When flying with Alitalia (now operating as ITA Airways), understanding the Alitalia airline baggage rules is essential to avoid extra fees and ensure a smooth travel experience. Whether you’re packing for a short business trip or a long vacation, knowing Alitalia’s baggage policies can help you plan effectively.
This guide covers Alitalia’s baggage allowance, carry-on rules, checked baggage policies, overweight and oversized baggage fees, and tips to avoid extra charges.
Alitalia Carry-On Baggage Policy
Alitalia allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item onboard. However, there are strict size and weight limits.
1. Carry-On Baggage Allowance
✔ Number of Bags Allowed: One carry-on bag + one personal item (e.g., purse, laptop bag, small backpack).
✔ Carry-On Size Limit: 55 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm (21.6” x 13.7” x 9.8”).
✔ Weight Limit: 8 kg (17.6 lbs) maximum.
🚨 If your carry-on exceeds the size or weight limit, it must be checked in, and fees may apply.
2. Personal Item Allowance
In addition to your carry-on, you can bring one small personal item, such as:
✔ Handbag or purse
✔ Laptop bag
✔ Small backpack
✔ Briefcase
🔹 Tip: Ensure your personal item fits under the seat in front of you.
Alitalia Checked Baggage Policy
The checked baggage allowance on Alitalia flights depends on the fare class and route.
Checked Baggage Allowance by Class
| Fare Type | Number of Bags | Weight Limit (Each Bag) |
|---|---|---|
| Economy Light | No free checked bag | — |
| Economy Classic & Flex | 1 bag | 23 kg (50 lbs) |
| Premium Economy | 2 bags | 23 kg (50 lbs) each |
| Business Class | 2 bags | 32 kg (70 lbs) each |
✔ Size Limit for Checked Bags: 158 cm (62 inches) total (L + W + H).
✔ Extra Bags: Additional baggage must be purchased separately.
🚨 Economy Light fares do not include free checked baggage. If you book this fare, you must pay for checked bags separately.
Alitalia Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees
If your baggage exceeds weight or size limits, Alitalia charges additional fees based on your route.
Overweight Baggage Fees
✔ Economy & Premium Economy: Bags 23–32 kg (50–70 lbs) incur an overweight fee.
✔ Business Class: Bags over 32 kg are not allowed.
| Weight | Extra Fee (Europe Flights) | Extra Fee (Intercontinental Flights) |
|---|---|---|
| 23–32 kg (50–70 lbs) | €50 | €100 |
| Over 32 kg | Not Allowed | Not Allowed |
🚨 Bags over 32 kg must be repacked into separate luggage.
Oversized Baggage Fees
✔ Bags over 158 cm (62 inches) but under 203 cm (79 inches) incur an extra fee.
✔ Fees range from €50 to €300, depending on the route.
✔ Bags over 203 cm are not allowed.
🔹 Tip: If your baggage is overweight, consider purchasing an extra bag instead of paying for excess weight fees.
Excess Baggage Fees
If you need to check extra bags, Alitalia charges additional fees per bag.
Extra Baggage Fees (One-Way)
| Route | Extra Bag (23 kg) | Extra Bag (32 kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic (Italy) | €50 | €100 |
| Europe & North Africa | €75 | €125 |
| Intercontinental | €100 | €200 |
🚨 Extra baggage fees are higher if purchased at the airport, so book in advance.
Alitalia Special Baggage Policy
Certain items, such as sports equipment, musical instruments, and medical equipment, require special handling.
✔ Sports Equipment: Items like golf bags, bicycles, and skis may incur additional fees (€50–€100).
✔ Musical Instruments: Small instruments can be carried as hand luggage if they meet size and weight limits.
✔ Medical Equipment: Passengers with medical needs can check necessary medical devices for free.
🔹 Tip: Always contact Alitalia in advance if you’re traveling with special baggage.
How to Avoid Extra Baggage Fees on Alitalia
1. Weigh Your Bags Before You Leave Home
🔹 Use a digital luggage scale to check your bag’s weight before heading to the airport.
🔹 If your bag exceeds the limit, remove unnecessary items to avoid excess charges.
2. Buy Extra Baggage Online
🔹 Prepaying for extra bags online is cheaper than paying at the airport.
🔹 If you know your bag will be overweight, buy an extra bag instead of paying per kg.
3. Pack Smart & Distribute Weight
🔹 If you’re traveling with multiple suitcases, spread the weight across your bags to avoid overweight fees.
4. Use a Lightweight Suitcase
🔹 Hard-shell suitcases can be heavy—use a lightweight suitcase to maximize your baggage allowance.
5. Wear Heavy Clothing Instead of Packing It
🔹 If your suitcase is close to the limit, wear heavier clothing items like jackets and boots on the plane.
Alitalia Baggage Fees vs. Other Airlines
How do Alitalia’s baggage fees compare to other airlines?
| Airline | Overweight Fee (23-32 kg) | Extra Bag Fee (23 kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Alitalia (ITA Airways) | €50–€100 | €50–€200 |
| Lufthansa | €100 | €100–€250 |
| Air France | €75–€125 | €55–€200 |
| British Airways | £65 per bag | £65 per bag |
✅ Alitalia’s overweight and extra baggage fees are similar to other major airlines.
Final Thoughts
Alitalia (ITA Airways) has clear baggage rules, but exceeding weight and size limits can be costly. To avoid extra fees, always weigh your bags before traveling, prepay for extra baggage online, and pack efficiently.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Economy Light fares do not include checked baggage—you must pay separately.
✔ Economy & Premium Economy allow 23 kg per bag; Business Class allows 32 kg per bag.
✔ Overweight baggage fees range from €50 to €100 (depending on the route).
✔ Bags over 32 kg are not allowed—you must repack into multiple bags.
✔ Buying extra baggage online is cheaper than paying at the airport.
By following these tips, you can save money and avoid last-minute surprises at the airport. Safe travels
