In 2024, the Italian government put ITA Airways on the block and approved the sale of 41% of its stake to the Lufthansa Group. The airline is moving out of the SkyTeam alliance and into the Star Alliance. Due to the move into the Lufthansa Group bracket, ITA Airways will eventually join the Miles & More loyalty programme, just like Lufthansa, Swiss and many other carriers have it as the group loyalty programme.

ITA Airways Volare Status Match

In the interim, ITA Airways has reintroduced its Volare status match programme, offering elite members from select frequent flyer programs an opportunity to align their status with ITA Airways’ Volare programme. This initiative comes as the airline prepares to exit the SkyTeam alliance on April 30, 2025, and transition into the Star Alliance later this year. For now, the Volare status granted will not be helpful on SkyTeam or Star Alliance carriers; it will only be on ITA Airways and select partner carriers.

The application period is between April 22 and June 10, 2025, and the following status holders (largely OneWorld carriers) qualify, apart from Emirates, which is not a oneworld carrier.

The matched status will be valid until December 31, 2025. To apply, you need to have an ITA Airways account and not have availed of a previous ITA Airways Status Match campaign. Then, you will see an option to process a status match for you.

To apply, log in to your ITA Airways Volare account, navigate to the dedicated status match section, and submit the required documents, including a copy of your passport and current frequent flyer membership card.

Volare Status Tiers and Benefits

The Volare program comprises four tiers: Smart, Plus, Premium, and Executive. Each tier offers progressively enhanced benefits:

– Plus: Business class check-in, priority boarding, priority luggage handling, additional baggage allowance, free seat selection in the “Club” area, and a 10% points bonus per euro spent.

– Premium: All Plus benefits, fast-track security, lounge access (member only), and a 20% points bonus per euro spent.

– Executive: All Premium benefits, free Wi-Fi on ITA flights, free golf luggage transport, the ability to gift Premium status to another member, and a 30% points bonus per euro spent.

Continued Benefits with Select SkyTeam Partners

Despite its impending departure from SkyTeam, ITA Airways has maintained bilateral agreements with several former partners. Volare elite members can still enjoy benefits such as extra baggage allowance, priority check-in, boarding, and lounge access when flying with the following airlines:

• Air France
• KLM
• Delta Air Lines (lounge access not included)
• Virgin Atlantic
• Middle East Airlines
• Saudia (lounge access not included)

Lufthansa Miles & More Status Match Opportunity

In a related development, Lufthansa is offering a status match for eligible ITA Airways Volare elite members to its Miles & More program. This initiative is particularly relevant as ITA Airways integrates into the Lufthansa Group. The Volare members who achieved their status through actual flying or spending with ITA Airways American Express cards during 2024 can participate in this campaign. The status mapping will be done as follows:

• Volare Club Plus: Matches to Miles & More Frequent Traveller (Star Alliance Silver).
• Volare Club Premium or Executive: Matches to Miles & More Senator (Star Alliance Gold).

The application period is again, April 22 to June 10, 2025, and the status so granted is valid through February 2026.

Bottomline

ITA Airways’ relaunch of the Volare status match program is a timely opportunity for eligible frequent flyers to maximise travel benefits amidst the airline’s alliance transition. This program allows travellers to enjoy a seamless experience across multiple airline networks, ensuring continued access to premium services and privileges.

Will you be participating in the new ITA Airways’ Volare Status Match?

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