Carry-On Baggage
Allowance: One carry-on bag and one personal item (e.g., handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack) per passenger.
Size and Weight:
- Carry-on: Maximum 8 kg, dimensions 55 cm (height) x 35 cm (width) x 25 cm (depth), including handles, pockets, and wheels.
- Personal item: Must fit under the seat (max 36 cm x 45 cm x 20 cm); no specific weight limit mentioned, but should be lightweight (e.g., 2 kg for a second item per some sources).
Additional Notes:
- Small items under the seat require an “Under the Seat” label from ground staff.
- On high-capacity flights, carry-on bags may be placed in the hold at the gate (except intercontinental flights). Staff will tag and provide a reclaim receipt.
- ITA Airways is strict about size and weight; bags may be checked at the gate or check-in using baggage measurers. Non-compliant bags may not be allowed onboard.
- A second carry-on item (max 40 cm x 30 cm x 15 cm, 2 kg) is allowed, which is generous compared to other airlines.
Checked Baggage
Allowance: Varies by travel class and fare type:
- Economy Light: No free checked baggage; fees apply (e.g., €50–€70 per segment).
- Economy: One bag included (max 23 kg).
- Premium Economy/Comfort Economy: Two bags included (max 23 kg each).
- Business: Two bags included (max 32 kg each).
- Infants: One additional bag up to 10 kg (if adult has a standard fare; none for Light fare).
Size: Maximum 158 cm (height + width + depth, including handles and wheels).
Weight Limits: 23 kg for Economy/Premium Economy/Comfort Economy; 32 kg for Business. No single bag can exceed 32 kg for safety reasons.
Special Notes:
- For code-share flights, the operating carrier’s policy applies. For flights to/from the U.S., the marketing company’s policy (whose code is on the ticket) applies.
- On some routes, passengers may need to collect and recheck bags at the first stop for customs clearance.
- Strollers are transported free but may need to be checked (policy unclear on gate vs. check-in).
Excess/Extra Baggage
Fees (approximate, route-dependent):
- Domestic (Italy): €60 for the first extra bag, €75–€200 for additional bags.
- International: €75–€90 for the first extra bag; higher for subsequent bags
- Prepay online for discounts via “Manage My Booking” or during online check-in. Airport fees are higher.
Purchase: Extra baggage can only be purchased online for ITA-operated flights.
Refunds: Available if the flight is canceled and rebooked, baggage is lost for 45+ days, or due to sickness/death (with documentation).
Special Baggage
Items: Sports equipment, musical instruments, weapons, diplomatic bags, urns, fragile/large items (e.g., wedding gowns, paintings).
Rules:
- Sports equipment: One set per person allowed; may incur fees.
- Musical instruments: In the hold at standard checked baggage rates; cabin transport may require a “seat in cabin” fee.
- Weapons/Ammunition: Not included in allowance; max 23 kg weapons, 5 kg ammunition per person; flat-rate surcharge applies (e.g., EUR/USD based on route). Must be registered at check-in. Transport to/from the UK is suspended. Customs clearance required in Italy for transits.
- Fragile/Large Items: May require a Limited Liability Waiver or “seat in cabin” payment.
Declaration of Value: For valuable items, pay €50 per bag to increase liability to €500 (covers domestic/international flights). Does not apply to items unfit for baggage or if another airline is involved.
Liability: Governed by the Montreal Convention 1999. ITA is not liable for damage to valuable, fragile, or perishable items unless a declaration is made. Insurance is recommended for special baggage.
Restricted/Prohibited Items
Cabin Restrictions: No sharp objects (e.g., scissors, knives), e-cigarettes, or hazardous materials. Lighters allowed only on the person.
Lithium Batteries:
- In checked baggage: Non-removable batteries (max 0.3 g lithium metal or 2.7 Wh lithium-ion). Removable batteries must be carried in the cabin.
- Spare batteries (e.g., power banks): Cabin only, max 20 per passenger (100 Wh for lithium-ion, 2 g for lithium metal; 2 spares up to 160 Wh with protection). Over 160 Wh prohibited.
- Drones: Batteries removed and carried in the cabin; over 160 Wh prohibited.
Other: Hoverboards and similar lithium-powered vehicles are banned. Alcoholic beverages (24–70% ABV) allowed in carry-on (max 5L per person in original packaging).
Additional Information
- Strict Enforcement: ITA Airways is noted for strict carry-on checks, with some passengers reporting bags being weighed and measured. Non-compliant bags may be checked into the hold with fees.
- Code-Share/Connecting Flights: Policies vary; contact the Customer Center for details.
- Volare Program: Registration and communication are currently in Italian/English only.
- Online Services: Prepay baggage or check policies via ITA’s website or app under “My Flights.”
- Sentiment on X: Some users report frustration with fees and strict policies (e.g., paying for extra bags, check-in issues). Others note convenient services like free baggage check-in at Rome’s Termini station.
Recommendations
- Check your ticket for specific allowances (fare class, route).
- Verify restrictions on ITA’s website (www.ita-airways.com) or contact customer service, as fees and rules vary by destination.
- Weigh and measure carry-ons to avoid surprises; prepay extra baggage online to save costs.
- For special baggage, confirm requirements in advance, especially for weapons or fragile items.