Pet owners in paradise over new aviation guidelines

 ROME – a date circled in red on the calenders of millions of pet owners. Tuesday 23 Sept., for the first time ever in Italy, two dogs of medium-large size will be able to travel in the cabin on an airline flight, next to their owner.

 The “inaugarual” flgiht will be an ITA Airways flight leaving at 9am from Milano Linate airport heading towards Roma Fuimicino, and shows the practical application of the new “pet friendly” attittude taken up by ENAC (Italian Civil Aviation Authority), Il Fatto Quotidiano reports.

 The date was made official by the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Matteo Salvini, speaking at the Italian Pet Summit. "We have exceeded the old limit of 8/10 kg for air transport," he said. "And now I can announce that on 23 Sept. there will be the first trip for large dogs in the cabin".

 A "turning point expected by millions of passengers", as ENAC had defined it in May, which will allow them not to entrust "only the hold with the transport of their most precious assets".

 But how will the trip take place? The guidelines prepared by ENAC establish precise safety conditions:

Mandatory window positioning.

If possible, they will have to travel in approved carriers, which can be attached directly to the seats.

Prohibition of occupying seats near emergency exits.

Prior information to the crew and other passengers.

A maximum number of pets allowed for each flight.

The possibility of creating "buffer zones", buffer areas to protect those who suffer from allergies or do not like the proximity of animals.

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