ITA Airways Joins Star Alliance: What It Means for US Travelers
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ITA Airways, Italy’s national carrier, has officially joined Star Alliance as the alliance’s newest member. For US travelers who collect miles with United MileagePlus, Air Canada Aeroplan, or other Star Alliance loyalty programs, this opens up fresh opportunities to earn and use points on flights to Italy and throughout Europe. Here’s what you need to know about this addition and how it affects your travel plans.
If you’re already holding one of the best travel credit cards in the US, this news could make your next Italian getaway significantly more rewarding.
What Happened: ITA Airways Joins Star Alliance
Star Alliance officially welcomed ITA Airways into its network, making the Italian carrier the alliance’s 27th member airline. The integration means ITA Airways flights now appear within the Star Alliance ecosystem for earning miles, using award bookings, and accessing shared airport lounges.
ITA Airways launched in October 2021 as the successor to Alitalia. Since then, the airline has expanded its route network with a focus on connecting North America to Italy. The airline operates nonstop flights from several US gateways, including New York (JFK), Miami, Los Angeles, Washington (IAD), Chicago, Boston, Houston and San Francisco, with Rome Fiumicino (FCO) serving as its primary hub.
Lufthansa Group completed its acquisition of a 41% stake in ITA Airways in early 2025, which accelerated the Star Alliance membership process. Lufthansa, itself a founding member of Star Alliance, had signaled its intention to bring ITA into the alliance fold since negotiations began.
Why This Matters for US Travelers
Before this move, ITA Airways operated largely outside the major airline alliances. That meant limited options for earning or using frequent flyer miles on ITA flights. Now, the picture changes significantly.
- Earn miles on ITA flights: Star Alliance members like United MileagePlus and Air Canada Aeroplan now allow you to earn miles when flying ITA Airways, including on transatlantic routes to Italy.
- Use award miles for ITA flights: You can now search for and book ITA Airways award seats through partner programs such as Aeroplan, United MileagePlus, and Avianca LifeMiles.
- Lounge access across the network: Star Alliance Gold members gain access to ITA Airways lounges in Rome and Milan, while ITA’s own elite members can now use Star Alliance partner lounges worldwide.
- Seamless connections: Codeshare and interline agreements mean smoother itineraries when connecting through Rome to other European or Mediterranean destinations on ITA.
- Status recognition: Your Star Alliance Gold or Silver status earned through any member program is now recognized on ITA Airways flights, including priority boarding and extra baggage allowances.
ITA Airways US Route Network
ITA Airways has been steadily growing its presence in the US market. As of 2025, the airline operates nonstop service from multiple US cities to Rome, with onward connections throughout Italy and Europe.
| US Gateway | Destination | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| New York (JFK) | Rome (FCO) | Daily |
| Miami (MIA) | Rome (FCO) | Daily |
| Los Angeles (LAX) | Rome (FCO) | Daily (seasonal adjustments) |
| Washington (IAD) | Rome (FCO) | Several times weekly |
| Chicago (ORD) | Rome (FCO) | Several times weekly |
| Boston (BOS) | Rome (FCO) | Seasonal |
| San Francisco (SFO) | Rome (FCO) | Seasonal |
From Rome Fiumicino, ITA connects to Milan, Naples, Palermo, Catania, Bari, and dozens of other Italian and European cities. With Star Alliance integration, these connections become bookable on a single itinerary through partner airlines.
Best Ways to Use Points on ITA Airways
Now that ITA Airways sits within Star Alliance, several US-friendly loyalty programs and credit card transfer partners can book ITA flights with points or miles. Here are the most valuable options.
Air Canada Aeroplan
Aeroplan is one of the most flexible Star Alliance programs for booking partner awards. With ITA now in the alliance, you can search for ITA award space directly on the Aeroplan website. Aeroplan points transfer 1:1 from American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards, making this a strong path for cardholders.
A round-trip economy award from the US to Italy through Aeroplan typically costs around 70,000 to 90,000 points, depending on demand. Business class awards range from 120,000 to 170,000 points round trip.
