Overview

• ENAC approved a national framework that takes effect on September 23, enabling pets, including larger animals, to travel in passenger cabins.
• Detailed conditions will be defined by each airline, with proponents saying cabin travel may include larger dogs and, in some cases, travel without a carrier as described by Senator Michele Biancofiore.
• Biancofiore praised Transport Minister Matteo Salvini, ENAC president Pierluigi Di Palma and ITA Airways CEO Joerg Eberhardt, framing the shift as aligning aviation with broader social norms.
• Consumer groups questioned the absence of a stated maximum weight and aircraft-specific pet limits and raised concerns about allergies, odors, barking and potential fare practices.
• Examples cited for airline and airport measures include designated ‘PAW-SENGER’ seating at window positions, limits on animals per cabin class, booking preferences to avoid proximity, and airport ‘Pet Toilette’ facilities with mandatory sanitization.