A passenger seated in an airport next to a pet carrier with a cat.

Animals in the Cabin

We wish to inform you that from 1 December 2025, pet transport will be permitted only for dogs and cats, both in the cabin (PETC) and in the hold (AVIH).

Below are the updated provisions in effect from that date. Reservations made by 30 November 2025 will remain valid, allowing passengers to travel with pets in the cabin (other than dogs and cats) until all confirmed bookings are completed.

The transport of animals in the cabin is subject to the following conditions:

  • The animal must be transported in a soft carrier placed under the seat in front of you.
  • The carrier must be well-ventilated and closed on all sides. The animal is not permitted to exit the carrier, even partially, during the flight.
  • Only dogs and cats at least 3 months old are eligible for transport.
  • For safety reasons, the animal must remain inside its carrier until disembarking from the aircraft.
  • The total weight (including the carrier and food) must not exceed 12 kg on domestic flights and 8 kg on all other flights. The carrier must not exceed the following dimensions: 55 x 40 x 23 cm (for a maximum total of 118 cm). Failure to comply with these dimensions may result in boarding being denied.
  • The carrier must be waterproof, made of resistant material, and allow the animal to sit comfortably, turn around, and lie down.
  • The carrier may contain up to two animals of the same species, provided the total weight remains within the limits mentioned above.

Should you have any questions or require further information, our ​Customer Information Assistance Office is at your disposal.

Indications for Animal Welfare

To ensure your four-legged friend has the best travel experience, we recommend the following steps before and during the flight.

  • Get your pet used to the carrier at least 5 days before the trip by leaving it closed for about two hours at a time and rewarding the animal immediately afterward.
  • Before departure, provide your pet with water regularly, but always in small quantities.
  • Feed your pet up to four hours before the flight and ensure it has enough food for the entire duration of the trip.
  • To ensure maximum comfort, we recommend lining the bottom of the carrier with a blanket, newspaper, or other absorbent material. Please note that straw is prohibited.
  • The animal must not be leashed or muzzled inside the carrier; ensure these accessories are not left inside the carrier.
  • The animal must not show signs of injury or physical fatigue. Consult your veterinarian to ensure your pet is fit for travel. Additionally, remember to include at least one empty, secured, and accessible food bowl inside the carrier (even when closed).

If these conditions are not met, or if the animal disturbs other passengers, the Captain may have it transferred to the hold.
Animal transport is available on all ITA Airways’ aircraft.  However, as maximum allowable dimensions vary by aircraft type, it is important to check with the Passenger Services department in advance.

Purchasing Tickets

  • The number of seats on board reserved for animals, both in the hold and in the cabin, is subject to restrictions and limitations.
  • Ticket prices vary depending on weight, whether transport is in the cabin or hold, and the departure and destination airports. Please refer to ​the table for all relevant information. We remind you that you must purchase the travel ticket at least 48 hours before the flight date by contacting the ​Customer Information Assistance Office, whom you must provide with the exact dimensions of the carrier or cage.
  • It is not possible to transport animals under 3 months of age. ​View all detailsThe link will be opened in a new browser tab.

Transporting Animals Other Than Cats and Dogs

Small animals other than dogs and cats may also be transported. Each animal has different requirements depending on the destination country.

Please note that starting 1 December 2025, pet transport will be limited to dogs and cats only, both in the cabin (PETC) and in the hold (AVIH). All reservations made by 30 November 2025 will remain guaranteed, allowing you to travel with other animal species in the cabin (PETC) until all confirmed requests are completed.

To travel in the EU, rabbits and hamsters must be equipped with:

  • A valid veterinary health certificate
  • A carrier or cage suitable for transporting this type of animal

For non-EU travel, please contact the ​Customer Information Assistance Office.

Pets authorized for carriage in the cabin, under the specified conditions, also include domestic birds (e.g., canaries, goldfinches, robins, finches, etc.), with the sole exception of parrots and budgerigars.

Furthermore, due to the spread of avian influenza, the European Union and the Ministry of Health have imposed a complete ban on the transport of birds originating from Asian countries, Turkey, Russia, South Africa, Romania, and all states in the Balkan Peninsula.

Refunds

You are entitled to a refund for the service in the event of the illness or death of the animal.

In all cases, cancellation due to illness or death must be supported by a death certificate or a veterinary health certificate proving the animal's inability to travel.

Two people walking through an airport with guide dogs on leashes.

Traveling with Guide and Assistance Dogs

On ITA Airways flights, trained and recognized guide and assistance dogs may be transported in the cabin free of charge.

Travel with your guide dog

Related

A passenger walking with a suitcase and a dog by his side.

Animals in the Hold

Check requirements for transporting your pet in the hold.

Learn more
A passenger smiles in the airport while holding a dog and showing a document.

Travel Documents for Animals

Check the documentation required for traveling with your pet in Italy and abroad.

View required travel documents