United MileagePlus
United MileagePlus uses dynamic pricing for award flights, so rates vary. However, ITA availability now appears directly in United’s search tool. If you hold a United Explorer Card or United Quest Card, you can earn MileagePlus miles and apply them toward ITA flights.
Avianca LifeMiles
Avianca LifeMiles often prices Star Alliance partner awards competitively, with no fuel surcharges on many routes. This program is a transfer partner for Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, and Citi ThankYou Rewards. For travelers flexible on dates, LifeMiles frequently offers lower award rates than United or Aeroplan for the same ITA flights.
Other Star Alliance Programs
Programs like Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles, Singapore KrisFlyer, and Lufthansa Miles & More also gain access to ITA award inventory. Turkish Miles&Smiles, in particular, is known for generous Star Alliance partner award charts and transfers from Citi ThankYou and Capital One.
Credit Cards to Maximize ITA Flights
Since ITA Airways is now bookable through Star Alliance partners, the best credit cards for this opportunity are those that transfer points to Aeroplan, MileagePlus, LifeMiles, or other Star Alliance programs.
| Credit Card | Rewards Currency | Key Star Alliance Transfer Partners |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | Chase Ultimate Rewards | Aeroplan, United MileagePlus, Singapore KrisFlyer |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | Chase Ultimate Rewards | Aeroplan, United MileagePlus, Singapore KrisFlyer |
| Amex Gold Card | Membership Rewards | Aeroplan, LifeMiles, Singapore KrisFlyer |
| Amex Platinum | Membership Rewards | Aeroplan, LifeMiles, Singapore KrisFlyer |
| Capital One Venture X | Capital One Miles | LifeMiles, Turkish Miles&Smiles |
| Citi Strata Premier | ThankYou Rewards | LifeMiles, Turkish Miles&Smiles, Singapore KrisFlyer |
| Bilt Mastercard | Bilt Rewards | Aeroplan, United MileagePlus, Turkish Miles&Smiles |
For a deeper look at each program’s transfer options, visit our guides on Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, and Capital One Miles.
What About the Lufthansa Group Connection?
Lufthansa Group’s investment in ITA Airways goes beyond Star Alliance membership. The acquisition positions ITA as a complementary carrier within the Lufthansa family, which includes Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings. ITA Airways will be part of the Miles & More Loyalty Program.
In practical terms, this means tighter codeshare agreements and potentially better award availability between ITA and other Lufthansa Group carriers over time. For US travelers, it creates a more connected network across Europe. A flight from New York to Rome on ITA, followed by a connection to Vienna on Austrian Airlines, could become a single bookable award itinerary through multiple Star Alliance programs.
However, it’s worth noting that Lufthansa Group carriers have historically imposed fuel surcharges on award tickets booked through Miles & More. Programs like Aeroplan and LifeMiles typically avoid these surcharges, so your choice of booking program matters.
Who Benefits Most from This Change?
Not every traveler will feel the impact equally. Here’s a quick breakdown of who stands to gain the most from ITA Airways joining Star Alliance.
Big Winners
- Travelers flying to Italy: More award options and earning potential on direct US-Italy routes. Rome, Milan, Naples, and Sicily become easier to reach with points.
- Chase and Amex cardholders: Both Chase Ultimate Rewards and Amex Membership Rewards transfer to multiple Star Alliance programs. You now have another airline’s inventory to search for award seats.
- Star Alliance status holders: If you already have United Premier Gold, Aeroplan Super Elite, or equivalent status, your benefits now extend to ITA flights and lounges.
- Mediterranean travelers: ITA’s hub in Rome offers strong connections to Greece, Turkey, North Africa, and the Middle East. Star Alliance codeshares make complex itineraries simpler to book.
Limited Impact
- SkyTeam and Oneworld loyalists: If your miles sit in Delta SkyMiles or American AAdvantage, this change doesn’t directly help you. ITA previously had partnerships with some SkyTeam carriers through Alitalia’s legacy. Those are now gone.
