Exactly one year ago, news appeared in Italy that gave hope to many owners of large dogs: ENAC approved rules allowing airlines to develop procedures for transporting pets in the cabin even above the usual 8–10 kg limit.
Later, a demonstration flight by ITA Airways also took place. Large dogs flew in the cabin together with their owners. The news quickly spread across the media. Many people hoped that they would finally be able to take their pet into the cabin instead of checking them into the hold.
But a year has passed.
And what has changed for most pet owners?
Essentially — nothing.
Later, a demonstration flight by ITA Airways also took place. Large dogs flew in the cabin together with their owners. The news quickly spread across the media. Many people hoped that they would finally be able to take their pet into the cabin instead of checking them into the hold.
But a year has passed.
And what has changed for most pet owners?
Essentially — nothing.
The problem is that ENAC allowed airlines to introduce this option, but did not oblige them to change their rules. In other words, the door was formally opened, but so far no one has actually decided to walk through it.
As a result, for most pet owners, the situation has not changed. Large dogs still cannot fly in the cabin next to their owners. People who are afraid to check their pet into the hold are forced to look for alternative routes or give up the trip altogether.
But the problem does not concern only large dogs. The conditions for small pets flying in the cabin do not look ideal either.
As a result, for most pet owners, the situation has not changed. Large dogs still cannot fly in the cabin next to their owners. People who are afraid to check their pet into the hold are forced to look for alternative routes or give up the trip altogether.
But the problem does not concern only large dogs. The conditions for small pets flying in the cabin do not look ideal either.
According to IATA recommendations and the rules of many airlines, the animal must travel in a carrier and must be able to lie down comfortably, turn around and remain inside throughout the entire journey. At the same time, the specific carrier dimensions are set by each airline.
And this is where a strange contradiction begins.
In practice, the permitted cabin carrier dimensions are often so small that the requirement for comfortable accommodation of the animal looks rather questionable.
For example, the maximum height of a carrier on many airlines is around 20–25 cm.
And this is where a strange contradiction begins.
In practice, the permitted cabin carrier dimensions are often so small that the requirement for comfortable accommodation of the animal looks rather questionable.
For example, the maximum height of a carrier on many airlines is around 20–25 cm.
Now let’s take even the smallest dog breed — the Chihuahua. Its height at the withers can be around 15–23 cm, and with the head — approximately 23–30 cm.
So we get a paradox:
by weight, the dog fits, but by carrier height and the requirement to stay freely inside — not always.
And this is just the example of a Chihuahua. What can we say then about other small and medium-sized breeds?
As a result, check-in for a flight with a pet often turns into pure stress.
So we get a paradox:
by weight, the dog fits, but by carrier height and the requirement to stay freely inside — not always.
And this is just the example of a Chihuahua. What can we say then about other small and medium-sized breeds?
As a result, check-in for a flight with a pet often turns into pure stress.
- Will they let you through or not?
- Will they measure the carrier or not?
- Will the airline employee be strict or turn a blind eye?
- Will they look carefully or let you pass without extra questions?
We talk more and more often about animal welfare, responsible ownership and the fact that pets have long been part of the family. Yet large dogs are still forced to fly separately from their owners, while small pets often have to be placed in a very limited space just to meet airline requirements.
By the way, some airlines already have solutions where, by purchasing an adjacent seat, a pet can fly next to the owner in a hard-sided carrier with an increased weight limit.
And it would be good to introduce such a solution in more airlines: with clear rules, safe securing, a limited number of animals per flight, dedicated window seats and a transparent booking procedure.
Because today pet owners often face not only restrictions, but also uncertainty.
And uncertainty is always stressful. Both for the person and for the animal.
- Yes, flight safety is important.
- Yes, aircraft have technical limitations.
- Yes, airlines must consider the comfort of other passengers.
By the way, some airlines already have solutions where, by purchasing an adjacent seat, a pet can fly next to the owner in a hard-sided carrier with an increased weight limit.
And it would be good to introduce such a solution in more airlines: with clear rules, safe securing, a limited number of animals per flight, dedicated window seats and a transparent booking procedure.
Because today pet owners often face not only restrictions, but also uncertainty.
And uncertainty is always stressful. Both for the person and for the animal.
What do you think about this? Would it be right to allow more pet-friendly seats in the cabin under strict but more humane rules?