Perhaps I would get a kick in the rear from Alitalia, however, I NEVER stated that I travelled with all the airlines that fly to Europe, I have flown Ryanair, Air France and EasyJet without issue apart from the first time with Ryanair as stated above. As for the others, I have no idea. Though for anyone wishing to fly without a passport to Europe, I would recommend calling the relevant airline in advance to enquire if they would permit it, this way you do not encounter any problems.

I have to say as a UK National and resident, I do not possess a Passport, yet I regularly travel within EU as part of my work and I only ever have to produce my Full UK driving Licence to do this. Only once was I asked if I had a Passport by Ryanair and when I stated no, they made a quick telephone and then allowed me to check in.