Tuesday 23 September saw the first national flight with medium to large dogs in the cabin, the Linate - Fiumicino operated by ITA Airways. This is the first step towards opening up air traffic more to four-legged friends, guaranteed by the most recent ENAC regulations in this matter.
Previously, regulations stipulated a maximum weight limit of 8-10kg, effectively limiting access in the cabin to small dogs. For larger sizes, only certified assistance dogs were allowed to fly alongside their owner. Otherwise, they were boarded in the hold, a procedure that remains dangerous and very stressful for pets, despite all precautions.
Now all dogs can travel by plane, but there is still no total and indiscriminate freedom. There are rules, it will take time for airlines to adapt and study new procedures. Not all will do so in the same timeframe and some may be less interested than others in doing so. In the meantime, the novelty, welcomed with enthusiasm by some and with anger by others, has caused doubts and uncertainties. We have collected the most frequently asked questions and tried to answer them. The document we take our cue from is the ENAC Guidelines on cabin transport of PET over 8kg.
Can I bring a dog of any size on board?
No, not yet. The current operational recommendations speak of dogs up to 25kg, which still means a considerable increase over the previous maximum limit (10kg). This new limit is designed in relation to current cabin configurations for scheduled flights. It cannot be excluded that with time and a new organisation of interior spaces, the limit may be raised even further.
How do you take your dog on an aeroplane? Do you need a carrier?
No, a pet carrier is not required for larger dogs. You must purchase a special ticket for the dog or pay the appropriate surcharge. Operators must provide absorbent mats and a harness to attach to the seat belt. In addition, a muzzle may be required at certain stages of the flight.
What documents must the dog have?
Owners wishing to bring their dogs on board must ensure that they have the necessary documentation. This may vary depending on the airline. Considering the case of ITA Airways, the dog must be at least 6 months old and be microchipped and therefore registered with the dog registry office. In addition, it must have all veterinary certification that it is up to date with basic vaccinations and anti-parasite treatments, healthy and fit to fly. It also needs the European pet passport.
How many dogs can travel on a single flight?
There is no prescribed maximum number. Each operator can independently choose how many animals to allow on board, as long as they comply with comfort and safety criteria. Dogs should preferably be placed next to bulkheads and at the windows, with the owner occupying the aisle seat. The middle seat must remain empty. Under no circumstances should dogs be placed where they can obstruct crew activities or be in the way of emergency exits.
I am allergic to dogs/afraid of dogs. What can I do?
The guidelines recommend the establishment of buffer zones, or buffer zones, to distance people who cannot or will not travel near other people's dogs. The company should, however, warn of the potential presence of dogs on board, allowing the passenger to choose. With regard specifically to allergies, then, one must bear in mind that aircraft are equipped with HEPA filters for air recirculation, hindering the spread of allergens. It is also worth pointing out that dogs (and cats) travelled by plane even before, only the size allowed changes.
For allergic persons, it is still a good idea to carry antihistamines when travelling or even emergency kits in severe cases, because problems may not even arise from the presence of animals on board. On a flight from Antigua to London in 2022, one passenger suffered an allergic reaction because another was eating peanuts ten rows away.
Which airlines accept dogs?
For now, only ITA Airways has adhered to the new guidelines, riding the wave of novelty. Other European airlines that admit small animals, with the old limit, are: Air France, Vueling, Volotea and Lufthansa. As a general rule, it is always worth checking the regulations of each individual company.
Can you take dogs on a plane with Ryanair?
No, this is not possible. In general, no low-cost airline allows pets on board, except for guide dogs on certain routes and under certain conditions.
