ITA Airways, Italy’s flagship carrier, is among the most pet friendly airlines in Europe, offering in-cabin, in-hold, and cargo options for travelling with dogs. This guide covers everything from weight limits and carrier rules to the new ENAC exception for larger dogs, booking steps, and the documents you’ll need before departure.
ITA Airways pet policy
ITA Airways is pet friendly airline allowing dogs to travel in-cabin, as checked baggage, or via cargo. The cabin limit is 12 kg on domestic Italy flights and 10 kg on others, but a recent ENAC rule lets some larger dogs fly in-cabin on certain domestic routes.
Pets in the hold can weigh up to 75 kg with the crate. No special forms are needed for most flights (except for assistance dogs on some routes, such as to the USA), but space is limited, so book early to make flight with your dog a stress-free experience.
- Summary ›
- Pet in cabin ›
- Pet in hold/cargo ›
- How to book the ticket ›
- Required travel documents ›
- Pet carrier limits + tip for a bag ›
- Tips from travelers ›
- Pros & Cons ›
- FAQs ›
Overview of ITA Airways dog policy
- Accepted Travel Options:
- ✅ In cabin: Yes (pets with total weight up to 12 kg on domestic flights—including carrier and food; up to 10 kg on international flight)
- ✅ Checked baggage: Yes, for pets up to 75 kg including carrier and food
- ✅ Cargo: Pets not eligible for cabin or checked baggage
- Cabin weight limit: Max 12 kg on domestic Italian; 10 kg on all other flights
- Carrier size (in-cabin):
- Domestic flights: 24 cm (H) × 40 cm (L) × 30 cm (W)
- International flights: 20 cm (H) × 40 cm (L) × 20 cm (W)
- Minimum age: At least 12 weeks (for EU travel)
- Main transit hub: Rome Fiumicino, Italy
- Booking deadline: Minimum 48 hours before departure
- Link to the ITA Airways website
ITA Airways dog cabin with prices
Small and medium dogs can travel in-cabin if the total weight, including the pet carrier and food, is up to 12 kg on domestic Italy flights or 10 kg on all other routes. Carriers must fit ITA’s size limits — 24 × 40 × 30 cm (domestic) or 20 × 40 × 20 cm (international) — and be placed under the seat.
The ITA Airways pet price is € 73 for domestic flights (reduced to € 59 on selected Sicily routes), € 95 for most Europe/North Africa routes, € 100 for Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, Senegal and Ghana, € 210 for North America, India and the Maldives, and € 230 for South America and Japan.
Booking must be made at least 48 hours before departure via the Customer Center or ticket office.
💡 Please note that while ITA Airways has officially increased these weight limits, the 8 kg restriction is still frequently enforced for long-haul flights (especially from the US).
ITA Airways large dogs in cabin
ITA Airways’ regular policy limits cabin pets to a maximum of 12 kg including the carrier and food, and this has been the rule for years. In May 2025, Italy’s civil aviation authority ENAC introduced a separate regulation allowing medium and large dogs to travel in the cabin on domestic Italy flights under certain conditions. These bigger dogs must be secured, must not block aisles or exits, and the airline must approve the request in advance.
In practice, this means the 12 kg limit still applies to most ITA Airways flights, especially international ones, but there is now a domestic exception for larger breeds.
ITA Airways pet in hold/ cargo limits and price
If your dog is too big for the cabin, ITA Airways can take them in the hold as checked baggage – up to 75 kg including the crate – or as cargo. Either way you need an IATA-approved travel crate and also you have to book your pet’s spot at least 48 hours before the flight. However the earlier the better!
Also towards the end of 2025, ITA Airways no longer allows “snub-nosed” dogs like Pit Bulls, Bulldogs, or Pugs in the cargo hold. So even if your dog fits the weight limit, the airline won’t let them fly because of breathing risks. If you have one of these breeds and they are too big for the cabin, you can’t just add them to your ticket—you’ll have to go through a specialized cargo company instead.
Flight ticket prices for pets in the hold start at €95 within Italy, €150 for most of Europe and North Africa, €200 for Egypt and the Middle East, and if you are traveling further, expect to pay around €300–350. Cargo prices depend on your dog’s size, weight, and destination.
ITA Airways restricted breeds for in hold travel
Dogs: Affenpinscher, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bichon Frise, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, Bulldog, Bullmastiff, Cane Corso, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua (apple-headed), Chow Chow, Dogo Argentino, Dogue de Bordeaux, English Mastiff, French Bulldog, Japanese Chin, King Charles Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, Newfoundland, Pekingese, Presa Canario, Pug, Shar-Pei, Shih Tzu, Silky Terrier, Tibetan Spaniel, Valley Bulldog, Yorkshire Terrier.
