ITA Software Inc.

Pet Travel with ITA Software (1U)

You may see “1U — ITA Software Inc.” in search results or on receipts and wonder how to bring your pet. Here’s the key: ITA Software Inc. isn’t an airline. It’s a technology provider that powers fare searches and ticketing for many travel brands. Because it operates no aircraft, it has no pet policy of its own. Your cat or dog will travel under the rules of the operating airline on each flight segment. Use this guide as a practical roadmap, then confirm details directly with the carrier before you book.

Cabin or hold: what most airlines allow

For many routes, airlines accept small pets—usually cats or dogs—in the cabin if they fit comfortably in a ventilated carrier that slides fully under the seat. Availability is limited by flight, and some seats (like exit rows) are off-limits, so reserving early is essential. Typical in-cabin limits are a combined pet-and-carrier weight around 7–10 kg (about 15–22 lb) on many non‑US airlines, while several US carriers focus less on weight and more on the carrier fitting beneath the seat. Your pet must remain inside the carrier for the entire flight, and the carrier counts as your carry‑on.

Larger animals generally travel in the temperature‑controlled hold as checked baggage or as manifest cargo. The hold must be pressurized and ventilated, and weather or tarmac temperature can trigger embargoes. Connections add complexity because each operating airline can apply different rules; even aircraft type can matter since not all holds are approved for live animals. If any segment prohibits animals, the itinerary won’t work for your pet—always check every leg.

Carriers and crate sizing basics

For in‑cabin travel, a soft‑sided, leak‑proof carrier with ample ventilation is commonly preferred because it can flex to fit under the seat. Your pet should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down naturally inside; lining the base with an absorbent pad helps everyone relax. Under‑seat dimensions vary by aircraft, but many sit near 43 × 25 × 20 cm (17 × 10 × 8–9 in). When in doubt, choose the smallest safe footprint and verify the specific aircraft model.

For hold transport, airlines follow the IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR). Crates should be rigid, intact, and secure, with a metal door, ventilation on multiple sides, and food/water dishes accessible from outside. Wheels must be removed or locked, and live‑animal/“this way up” labels applied. Sizing follows LAR guidance: measure nose‑to‑tail base and height to the ear or head, ensuring your pet can stand naturally without touching the roof. Many airlines accept up to 32 kg (70 lb) as checked baggage; above that, animals often move as cargo. Always verify the threshold your carrier uses.

Documents and health checks

Paperwork depends on origin, transit, and destination. Most countries require a microchip, a current rabies vaccination, and a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian issued shortly before travel (commonly within 5–10 days). The EU, UK, and several other destinations require specific forms and may impose a waiting period after rabies vaccination—often 21 days—before entry. Some countries (for example, the UK, Ireland, Finland, and Malta) require tapeworm treatment for dogs; Australia and New Zealand have stringent pre‑approval and quarantine steps. For travel to or from the United States, certain exports/imports may require USDA/APHIS or EU endorsement—build in extra time.

Service animals have distinct rules: many jurisdictions now recognize only trained service dogs, not emotional support animals. Expect behavior requirements, documentation (such as the U.S. DOT form on U.S. carriers), and advance notice. Sedation is generally discouraged by veterinarians and airlines because it can mask signs of distress.

Fees, species, and destination restrictions

Pet fees vary widely: in‑cabin charges often range roughly from US$100–200 each way on domestic routes, with higher amounts on long‑haul or international flights; cargo pricing uses size/weight and can be significantly more. Most airlines accept only cats and dogs; rodents, rabbits, reptiles, and amphibians are frequently prohibited, and birds are accepted by only a few carriers. Brachycephalic (snub‑nosed) breeds face additional restrictions or outright bans in the hold due to heat‑stress risk. Age limits apply too—some carriers require pets to be at least 8–12 weeks old, and certain destinations require 16 weeks for rabies compliance. Routes to the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, and Hawaii have especially strict entry controls, and pets are usually not permitted in the cabin to the UK except qualifying service dogs.

