ITA Airways' new initiative opens up a new service opportunity for travel agencies
For many people, a dog isn't just a pet: it's part of the family.
And when it comes time to travel, being able to bring it with you can be a determining factor in choosing your flight, airline, and travel agency.
ITA Airways now takes an important step towards more inclusive air transport with “Large Dog On Board”, il nuovo servizio che permette ai cani fino a 30 kg di viaggiare in cabina, senza trasportino, accanto al proprio accompagnatore.
The new policy initially concerns a selection of domestic flights identified by the company as “Large Dog” flights.
A novelty for travellers, an additional service for agencies
The real opportunity is not just for those traveling with pets.
It also concerns agencies capable of offering clients comprehensive assistance, understanding needs that until recently seemed difficult to manage.
Con Skytool, l’agenzia può effettuare anche l’emissione del biglietto del cane sui voli ITA Airways, integrating it into the sales process and travel management.
This allows the operator to assist the customer not only in choosing the flight, but also in planning a more complex trip, in which the following must be considered:
- the availability of the service on the flight;
- the weight and characteristics of the dog;
- the travel class;
- the limitations set by the company;
- the required documentation;
- the time needed to make the reservation.
Skytool consente così all’agenzia di trasformare una richiesta particolare in un servizio gestibile e in una nuova occasione di relazione con il cliente.
Dogs up to 30 kg in the cabin without a carrier
Il servizio “Large Dog On Board” è destinato ai cani che superano i normali limiti previsti per il trasporto nel contenitore e che possono raggiungere un peso massimo di 30 kg.
In the initial phase, ITA Airways will allow a limited number of medium-large sized animals per flight:
- one dog up to 30 kg in Business Class;
- one dog up to 15kg in Economy Class.
Animals travel in dedicated spaces and must comply with the operational and safety conditions established by the company.
Reservations must be requested in advance and are always subject to availability on the specific flight and verification of the requirements set by ITA Airways.
From demonstration flight to a service for passengers
The project stems from the path developed by ITA Airways together with ENAC.
Il 23 settembre 2025 è stato effettuato un primo volo dimostrativo tra Milano Linate e Roma Fiumicino, durante il quale due cani di grossa taglia hanno viaggiato in cabina, senza trasportino, accanto ai rispettivi proprietari.
The initiative provided a concrete opportunity to verify aspects related to safety, animal welfare, and passenger management on board.
In November 2025, operating guidelines were subsequently approved that allow authorized companies to sell services for the transportation of pets up to 30 kg in the cabin.
“Large Dog On Board” therefore represents the transition from experimentation to a concrete commercial service.
A simpler journey starts at the agency
Traveling with a medium or large dog requires more consideration than buying a regular plane ticket.
The customer must know:
- if the service is available on the chosen route;
- which seats can be assigned;
- what weight limits must be respected;
- what health and travel documents are required;
- what conditions must be observed at the airport and on board;
- by when the request must be made.
In this context, the agency returns to have a central role.
It doesn't just find a fare, but helps the customer build a truly viable trip, checking the conditions and managing the issue correctly.
Skytool trasforma una richiesta speciale in un servizio concreto
When a client enters the agency and asks:
“Can I bring my dog with me in the cabin?”
the answer no longer has to stop at a simple yes or no.
Con Skytool, l’operatore può gestire il viaggio del passeggero e l’emissione relativa al cane all’interno dello stesso ambiente operativo, offrendo un servizio più completo, professionale e vicino alle nuove esigenze del mercato.
This means:
- respond to requests that other agencies may not be able to handle;
- offer greater customer support;
- enhance the operator's consultancy role;
- expand the services that can be sold;
- create new loyalty opportunities;
- differentiate your agency through expertise and technology.
Don't just sell a seat: make travel possible for the whole family.
Tourism is changing.
Travelers are looking for more personalized solutions, greater flexibility, and services that meet their real needs.
For those who live with a dog, being able to travel together isn't a minor detail: it can be a necessary condition for leaving.
Grazie alla nuova iniziativa di ITA Airways e alle funzionalità di Skytool, l’agenzia può accompagnare il cliente anche in questa scelta, gestendo l’emissione del biglietto del cane e costruendo un’esperienza di viaggio più completa.
Skytool. Quando viaggia la famiglia, nessuno deve restare a terra.
By Guido Deiana and Daniele Di Stefano
