From today also the owners of medium to large dogs can fly in plane with them animals domestic in spray cabin, without having to arrange them in hold. The new, foreseen byENAC (National Civil Aviation Authority) already in May, allows the dogs over 8-10 kg to travel alongside their owners, combining safety, comfort, and animal well-being throughout the flight. Adherence to the new guidelines remains a priority. discretion of individual airlines.
Large dogs on planes: the first Milan-Rome flight begins today.
This morning, Tuesday 23 September 2025, took off from Milan Linate the first experimental flight with two large dogs, directed to Rome Fiumicino, without a carrier. The animals, both over 10 kg, represent the first practical application of the new ENAC regulations. The decision has sparked great interest among passengers, many of whom consider their pets to be true members of the family. Despite the increased freedom, the agency specified that rigorous safety conditions have been applied, designed to ensure the dogs' well-being throughout the journey.
How large dogs will travel in the cabin: the new rules
According to the ENAC guidelines, large animals will have to occupy window seats, avoiding seats next to emergency exits, and will be accompanied by advance information for both crew and other passengers. To ensure everyone's comfort, airlines will be able to create buffer zones for allergy sufferers or prefers not to have animals nearby. The rules also establish a maximum number of animals per flight and total weight calculation of the dog and pet carrierEach carrier must submit to ENAC a detailed operational plan, developed in collaboration with ground handling services, to obtain authorization.
Large Dogs on Airplanes: All the Critical Points
Not all companies will be required to apply these rules. For this reason, before purchasing a ticket, it is essential to verify that the chosen carrier has joined the initiative. This aspect, consumer associations emphasize, represents the main overdrive of the new regulation.
According to Consumerism, there remain doubts on some points, such as the maximum weight allowed in the cabin, defined simply as "not exceeding the weight of an average passenger." This criterion can be interpreted differently and, as President Luigi Gabriele warns, could create problems on the first flights with large dogs.
Large Dogs on Airplanes: Extra Services
Completing the revolution of pet travel, theRome Fiumicino airport ushered in a dog hotel, Designed to make the travel experience more comfortable for pets and their owners, the property offers temperature-controlled floors, private gardens, soothing music, grooming services, aromatherapy, and even video calls with owners. Since last May, the hotel has been fully booked, confirming the growing interest in pet-friendly amenities for air travel.
