ITA Airways is one of the few European airlines that goes beyond 8 kg: on Italian domestic flights the cabin limit is 12 kg including carrier and food. On other routes it stays at 8 kg. From 3 August 2026, on selected domestic flights, the new Large Dog On Board service also carries dogs up to 30 kg in the cabin, outside a carrier.
Yes: up to 12 kg in a carrier, up to 30 kg with Large Dog
In a carrier: 12 kg on domestic flights, 8 kg elsewhere. From 3 August 2026 the Large Dog On Board service accepts dogs up to 30 kg outside a carrier on selected domestic flights.
Verified: 29 July 2026At a glance
- Cabin, domestic flights. up to 12 kg with carrier and food
- Cabin, other flights. up to 8 kg with carrier and food
- Carrier. soft-sided, maximum 55 x 40 x 23 cm (118 cm total)
- Large dogs. up to 30 kg with Large Dog On Board, from 3 August 2026
- Species accepted. dogs and cats only, since 1 December 2025
- Minimum age. 3 months (6 months for Large Dog)
- Booking. at least 48 hours ahead, through the airline (4 days for Large Dog)
The 12 kg limit applies to domestic flights only
This is what makes ITA interesting for anyone with a small-but-not-tiny dog: on Italian domestic routes the combined limit — animal, carrier and food for the journey — is 12 kg, against the almost universal 8 kg in Europe.
On international and intercontinental flights it returns to 8 kg. If your itinerary includes a leg outside Italy, the lower limit applies.
The carrier and what can go inside
Maximum dimensions are 55 x 40 x 23 cm, with the sum of the sides within 118 cm: among the most generous on the market, level with Lufthansa and SWISS. The carrier must be soft, closed on all sides, well ventilated, leak-proof and made of resistant material, and it goes under the seat in front.
One carrier can hold up to two animals of the same species, as long as the combined weight stays within the limit.
If the dimensions are not respected, boarding can be refused at the gate — this is checked in practice.
Dogs and cats only, since December 2025
Until November 2025 ITA also accepted other species in the cabin. Since 1 December 2025 transport is limited to dogs and cats, in cabin and hold. Bookings confirmed by 30 November 2025 remain valid until used.
The minimum age is 3 months, and the animal must stay inside the carrier until disembarking.
The 2026 change: dogs up to 30 kg in the cabin
From 3 August 2026 ITA Airways introduces Large Dog On Board, the first European service that carries large dogs in the cabin outside a carrier: up to 30 kg, on a selection of domestic flights identified as "Large Dog flights".
The dog does not travel on the seat but on a mat supplied by the airline, secured to the seat belt with a Crash Tested harness certified to CMVSS 213 and FMVSS 213, wearing a muzzle, collar and lead. Two tickets are required plus a 95 EUR PETX fee.
Each Large Dog flight takes a maximum of two dogs: one over 10 and up to 15 kg, one over 15 and up to 30 kg. Requests go through the CIAO Contact Center only, at least 4 days before departure. Full Large Dog rules.
How to book (not online)
The service must be bought at least 48 hours before the flight by contacting the Customer Information Assistance Office and providing the exact carrier or crate dimensions. It is not a checkbox during purchase.
Before departure you must complete the form for carrying a dog or cat as additional hand baggage, to be presented in two printed copies at the check-in desk.
Domestic flights require a health booklet or pet passport; for the European Union, a passport with valid rabies vaccination and a microchip or readable tattoo.
The Large Dog service follows a different, longer process: a request to the CIAO Contact Center at least 4 days ahead, two tickets to buy, and no web check-in.
Refunds if your pet cannot fly
ITA refunds the service if the animal falls ill or dies. You need a death certificate or a veterinary certificate confirming the animal cannot travel because of a medical condition.
Worth knowing before you pay: without veterinary documentation, cancelling gives no right to a refund.
Frequently asked questions
- Does ITA Airways allow dogs in the cabin?
Yes. Dogs and cats travel in the cabin up to 12 kg on Italian domestic flights and up to 8 kg on all other routes, including carrier and food, in a soft carrier of maximum 55 x 40 x 23 cm. From 3 August 2026, on Large Dog flights, dogs up to 30 kg are also accepted outside a carrier. - Is it true ITA Airways carries dogs up to 30 kg in the cabin?
Yes. From 3 August 2026 the Large Dog On Board service accepts dogs up to 30 kg in the cabin, outside a carrier, on a selection of domestic flights. It requires two tickets, a 95 EUR fee, a Crash Tested harness and a request to the CIAO Contact Center at least 4 days ahead. - How much can a dog weigh in the cabin on ITA Airways?
Up to 12 kg on domestic flights and 8 kg on other routes. The weight is combined: animal, carrier and food for the journey. - What carrier do I need for ITA Airways?
Soft-sided, closed on all sides, well ventilated and leak-proof, with maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 23 cm for a total of 118 cm. It goes under the seat in front. - Can I book the pet space online with ITA Airways?
No. The service is bought by contacting the Customer Information Assistance Office at least 48 hours before the flight, providing the exact carrier dimensions. - Does ITA Airways accept animals other than dogs and cats?
Not any more. Since 1 December 2025 transport is limited to dogs and cats, in cabin and hold.
Experiences from people who flew ITA Airways
We have no verified stories for this airline yet. If you have flown with your dog or cat, tell us how it went: we only publish real, moderated experiences, and every story helps someone deciding right now. The others are in our experience archive.
The pet space is separate from your ticket and limited per flight. Check availability, fees and documents on the airline's website before paying: a purchased ticket does not guarantee your pet gets on board.