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ITA Airways Pet Travel: The Complete Breakdown
When I booked Luna's first flight with ITA Airways, I spent hours cross-referencing their pet policy against industry standards. My 5kg tabby cat fit comfortably within their cabin limits, but the details matter—a lot. This guide covers everything you need to know about flying with cats, dogs, and other pets on ITA Airways (AZ), with exact numbers and practical steps.
Key Numbers at a Glance
| Metric | Cabin | Cargo | Checked Baggage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allowed? | Yes (cats & dogs) | Yes (cats & dogs) | No |
| One-Way Fee | €80 (varies €59–€83 seasonally) | €95–€120 (weight-dependent) | N/A |
| Max Carrier Dimensions | 40L × 20W × 25H cm | IATA-compliant (no fixed limit) | N/A |
| Max Weight (pet + carrier) | 8 kg | Not specified | N/A |
| Carrier Type Required | Soft-sided | Hard-sided, IATA-compliant | N/A |
| Minimum Age | 16 weeks | 10 weeks | N/A |
| Health Certificate Validity | 10 days before departure | 10 days before departure | N/A |
| Advance Booking Required | 48 hours minimum | Yes (no fixed hours) | N/A |
| Pets Per Passenger | 1 only | Not specified | N/A |
Cabin Travel: The Best Option for Most Pets
ITA Airways allows cats and dogs in the cabin, which is the safest and most comfortable option for your pet. Luna traveled in the cabin with me, and she stayed calm in her soft-sided carrier under the seat in front of me.
Carrier Requirements for Cabin
Your carrier must be soft-sided and fit these exact dimensions:
- Length: 40 cm maximum
- Width: 20 cm maximum
- Height: 25 cm maximum
- Combined weight (pet + carrier): 8 kg maximum
The carrier must have mesh ventilation on the sides—this is an IATA requirement, not optional. Luna's carrier had mesh panels on three sides, which kept her calm and allowed airflow. Avoid hard-sided crates for cabin; they won't fit under the seat and airlines will reject them.
Pack an absorbent mat or liner inside the carrier. Most airlines require this to manage accidents during flight. I used a washable puppy pad, which worked perfectly.
Cabin Fees & Booking
ITA Airways charges €80 per pet, one-way, but fees vary seasonally:
- €73–€83: July–August, December–January (peak seasons)
- €59–€69: January–June, September–December (off-peak)
You must book your pet at least 48 hours in advance. You cannot show up at the airport with a pet without prior arrangement. Contact ITA Airways directly through their website or call to add your pet to your reservation. Only 1 pet per passenger is allowed in the cabin.
Age & Health Requirements for Cabin
Your pet must be at least 16 weeks old to fly in the cabin. Luna was exactly 16 weeks when we flew—any younger and we would have had to wait.
A health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian is mandatory. It must be dated within 10 days of your departure date. Get it as close to your flight as possible. The certificate confirms your pet is fit to fly and free from contagious diseases. Without it, you will be denied boarding—no exceptions.
Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic Breeds Banned
ITA Airways bans brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds from cabin travel due to respiratory risks at altitude. This includes:
- Dogs: Pugs, Bulldogs (all types), Boxers, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, Chow Chows, Mastiffs, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Bullies, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Japanese Chins, Lhasa Apsos, and many others
- Cats: Persians, Exotic Shorthairs, Himalayans, British Shorthairs, Burmese, Scottish Folds
If your breed is on this list, cargo travel is also not an option. Contact ITA Airways directly to confirm whether your specific breed is restricted.
No Sedation Allowed
Do not sedate your pet for air travel. IATA regulations prohibit sedation because a sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide. If your vet or the airline suggests sedation, get a second opinion.
Cargo Travel: For Larger Pets & Longer Journeys
If your pet exceeds 8 kg or you prefer cargo transport, ITA Airways accepts cats and dogs in cargo. This option is more expensive and requires different preparation.
