March marks the official start of the summer season in aviation.
By now, airlines have finalized their seasonal schedules:
→ New routes are set
→ Fleet adjustments are made
→ Operational changes are ready to roll out
But this summer season 2026 will bring something else worth watching.
For the first time in history, we will see how a traditional airline in Italy implements its new aviation pet policy, allowing larger pets to travel in the cabin.
From a demonstration flight to REALITY.
ITA Airways will launch the service for sale “Large Pet Friendly” really soon
(on selected domestic flights )
ITA Airways CEO Joerg Eberhart was very clear:
“Pets are part of the family. We want every journey to begin and end together, without separation.”
The major improvement:
(Old system) Small dogs/cats allowed in cabin (8-10kg max)
↓
(New system) Medium-large dogs can travel (30kg max)
They are currently completing the final operational and commercial steps, but these are the current guidelines:
→ Max 6 pets in the cabin (previously limited to 2)
→ Max 30kg per animal (initially it was 25kg)
→ Dog wears a harness
→ Seatbelt attachment or tether required
→ Absorbent mat placed under the dog
→ Dog positioned near window or bulkhead
→ Middle seat left empty
→ Muzzle required during certain phases (boarding or taxi)
Italy is effectively becoming a testing ground for a new model of pet inclusive aviation. But the signals of change are not only coming from airlines and regulators.
Businesses are also beginning to position themselves for a future where pets travel more frequently with their owners.
Take MyFamily S.r.l. as a great example.
This Italian pet retail brand has already opened 11 airport stores, many of them in Italy. Their presence inside airports suggests that the travel industry is slowly preparing for a reality where pets are not the exception but part of the passenger ecosystem.
If this works operationally, it could influence how airlines across the globe rethink the way our animals travel.
The question now is no longer whether pet travel is changing.
It’s how fast the aviation industry is ready to ADAPT 🧡
LinkedIn Original post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/angels-bosch
