in the cabin—this could open the door for larger felines to fly cabin-side too.
Do you travel with a large cat? Would you take advantage of this new flexibility if it applied to your pet? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your experience!
As Italy opens its cabin doors to larger four-legged friends, it invites Europe to rethink the way it welcomes animal companions in the sky. For now, if you’re heading to Italy this summer, you and your big dog—maybe even your big cat—might be able to fly together, side by side.