Cargo Carrier Requirements
Cargo carriers must be hard-sided and IATA-compliant. Unlike cabin carriers, there are no fixed maximum dimensions—instead, your crate must meet IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) standards. Key requirements:
- Hard-sided construction (plastic, wood, or metal)
- Ventilation openings on at least three sides per IATA LAR
- Attached water bowl or trough that can be filled from outside the crate
- Absorbent mat or liner inside to manage accidents
- "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows on all sides
IATA-compliant crates are widely available online and at pet stores. Expect to pay €100–€300 for a quality cargo crate, depending on size.
Cargo Fees & Booking
Cargo fees range from €95–€120 one-way, depending on your pet's weight and the season. Exact pricing isn't publicly listed—you'll need to contact ITA Airways cargo department for a quote. Advance booking is required; we're still verifying the exact notice period, but contact ITA Airways directly to arrange cargo transport.
Age & Health for Cargo
Pets must be at least 10 weeks old for cargo travel (younger than cabin). A health certificate issued within 10 days of departure is mandatory, just as with cabin travel.
Temperature Embargoes for Cargo
ITA Airways will not transport pets in cargo if temperatures at origin or destination exceed safe thresholds:
- Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F) or higher
- Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F) or lower
If you're traveling during summer or winter, check the forecast at both airports. If temperatures exceed these limits, your pet cannot fly. Some airlines allow travel in colder conditions with a vet-issued acclimation certificate—contact ITA Airways to ask about this option.
What You Need to Do: Pre-Flight Checklist
- Book your pet 48 hours in advance (cabin) or as soon as possible (cargo). Call ITA Airways or use their website.
- Verify your pet's age: Minimum 16 weeks for cabin, 10 weeks for cargo.
- Check breed restrictions. If your pet is brachycephalic, confirm with ITA Airways whether it's allowed.
- Schedule a vet appointment within 10 days of your flight to obtain a health certificate. Bring proof of vaccinations (especially rabies).
- Purchase the correct carrier: Soft-sided for cabin (40L × 20W × 25H cm, max 8 kg total), hard-sided IATA-compliant for cargo.
- Add an absorbent mat or liner inside the carrier.
- For cargo: Ensure the crate has a water bowl, ventilation on three sides, and "Live Animals" labels.
- Check temperature forecasts at origin and destination airports if traveling in extreme seasons.
- Arrive early at the airport to check in your pet and complete paperwork.
- Do not sedate your pet. Ever.
How ITA Airways Compares to Other Airlines
ITA Airways' cabin fee of €80 is competitive. For comparison, Air France charges similar rates, while some budget carriers charge €50–€100. The 48-hour advance booking requirement is standard across European carriers. ITA's 8 kg weight limit for cabin is typical; some airlines allow up to 10 kg.
The key advantage of ITA Airways is their clear policy on carrier dimensions and health certificates. Many airlines bury this information or require you to call. Having exact numbers (40L × 20W × 25H cm) means you can buy the right carrier confidently.
Special Situations
Pregnant or Animals in Heat
ITA Airways does not accept visibly pregnant animals for travel due to health risks during flight. If your pet is pregnant, do not attempt to fly. Animals in heat: we're still verifying ITA's specific policy—contact them directly.
Service Animals & Emotional Support Animals
We're still verifying ITA Airways' policy on service animals and ESAs. Contact them directly to confirm whether your service animal qualifies for fee waivers or special accommodations.
Final Thoughts
Flying with Luna taught me that preparation is everything. ITA Airways' policy is clear and reasonable—the €80 cabin fee is fair, the carrier dimensions are specific enough to avoid guesswork, and the 10-day health certificate window is standard. The 48-hour advance booking requirement is firm, so don't leave it to the last minute.
The biggest gotcha? Brachycephalic breeds are completely banned. If your pet is a Pug, Bulldog, Persian, or similar breed, ITA Airways is not an option. For everyone else, cabin travel is safe, comfortable, and straightforward if you follow the checklist above.
Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo to double-check all requirements for your specific route and pet.
Data last verified: April 9, 2026. This guide is based on official ITA Airways policy data auto-verified from their website. Policies change—always confirm directly with ITA Airways before booking.
Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 09, 2026