ITA Airways has launched the “Large Dog On Board” service, allowing dogs weighing up to 30 kg to travel in the cabin without a carrier on select “Large Dog” domestic scheduled flights.
Tickets for the service went on sale today, with the service operational as of August 3. Bookings can be made through ITA Airways’ Customer Information Assistance Office (CIAO) at least four days before the flight date. The launch follows a first demonstration flight conducted last September from Milan Linate to Rome Fiumicino, during which two large dogs travelled in the cabin without a carrier.
In this initial phase, the Large Dog On Board service will be available on selected domestic flights operated by ITA Airways, in line with the maximum number of large dogs permitted on board under the authorisation granted by ENAC.
With the launch of the service, up to two large dogs will be carried in the cabin in dedicated spaces – one weighing up to 30 kg in Business Class and another weighing up to 15 kg in Economy Class. During the first two months of the service, up to two standard-sized dogs (weighing up to 10 kg) will also be permitted on board, in Economy Class only and at least eight rows away from the large dogs. The number of standard-sized dogs will subsequently increase to four. ITA Airways plans to expand the service to further domestic flights and, in time, to international flights, subject to the progressive review of limits and procedures by the competent regulatory authorities.
With the introduction of this service, ITA Airways is playing a leading role in another historic milestone for Italian commercial aviation, implementing the new regulations on the transport of dogs in the cabin adopted by ENAC, the Italian Civil Aviation Authority.
“With the launch of the Large Dog On Board service, ITA Airways is taking a concrete step toward a way of traveling that is increasingly attentive to the needs of its passengers”, says Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways. “We have listened to our customers’ requests and worked together with ENAC – whom I would like to thank – to allow them to travel with their four-legged friends, avoiding separation and making the flight experience more comfortable for the whole family. This achievement confirms our commitment to promoting innovative, responsible air travel that combines customer care, the well-being of dogs, and full compliance with safety requirements”.
The launch of the first domestic scheduled flights open to large dogs marks a significant evolution in the travel experience offered by ITA Airways, underscoring the airline’s focus on customer needs and its commitment to innovative solutions, while fully complying with safety requirements and ensuring the well-being of all passengers.
