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Italy maintains one of the most strategic aviation markets in Europe, serving as a gateway to the Mediterranean. Air traffic is regulated in compliance with the norms of the European Union (EU) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The primary domestic regulatory body is the ENAC (Ente Nazionale per l'Aviazione Civile), which oversees safety, technical regulation, and passenger protection within Italian territory. The sector is characterized by a strong presence of low-cost carriers and an extensive network connecting major hubs, such as Rome-Fiumicino (FCO) and Milan-Malpensa (MXP), to the rest of the world.

Italy fully enforces Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004. Passengers departing from Italian airports or arriving in Italy on European airlines enjoy robust rights:

• Delays: If a flight is delayed by more than 2 hours (short-haul), 3 hours (medium-haul), or 4 hours (long-haul), the airline must provide assistance (meals, communication, and hotel accommodation if necessary).
• Financial Compensation: In the event of a cancellation or a delay exceeding 3 hours not caused by "extraordinary circumstances," passengers are entitled to compensation of:
• €250 (flights up to 1,500 km);
• €400 (intra-EU flights > 1,500 km or external flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km);
• €600 (extra-EU flights > 3,500 km).
• Denied Boarding (Overbooking): If a passenger is denied boarding against their will, compensation is mandatory, in addition to the choice between a refund or re-routing.

There is no Italian federal law mandating that airlines provide free carry-on baggage. Rules are dictated by company commercial policies. However, in 2026, ENAC maintains a requirement for full transparency:

• Airlines must clearly display baggage costs at the time of booking.
• Essential items (such as medication, strollers, and medical assistance devices) cannot be charged as extra baggage.
• In case of loss or damage, the Montreal Convention applies, which limits carrier liability to approximately 1,288 Special Drawing Rights (SDR) per passenger.

To enter Italy with dogs, cats, or ferrets, the following are required:

• Microchip: Electronic identification compliant with ISO 11784/11785 standards.
• Rabies Vaccination: Administered after the microchip is implanted and at least 21 days prior to travel.
• Pet Passport (or Health Certificate): Issued by an official veterinarian in the country of origin, certifying the animal's health history.
• Quarantine: Italy does not require quarantine for pets originating from EU countries or countries listed as low-risk for rabies, provided the documentation is in compliance.

• Unaccompanied Minors: Italian children under the age of 14 may only travel unaccompanied with a *dichiarazione di accompagnamento* (declaration of accompaniment) validated by the Border Police. For foreign nationals, it is recommended to carry a notarized travel authorization signed by parents/legal guardians.
• Priority: Families with young children generally receive priority boarding and access to priority security lanes at Italian airports ("Fast Track" services may be free or paid, depending on the airport).

Italy complies with Regulation (EC) No. 1107/2006 regarding the rights of persons with disabilities or reduced mobility:

• Free Assistance: Passengers with reduced mobility are entitled to free assistance at airports (from the moment they arrive at the terminal until they are seated on the aircraft).
• Requesting Assistance: This must be requested from the airline at least 48 hours before the flight.
• Equipment: The transport of wheelchairs and essential medical equipment is free of charge and does not count toward the baggage allowance.

• ETIAS: In 2026, the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is mandatory for citizens of visa-exempt countries. It must be applied for online prior to travel and is valid for 3 years or until the passport expires.
• Passport: Must have a minimum validity of 3 months beyond the intended date of departure from the Schengen Area and must have been issued within the last 10 years.
• Visas: Citizens of non-exempt countries continue to require a traditional Schengen Visa for short-term tourism.

• ENAC (Ente Nazionale per l'Aviazione Civile): https://www.enac.gov.it/
• European Union Travel Portal (Passenger Rights): https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/passenger-rights/air/index_en.htm
• Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Visas): https://vistoperitalia.esteri.it/
• ETIAS (Official Information): https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en
• Italian Border Police (Travel for Minors): https://www.poliziadistato.it/