Alitalia Airline Baggage Rules: A Complete Guide for Travelers

For decades, Alitalia was Italy’s national airline, offering flights across Europe and beyond. However, in October 2021, Alitalia ceased operations and was replaced by ITA Airways (Italia Trasporto Aereo). Despite this transition, many travelers still search for Alitalia airline baggage rules, particularly those flying on ITA Airways, which now operates many of the same routes.

If you’re looking for information on Alitalia Airline baggage rules and how they compare to ITA Airways’ current rules, this guide covers everything you need to know, including carry-on limits, checked baggage fees, special luggage allowances, and excess baggage charges.

1. Alitalia’s Carry-On Baggage Rules

Alitalia allowed passengers to bring one carry-on bag plus one personal item on board. These items needed to comply with strict size and weight restrictions to ensure they could fit in the overhead compartments or under the seat.

Carry-On Bag Allowance

• Maximum Dimensions: 55 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm (21.6 in x 13.7 in x 9.8 in)

• Maximum Weight: 8 kg (17.6 lbs)

Personal Item Allowance

• Could be a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack.

• Had to fit under the seat in front of you.

• Duty-free purchases were allowed in addition to these items.

If a carry-on exceeded the allowed dimensions or weight, passengers were required to check it in, often incurring additional fees.

2. Checked Baggage Policy Under Alitalia

Alitalia’s checked baggage rules varied depending on the ticket class and flight route.

Economy Class:

• Short-haul flights (within Italy & Europe): Some fares did not include free checked baggage.

• Long-haul international flights: 1 checked bag up to 23 kg (50 lbs) was included.

Premium Economy Class:

• 2 checked bags, each weighing up to 23 kg (50 lbs).

Business Class:

• 2 checked bags, each weighing up to 32 kg (70 lbs).

Checked Baggage Size Limit:

• Maximum total dimensions (length + width + height) 158 cm (62 inches).

Passengers exceeding these limits were required to pay additional fees based on weight and number of bags.

3. Excess and Overweight Baggage Fees

Passengers traveling with extra baggage or heavier bags had to pay additional charges.

Overweight Baggage Fees:

• Bags weighing 24-32 kg (50-70 lbs) incurred an extra charge.

• Bags exceeding 32 kg (70 lbs) were not accepted as checked baggage and had to be transported as cargo.

Extra Baggage Fees:

• Additional checked bags beyond the ticket’s allowance required extra payment.

• Fees varied depending on the flight route and booking class.

Booking additional baggage online was often cheaper than paying at the airport, making it a good option for travelers carrying more luggage.

4. Special Baggage Rules

Alitalia had specific policies for sports equipment, musical instruments, and medical devices.

Sports Equipment:

• Items like skis, bicycles, golf clubs, and surfboards could be checked in.

• Special handling fees applied, depending on the item’s size and weight.

Musical Instruments:

• Small instruments (violins, guitars) were allowed in cabin baggage if they met size limits.

• Larger instruments required either an extra seat reservation or had to be checked as hold luggage.

Medical Equipment & Mobility Aids:

• CPAP machines and other medical devices were allowed but needed pre-approval.

• Wheelchairs and mobility aids were transported for free, provided they complied with airline safety standards.

5. Baggage Benefits for Frequent Flyers

Alitalia’s MilleMiglia loyalty program offered exclusive baggage benefits to frequent travelers.

• Elite status members were entitled to additional checked baggage for free.

• Premium members received priority baggage handling at check-in and arrival.

When ITA Airways took over Alitalia, the MilleMiglia program was discontinued and replaced with the Volare loyalty program, which has its own baggage benefits.

6. How ITA Airways’ Baggage Policy Compares to Alitalia

Since Alitalia ceased operations, passengers now follow ITA Airways’ baggage rules when flying on the same routes. While many policies remain similar, some differences exist.

To get the latest baggage information, it’s best to check ITA Airways’ official website before traveling.

7. Tips to Avoid Baggage Fees

To save money and avoid unnecessary baggage fees, consider these smart packing tips:

✔️ Weigh your bags before heading to the airport – Use a luggage scale to prevent overweight fees.
✔️ Choose a ticket with baggage included – Some fares offer free checked baggage, while others do not.
✔️ Pre-book extra baggage online – Buying additional baggage in advance is usually cheaper than paying at the airport.
✔️ Maximize your carry-on space – Pack efficiently to avoid checking in extra bags.
✔️ Use a hard-shell suitcase – This helps protect fragile items from damage during transport.
✔️ Label your luggage – Adding a tag with your name and contact details can prevent lost baggage issues.

8. Conclusion

Although Alitalia stopped operating in 2021, many travelers still search for Alitalia airline baggage rules, especially when flying on ITA Airways, which replaced the airline.

For those who previously flew with Alitalia, the baggage policies under ITA Airways are quite similar, though some differences may apply. To avoid unexpected fees or last-minute surprises at the airport, it’s always a good idea to check the latest baggage rules on ITA Airways’ website before flying.
Weigh your bags before heading to the airport – Use a luggage scale to prevent overweight fees.
Choose a ticket with baggage included – Some fares offer free checked baggage, while others do not.
Pre-book extra baggage online – Buying additional baggage in advance is usually cheaper than paying at the airport.
Maximize your carry-on space – Pack efficiently to avoid checking in extra bags.
Use a hard-shell suitcase – This helps protect fragile items from damage during transport.
Label your luggage – Adding a tag with your name and contact details can prevent lost baggage issues.

By understanding airline baggage policies in advance, travelers can enjoy a stress-free journey without worrying about luggage restrictions. Pack smart, travel light, and have a great trip!