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ITA Airways Baggage Policy

Cabin Bag, personal item, checked bag fees, overweight, special items, and basic economy rules for ITA Airways, with every figure cited to the airline's own policy page.

Quick answer

  • Carry-on: up to 21.6 x 13.8 x 9.8", max 8 kg, free
  • Personal item: up to 17.7 x 14.2 x 7.9", free on every fare

Carry-on baggage

Max dimensions (in)
21.6 x 13.8 x 9.8"
Max dimensions (cm)
55 x 35 x 25 cm
Weight limit
8 kg (17 lb)
Fee
Free
Gate-check risk
Low

One 55x35x25 cm cabin bag up to 8 kg plus one personal item is included on every fare, including Economy Light.

ITA Airways carry-on maximum size, 21.6 x 13.8 x 9.8 inches (55 x 35 x 25 cm) 21.6" (55 cm) 9.8" (25 cm) 13.8" (35 cm) L H W
ITA Airways maximum carry-on dimensions, including wheels and handles.

ITA Airways cabin bag dimensions and bag size

The maximum ITA Airways carry-on size is 21.6 x 13.8 x 9.8 inches, which works out to 55 x 35 x 25 cm. Those measurements include wheels, handles, and any external pockets. Gate sizers on ITA Airways match the published limits closely, so a bag listed as "22 inch" by a luggage brand can fail if its wheels push the total past 21.6 inches. Always measure your bag packed, not empty.

ITA Airways cabin bag weight limit

ITA Airways limits carry-on bags to 8 kg (17 lb). Most domestic check-in counters do not weigh carry-ons, but gate agents can pull bags that look heavy. If your bag is over the limit, expect to be asked to check it, sometimes at the higher gate-check fee.

Does ITA Airways charge for cabin bag bags?

No. ITA Airways includes a free carry-on bag plus a free personal item on most fares. This applies across standard economy fares.

ITA Airways carry-on by fare class

Fare Carry-on Personal item Notes
Economy Light Included Included Cabin bag plus personal item, no checked bag.
Economy Classic Included Included Includes one 23 kg checked bag.
Economy Flex Included Included Flexible changes and refunds.
Premium Economy Included Included Two 23 kg checked bags.
Business Included Included Two 32 kg checked bags.

ITA Airways overhead bin size by aircraft

Long-haul fleet is A330-900neo and A350-900 with generous overhead bins. Short-haul uses A220 and A320neo with standard narrow-body bins. The 55x35x25 cm ITA sizer is narrower than the 40 cm width used by most European airlines.

Avoiding gate-check on ITA Airways

Boarding is by zone, with SkyTeam elites and Business first. Since every fare includes the full cabin bag, bins fill consistently, but the slimmer 35 cm width means hard-shell cases from other airlines may not fit sideways.

What counts as a personal item on ITA Airways

Allowed

  • Handbag
  • Small backpack
  • Laptop bag up to 45x36x20 cm

Counts as a second carry-on

  • Full-size cabin rollers used as a personal item

Common ITA Airways carry-on mistakes

  • Using a 40 cm wide cabin bag sized for Lufthansa or Ryanair, ITA's sizer is only 35 cm wide.
  • Assuming Light includes a checked bag: it does not.
  • Booking separate FCO-MXP connections on Light and paying per segment for checked bags.

What happens if your bag does not fit on ITA Airways

Gate checks are uncommon thanks to relatively large long-haul bins, but at FCO short-haul gates agents use the sizer and will gate-check oversize bags.

ITA Airways vs Lufthansa carry-on

ITA's cabin allowance is 55x35x25 cm at 8 kg while Lufthansa is 55x40x23 cm at 8 kg, meaning Lufthansa is wider and ITA is slightly deeper. Both include the cabin bag on every fare including their cheapest Light bucket. ITA Light to the US charges roughly 60 to 140 euros for a checked bag per segment, which is broadly similar to Lufthansa Economy Light. Business on ITA offers two 32 kg pieces, matching Lufthansa Business. For transatlantic flyers the choice often comes down to network: Lufthansa dominates Northern Europe via FRA and MUC while ITA is the only nonstop flag carrier to most US gateways via FCO.

