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Unfortunately, Alitalia has ceased operations.
Alitalia was taken over by ITA Airways and no longer flies. To search for flights similar to Alitalia, click on the ITA Airways logo above or use our search form at the top of the page.
Please note that you may continue to see Alitalia liveries on ITA Airways operated flights.
About Alitalia
Alitalia was the national carrier of Italy. The airline had two hubs, one at Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and one at Milan Linate Airport (LIN). Alitalia Airlines offered flights across Europe and to parts of North Africa and Asia. Overall, the airline flew to more than 90 destinations across these areas.
The airline's history dates back to 1947 when the 'old' Alitalia operated flights as the national carrier of Italy until it ceased operations in 2009. Once the old Alitalia was declared bankrupt, the airline name and brand were bought by a group of investors who relaunched Alitalia as a new airline but with the same branding (ITA Airways).
The airline launched flights in 2009 and carried nearly 50 million passengers in its first two years of flying. Upon the launch of the new Alitalia, the airline acquired another struggling Italian airline and its main competitor at the time, Air One. Air One offered low-cost flights across Europe and — with its regional subsidiary Air One CityLiner — domestic flights within Italy. When Alitalia acquired Air One, it took on both Air One and Air One CityLine. Each airline remained a separate brand, however, Air One CityLiner was rebranded Alitalia CityLiner to distinguish the difference between the international offering from Alitalia and the regional offering from CityLiner.
The airline was part-owned by Etihad Airways and was one of the member airlines of the Etihad Airways Partner alliance. Alitalia Airlines was also a member of the SkyTeam airline alliance.
In 2020, it went into administration for the 2nd time and was eventually bought out by the Italian Government, which took Alitalia's assets and launched a new national carrier, called ITA Airways. Alitalia was one of the longest-serving airlines in existence at the time that it stopped flying and one of the most recognisable full-service carriers in Europe.
While ITA Airways has replaced Alitalia as the national airline of Italy, ITA Airways is not a rebrand of Alitalia. The airline has simply replaced the spot that Alitalia Airlines used to hold as the country's national airline as a separate company. This can be confusing as when the Italian government bought Alitalia's assets, it continued to use many of the assets for day-to-day operations. For example, ITA Airways uses the same airline IATA code as Alitalia and even flies with some Alitalia-branded planes, with cabin crew wearing Alitalia-branded uniforms. Despite all this, the two companies are separate. Any Alitalia flight that you had booked before the airline ceased operations cannot be refunded, credited or transferred to ITA Airways as the airlines are separate.
Baggage Allowance
Carry-on Baggage
You were allowed one item of carry-on baggage weighing no more than 8 kg (17 lbs) and measuring no more than 55 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm (21.6" x 13.7" x 9.8").
Checked Baggage
The free checked baggage allowance depended on the travel class that you were flying in. This was as follows:
- Light Class: No baggage allowance.
- Economy Class: 1 piece of baggage with a maximum weight of 23 kg.
- Premium Economy Class: 2 pieces of baggage with a maximum weight of 23 kg each, except on specified routes where the allowance is 2 pieces of 32 kg each.
- Business Class: 2 pieces of baggage with a maximum weight of 32 kg.
- Comfort Class: 2 pieces of baggage with a maximum weight of 23 kg.
Special Allowances:
- Economy Class: On specific routes, the allowance is 2 pieces of 23 kg each.
- Premium Economy Class: On specific routes, the allowance is 2 pieces of 32 kg each, specifically from Brazil to anywhere.
Check-In Information
Online Check-In
You could check in online for your flight by visiting the Alitalia online check-in page and entering your booking code and name. Online check-in was available from 48 hours before scheduled flight departure time on most flights, except for the following.
- Flights departing from Amsterdam and Paris (30 hours before scheduled flight departure time)
- Flights departing from Geneva and Zurich (24 hours before scheduled flight departure time)
- Direct flights to the USA (24 hours before scheduled flight departure time)
Airport Check-In
If you didn't check in online, you could visit the airport check-in desk at the airport.
For most domestic flights, airport check-in closed 35 minutes before scheduled departure.
For most international or regional flights, airport check-in was closed one hour before scheduled departure.