How to book correctly when 1U is on your receipt

Because 1U is only a systems tag, focus on the airline operating each flight. Check both the marketing and operating carrier shown on your booking, then follow the operating carrier’s pet policy for that segment. Call to add your pet—slots are limited—and verify connections, aircraft types, and any embargoes. If multiple airlines are involved, ensure every segment allows pets in the same way (cabin or hold), or build an itinerary that avoids incompatible legs.

A quick pre‑flight checklist

• Confirm the operating airline’s policy for every segment; reserve your pet spot.
• Vet visit for health certificate, microchip, and required vaccines/treatments.
• Crate‑train early; your pet should nap calmly inside at home.
• Label the carrier, add an absorbent pad, and pack spare leashes, food, and a collapsible bowl.
• Arrive early; at screening you’ll carry your pet through while the empty carrier is X‑rayed.

A little preparation goes a long way. Keep your pet lightly fed, well‑hydrated, and exercised before check‑in, and avoid last‑minute changes. Most important of all, confirm everything with the operating airline—policy details, dimensions, fees, and documentation—so you and your travel companion can board with confidence.

First things first: who sets the rules?

ITA Software Inc. (IATA code 1U) is not an operating airline and does not carry passengers, so it doesn’t publish family travel policies. If your fare was found via an ITA-powered tool or references “1U,” the rules that apply to children and infants are those of the operating carrier named on each flight segment. Look for the “operated by” line on your e‑ticket and check that airline’s website for final, binding details. The guidance below reflects common industry practice to help you plan smoothly while you confirm specifics with the airline that will actually fly you.

Age categories you’ll see when booking

Most airlines use similar categories: infant (under 2 years on the day of travel), child (2–11 years), and adult (12+ years). A few carriers set the adult threshold slightly higher, so it’s wise to verify during booking. If a birthday occurs during the trip, the ticket should match the traveler’s age on each flight—sometimes requiring a child fare one way and an infant or adult fare the other. Bring proof of age for infants and young children; staff may request it at check‑in or the gate.

Seats and ticket rules for infants

You’ll choose between a lap infant (no separate seat) and buying a dedicated seat. On many domestic routes, lap infants may travel for free or for a small fee; on international itineraries, a lap infant typically pays taxes/fees and often about 10% of the adult base fare. A purchased seat usually provides the child’s full carry‑on/checked allowance and lets you use an approved child restraint.

If you buy a seat, use a compliant car seat or child harness per the airline’s rules. Car seats should be approved by FAA/EASA/CAA, fit the seat width, and be installed per the manufacturer’s instructions; they are not permitted in exit rows and are sometimes restricted in bulkhead rows with fixed armrests. CARES‑type harnesses may be accepted for certain ages/weights on some airlines—always check in advance. For lap infants, crew can provide an extra belt or infant loop where legally allowed, but your hands remain the primary restraint during taxi, takeoff, and landing.

Baggage allowances, strollers, and bassinets

For lap infants, many full‑service airlines allow one small diaper bag in addition to the adult’s carry‑on, plus free check of a stroller and ; low‑cost carriers may be stricter. When a separate seat is purchased, the child usually receives the fare’s standard carry‑on and checked baggage entitlements. Gate‑checking a collapsible stroller is common: you can use it through the airport, tag it at the gate, and collect it at the aircraft door or baggage claim depending on the airport.

What 1U actually represents

ITA Software Inc. is a travel-technology company, not an airline, and the IATA designator 1U is a non‑airline code used in distribution systems. In other words, there is no frequent‑flyer program under code 1U, no miles to earn, and no elite benefits to unlock. If you spotted “1U” while shopping for flights, it’s simply back‑end plumbing that helps search engines and agencies process fares. Your loyalty value will always be determined by the airline that operates or markets your ticket. If you were expecting an airline program, the section below points you to the likely match.

