Alitalia - Claim Compensation for Your Delay

How much compensation are you entitled to for your flight delay or cancellation?

EU Regulation 261/2004 (EC261) determines the following amounts, based on the distance of the delayed or cancelled flight:

• €250 for flights less than 1500 km
• €400 for flights between 1500 km and 3500 km
• €600 for flights over 3500 km.

Furthermore, the Regulation specifies other requirements, concerning the hours of delay, the circumstances surrounding the delay or cancellation, the time of notification.

Alitalia Flight Delay

The EU Regulation lays down the following conditions for flight delay compensation eligibility:

• Your flight arrived at your final destination with a delay of more than three hours
• The delay was not caused by extraordinary circumstances

If these two requirements are met, you can claim compensation from Alitalia. As stated the amount will depend on the distance of your flight.

Under extraordinary circumstances fall all events that are beyond the control of Alitalia. These  events include, but are not limited to:

• Bad weather conditions
• Medical emergencies
• Bird strikes
• Security risks
• Control tower traffic restrictions

Claim Delay Compensation

Alitalia Flight Cancellation

If your Alitalia flight is cancelled and the event is attributable to the airline’s responsibility , you might be entitled to compensation. On the contrary, if the cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances, the airline is not obliged to pay reimbursement.You could claim compensation in the following situations:

• When Alitalia informs you 7 to 13 days before departure and you arrived at your final destination with a delay of more than 4 hours, or

• when Alitalia informs you less than 7 days before departure and your flight arrives with a delay of more than 2 hours

Denied Boarding

Denied boarding is defined in Regulation 261 / 2004 as refusal to board passengers who:

• Do not present a safety and security risk

• Have presented themselves to the gate on time

• Have all the necessary travel documents

Airlines often overbook flights to ensure that there won’t be any extra seats if the passengers do not show for the flight. This tactic allows them to maximize their profits. If the airline fails to predict the number of passengers, it will be forced to deny boarding to some passengers.

The airline representatives will try to search for volunteers who would be willing to give up their seats in exchange for benefits, such as: food or travel vouchers, points for the airline’s frequent flyer program, etc.

Please remember that in order to be eligible to denied boarding compensation, you should refuse the offer, that the airline gave you. In case you need more information, read our article about denied boarding.

Are you tired of all the details? Yes, claiming compensation could be very complicated. Fortunately, we can make everything simpler - just enter your flight details.

Claim Denied Compensation

Right to Care:

In the event of a flight delay, Alitalia should provide you with drinks and meals to assist you while waiting. All expenses should be covered by the airline for the duration of the delay or until the departure of their alternate flight.

When your Alitalia flight is cancelled and the alternate flight is in a different day, the airline is required to cover all of your hotel and accommodation. The transport expenses are also included.

Please remember that the right to care is separate from the right to Alitalia flight compensation. You are entitled to food and drinks regardless of the circumstances that led to the delay. 

It is a common practise for companies to offer vouchers for your expenses. If they are insufficient, feel free to go above the limit. Keep your receipts and the company will reimburse you.

About Alitalia

Today's Alitalia – Società Aerea Italiana (SAI) is distinct from Alitalia – Linee Aeree Italiane (LAI). The recent Alitalia was formed in 2008 when a group of investors "Compagnia Aerea Italiana" (CAI) consortium offered to buy the bankrupt Alitalia – Linee Aeree Italiane ("old" Alitalia). The company launched in 2009 and carried 22 million passengers in its first year. An interesting fact is that the new Alitalia company has not claimed the history of the old one.

Later in June 2014, it was announced that Etihad Airways will acquire 49% of Alitalia(CAI). All the company’s current operations were passed to Alitalia-SAI, which is still operating today.

The head office of Alitalia is in Fiumicino, Rome, Italy. It has a total of 96 fleet size and flies to 94 destinations. The company executes a loyalty programme for its regular passengers called MilleMiglia. It gives exclusive rights for miles gained with Alitalia. The programme has different issues for kids, youngsters and firms.

Alitalia Rankings

Skytrax is an authoritative website where users can leave their reviews about past experiences with air carriers. The ranking includes many details some of them being: the onboard products and services, the staff and the overall value for the money.