Cabin Classes
Economy Class travel with Alitalia Airlines was always a guarantee of value without forgoing comfort. It included personalised advantages and services for all types of trips.
Economy Class
Economy Class travel with Alitalia Airlines was always a guarantee of value without forgoing comfort. It included personalised advantages and services for all types of trips.
Facilities
Depending on the duration of the flight, you could enjoy a snack or a light meal, accompanied by a selection of drinks, tea and coffee.
On long-haul international flights departing from Italy, the airline offered two meals: the first one with an antipasto, a main course (choice of meat or pasta), fresh fruit and dessert and the second one with a snack or breakfast.
The third service, which consisted of a snack and a drink, was served only for flights over 11 hours.
Alitalia offered individual entertainment systems with a vast library of movies, games, music and TV programs on their Airbus A330s and B777s, the opportunity to place a telephone call to the ground using satellite technology or to call a travelling companion on your same flight, but seats away, by dialling the number of his/her seat. Also, you could stay connected with WiFi connectivity on board.
Seats
On narrow-body aircraft, seat formation was set out in a 2 x 2 or 3 x 3 formation, with between 30–34" (76–86 cm) seat pitch and 18" (46 cm) of seat width.
On wide-body aircraft, seat formation was set out in a 2 x 4 x 2 or 3 x 4 x 3 formation, with 30–34" of seat pitch and 17" (43 cm) of seat width.
Premium Economy
Premium Economy was a great way to enjoy a more comfortable flight, with a higher standard of service, for just a little extra cost. Premium Economy was available on all long-haul international flights.
Premium Economy was a great way to enjoy a more comfortable flight, with a higher standard of service, for just a little extra cost. Premium Economy was available on all long-haul international flights.
Facilities
On the ground, passengers could enjoy priority boarding and a check-in desk that was exclusive to Premium Economy passengers.
Onboard, passengers booking flights with Alitalia were seated in a separate section of the cabin. Premium Economy seats were specially designed to give extra space and are fitted with a personal TV. Premium Economy passengers could also access the airline's Wi-Fi network and were given a blanket and pillow for further comfort.
Those flying Premium Economy were given a free baggage allowance of two checked bags, with a maximum weight of 23kg per bag.
Seats
Each Premium Economy seat offered up to 40% more legroom and could recline backwards up to 120 degrees. The seats were each fitted with a 10.4" (on the Boeing 777) or 10.6" (on the A330) personal TV with full access to the in-flight entertainment system.
On narrow-body aircraft, seats were set out in a 2 x 2 or 3 x 3 formation, with 30–35" (76–89 cm) of seat pitch and 18" (46 cm) of seat width.
On wide-body aircraft, seats were set out in a 2 x 3 x 2 or 2 x 4 x 2 formation, with 38" (96 cm) of seat pitch and 19" (48 cm) of seat width.
Business Class
The Business Class service was available on medium-haul flights, offering passengers dedicated services to make their trip as enjoyable and comfortable as possible.
Facilities
The Business Class fare granted you access to the Skyteam lounge as well as the dedicated check-in desks. Once comfortably in their seat, you were treated to a menu that was inspired by traditional Italian cuisine combined with a wide range of complimentary drinks. On flights that depart after 12pm, an aperitif was served at the end of each meal.
Business Class passengers were permitted two items weighing a total of 32kg.
Seats
Once onboard, you could sit back and relax in the spacious Business Class cabin. With only four seats per row, there was room to spread your legs throughout your flight.
On narrow-body aircraft, seats were set out in a 3 x 3 formation and give 32–34" (81–86 cm) of seat pitch and 18" (46 cm) of seat width.
On wide-body aircraft, seats were set out in a 1 x 2 x 1 formation and give 44" (112 cm) of seat pitch and 22" (56 cm) of seat width.
First Class
First Class, known as Magnifica, was the airline's award-winning highest-tier cabin class with the best standard of service.
Amenities
If flying Magnifica, you could enjoy priority check-in and boarding with SkyPriority, as well as a free baggage allowance of two pieces of baggage of up to 32kg per piece.
You were also given access to pre-flight lounges and Alitalia's First Class Cabin with dedicated and exclusive food choices.
Facilities
First Class included specially designed leather seats that transform into fully-flat beds and have a built-in massage system. Each seat had a 15-inch personal TV which gives access to the in-flight entertainment system.