If you meant ITA Airways: Volare overview

You may be thinking of ITA Airways (IATA: AZ), Italy’s flag carrier, whose loyalty program is called Volare. Volare is a modern, spend‑based program where you earn points on the price of your ticket rather than the distance flown. Membership is free and structured into four tiers that recognize frequent and higher‑spending travelers. Partners and reciprocal recognition exist via bilateral agreements and may evolve with the carrier’s alliance arrangements. Always check ITA Airways’ official Volare pages for the latest partner list and rules.

Membership tiers and how to qualify

Volare tiers are Smart, Plus, Premium, and Executive. You qualify by accumulating Volare’s status currency—often referred to as qualifying points—primarily from money spent on eligible ITA Airways flights over a rolling or fixed 12‑month period. Higher tiers require more qualifying points and deliver bigger earning multipliers and on‑the‑ground perks. Status validity typically runs for a set period, after which you requalify by meeting the next cycle’s thresholds. ITA Airways has also offered status matches or challenges at times, which can be a shortcut if you already hold elite status elsewhere.

Earning points on flights and partners

On ITA‑operated flights, Volare awards points based on the fare paid before taxes and fees, with tier‑based multipliers that increase as you move from Smart to Executive. Discounted fares earn fewer points than flexible or premium‑cabin tickets, and certain ancillaries may or may not accrue depending on current rules. Be sure your Volare number is in the booking and keep boarding passes until the credit posts.

Understanding the 1U designator

1U is the IATA two-character designator assigned to ITA Software Inc., a travel technology provider, not an airline. Because it is a system identifier, you may see 1U appear in fare displays, pricing logs, or technical documentation rather than on airport departure boards. The company is best known for building the QPX airfare search engine and the Matrix search interface, technology later integrated into Google products after Google acquired ITA Software in 2011. As a result, 1U functions as a non-operating code in the industry rather than a brand that carries passengers. That distinction matters when you are looking for fleet details, because there simply is not an airline here to own or fly aircraft.

Fleet overview: no aircraft in service

ITA Software (1U) operates zero aircraft and holds no Air Operator Certificate. There are no narrowbodies, widebodies, regional jets, or freighters tied to this designator, and no aircraft registrations or bases to report. In everyday terms, 1U’s 'fleet' is software infrastructure that helps airlines, agencies, and travelers search schedules and prices. When a booking screen shows 1U in a back-end field, it is pointing to a pricing engine or system touchpoint, not to an operating carrier. Any flight you book through tools influenced by ITA technology is always operated by a separate airline with its own code and aircraft.

Aircraft models and cabin configurations

Because 1U is not an airline, there are no common aircraft types or cabin layouts to describe for this code. The equipment you see on search results—A320 family, Boeing 737, 787, A350, and so on—belongs to the operating carrier that will fly you. Seat counts, pitch, and amenities therefore vary by that airline’s configuration, not by anything related to ITA Software. If you need specifics, check the operating airline’s fleet page or seat map; 1U provides the plumbing that surfaces the data, not the hardware that carries passengers.

Newest and oldest planes in service

There are no newest or oldest aircraft for 1U because no aircraft are operated under this code. Any age or tail-number details you encounter will belong to the airline actually operating the flight you have chosen. For example, a search may show a brand-new A321neo or a classic 737-800, but those reflect the fleet decisions of the operating carrier, not of ITA Software. It is a useful habit to confirm aircraft type and age on the airline’s site or a trusted fleet database, especially if you care about comfort, noise, or emissions.

Meals on 1U (ITA Software) Tickets

What the “1U” code really means

If your booking shows IATA code 1U, you’re seeing ITA Software’s distribution tag, which is not an airline. ITA Software doesn’t operate flights, crews, or catering; it’s a technology provider used in shopping and ticketing flows. That means every meal, snack, and drink on your trip is determined by the operating carrier listed as “operated by” on your itinerary. Think of 1U as the storefront and the airline as the restaurant in back—what you’re served comes from the airline’s kitchen, not from 1U. So, whenever you’re planning meals, always check the policy of the airline flying each segment.

