ITA Airways Missed Flight Policy

Overview

ITA Airways, Italy’s national airline and successor to Alitalia, has a missed flight policy governed by its Conditions of Carriage, fare rules, ticket type, EU/UK Regulation 261/2004 for flights to/from the EU/UK, U.S. DOT regulations for flights to/from the U.S., and Italy’s Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) regulations. This policy outlines options for passengers who fail to board their scheduled flight due to personal reasons, airline-related delays, or other circumstances.

Key Policy Details

• No-Show Policy: If you fail to check in by the deadline (2 hours before departure for international flights, 45 minutes for domestic flights) or arrive at the boarding gate (typically 30 minutes before departure), you are considered a "no-show." For non-refundable tickets (e.g., Light, Economy), the ticket value is forfeited, and the entire itinerary, including return or connecting flights, is canceled as tickets must be used in sequence. A no-show fee (e.g., €50-€150, depending on fare type and route) may apply. Notify ITA Airways before departure via the Manage Flight section or airport counter to preserve ticket value as a credit (valid for one year). Unused taxes and fees are refundable, less an administrative fee (e.g., €20-€30).
• Non-Refundable Tickets: No cash refunds are provided for missed flights on non-refundable tickets. Rebooking is possible, subject to availability, change fees (e.g., €50-€200, depending on fare type, route, and timing), and fare differences. Changes must be made via the Manage Flight section, app, airport counters, or the original booking channel. If the same fare is unavailable, a higher fare applies with no refund for lower fares.
• Refundable Tickets: Refundable tickets (e.g., Flex, Business, Magnifica) can be refunded for the unused portion, less a service fee (e.g., €20-€50), if requested within one year from issuance or 30 days after ticket validity expires. Refunds are processed to the original payment method or as vouchers within 7-14 days for credit card payments or 20 days for other methods through the original purchase channel.
• 24-Hour Cancellation Policy: For tickets purchased directly from ITA Airways (ticket number starting with “055”), you can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund if the flight is at least 7 days away. This applies to all fare types and must be requested via the Manage Flight section or app. Tickets purchased through travel agencies may not qualify.
• Time to Think Option: For direct bookings, the “Time to Think” service allows you to freeze the fare for 24, 48, or 72 hours (depending on destination and departure date) for a non-refundable fee (e.g., €10-€25 for domestic/European flights, €25-€30 for intercontinental). If the flight is canceled or significantly changed during this period, the fee is refunded. This option is not available for codeshare flights or bookings with Volare points.
• Missed Connections Due to Delays: If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay or cancellation of an ITA Airways-operated flight within the same booking (ticket number starting with “055”), ITA Airways will rebook you on the next available flight (including partner airlines) at no cost. If the delay exceeds 3 hours at your final destination and is within ITA Airways’ control (e.g., technical issues), you may be eligible for compensation: €250 for flights up to 1500 km, €400 for 1500-3500 km, or €600 for over 3500 km under EU/UK 261, or up to $650 USD under U.S. DOT rules. For delays of 2+ hours (short-haul), 3+ hours (medium-haul), or 4+ hours (long-haul), meals, refreshments, and communication access are provided; for overnight delays, hotel accommodation and transportation are offered, subject to availability. Retain receipts for reimbursement if vouchers are unavailable.
• Extraordinary Circumstances: No compensation is provided for missed flights due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., adverse weather, air traffic control strikes, airport closures, or government restrictions). ITA Airways will assist with rebooking or refunding unused taxes and fees, less an administrative fee. Passengers are responsible for additional expenses (e.g., accommodation, transport) in such cases.
• Denied Boarding: If you miss a flight due to overbooking and checked in on time, ITA Airways will seek volunteers first. If involuntarily denied boarding, you will be rebooked on the next available flight (including partner airlines) and may receive compensation (€250-€600 under EU/UK 261 or $200-$650 USD under U.S. DOT rules, depending on delay duration). Volunteers receive agreed-upon compensation, typically a travel voucher. Meals or refreshments are provided while waiting.
• Special Circumstances: For missed flights due to serious illness or death of a close family member, ITA Airways may waive fees or offer refunds with valid documentation (e.g., medical certificate, death certificate) submitted via the Customer Care form. Approval is reviewed case-by-case.

Steps to Take if You Miss Your Flight

• Contact ITA Airways immediately via the Manage Flight section, mobile app, or airport counter before departure to cancel or reschedule to avoid no-show fees and preserve ticket value as a credit (valid for one year). Provide your booking reference (e.g., six-letter code like ABC123).
• Explain the reason for missing the flight to determine eligibility for rebooking, refunds, or fee waivers. For special circumstances, submit documentation via the Customer Care form.
• Check your ticket’s fare rules in the Manage Flight section to understand applicable fees, restrictions, or refund eligibility. Changes can be made online or at airport counters; name changes are not permitted.
• Submit compensation or refund claims via the Customer Care form, including your name, booking reference, and supporting documents (e.g., boarding passes, receipts, medical certificates). Refunds take 7-14 days for credit card payments or 20 days for other methods; claims are acknowledged within 28 days.
• Keep all documentation for claims or expense reimbursements. Report baggage issues within 7 days for damage or 21 days for delays.
• Check travel insurance policies for coverage of missed flights due to valid reasons (e.g., illness, accidents).
• For EU/UK 261 claims, submit directly to ITA Airways to avoid fees from third-party claim agencies. If unresolved, escalate to Italy’s ENAC or the UK CAA’s Passenger Advice and Complaints Team (PACT) for flights involving the UK. Claims can be filed up to 6 years after the flight (2 years in Italy, 3 years in Germany, 5 years in Spain).

Additional Information

If ITA Airways cancels or delays your flight by 3+ hours or cancels with less than 14 days’ notice, you may choose a refund, rebooking, or compensation, depending on the circumstances. For cancellations, ITA Airways will offer alternative transport or a full refund within 7 days, including fees for baggage, seats, or meals. Compensation claims for EU/UK flights (€250-€600) can be filed up to 6 years after the flight (2 years in Italy). Retain all receipts for expenses (e.g., hotels, meals) and submit claims within 21 days for delays or 7 days for baggage issues. For unresolved claims, escalate to ENAC or the UK CAA. Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended for coverage of unforeseen events. For more details, review ITA Airways’ Conditions of Carriage or Carrier Liability section.