Overview

• Italy's civil aviation regulator ENAC will vote on May 12 to formally adopt updated rules permitting medium and large pets to travel in airplane cabins.
• The new regulations allow pets in secured carriers to be placed on passenger seats, provided they are anchored with safety belts or similar systems.
• The combined weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed the average passenger weight limit, which is around 75–84 kg under European safety standards.
• Animal welfare organizations and veterinarians support the change, highlighting reduced stress for pets previously confined to cargo holds.
• Following the ENAC decision, airlines will establish specific tariffs, capacity limits, and carrier specifications to implement the new rules.