Have you bought a ticket in Economy Light with ITA Airways? Here's everything you need to know
Traditional airlines have, unfortunately, tried to compete with low-cost airlines by increasingly reducing their services and offering [...]
ITA Airways
SkyTeam
Traditional airlines have, unfortunately, tried to compete with low-cost airlines by increasingly reducing their services and offering ultra basic fares that approach the "no frill" ticket typical of a low-cost airline. Even on long-haul flights it is now normal to find seemingly attractive fares, only to find out later that the fare included virtually nothing, or almost nothing, other than the ability to sit on a plane.
In this article:
Economy Light of ITA Airways, what fare is it
This is the Italian flag carrier's most aggressive fare, a fare that, for a lower price, offers the passenger the bare minimum of services, both before boarding and during and after the flight. With this article I hope to help all those who want to buy a ticket in this fare class and are wondering what the rules are, what is allowed and what is not. I have flown from Buenos Aires to Rome at this rate, but having an elite status in the Volare program. I was able to take advantage of the benefits of the status, along with the benefits of a super cheap ticket.
Can I check in at the airport?
Those who buy such a ticket are not entitled to be able to check in at the airport, it will then be mandatory to do all the paperwork online, on the website or through ITA's app. In the case of international, or intercontinental travel, where the passenger needs to be rechecked by staff it will also be necessary to go through the check-in counters, but first you will have to do your homework, otherwise you will be forced to pay a penalty.
Obviously If you have Plus status or higher in Volare you can also check in at the airport.
Can I take a suitcase on board?
When choosing a low-cost carrier you know that the answer to this question is "Yes, but for a fee.", the same is true when you choose a basic economy fare, or as ITA calls it Economy light. So the answer is Yes, but for a fee.
- Domestic flights, 45€ for purchases on the ITA Airways website (in the online check-in section), through Customer Center and approved travel agencies and 55€ one-way at airport ticket counters and check-in. Standard baggage allowance applies for additional checked bags.
- International Flights (to/from Europe, North Africa and the Middle East): €50 if purchased on the ITA Airways website in the I My Flights section, in online check-in, through Customer Center and approved travel agencies; €60 if purchased at airport ticket counters or check-in counters. Standard baggage allowance applies for additional checked baggage.
- Intercontinental Flights from Europe for US €60. From US to Europe 70US$, from Brazil and Argentina to Europe 65US$. Standard baggage allowance applies for additional checked baggage.
It is good to remember that these figures are per itinerary, so in case of round trip this supplement will have to be paid twice.
Again. If you have Plus status or higher in Volare you can have the benefit of boarding a suitcase for free.
Can I carry hand luggage?
The answer is yes, hand luggage is one of the few things that is included in ITA Airways' economy light ticket. And there is no difference between the different tickets, ITA like other carriers puts a limit on the weight of carry-on luggage: 8kg. Fortunately, however, I have never seen a baggage weighed by a traditional airline, something I have often seen low-cost passengers do instead.
When do I get on board?
ITA Airways, like almost all airlines in the world, boards by zones. The boarding zone is written on the ticket. Those who purchase an economy light ticket are expected to board last, this means more time in the gate queue and less chance of finding space in the overhead compartments for carry-on luggage.
Again, status helps, you must, however, be at least Premium in the Volare loyalty program To board early. In this case it is likely to say zone 2 on our ticket.
Can I choose the place?
As in the case of baggage, the answer is "Yes, but for a fee." In fact, the Economy Light fare excludes all options and seat choice is one of the most expensive ones. No matter if you are traveling with a friend or husband, if you want to sit together you have to pay for seat selection.
The cost varies by the type of trip and the place you choose. It starts as low as 8€ for a back seat on a domestic flight, rising to 29€ if the flight is intercontinental. If you choose a top seat, however, it can cost almost 90€.
Depending on the status you have in the loyalty program, and the type of flight, it will be possible to Choose the free seat on board.
What happens if I don't choose the place?
Nothing serious if you are traveling alone, if you are flying with friends and family, however, it will be (almost) impossible for you to be seated next to each other. Of course if you are traveling with young children, when checking in at the airport you will be "reunited" but certainly not the whole family, but one companion per child.
Then the system will automatically assign seats based on those not chosen by other travelers. You know which seats get "snubbed" by everyone? there you will probably end up in the middle seat, the one no one wants, and you will have no chance to change seats unless there are better empty seats once boarding procedures are completed and assuming that, due to covid, the crew allows you to move from your assigned seat.
Will they feed me?
Again, the answer is Yes. Of course we are talking about intercontinental travel, because on short- and medium-haul trips at most a snack is served, and something to drink.
A restaurant lunch should not be expected, that is reserved for those traveling business class, for everyone else there is the classic tray.
Do I get Volare points with this ticket?
The answer in this case is Yes, you accumulate points flying on this fare. How many points depends on whether or not you have elite status and on the type of flight. On a domestic route you will not earn a single bonus point and will have to make do with the minimum 10 basic points you earn with smart status. Then points go up based on elite level and type of flight. At most, an Executive user flying intercontinental in this fare will earn 13 base points plus a bonus of 20%.
Can I cancel the ticket?
The answer is no, this ticket does not include the possibility of refund, not even in the face of a penalty. Having status does not help; the rules are the same for everyone.
Can I change the ticket?
Again, the answer is NO. You cannot change the dates or times of the ticket, if you don't use it you lose it. As above, being Executive does not allow preferential treatment.
In conclusion
La difference between economy light and economy classic is often a few tens of euros, my advice is to get the math right unless you have premium status, or higher. Classic includes checked baggage, but not seat selection, so if you are flying with only carry-on baggage you are better off with light even if it means investing a few euros To choose the best seat.
