For years, Alitalia was Italy’s flagship airline, connecting millions of passengers worldwide. However, the airline ceased operations in October 2021, and ITA Airways (Italia Trasporto Aereo) took over as the country’s new national carrier. While Alitalia no longer operates, many travelers still search for Alitalia airline baggage rules, especially those flying with ITA Airways on former Alitalia routes.
If you're wondering about Alitalia’s previous baggage policies and how they compare to ITA Airways' current rules,
1. Alitalia’s Carry-On Baggage Policy
Alitalia allowed passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item onboard. The carry-on had to meet strict size and weight limits to fit in the overhead compartment.
Carry-On Allowance:
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Maximum Size: 55 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm (21.6 in x 13.7 in x 9.8 in)
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Maximum Weight: 8 kg (17.6 lbs)
Personal Item:
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Could include a handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack.
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Had to fit under the seat in front of you.
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Duty-free purchases were allowed in addition to the carry-on allowance.
If a carry-on exceeded the allowed size or weight, passengers were required to check it in and possibly pay extra fees.
2. Checked Baggage Allowance Under Alitalia
The checked baggage policy under Alitalia varied by ticket class and flight route.
Economy Class:
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Short-haul flights (within Italy & Europe): Checked baggage was not always included, depending on fare type.
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Long-haul flights: 1 free checked bag up to 23 kg (50 lbs).
Premium Economy Class:
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2 checked bags, each weighing up to 23 kg (50 lbs).
Business Class:
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2 checked bags, each weighing up to 32 kg (70 lbs).
Checked Baggage Size Limit:
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Total dimensions (length + width + height) could not exceed 158 cm (62 inches).
Passengers who exceeded these limits had to pay overweight or excess baggage fees, depending on the flight route.
3. Excess and Overweight Baggage Fees
When traveling with extra or overweight luggage, passengers were required to pay additional fees.
Overweight Baggage Fees:
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Bags weighing 24-32 kg (50-70 lbs) incurred a fee.
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Bags over 32 kg (70 lbs) were not accepted as checked baggage and had to be sent as cargo.
Extra Bag Fees:
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If a passenger needed to check more bags than their ticket allowed, they had to pay an extra baggage charge.
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Booking additional baggage online was usually cheaper than paying at the airport.
Fees depended on the destination and fare type, so passengers were advised to check baggage costs before traveling.
4. Special Baggage Rules
Alitalia had specific baggage policies for sports equipment, musical instruments, and medical devices.
Sports Equipment:
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Items like skis, golf clubs, bicycles, and surfboards could be checked in but required advance booking.
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Extra fees applied depending on the size and weight.
Musical Instruments:
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Small instruments (violins, guitars) were allowed in cabin baggage if they fit within size limits.
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Larger instruments required either an extra seat reservation or had to be checked as hold luggage.
Medical Devices & CPAP Machines:
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Passengers traveling with medical equipment had to notify Alitalia in advance.
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Battery-powered medical devices had to comply with aviation safety rules.
5. Frequent Flyer Baggage Benefits
Alitalia’s MilleMiglia loyalty program provided baggage perks for frequent travelers.
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Elite members often received extra baggage allowances for free.
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Business and first-class MilleMiglia members got priority baggage handling.
When ITA Airways replaced Alitalia, the MilleMiglia program was discontinued and replaced by the Volare loyalty program, which offers its own baggage perks.
6. ITA Airways Baggage Rules: How They Compare to Alitalia
Since Alitalia no longer exists, passengers flying on its former routes must now follow ITA Airways’ baggage rules. While many of the policies remain similar, some have changed.
| Baggage Feature | Alitalia (Before 2021) | ITA Airways (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Carry-on Size | 55 x 35 x 25 cm | 55 x 35 x 25 cm |
| Carry-on Weight | 8 kg | 8 kg |
| Economy Checked Bag | 1 x 23 kg (long-haul) | 1 x 23 kg (long-haul) |
| Business Class Bags | 2 x 32 kg | 2 x 32 kg |
| Extra Baggage Fees | Varies by route | Varies by route |
For the most up-to-date baggage policies, passengers should check the ITA Airways website or contact customer service before flying.
7. Tips for Avoiding Baggage Fees
To ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience, follow these packing tips:
✔️ Check baggage allowances before booking – Make sure your ticket includes enough baggage.
✔️ Weigh your luggage at home – Avoid overweight fees by using a luggage scale.
✔️ Pre-book extra baggage online – This is often cheaper than paying at the airport.
✔️ Label your bags – Attach a luggage tag with your name and contact details.
✔️ Use packing cubes – They help save space and keep items organized.
8. Conclusion
Although Alitalia ceased operations in 2021, many travelers still search for Alitalia airline baggage rules to understand what applied before and what has changed under ITA Airways.
If you’re flying with ITA Airways today, the baggage policies are similar to those of Alitalia, with carry-on limits, checked baggage allowances, and extra fees still in place. Always check ITA Airways’ latest baggage rules before your trip to avoid surprises at the airport.
Whether you're a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, understanding baggage policies ensures a stress-free journey. Pack smart, travel light, and enjoy your trip!
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