Finally, something big is happening – and this time, it’s actually good news for dog owners in Europe. Since 12th of May 2025, Italy has started allowing large dogs (yes, the ones that never fit under a plane seat) to travel in the cabin with their humans.
We’ve been waiting for this kind of shift for a long time. And it’s not just about comfort – it’s about being treated like families, not cargo handlers.
What the rule about large dogs cabin travel Italy means
The Italian aviation authority (ENAC) introduced new guidelines allowing medium and large dogs to be transported in airplane cabins. This doesn’t mean you’ll see a St. Bernard lounging across row 16 – but it does mean that if your dog is around 10–15 kg and calm, you might not have to send them to the aircraft hold. Curious how cabin travel works? Here’s our go-to guide: Flying with a Dog – Step-by-Step.
It’s a national-level rule, which means airlines operating within Italy now have the green light to create more flexible pet cabin policies. Some, like ITA Airways and Neos Air, are already adapting. Updated airlines info can be found here.
All the details about ENAC pet rule 2025
Here’s what’s confirmed so far:
QUICK OVERVIEW | WHAT WE KNOW |
Weight limit | No fixed rule; most airlines accept dogs up to 10–15 kg |
Carrier | Soft, flexible, needs to fit under or partly under the seat |
Safety | The carrier has to be strapped in – usually with a seatbelt or cabin tether |
Dog’s behaviour | Calm is key. No barking concerts mid-flight |
Documents | EU pet passport/animal health certificate |
Airlines onboard so far | ITA Airways and Neos Air – others might follow |
Why this matter
Until now, dogs that were too big for the cabin had to travel in hold – usually in a hard crate, checked in as special baggage. For many owners, especially those with medium-sized breeds, this was the only option, even for short flights within Europe.
Flying in hold isn’t always dangerous, but it’s certainly less comfortable – and it’s a situation many dog owners try to avoid if they can. Allowing slightly larger dogs in the cabin gives more flexibility and removes a barrier that kept a lot of people from flying with their pets altogether.
This update from the Italian authorities is a practical improvement. It won’t change everything overnight, but it’s a definitely a big step forward.
Which airlines now allow larger dogs in cabin
We’re thrilled to see several Italian airlines embracing the new ENAC guidelines and opening their cabins to larger dogs — finally! If you’re traveling with a medium-sized pup like some of us on the Pet Abroad team do, these updates might just change how you fly.
(Updated July 19, 2025)
ITA Airways large dogs
ITA Airways has been quick to adapt. For domestic flights within Italy, they now allow dogs weighing up to 10 kg, plus 2 kg for the carrier — so a combined weight of up to 12 kg in cabin. For international flights, the limit is 10 kg total, with a soft-sided carrier no larger than 24 × 40 × 30 cm (and just 20 cm high on international routes!).
Fees are about €73 domestically and can reach €95–105 on international routes.
This means that flying with a larger dog on ITA Airways is now very doable — especially for sturdy small breeds or slim medium dogs. Read our guide about flying with ITA Airways here.
Neos Air
Neos Air also allows pets in the cabin up to 10 kg including the carrier. Your carrier must comply with IATA standards (typically max. 48 × 35 × 29 cm), and the in-cabin pet fee is around $110–130 USD (or the euro equivalent).
Anything above that weight? Your pet goes in the hold.
Air Dolomiti
Air Dolomiti is perfect for slightly smaller dogs. They allow pets up to 8 kg total (dog + carrier) with a max carrier size of 55 × 40 × 23 cm. The fee ranges from €65–75, depending on your route. If your dog weighs more than 8 kg with the carrier, they’ll have to travel as checked baggage.
How to get ready for cabin travel with your dog
- Check your airline – Some carriers have already updated their pet travel rules. Look for Italy-based airlines or those operating domestic Italian routes. For a full overview, check our guide to European airlines allowing dogs in the cabin.
- Book early – Spaces for pets in cabin are still limited, especially for larger dogs.
- Measure and prepare the carrier – Airlines may have size restrictions for safety.
- Carry documents – EU Pet Passport, vaccination records, and a calm dog. And always double-check your destination airport – some small airports may have different handling procedures.
— How to book a flight for your dog — ✈️
How big is “too big”? A closer look at the weight limit
While the new rule from ENAC opens the door for medium and even large dog flights in the cabin, there isn’t a strict upper weight limit like 15 kg written into the regulation.
Instead, airlines are asked to ensure the pet’s presence doesn’t compromise cabin safety, space, or comfort. That typically means the total weight of the dog and its carrier should fall within the same limit as standard carry-on luggage – which for most airlines is around 8–12 kg.
However, in practice, many airlines may still apply their own limits – some might accept up to 10 or 15 kg, others may be stricter. That’s why firstly always check with your airline before you actually book the flight.
Debate and reactions from public
As expected, not everyone’s thrilled. Some travelers worry about allergies or “misbehaving dogs in row 12”. Others, especially dog lovers, call this a long-overdue change that puts Italy ahead of much of Europe in animal rights.
Italian Transport Minister Matteo Salvini called it a “battle of common sense and civility” – and we kinda agree.
The Pet Abroad team final thought
We’re not calling this a revolution, but it’s definitely a meaningful change. For years, traveling with a dog in Europe meant rules, limits, and in many cases, compromises. Especially for people with dogs that didn’t quite fit into the “small pet” category.
Italy’s move shows that things can shift. It opens the door (or cabin) for more flexible, dog-friendly flying – and we really hope other countries and airlines take note.
We’ll keep tracking how different airlines respond to this change. And as always, we’ll keep updating our guides so you know what to expect before you book.