ITA Airways exits Skyteam, what will happen to issued tickets and what changes for frequent flyers
On May 1, ITA Airways will exit the Skyteam alliance. It will then begin a buffer period during which the Italian airline [...]
ITA Airways
Star Alliance
SkyTeam
The first of May ITA Airways will exit the Skyteam alliance. It will then begin a buffer period during which the Italian airline will not be part of any alliance pending full membership in the Star Alliance by early 2026.
In this article:
As Lufthansa Group CEO Carsten Spohr explained, "We will do everything we can to help our passengers during this transition period. That means access to LH Group lounges in Germany and the rest of the world, waiting then for ITA to fully join the Star Alliance and our Atlantic partnership."
Skyteam's greeting
Confirmation also comes from the abandoned alliance. Skyteam issued a press release in which it bids farewell to the Italian company.
What happens now that ITA exits Skyteam to tickets issued
What if your next trip was because of points?
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For all tickets already issued and planning to fly part of the itinerary with carriers other than ITA Airways nothing changes, they will be honored, and the passenger will not have to worry about anything.
The same applies to tickets issued by other Skyteam carriers with routes operated aboard ITA Airways.
What changes for Volare frequent flyers (and Miles&More frequent flyers)
Frequent and loyal passengers will be able to Immediately enjoy the partnership between the two loyalty programs. Mileage accrual, lounge access, status recognition. A full-fledged marriage even in terms of loyalty cards.
A transition that promises to be (almost) painless for those traveling with a Miles&More or Volare card.
What changes for those flying Skyteam
As of May 1, a passenger flying aboard ITA Airways with a card that opens the door to Skyteam Elite Plus routes such as Flying Blue, Skymiles or similar will no longer enjoy any benefits on board ITA Airways' aircraft.
This means no facilitated routes, no extra baggage, no lounge access. As of May 1, you will no longer be able to accumulate points on non ITA cards or even other Star Alliance cards. Similarly, ITA Airways passengers who booked a ticket before that date to fly after ITA's exit will not be eligible for status benefits. In this regard. ITA has published a series of FAQs.
Can I change the loyalty card on my ticket?
The card is changeable up to the time of boarding, so you can choose to credit on a different program even if you have already booked and selected an accumulation program.
Also responding to questions from many Miles&More members, starting today with AZ flights you can accumulate QPoints and HON Circle points, one of the most important new features is just that Renew membership through ITA Airways flights, already with those operated today. ITA has published a series of FAQs.
In conclusion
All that remains is to wait a few days for all these new features to go live and then we will see what happens, especially what the reactions of competitors will be. Certainly there will be many opportunities for travelers from Italy and beyond.
