This morning, Tuesday, September 23, an Ita Airways flight departed from Milan Linate at 9 a.m. with two medium-to-large dogs traveling in the cabin without carriers, bound for Rome Fiumicino. It is the first case of its kind, made possible by new Enac guidelines introduced earlier this year, allowing pets weighing more than 8–10 kg to travel in the cabin under strict safety conditions. “With the new rules, pets can finally fly alongside their owners while ensuring both animal welfare and passenger safety,” Enac stated in May. Airlines are free to adopt the measures but must follow specific requirements: pets must be seated by the window, not in emergency exit rows; crews and passengers must be informed in advance; there are limits on the number of animals per flight; and buffer zones may be arranged for passengers with allergies. Carriers must also submit an operational plan to Enac, developed in coordination with ground services. The move has been welcomed by many travelers who consider their pets true family members.
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