- Cash-only travelers: If you don’t collect points or miles, the alliance membership has minimal impact on your booking experience. ITA’s cash fares and routes remain the same.
How to Book ITA Awards Right Now
Award availability on newly integrated Star Alliance partners can take time to ramp up. Here are practical steps to find and book ITA Airways flights with points today.
- Step 1: Search on Aeroplan’s website first. Aeroplan typically shows the broadest Star Alliance partner availability, including mixed-cabin itineraries.
- Step 2: Cross-check on United.com. United’s search engine may show different ITA inventory, especially for saver-level awards.
- Step 3: Check LifeMiles for pricing. LifeMiles often has lower mileage requirements and no fuel surcharges on Star Alliance partner flights.
- Step 4: Be flexible on dates. Award space on new partner airlines tends to be limited in the first months. Midweek departures and shoulder-season dates typically offer more availability.
- Step 5: Transfer points only after confirming availability. Never transfer credit card points speculatively. Confirm the award seat is available and holdable (Aeroplan allows holds) before initiating a transfer.
Bottom Line
ITA Airways joining Star Alliance is a meaningful win for US travelers who collect transferable points. Italy is consistently one of the most popular international destinations for Americans, and having another Star Alliance carrier operating direct transatlantic routes creates real competition for award seats. That means better availability and more options for those of us who plan trips with miles.
If you hold a Chase Sapphire Preferred, Amex Gold, or any card that transfers to Aeroplan, United, or LifeMiles, you’re well-positioned to take advantage. Start searching for ITA award space now, build your point balances, and keep an eye on availability as the integration matures.
For more options to earn travel rewards, check our full list of best credit cards in the US. And to stay on top of award deals and point transfer bonuses, subscribe to our newsletter.
Related Resources
ITA Airways Star Alliance – Frequently Asked Questions
When did ITA Airways join Star Alliance?
ITA Airways officially became a Star Alliance member in 2026. The process was accelerated by Lufthansa Group’s acquisition of a stake in the Italian carrier.
Can I earn United MileagePlus miles on ITA Airways?
Yes. As a Star Alliance member, ITA Airways flights are now eligible for MileagePlus earning. The number of miles earned depends on your fare class and route.
Can I use Aeroplan points to book ITA Airways flights?
Yes. Air Canada Aeroplan can now book ITA Airways award flights. Search for ITA availability directly on the Aeroplan website or app.
Does ITA Airways fly direct from the US to Italy?
Yes. ITA operates nonstop flights from New York JFK, Miami, Los Angeles, Washington Dulles, Chicago, Boston, and San Francisco to Rome Fiumicino. Some routes are seasonal.
Is ITA Airways the same as Alitalia?
ITA Airways launched in October 2021 as Italy’s new national carrier, replacing Alitalia. It inherited some of Alitalia’s routes and slots but operates as a separate company with a new brand and fleet.
What credit cards transfer to Star Alliance programs?
Chase Ultimate Rewards transfers to Aeroplan, United, and Singapore KrisFlyer. Amex Membership Rewards transfers to Aeroplan, LifeMiles, and KrisFlyer. Capital One Miles and Citi ThankYou transfer to LifeMiles and Turkish Miles&Smiles. Bilt Rewards transfers to Aeroplan and United.
Will ITA Airways have fuel surcharges on award tickets?
It depends on the booking program. Programs like Avianca LifeMiles and Air Canada Aeroplan typically do not pass through fuel surcharges on Star Alliance partner awards. Lufthansa Miles & More tends to impose them. Choose your booking program accordingly.
Can I access ITA Airways lounges with Star Alliance Gold status?
Yes. Star Alliance Gold members, regardless of which member airline granted their status, can access ITA Airways lounges in Rome and Milan when departing on an ITA flight.
Was Alitalia part of an airline alliance?
Alitalia was a member of SkyTeam until it ceased operations in 2021. ITA Airways did not inherit that membership and instead joined Star Alliance in 2026 following Lufthansa Group’s investment.
