Flying Program: here's how to calculate how many points you'll score with each flight
Finally, at practically the last second, ITA Airways has released all the information regarding the operation of the Volare program. With a series [...]
ITA Airways
SkyTeam
Finally, at practically the last second, ITA Airways released all the information Relating to the operation of the Volare program. In a series of articles we will try to explain in detail all aspects of the new loyalty program, the one that as of now officially takes the place of Millemiglia.
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In this article:
One of the key aspects of frequent flyers is knowing how points are earned and how they are spent. How elite level is obtained and how it is renewed. How to book an award ticket and how much it costs.
In this article we address all aspects involved in the accumulation of points.
Qualifying and non-qualifying points
First of all, it is necessary to understand the differences between the two currencies, of course one could have used a little imagination and called them differently, but there was evidently a lack of imagination.
Qualifying points
These are the ones that allow you to earn and renew status in the loyalty program. Here is the first oddity: on ITA's current site, there is no mention of the possibility of earning qualifying points by flying with partner airlines, unless the ticket is part of an AZ itinerary. All loyalty programs allow companies in the same alliance (in this case SkyTeam), as well as partner carriers, to earn qualifying points. Which is not the case under the current version of the program regulations.
In addition, incidental expenses, such as place selection or other services, do not earn points. These expenses will only allow you to accumulate non-qualifying points.
Every year these points reset and the hunt for status begins again.
Non-qualifying points
These are the points that are used to book award tickets and have a duration linked to the validity of the program, which at this time is scheduled until the end of 2024.
Again, there is no mention of the possibility of earning points by flying with partner carriers.
How many points are earned with each flight
This will not be an easy account to make, but what is already evident is that being a loyal customer of ITA Airways is not worth much: the difference in accumulation between a casual customer (Club Smart) and an ultra-loyal customer (Club Executive) is only 30%.
Here are the basic points that you accumulate
- Club Smart: 10 points per euro spent;
- Club Plus: 11 points per euro spent;
- Premium Club: 12 points per euro spent;
- Executive Club: 13 points per euro spent.
Accelerators must be added to these points, which are based on 3 factors:
- Destination. National 0%, International 10%, Intercontinental 20%
- Cabin. Economy 0%, Premium Economy 20%, Business 50%
- Rate. Light 0%, Classic 20%, Flex 30%
The combination of these factors will generate a multiplier to the accumulated points.
So a domestic flight in economy in light fare will not produce any multiplier. Whereas a business class flight to a long-haul destination will actually allow double the points.
The launch promotion
All flights purchased from March 1 to March 31, 2022 to fly from March 1 to August 31, 2022 are worth double qualifying points: this means that you will earn a minimum of 20 to a maximum of 26 points for every euro spent.
In conclusion
We knew that the program would be based on the "revenue" model, something similar to Air France's Flying Blue loyalty program.
I find the enhancement of elite status holders over a new enrollee really bad, I think the worst in the entire global landscape of loyalty programs.
In addition, the lack of ability to accumulate points by flying with other airlines will be a tombstone on this program until ITA Airways has a widespread network, which may never happen and in any case will not happen until we again have a fleet of more than 100 aircraft.
