ITA Airways Joins Star Alliance: What This Means for You
It is now official: ITA Airways has become a full member of Star Alliance. For Canadian travelers, and particularly Aeroplan points holders, this news opens up new possibilities to Italy and beyond. Here is what you need to know.
ITA Airways, New Member of Star Alliance
ITA Airways, the Italian national carrier born from the ashes of Alitalia in 2021, officially joins the Star Alliance network. It becomes the 27th member of the alliance, alongside Air Canada, Lufthansa, United Airlines, and Swiss, among others.
This membership follows the majority takeover of ITA Airways by the Lufthansa Group, finalized in 2024. By joining Star Alliance, ITA Airways is fully integrated into the world’s most extensive commercial aviation network.
In practical terms, ITA Airways serves more than 60 destinations from its hubs in Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Milan Linate (LIN). Its network covers Italy in depth, as well as Europe, North America, North Africa, and the Middle East.
What this means for Canadians
For Canadian travelers, ITA Airways’ arrival in Star Alliance has direct consequences. Indeed, all alliance-related benefits now apply to ITA Airways flights.
Earning and Redeeming Aeroplan Points
Aeroplan members can now earn points on ITA Airways flights. Additionally, they can use their Aeroplan points to book reward seats across the entire ITA Airways network.
This notably includes direct routes between Canada and Italy, as well as Italian domestic connections. For example, a Toronto – Rome flight followed by a connection to Naples or Palermo can now be booked with Aeroplan points on a single itinerary.
Lounge Access and Status Benefits
Star Alliance Gold members—which includes Aeroplan 50K status holders and above—now enjoy several benefits on ITA Airways flights:
- Lounge access: ITA Airways lounges in Italian airports are accessible to Star Alliance Gold members, even when traveling in economy class.
- Priority boarding: Priority boarding on all flights operated by ITA Airways.
- Extra baggage allowance: One additional checked bag for Gold members.
- Priority check-in counters: Access to dedicated Star Alliance Gold lines at served airports.
Simplified Connections
ITA Airways’ integration into Star Alliance also facilitates connections. You can now book a single ticket combining Air Canada and ITA Airways, with your luggage checked through to the final destination. There is no longer a need to collect your suitcases during a layover in Rome to continue to another Italian city.
ITA Airways Destinations from Canada
ITA Airways offers a direct flight between Canada and Italy:
- Toronto (YYZ) – Rome Fiumicino (FCO): Direct flight, operated year-round.
From Rome, ITA Airways then serves all of Italy: Milan, Naples, Palermo, Catania, Bari, Florence, Turin, and many others. These domestic connections are particularly useful for reaching southern Italy or the islands.
Impact on Points Bookings
The addition of ITA Airways to the Star Alliance network increases the number of reward seats available with Aeroplan points to Italy. Until now, options for traveling to Italy with points were mainly through Air Canada, Lufthansa, Swiss, United, TAP, or Turkish Airlines.
Now, ITA Airways adds its own availability. This should improve the chances of finding business class seats to Rome, especially during the peak summer season, a time when reward seats to Europe become scarce.
Which Cards to Earn Aeroplan Points
To take advantage of this new connection, you need Aeroplan points. Several Aeroplan credit cards allow you to earn them quickly thanks to generous welcome offers and accelerated earn rates on daily spending.
Among the most popular options:
- American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card (the most comprehensive for frequent travelers)
- American Express® Aeroplan®* Card (with no annual fee in the first year)
- TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card (a good Visa option)
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 | |||
| $120 | |||
| $599 | |||
| $599 |
See our full comparison of the best Aeroplan credit cards to find the one that matches your spending profile.
Context: From Alitalia to ITA Airways
To fully understand this news, a brief reminder is in order. Alitalia, the former Italian national carrier, ceased operations in October 2021 after decades of financial difficulties. ITA Airways took over on October 15, 2021, with a reduced fleet and a refocused network.
In 2023, the Lufthansa Group began the process of acquiring ITA Airways, first obtaining a minority stake before taking majority control in 2024. This acquisition naturally led ITA Airways toward Star Alliance, the alliance of which Lufthansa is a founding member.
Alitalia was previously a member of SkyTeam (alongside Air France-KLM and Delta). ITA Airways’ move to Star Alliance therefore represents a change of alliance for the Italian carrier. For Flying Blue members who used to earn miles on Alitalia, that era is over.
What to Watch For
A few elements remain to be confirmed in the coming weeks:
- Points availability: The number of reward seats offered by ITA Airways on transatlantic routes will be worth monitoring.
- Onboard product: ITA Airways is gradually modernizing its fleet with Airbus A321neo and A330-900neo aircraft featuring new business class seats.
- Network expansion: Under Lufthansa’s leadership, ITA Airways could add new routes, including from Canada.
- Own loyalty program: ITA Airways’ Miles & More program remains distinct from Aeroplan. Cross-earning happens through Star Alliance, not through a direct transfer of points.
- Limited lounges: ITA Airways has lounges mainly in Rome and Milan. In other Italian airports, access depends on Star Alliance’s local partnerships.
Conclusion
ITA Airways’ membership in Star Alliance is excellent news for Canadian travelers planning a trip to Italy. Earning Aeroplan points, lounge access, and seamless connections: the benefits are concrete and immediate.
If Italy is on your list, now is a good time to start earning Aeroplan points. See our Aeroplan card recommendations and sign up for our newsletter to keep track of the best offers.
ITA Airways Star Alliance – Frequently Asked Questions
Is ITA Airways part of Star Alliance?
Yes. ITA Airways is officially a member of Star Alliance. It joins Air Canada, Lufthansa, United Airlines, and 24 other airlines in the network.
Can I earn Aeroplan points on ITA Airways?
Yes. As a Star Alliance member, ITA Airways allows passengers to earn Aeroplan points on their flights. Simply provide your Aeroplan number when booking or checking in.
Can I book an ITA Airways flight with Aeroplan points?
Yes. You can use your Aeroplan points to book reward seats on ITA Airways flights via the Air Canada or Aeroplan search engine. Availability varies by route and period.
Does ITA Airways offer direct flights from Canada?
Yes. ITA Airways operates direct flights between Toronto and Rome Fiumicino year-round.
Do Aeroplan 50K members have access to ITA Airways lounges?
Yes. Aeroplan 50K status grants Star Alliance Gold status, which provides access to ITA Airways lounges at Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate, even when traveling in economy class.
Was ITA Airways part of SkyTeam before?
No. ITA Airways has never been a member of SkyTeam. However, Alitalia, the airline it replaced, was a member of SkyTeam until it ceased operations in October 2021. ITA Airways was created without an alliance affiliation before joining Star Alliance.
Why did ITA Airways join Star Alliance?
The Lufthansa Group acquired a majority stake in ITA Airways in 2024. As Lufthansa is a founding member of Star Alliance, ITA Airways’ integration into this alliance was a logical next step following the acquisition, as was its inclusion in the Miles & More loyalty program.
Which credit card should I choose to travel on ITA Airways?
Aeroplan credit cards are the most suitable, as they allow you to earn Aeroplan points that can be used on ITA Airways. The American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card and the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card are among the best options. See our comparison of the best Aeroplan cards.
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