A person sitting in an airport next to a carrier with a cat.

Pets in the cabin

With ITA Airways, travel is even more special when you can share the experience with your pet, bringing it with you in the cabin.

On this page, you will find all the useful information for transporting animals weighing up to 12 kg on domestic flights (carrier and food included) and up to 8 kg on all other flights.

Details are available below on:

  • travel requirements;
  • carrier specifications;
  • booking method;
  • required documents;
  • transportation conditions.

For dogs weighing more than the standard cabin transport limits and up to 30 kg, we offer the new Large Dog On Board special service, available exclusively on a selection of domestic routes identified as Large Dog flights. 

Find out the terms, requirements, and how to purchase the service on the dedicated page.

Learn about the service

Please note that as of December 1, 2025, pet transport is permitted only for dogs and cats, both in the cabin (PETC) and in the hold (AVIH).

Below are the updated provisions in force as of that date. Reservations made by November 30, 2025 remain valid, allowing you to travel with animals in the cabin (other than dogs and cats) until all confirmed reservations are exhausted.

Traveling with pets as carry-on is subject to following conditions:

  • The animal must be transported in a soft carrier placed under the seat in front.
  • The carrier must be well ventilated and closed on all sides. The animal cannot leave the carrier, even partially, during the flight.
  • Dogs and cats must be at least 3 months old to be permitted.
  • For safety reasons, the pet must remain inside the carrier until disembarkation is complete.
  • The total weight (including 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 denial of boarding.
  • The carrier must be waterproof, made of durable material, and such that the animal can stand comfortably, turn around, and lie down.
  • The container may contain up to two animals of the same species, provided that the total weight remains within the limits indicated above.
  • You must complete the ​form for transporting dogs/cats as additional baggage in the cabinThe link will be opened in a new browser tab prior to departure. The form must be submitted in duplicate at check-in.

If you have any questions or need further information, our ​Information and Customer Service Office is here to help.

Animal welfare

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

  • Get your pet used to the carrier at least 5 days before the trip, placing it in it for about two hours at a time and rewarding it immediately afterwards.
  • Before departure, ensure your pet drinks regularly but always in small quantities.
  • Feed it up to 4 hours before the flight and make sure it has enough food for the duration of the trip.
  • To ensure maximum comfort for the animal, we recommend lining the bottom of the carrier with a blanket, sheets of newspaper, or other absorbent material. Remember that the use of straw is prohibited.
  • The animal must not be kept on a leash or muzzled inside the carrier; be sure not to leave these accessories inside.
  • The animal must not show any signs of injury or physical fatigue. Consult your veterinarian to verify that the animal is fit to travel. Also remember to place at least one empty food bowl, fixed and easily accessible (even when the container is closed), in the container.

If the conditions are not met or other people on board are disturbed, the captain may arrange for the animal to be transferred to the hold.
Animal transportation is available on all ITA Airways aircraft. However, since the maximum allowable dimensions vary depending on the type of aircraft, it is important to check in advance with the passenger assistance service.

Ticket purchase

  • The number of pets allowed on board, both in the cabin and in the hold, is subject to restrictions and limitations.
  • Ticket fares vary by weight, type of transportation (in cabin or hold), and departure and destination airports. See this table for full information. Please note that you must buy the ticket at least 48 hours before the flight contacting the Information and Customer Service Office to provide the exact measurements of the carrier or cage.
  • Flying with animals under the age of 3 months is not allowed. Discover all the detailsThe link will be opened in a new browser tab.

Traveling with animals other than cats and dogs

Small pets other than cats and dogs may also be transported. Each species is subject to specific requirements based on the country of destination.

Please note that as of December 1, 2025, pet transport is limited exclusively to dogs and cats, both in the cabin (PETC) and in the hold (AVIH). Reservations made before November 30, 2025 are still guaranteed, allowing you to travel with other pet species in the cabin (PETC) until all confirmed reservations are exhausted.

To travel within the EU, rabbits and hamsters must have:

  • a valid veterinary health certificate
  • a carrier or cage suitable for transporting these types of animals

For travel outside the EU, please contact the Information and Customer Service Office.

Pets permitted to be transported in the cabin under the conditions indicated include caged birds (e.g., canaries, goldfinches, robins, finches, etc.), with the sole exception of parrots and parakeets.

Moreover, due to the spread of bird flu, the European Union and the Italian Ministry of Health have ordered an absolute ban on importing birds from Asian countries, Turkey, Russia, South Africa, Romania, and the entire Balkan Peninsula.

Refunds

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

In any case, cancellation due to illness or death must be justified by a death certificate or a veterinary health certificate attesting that the animal cannot travel.

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

Traveling with guide dogs and service dogs

On ITA Airways flights, guide dogs and service dogs with official training and recognition travel in the cabin free of charge.

Traveling with your guide dog

Related Topics

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Pets in the hold

Check the requirements for transporting pets in the hold.

Find out more
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Pet Travel Documents

Please check the documentation needed to travel with your pet in Italy and abroad.

View the required travel documents