ITA Airways leaves SkyTeam: what changes for those with frequent flyer status with Volare
The Italian airline, following the entry of the Lufthansa Group into the company and its exit from Skyteam, published a series of [...]
Lufthansa
ITA Airways
Star Alliance
SkyTeam
The Italian airline, following the entry of the Lufthansa Group into the company and its exit from Skyteam, has published a series of FAQs on its website to summarize what will happen in the coming months and how frequent flyer benefits will change.
ITA Airways leaves Skyteam
In this article:
Effective February 3, 2025, ITA Airways will begin the process of exiting the SkyTeam Alliance, with an expected completion on April 30, 2025. This decision is consequential to Lufthansa Group's investment in ITA Airways and will lead to several changes for passengers. However, the company ensures a structured transition and continuity of services through bilateral agreements with some partner airlines.
Accumulation and use of Volare points
ITA Airways customers will be able to continue accumulating Volare points on flights operated by ten SkyTeam partner airlines through existing bilateral agreements. The airlines with which the partnership will continue are:
- Aerolineas Argentinas
- Aeromexico
- AirEuropa
- Air France
- Delta
- KLM
- Korean Air
- Middle East Airlines
- Virgin Atlantic
- Saudia
Using Volare points to purchase tickets in Cash & Points mode will also remain possible with these companies.
Elite and Elite Plus status
Customers with Elite or Elite Plus status within SkyTeam will continue to enjoy the relevant benefits until April 30, 2025. After this date, ITA Airways will retain some benefits through agreements with selected airlines.
SkyPriority services and lounge access
Until the transition is complete, passengers with Elite Plus status or holding a Business or First Class ticket will be able to continue to enjoy SkyPriority services, including priority check-in, preferential boarding and lounge access. After April 30, 2025, these services will be available only under agreements with specific partner airlines.
Important to point out that bilateral agreements do not necessarily include lounge access; for example, Flying Blue frequent flyers have never had access to ITA lounges.
Validity of tickets and continuity of services
ITA Airways tickets for flights operated by SkyTeam partners will remain valid through existing codeshare agreements. In addition, dedicated SkyTeam services such as call center, extra baggage and seat preselection will be guaranteed until the end of the transition period.
Will ITA Airways enter a new alliance?
Although ITA Airways has entered into agreements with four Lufthansa Group companies (Lufthansa Airlines, SWISS, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines), all of which belong to the Star Alliance, no official entry into this alliance has been announced at this time. However, customers will already be able to benefit from accumulating and using points with these companies.
Conclusion
ITA Airways' exit from SkyTeam marks a major change for the airline's frequent travelers. Thanks to bilateral agreements, however, many of the current benefits will remain available.
