ITA Airways (Italia Trasporto Aereo) has taken the skies as Italy’s new national carrier, succeeding the iconic but troubled Alitalia. Since its launch in late 2021, many travelers have asked the crucial question: Is ITA Airways a good airline?
This in-depth 2024 review provides an honest assessment of ITA Airways, covering everything from its fleet modernization and on-time performance to its celebrated Italian in-flight service, helping you make an informed decision for your next journey.
1. ITA Airways at a Glance: Key Performance Factors
| Factor | Overview | Performance Assessment |
| On-Time Performance | Focused effort to improve punctuality compared to Alitalia. | Consistently high, typically above 85% on-time departure rate. |
| Fleet | Rapidly modernizing the fleet inherited from Alitalia with new Airbus models. | Good. New A350 and A320neo aircraft offer superior comfort and technology. |
| Service Quality | Emphasizes the “Made in Italy” experience with friendly, professional staff. | Excellent. Crew professionalism and attentiveness are frequently praised in passenger reviews. |
| Safety | Complies with all EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) and international standards. | Very High. ITA Airways operates to the same strict safety protocols as all major European carriers. |
2. In-Depth Look: ITA Airways Cabin Classes
ITA Airways operates a modern fleet primarily consisting of Airbus aircraft for both short and long-haul routes.
A. Economy Class & Seating Options
Economy seating comfort is comparable to most European legacy carriers, but with an Italian flair in service.
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Seating Pitch: Standard seats offer 31-32 inches of pitch. Comfort Economy (available on some long-haul flights) offers extra legroom, usually 34 inches.
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Fees: ITA, like most airlines, charges fees for advance seat selection, with prices varying based on the route and seat location (starting from approximately $9 up to $140 for extra-legroom seats).
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In-flight Dining: Complimentary soft drinks and light Italian snacks (like cookies) are served on short-haul European flights. Long-haul flights include full meals focusing on regional Italian cuisine.
B. Premium Economy Review (Long-Haul)
This class offers a significant step up from standard Economy, ideal for long journeys without the full Business Class price tag.
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Amenities: Wider seats, more recline, dedicated cabin space, and enhanced meal service.
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Value: Often praised as offering excellent value for intercontinental routes.
C. Business Class Amenities
ITA Airways’ Business Class is a major point of positive feedback, particularly on its newer long-haul fleet (A350/A330).
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Comfort: Features spacious cabins with lie-flat beds and direct aisle access on the newest aircraft. On short-haul European flights, it typically features standard seats with the middle seat blocked by a table.
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Dining Experience: A major highlight. Passengers enjoy a multi-course gourmet meal service, often served with proper tableware and an exclusive Italian wine list, showcasing regional specialities.
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Amenities: High-quality bedding, amenity kits, and noise-canceling headphones are standard.
3. Is ITA Airways Safe? Addressing Concerns
A common question for any new airline is regarding safety, especially given its predecessor’s history.
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Operational Safety: ITA Airways adheres to the stringent safety regulations set by EASA and the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC). It operates under the highest international aviation safety standards.
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Fleet Safety: The transition to a newer fleet (Airbus A350, A330neo, A320neo) involves retiring older aircraft, which generally enhances overall fleet reliability and safety performance.
Conclusion: ITA Airways is considered highly safe. Travelers should have no concerns regarding the airline’s operational security.
4. Booking and Check-In Process
How to Change Your Flight with ITA Airways
Changing a flight is straightforward but dependent on your purchased fare type:
| Method | Steps & Costs | Recommendation |
| Online Changes | Log in to the “Manage Booking” section on the ITA website. Fees vary significantly (from €0 for flexible fares up to €150+ for restrictive fares). | Best for simple changes. Always buy a flexible fare if you anticipate itinerary alterations. |
| Phone/In-Person | Call Customer Service or visit an airport ticket office. May incur an additional service charge on top of the change fee. | Necessary for complex changes or last-minute modifications at the airport. |
Italian Airways Check-In Options
The check-in process offers multiple convenient options:
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Online Check-In (Recommended): Available 48 hours up to 2 hours before departure. This is the fastest method, allowing you to select a seat and download a mobile boarding pass.
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Mobile Check-In: Use the ITA Airways mobile app for a seamless digital experience.
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Airport Check-In: Counters open 2-3 hours before departure. Use this option if you have checked baggage or prefer physical documents.
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Self-Service Kiosks: Available at major hubs like Rome Fiumicino (FCO) for quick check-in and boarding pass printing.
5. Background: The Legacy and Resurgence from Alitalia
ITA Airways was founded in 2021 as a state-owned company to replace Alitalia, which had faced decades of financial instability and eventually filed for bankruptcy.
ITA Airways vs. Alitalia Comparison
| Feature | Alitalia (Pre-2021) | ITA Airways (2021 Onwards) |
| Financial Stability | Highly unstable, massive debt, government bailouts. | State-backed, financially stable, and operating debt-free. |
| Fleet | Older, less efficient aircraft models. | Focus on new-generation Airbus aircraft (A350, A320neo). |
| Customer Service | Mixed reviews, often criticized for unhelpful agents and operational issues. | General trend toward positive reviews, praising professionalism and service quality. |
| Future Outlook (2024) | Failed and defunct. | Potential acquisition/partnership with Lufthansa Group, indicating strong future growth. |
Key takeaway: ITA Airways is a structurally sound entity, unlike its predecessor. Its focus on fleet modernization and customer service represents a definitive break from Alitalia’s operational issues.
6. Final Recommendations
ITA Airways is a reliable and improving choice for air travel to and from Italy.
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For Long-Haul Travel: The new A350/A330 fleet and exceptional Business Class amenities make it a strong competitor, offering a high-quality flying experience.
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For European Travel: It provides a competitive, punctual service with a pleasant in-flight atmosphere.
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Overall Rating: Average traveler reviews tend to place ITA Airways in the “Good” category (often scoring 4.0 to 4.5 out of 5 stars), particularly praising the cabin crew and comfort of the newer aircraft.
By booking early, checking your baggage allowance, and utilizing the efficient online check-in process, you can ensure a smooth and pleasant journey with Italy’s national airline.
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