Starting April 1, 2026, ITA Airways becomes a fully integrated partner in Miles & More — Lufthansa’s massive loyalty program with 39 million members worldwide.
This is big news if you fly to Italy or have Miles & More points sitting around. Here’s what’s changing and how to take advantage.
Key Takeaways
- Effective date: April 1, 2026
- Earn miles: On all ITA Airways flights starting April 1
- Redeem miles: Book ITA flights with Miles & More points
- Star Alliance: ITA is also a Star Alliance member — double earning opportunities
- Best routes: Rome and Milan from the US, plus extensive European network
What Is ITA Airways?
ITA Airways (Italia Trasporto Aereo) is Italy’s national carrier, launched in 2021 as the successor to Alitalia. The airline was acquired by the Lufthansa Group in 2024-2025 and has been gradually integrating into their network.
ITA Airways routes from the US:
- New York (JFK) → Rome (FCO)
- New York (JFK) → Milan (MXP)
- Miami (MIA) → Rome (FCO)
- Los Angeles (LAX) → Rome (FCO)
The airline also operates an extensive European network connecting Italian cities like Rome, Milan, Naples, and Venice to destinations across Europe.
What Changes on April 1?
1. Earn Miles & More Miles on ITA Flights
Starting April 1, you’ll earn Miles & More award miles on every ITA Airways flight. Earning rates depend on your fare class and status level, similar to other Lufthansa Group carriers like Austrian, Swiss, and Brussels Airlines.
2. Redeem Miles & More for ITA Flights
You can book ITA Airways award flights using your Miles & More balance. This opens up:
- Direct flights to Italy from US gateways
- Connections throughout Europe via Rome and Milan hubs
- Domestic Italian flights for exploring the country
3. Status Benefits Transfer
Miles & More elite members (Frequent Traveller, Senator, HON Circle) will enjoy their status benefits on ITA Airways flights:
- Priority check-in and boarding
- Lounge access
- Extra baggage allowance
- Upgrade eligibility
Miles & More: A Quick Overview
If you’re not familiar with Miles & More, it’s one of Europe’s largest loyalty programs:
| Stat | Details |
|---|---|
| Members | 39 million worldwide |
| Airline partners | 35 (now including ITA) |
| Commercial partners | 135+ |
| Alliance | Star Alliance |
| Parent airline | Lufthansa |
Other Lufthansa Group airlines in Miles & More:
- Lufthansa
- Austrian Airlines
- Swiss International Air Lines
- Brussels Airlines
- Eurowings
- And now: ITA Airways
How to Earn Miles & More Points
Credit Card Transfers
Miles & More isn’t a Chase or Amex transfer partner (unfortunately). Your main options:
- Marriott Bonvoy — Transfer at 3:1 ratio (60K Marriott = 20K Miles & More + 5K bonus)
- Flying — Earn directly on Lufthansa Group and Star Alliance flights
- Miles & More credit cards — Available through Barclays
Through Star Alliance Partners
Since ITA is also a Star Alliance member, you can earn United MileagePlus miles on ITA flights if you prefer. United miles are easier to earn via Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Best Ways to Use This News
Option 1: Book Italy Awards with Miles & More
If you have Miles & More points, ITA opens up direct award flights to Italy:
| Route | Business Class | Economy |
|---|---|---|
| JFK → Rome | ~85,000 miles | ~35,000 miles |
| LAX → Rome | ~95,000 miles | ~40,000 miles |
| MIA → Rome | ~85,000 miles | ~35,000 miles |
Estimated pricing — actual rates vary by date and availability
Option 2: Earn United Miles on ITA Flights
Book a paid ITA flight and credit it to United MileagePlus instead. You’ll earn based on fare class and can use those United miles for future flights on any Star Alliance carrier.
Option 3: Status Match/Challenge
If you have elite status with another program, Lufthansa occasionally offers status matches to Miles & More. With ITA now in the fold, your matched status works on even more routes.
ITA Airways vs. Other Options to Italy
How does ITA compare to other ways to get to Italy on points?
| Program | Route | Miles Needed (Business) | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miles & More (ITA) | JFK-Rome | ~85,000 | ~$200 |
| United | Via partner | 88,000 | ~$50 |
| Flying Blue | Via Paris/Amsterdam | 72,000 | ~$300 |
| Turkish Miles & Smiles | Via Istanbul | 63,000 | ~$100 |
Each has tradeoffs. ITA is a solid option if you already have Miles & More points or want to credit flights to that program.
The Lufthansa Group Strategy
ITA joining Miles & More is part of Lufthansa’s broader European consolidation:
- 2024: Lufthansa acquires stake in ITA Airways
- February 2025: Commercial integration begins
- April 2026: Full Miles & More integration
This follows Lufthansa’s playbook with Austrian, Swiss, and Brussels Airlines — acquire, integrate, unify loyalty. For travelers, it means more ways to earn and burn within a single program.
Who Benefits Most?
✅ Frequent Italy travelers — Direct earning/redemption on US-Italy routes
✅ Lufthansa Group loyalists — More routes to add to your Miles & More earning
✅ Star Alliance elites — Status benefits now extend to ITA
✅ European explorers — ITA’s domestic Italy network is useful for multi-city trips
❌ Chase/Amex points holders — No direct transfer option (use United instead)
The Bottom Line
ITA Airways joining Miles & More on April 1, 2026 is a natural step in the Lufthansa Group integration. If you:
- Have Miles & More points: You now have more redemption options to Italy
- Fly to Italy frequently: Consider crediting to Miles & More for status
- Prefer Chase/Amex points: Book ITA through United MileagePlus or find alternative routes
It’s not a game-changer, but it’s another piece of the European loyalty puzzle falling into place.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does ITA Airways join Miles & More?
April 1, 2026 is the official integration date. You’ll be able to earn and redeem Miles & More points on ITA flights starting that day.
Can I transfer Chase or Amex points to Miles & More?
No, Miles & More is not a transfer partner for Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards. Your best option is transferring to United MileagePlus and booking Star Alliance awards.
Does ITA Airways fly to the US?
Yes, ITA operates flights from New York (JFK), Los Angeles, and Miami to Rome and Milan. They also have an extensive European network.
Is ITA Airways part of Star Alliance?
Yes, ITA Airways is a Star Alliance member, so you can earn and redeem miles with any Star Alliance partner including United, Air Canada, ANA, and Lufthansa.
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