Weight and size change: ITA Airways, new rules to bring dog on board triggered
In the United States, a couple of airlines with a dedicated pet-friendly focus are there. Of one we have [...]
ITA Airways
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In the United States, a couple of airlines with a dedicated pet-friendly focus are there. We also wrote about one recently on TFC, talking about Bark Air.
But elsewhere in the world, Carrying dogs and cats along with us on an airplane is not a 5-star experience neither for us, nor for our beloved animals nor, often, for those near us and our animals who are 'forced' to travel.
A few months ago, also on TFC, we recounted the Tragicomic affair of an Australian tourist couple who, on their journey home from Europe, found themselves next to a passenger and his farting dog, so much so that at one point they were induced to abandon their seats in Premium Economy in preference to sit in two less spacious, but also less smelly, Economy seats.
Coming to happier notes, Enac (the Italian national body that oversees air transportation). has just authorized an increase in the size and weight of carriers that can be carried on board. At ITA Airways, for example, you can board animals weighing up to 10kg compared to the previous 8kg, with an increase in the allowable weight of 25% (the 10kg does not include the 2kg maximum weight of the carrier).
The size of the latter also, which should be placed in the space below the seat in front, have been increased to a maximum of 30cm wide by 24cm high by 40cm deep. The 25% increase in animal weight affects only ITA's domestic flights and not those connecting with other airlines. On international and intercontinental flights of the national airline, weight and size of the animal and carrier remain unchanged.
How do you reserve a seat on board for Fido or Fuffy?
The main alternative is between cabin transport and hold transport. In both cases, the number of animals allowed is subject to restrictions and limitations. To purchase a ticket, you must contact the Customer information assistance office, at least 48 hours in advance of the departure date and time of the flight on which you intend to travel. Animals under the age of 3 months cannot be carried.
In all other cases, ticket price varies depending on weight, cabin or hold transportation, and departure and destination airports: in the cabin range from 73 euros for a domestic flight to 230 for more distant destinations in ITA's network, such as Buenos Aires, Los Angeles, São Paulo, Tokyo, Rio De Janeiro and San Francisco; for an animal in the hold, the price ranges from 83 euros for one domestic leg to 300 euros for the very long haul. Before booking, it is necessary to inquire about the documentation required by the company for travel.
A curiosity: in addition to dogs and cats, On ITA Airways flights you can also board rabbits, hamsters and small birds, with the exception (for the latter) of those originating in Asian countries, Turkey, Russia, South Africa and the Balkan Peninsula.
Unlike with other companies, which prohibit their admission on board, with ITA it is possible to board, but only in the cargo hold, brachycephalic or camuso-nosed dogs (such as pugs and bulldogs), which, however, are particularly sensitive to stress and temperature changes.
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