Passengers booking flights with Alitalia were given complimentary access to the Wi-Fi system, as well as a night kit and other Salvatore Ferragamo-branded toiletries.
Its food menus are expertly designed and provided by Gambero Rosso, with a traditional menu offering Italian cuisine, a healthy menu and special monthly features. Each menu came complete with a full wine list and special blends of coffees and teas from Lavazza.
In-flight Entertainment
Available on long-haul international flights, Alitalia Airlines provided over 100 TV programs, 100 music compilations, 80 movies, 35 kids programs and 28 interactive games for passengers to enjoy. Alitalia renewed its in-flight entertainment selection each month and updates it with the latest and greatest entertainment.
Wi-Fi
Keep in touch with the outside world with Alitalia WIFI. The Alitalia WIFI network allowed passengers to check emails, browse social media, as well as text and call.
Wi-Fi Price
Passengers could purchase several different WIFI packages:
- The LITE package gave 10MB for $2 USD
- The FLEXI package gave 50MB for $6 USD
- The FLEX PLUS package gave 90MB for $12 USD
- The BUSINESS package gave 200MB for $20 USD
Food
Meal Options
Passengers in Alitalia Economy class could enjoy a snack on international flights under three hours, and a light meal on flights over three hours including items such as a sandwich and dessert. On longer flights up to 11 hours, there were two meal services, one consisting of a starter, main and dessert and the second consisting of a snack or breakfast. For flights above 11 hours, the meal service was as above with an added meal of a snack.
Premium Economy passengers could enjoy a selection of warm meals, breakfast and snacks. What exactly will be given is dependent on the flight schedule, time and destination.
For passengers in Business Class, the meals were inspired by Italian flavours, which will change seasonally in summer and winter. The choices of food offered also varied according to the length, time and destination of your flight. As a minimum, passengers on shorter flights received breakfast, a pasta lunch or dinner.
Magnifica Class, or First Class, passengers received meals inspired by the finest Italian cuisine and created by Gambero Rosso. Passengers had three options to choose from; a Traditional Italian menu, a Healthy menu and a light menu.
Special Dietary Requirements
Alitalia passengers who had special dietary requirements such as medical, dietary, religious or children's meals can pre-order a special meal for their flight. These meals had to be pre-ordered at least 24 hours before departure by contacting the customer centre or requested at the time of booking.
Drinks & Alcohol
All passengers booking flights with Alitalia received a drinks service with their meal, including both hot and cold drinks. Passengers in Premium Economy could enjoy selected fine wines, and each meal will be finished with a taste of limoncello. Business Class and Magnifica passengers could enjoy a wider selection of wines from the onboard cellar but also drank from the regular service such as Lavazza coffee.
Frequent Flyer
MilleMiglia Program
Alitalia Airlines operated a frequent flyer program called MilleMiglia Program to reward regular passengers with Alitalia. This exclusive club provided benefits for flying miles with Alitalia. In addition, passengers booking flights with Alitalia could earn miles and request award tickets across the whole network operated by their new partners Etihad Regional, Air Serbia and Air Seychelles. The miles earned could be used to join or renew membership to the Exclusive Clubs.
Passengers could collect frequent flyer points quickly and easily with Alternative Airlines and enjoy the benefits of their chosen alliance. Check out our article to find out which frequent flyer program is best for you.
Destinations that Alitalia flew to
Alitalia flew all over the world in its 75 years of flying. It was the main gateway into Italy and, at one point or another, touched down in countries from every continent.
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Hub Airport
Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport
Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport, commonly known as Fiumicino Airport, is the primary international airport serving Rome in Italy. It is named after the renowned Italian polymath Leonardo da Vinci. The airport is one of the busiest in Europe and the largest in Italy.
Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport has multiple terminals serving both domestic and international flights. It is currently a hub for ITA Airways.
Fleet
Before ceasing operations, Alitalia's fleet consisted of the following aircraft:
- 19 x Airbus A319-100 (18 transferred to ITA Airways)
- 38 x Airbus A320-200 (27 transferred to ITA Airways)
- 5 x Airbus A321-100
- 10 x Airbus A330-200 (7 transferred to ITA Airways)
- 6 x Boeing 777-200ER