Traveling with Dog in Italy Just Got Easier
Great news for dog owners in Italy: ITA Airways has made it simpler and more convenient to travel with your furry friends. Starting from June 20th, the airline has increased its pet weight limit for domestic flights, allowing medium-sized dogs to join you in the cabin. So, if you’ve been worrying about whether your dog can fit the weight requirements, here’s some good news for you.
New Weight Limit: What You Need to Know
The new rule permits dogs weighing up to 10 kg to travel in the cabin, along with their carrier. This is a nice boost from the previous limit of 8 kg, which is standard across most airlines due to European Union regulations. However, this change, approved by Italy’s civil aviation authority ENAC, is a special exemption for ITA Airways. You can now traveling with your dog in Italy with new limit.
The increase might seem small—just 2 kg more—but for many dog owners, it’s a game changer. A 10 kg limit now means your small-to-medium-sized dog can comfortably travel with you without having to be checked into the cargo hold. Keep in mind, the carrier weight counts too, so make sure to choose one that’s light enough while still providing your dog with enough room to feel comfortable.
Carrier Requirements: Comfort for Your Pup
If you’re planning to take advantage of this new policy, there are some important carrier guidelines to follow. Your pet’s carrier must be either soft-sided, semi-rigid, or rigid and should be secure enough to keep your pet inside throughout the flight. ITA Airways stresses that the carrier should be properly ventilated, closed completely, and strong enough to prevent your dog from sneaking out.
The size limits are specific: the carrier can be up to 24 cm high, 40 cm long, and 30 cm wide. It also needs to be waterproof and sturdy to ensure a safe journey. Most importantly, your dog should have enough space to sit, turn around, and lie down comfortably in the carrier. After all, a relaxed pet makes for a much smoother trip!
Additional Costs and Conditions
The service comes with an additional fee of €73 for domestic flights. While the change applies only within Italy, the weight limit for international flights remains at 8 kg, so if you’re planning to travel beyond Italy, you’ll need to be aware of that restriction.
Another perk of this new policy is that up to five animals of the same species are allowed to travel in one carrier, as long as their total weight doesn’t exceed the 10 kg limit. So, if you’ve got a few small pets, this can be a really handy option!
Will Other Airlines Follow?
The Italian civil aviation authority, ENAC, has expressed openness to evaluating similar requests from other airlines to raise their pet weight limits for cabin travel. This move could pave the way for more flexibility in the future, especially for those traveling across Europe with their pets.
More Pet-Friendly Travel in Italy
And it’s not just the skies that are getting more pet-friendly. Last month, Trenitalia, Italy’s main train operator, announced a summer initiative allowing dogs to travel for free on its Frecce and Intercity long-distance trains. This offer is running until September 15th and is aimed at reducing the unfortunate issue of pets being abandoned when their owners go on vacation. So, whether you prefer flying or taking the train, there’s no shortage of pet-friendly options for exploring Italy with your dog.
Final Thoughts: A Win for Pet Owners
This change is a fantastic step forward for pet lovers in Italy, making it easier to bring your dog along on your travels. Whether you’re visiting family, taking a quick getaway, or just enjoying Italy’s beautiful landscapes, you now have more flexibility. Just remember to double-check all the conditions and carrier requirements to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience for both you and your furry companion. Enjoy traveling with your dog in Italy!
