ITA Airways Joins Star Alliance:
What It Means for Business Travelers

By PrestigeFly

ITA Airways, Italy's flagship carrier, has officially joined the Star Alliance network, reshaping European aviation loyalty programs and premium travel benefits. Here’s how this affects your business travel strategy—from lounge access to award bookings.

Key Changes Effective Immediately

✈️ Enhanced Route Network

• Seamless connections via Star Alliance hubs (Frankfurt, Zurich, Vienna)
• New Rome Fiumicino (FCO) as a Star Alliance gateway for Southern Europe
• Improved U.S. coverage with United/Lufthansa codeshares

🛋️ Elite Status Benefits

• Star Alliance Gold members get:
  • Lounge access at FCO/MXP
  • Priority check-in/boarding
  • Extra baggage (up to +1 piece vs. non-alliance ITA rules)

💳 Mileage Earning & Redemption

• Earn/redeem miles on 28 Star Alliance airlines (including Singapore Airlines, ANA)
• United MileagePlus now books ITA flights (previously restricted)

PrestigeFly Analysis: The Good & Bad

✅ Pros:

• Better European connections (e.g., Rome-Munich-Chicago on one ticket)
• More award availability via partner programs
• Priority services for Star Gold members

⚠️ Cons:

• ITA’s long-haul business class lags behind Lufthansa/Singapore
• Limited lounge network outside Italy

How to Maximize the Partnership

🎫 Booking Tips

• Use ANA Mileage Club for cheapest ITA business class awards (55k miles RT Europe-USA)
• United Excursionist Perk works with ITA (free intra-Europe flights)

🏆 Status Match Opportunity

• ITA is offering temporary Gold status to select Star Alliance elites

Star Alliance Network Impact

MetricBeforeAfterEuropean Hubs | 6 | 7 (adds Rome)
U.S. Partners | United/AC | +ITA codeshares
African Coverage | Weak | Improved via Alitalia routes

Explore More

🔗 Official Star Alliance Announcement
🔗 Best Ways to Redeem Miles on ITA (One Mile at a Time)
🔗 Rome FCO Lounge Guide (Executive Traveller)