What you can expect by route and cabin

On shorter flights in economy, most airlines offer a light snack and water, or a buy‑on‑board menu with sandwiches, snack boxes, and soft drinks. Short‑haul business class usually adds an upgraded cold plate or a warm light meal, plus complimentary drinks. For long‑haul economy, you can generally expect one or two hot meals, a mid‑flight snack, and complimentary non‑alcoholic beverages. Premium economy often mirrors economy’s cadence but with larger portions, extra sides, or a choice of main. Business and first class step up to multi‑course service with real tableware, more curated wines, and sometimes on‑demand dining, though exact offerings vary by airline, route, and time of day.

Special diets and allergies

Most major airlines support special meals such as vegetarian (often lacto‑ovo), vegan (VGML), gluten‑intolerant (GFML), diabetic, Hindu, Kosher, and Muslim options. These usually need to be reserved in advance and aren’t always available on very short flights or certain regional routes. If you have a severe allergy, airlines typically can’t guarantee a nut‑free or allergen‑free environment, so it’s wise to bring safe snacks and carry necessary medications. Let the airline know early via your booking and remind the crew onboard; they’ll try to minimize exposure where possible. For strict needs, a simple, sealed snack you trust can be invaluable when menus change last minute.

Pre‑ordering in practice

Even though your ticket may show 1U, pre‑orders go through the airline operating your flight. Many carriers open meal selection 24–48 hours before departure, and some let you pre‑select specific entrées in premium cabins. Others only allow requests for special meals, which are then loaded automatically to your seat. If your journey spans multiple airlines, you may need to repeat the process separately with each one. Keep your airline record locator handy—sometimes it differs from the one you received at purchase.

ITA Software (1U) Entertainment Guide

What 1U Really Is

In industry coding, 1U refers to ITA Software Inc., a travel technology firm—not a passenger airline. Because 1U is not an operating airline, it does not provide its own in‑flight entertainment system. If your trip shows 1U in a booking tool or receipt, the amenities you’ll actually experience come from the operating carrier listed on your itinerary. Think of 1U as the behind‑the‑scenes tech label, while the airline flying you sets the screens, content library, and Wi‑Fi options. That means your most reliable guide to entertainment is the website or onboard portal of the airline physically running your flight.

Types of Entertainment You Can Expect

Across most airlines, core categories include movies, TV series, music, podcasts or audiobooks, and casual games. Long‑haul aircraft often carry large libraries with new releases, classics, world cinema, kids’ zones, and destination guides, while short‑haul jets may offer a smaller streaming catalog or none at all. Quality ranges from standard to high definition, and many carriers provide multiple audio tracks and subtitles in several languages. Some airlines rotate titles monthly to keep the lineup fresh, pairing blockbuster films with regional content that suits the route. If your flight is operated by a low‑cost or regional partner, expect more limited options and plan a bit of personal entertainment just in case.

How You’ll Access It: Screens and Devices

Access usually comes in two flavors: seatback screens and bring‑your‑own‑device streaming. Seatback systems are straightforward—plug in your headphones, explore the touch menu, and enjoy on‑demand playback throughout the flight. For streaming setups, you connect to the cabin Wi‑Fi network, open a browser to the airline portal, and watch free onboard content without using paid internet data. Most modern seats include USB‑A/USB‑C power or AC outlets; carry a cable and, if needed, a 3.5 mm adapter for personal headsets. If your aircraft type is older or lightly equipped, a card in the seatback or the inflight magazine usually explains the steps for that fleet.

Class Differences to Anticipate

In economy, you’ll typically see smaller seatback screens or device streaming, with standard earbuds available on longer routes. Premium economy upgrades the experience with larger displays, better seat‑side power, and sometimes enhanced headphones. Business and first class generally add much larger, brighter screens, high‑quality or noise‑canceling headsets, and extra content like full box‑sets or curated wellness audio. Some premium cabins also allow gate‑to‑gate viewing and pair the screen with a responsive remote, which is handy during meal service. Regardless of cabin, the exact setup will follow the standards of the and the specific aircraft model.