Cats: Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Persian, Himalayan.
How to book a flight for your dog
Whether your dog is flying in the cabin, in the hold, or as cargo, the booking process with ITA Airways is very similar. The main difference is the weight and crate requirements for each option.
So firstly secure your own ticket first, then add your dog to the booking with all the necessary details.
ITA Airways booking step by step
- Book your own ticket.
- For booking online: Use the “My Flights” section online to add your dog.
- For booking via phone: Contact the ITA Airways Customer Center.
- Provide necessary info about your pet such as weight and carrier dimensions.
- Prepare the required health and travel documents.
- Pay via sent link or at the airport.
ITA Airways dog travel documents
For all EU flights, your dog needs a valid EU Pet Passport as well as microchip, and rabies vaccination. Some destinations may require some extra vaccinations or treatments.
For non-EU travel, rules vary and may include a health certificate, import permits, or proof of parasite treatment – all depending on your destination.
Good news is that ITA Airways itself does not require a special form for pets on regular flights, but assistance dogs on certain routes, such as to the USA, may need a completed DOT form. And a heads up for 2026: if you are heading to the USA, don’t forget that every dog now needs a completed CDC Dog Import Form receipt to be allowed on board.
🐾 — Pet relief areas in Europe — ✈️
ITA Airways pet carrier limits
For in-cabin travel, the carrier must fit under the seat and meet ITA Airways’ size rules: up to 24 (H) × 40 (L) × 30 (W) cm on domestic Italy flights and 20 × 40 × 20 cm on international or intercontinental routes. The total weight (pet, carrier and food) must not exceed 12 kg on domestic flights or 10 kg on all others. You can find our recommended soft-sided bags here.
For ITA Airways pet travel we would recommend Petsfit carrier bag, however always measure your dog or cat to make sure it fits comfortably.
If your dog is flying in the hold, the crate and your pet together can weigh up to 75 kg. You’ll need IATA-approved crate made from strong plastic or wood, with secure metal or heavy-duty plastic doors and ventilation on at least three sides. The crate can be bigger if needed, but it still has to fit through the aircraft’s cargo door.
Tips and experience from travelers
As a team, we’ve flown with ITA Airways and our dogs more times than we can count, and over the years we’ve picked up a few things that don’t appear on the airline’s website.
One of the first lessons? Even if you’ve added your pet online, call to confirm the booking. On one trip, the pet reservation wasn’t showing at check-in, and that’s the last kind of surprise you want on travel day.
For in-cabin flights, we’ve found that seats away from the bulkhead often give you more space under the seat for the carrier. In the hold, we always bring a few extra zip ties to secure the crate doors — ground staff often add their own, but having yours means you can close everything exactly how you like it.
And finally, if you’re flying domestically in Italy with a bigger dog, it’s worth asking about the ENAC exception for large dogs in the cabin. Not all staff will bring it up, but it can be a game-changer if your dog usually exceeds the standard 12 kg cabin limit.
Pros & Cons of ITA Airways traveling with pets
Pros: ITA Airways really is pet-friendly airline and compare to other european companies offer relatively generous weight limits for in-cabin. The booking can be done online and customer service is usually responsive. The ENAC regulation allowing larger dogs in the cabin on domestic Italy flights is a real bonus if you have a medium-sized breed!
Cons: While ITA’s policy allows pets both in-cabin and in-hold, in practice there are limited spaces available per flight. We’ve learned from personal experience that early booking and direct confirmation with the airline are essential. Also keep in mind the 2025 update for the restricted breeds for in hold travel which affects many dogs and cats.
FAQs about ITA pet policy
Can I add my dog after booking my ticket?
Yes. You can add your dog through the “My Flights” section on the ITA Airways website or by calling the Customer Center. It’s best to do it early, as space for pets is limited per flight.
What’s the weight limit for pets in the cabin?
Up to 12 kg on domestic Italy flights, 10 kg on all other routes (including the carrier and food).
Can large dogs travel in the cabin?
Currently only on domestic Italy flights, under the ENAC regulation, and with prior approval from the airline.
Do I need to fill in any forms before flying with my dog?
No special forms are required for pets on regular flights, but assistance dogs on some routes, like to the USA, may need a DOT form.