Alitalia Airline Baggage Rules: A Complete Guide to Packing for Your Flight

Flying with Alitalia, now known as ITA Airways, requires understanding their baggage rules to avoid unexpected fees and ensure a smooth travel experience. Whether you're flying economy or business class, knowing the weight, size, and number of bags you're allowed to bring is essential. Alitalia has specific baggage policies for carry-on luggage, checked baggage, and oversized baggage, so let’s dive into everything you need to know about their rules to make sure you’re well-prepared before your flight.

Alitalia Carry-On Baggage Policy

For those traveling light or looking to keep their essentials within easy reach, Alitalia airlines baggage rules will be a key part of your packing strategy.

1. Carry-On Bag Allowance

✔ One Carry-On Bag: Alitalia allows one carry-on bag for each passenger.
✔ Size Limit: The carry-on should not exceed 55 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm (21.6” x 13.7” x 9.8”).
✔ Weight Limit: The maximum weight for a carry-on is 8 kg (17.6 lbs).

2. Personal Item

Along with your carry-on bag, you’re allowed one personal item. This could be:
✔ Handbag
✔ Laptop bag
✔ Small backpack

Your personal item should be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. There is no specific weight limit for personal items, but it should remain lightweight and easy to stow.

Important Note:

If your carry-on bag exceeds the 8 kg weight limit or the size limit, it must be checked in at the airport, and additional fees will apply. To avoid this, be sure to weigh your carry-on before leaving for the airport.

Alitalia Checked Baggage Policy

Your checked baggage allowance depends on the class of service, route, and ticket type. Below is a breakdown of Alitalia's checked baggage rules based on fare type.

1. Checked Baggage Allowance by Fare Type

If you are flying Economy Light, you will need to pay an additional fee to check your luggage, as this fare type does not include checked baggage.

2. Checked Bag Size

The size of your checked luggage must not exceed 158 cm (62 inches) (length + width + height). If your bag is larger, you may face additional oversized baggage fees.

Alitalia Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees

Exceeding the weight or size limits for your baggage will result in extra fees. Below is a summary of the additional charges for overweight and oversized luggage.

Overweight Baggage Fees

If your checked baggage exceeds the allowed weight limit, you will be charged additional fees:

If your checked bag weighs more than 32 kg (70 lbs), it will not be accepted. You will need to repack the contents into smaller bags to avoid this issue.

Oversized Baggage Fees

If your bag exceeds the standard 158 cm (62 inches) size limit, it will be considered oversized and you will face additional charges:

To avoid these extra fees, make sure your bag stays within the specified size limits.

Excess Baggage Fees

In case you need to check more than the allowed number of bags, Alitalia charges an excess baggage fee.

Extra Baggage Fees (One-Way)

You can prepay for extra bags online, which is often cheaper than paying at the airport.

Alitalia Special Baggage Policy

For passengers traveling with special items, such as sports equipment, musical instruments, or medical devices, Alitalia offers tailored baggage allowances.

1. Sports Equipment

Alitalia allows you to check sports equipment such as skis, golf clubs, and bicycles. These items incur additional fees, typically ranging from €50 to €100, depending on the item and route.

2. Musical Instruments

Small musical instruments (e.g., violins, guitars) can be carried as carry-on luggage if they fit within the size limits. Larger instruments may need to be checked, with additional fees applying.

3. Medical Equipment

If you are traveling with medical equipment, such as oxygen tanks or wheelchairs, Alitalia allows you to check these items free of charge. However, you should inform the airline in advance so they can make necessary arrangements.

How to Avoid Extra Baggage Fees on Alitalia

Here are some strategies to help you avoid paying extra baggage fees when flying with Alitalia:

1. Weigh Your Bags Before You Leave

Use a digital luggage scale at home to ensure your bags are within the weight limit. This will help you avoid excess baggage fees when you arrive at the airport.

2. Prepay for Extra Bags

If you know you’ll need more than one checked bag, prepay online for extra bags to save money. Airport prices are often higher.

3. Distribute Weight Across Multiple Bags

If you’re traveling with multiple suitcases, make sure to distribute the weight across your bags to ensure none of them exceed the allowed weight limit.

4. Pack Smart

Use lightweight luggage to maximize your weight allowance. If you need to bring heavier items, consider wearing them during your flight to save space in your bags.

Comparing Alitalia’s Baggage Fees with Other Airlines

Here’s how Alitalia’s baggage fees stack up against other major international carriers.

In comparison, Alitalia’s fees are competitive, particularly for European flights, where they charge €50 for an overweight bag.

Final Thoughts

When flying with Alitalia, it’s essential to know their baggage rules to avoid surprise fees and ensure a stress-free travel experience. By understanding the carry-on and checked baggage allowances, overweight fees, and oversized baggage charges, you can pack smarter and save money.

Key Takeaways:

✔ Economy Light fares don’t include checked baggage.
✔ Checked bags in Economy can weigh up to 23 kg, while Business allows 32 kg per bag.
✔ Overweight baggage fees range from €50 to €100.
✔ Oversized baggage fees can be as high as €150.
✔ Extra baggage can be prepaid online to save money.

By following these tips and understanding Alitalia’s baggage policies, you’ll be well-prepared for your flight. Safe travels!