See Lufthansa baggage policy

Personal item

Max dimensions (in)
17.7 x 14.2 x 7.9"
Max dimensions (cm)
45 x 36 x 20 cm
Included
Yes, free on every fare

Handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack that fits under the seat.

Does your bag count?

Bag typeTypical sizeFit
Standard backpack
Everyday daypack, laptop backpack
 18 x 13 x 8" Too big
Tote bag
Canvas or leather tote
 15 x 14 x 5" Fits
Laptop bag
Messenger or slim briefcase
 16 x 12 x 4" Fits
Small duffel
Gym or weekender
 18 x 11 x 11" Too big
Purse
Handbag or crossbody
 12 x 10 x 5" Fits
Under-seat roller
Mini wheeled bag
 16 x 14 x 8" Too big

Checked baggage fees

Compare fees across airlines →
Domestic economy
1st bagNot published
2nd bagNot published
Long-haul / international
1st bagNot published
Weight limit50 lb
Linear dimSee notes
Overweight & oversize
51–70 lbNot published
71–100 lbNot published
63–80 inNot published

Economy Light includes no checked bag; adding one costs roughly 60 to 140 euros per segment depending on route. Economy Classic includes one 23 kg bag, Premium Economy two 23 kg bags, Business two 32 kg bags. Overweight between 23 and 32 kg runs about 60 to 150 euros, oversize over 158 cm runs 80 to 300 euros.

Ways to skip the ITA Airways checked bag fee

  1. Pack carry-on only. Confirm your bag fits the ITA Airways carry-on size.
  2. Use a ITA Airways co-branded credit card. These typically waive the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions.
  3. Earn elite status. Mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction.
  4. Book a higher fare. Premium Economy, Business, and First usually include 1 to 2 checked bags.

Special items & sports equipment

Ski / snowboard
Not published
Golf clubs
Not published
Bicycle
Not published
Pet in cabin
Not published
Pet as cargo
Not published

Musical instruments: Small instruments that fit 55x35x25 cm travel as cabin baggage. Larger instruments may be checked or booked on a purchased extra seat.

Specific sport and pet fees vary by route and must be added during or after booking on the ITA Airways site.

Basic economy restrictions

Economy Light ITA Airways's lowest fare tier
Carry-on allowed
Yes
Personal item allowed
Yes
Checked bag surcharge
Not published
  • No checked bag, adding one costs roughly 60 to 140 euros per segment
  • No free seat selection
  • Limited changes and refunds
  • Cabin bag plus personal item still included

Frequently asked questions

What is the ITA Airways carry-on size limit?

ITA Airways allows a carry-on bag up to 21.6 x 13.8 x 9.8" (55 x 35 x 25 cm), including handles and wheels. The weight limit is 8 kg (17 lb).

What is the ITA Airways personal item size?

The personal item on ITA Airways must fit within 17.7 x 14.2 x 7.9" (45 x 36 x 20 cm) and slide fully under the seat in front of you. Handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack that fits under the seat.

Does ITA Airways charge for carry-on bags?

No. ITA Airways includes one free carry-on bag plus one personal item on most fares.

What is the ITA Airways carry-on weight limit?

ITA Airways limits carry-on bags to 8 kg (17 lb). Overweight carry-ons are typically asked to be checked at the gate.

Can I bring a carry-on on ITA Airways Economy Light?

Yes. ITA Airways Economy Light passengers can bring one carry-on bag plus one personal item.

How can I avoid ITA Airways checked bag fees?

Four common ways: (1) pack in a carry-on and personal item only (confirm your bag fits the ITA Airways carry-on size of 21.6 x 13.8 x 9.8"); (2) hold a ITA Airways co-branded credit card, which typically waives the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions on the same reservation; (3) reach elite status in the airline's frequent flyer program, where mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction; (4) book a higher fare class (Premium Economy, Business, First) where checked bags are included.

Will my bag be gate-checked on ITA Airways?

ITA Airways currently has a low gate-check risk based on our review of boarding policies and traveler reports. Overhead bin space is usually sufficient on full flights.

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ITA Airways hubs & focus cities

Major US airports where ITA Airways operates. Click through for terminal layouts, connection times, and layover tips.

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Sources & verification

Airlines change baggage rules without notice. Always confirm with ITA Airways before flying.