As ITA Airways, the Italian flag carrier formerly known as Alitalia, integrates into the Lufthansa Group and prepares to join Star Alliance, United Airlines MileagePlus members can soon earn and redeem points when flying on ITA. MileagePlus Premier members can also enjoy perks when flying ITA, including lounge access.
Use United Airlines MileagePlus Miles To Earn or Burn On ITA Airways
An announcement on United’s MileagePlus partners page states that members can begin to earn and burn miles on ITA flights beginning on September 8, 2025:
MileagePlus members can start earning and redeeming miles on ITA Airways flights on September 8, 2025.
It isn’t clear yet what rates will be charged, but if redemption rates are like other European partners, flights between the USA and Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent are currently priced at 45K miles one-way for economy class and 88K miles one-way for business class. United Airlines does not publish an award chart, so prices are “dynamic” and subject to change at any time.
Historically, ITA Airways has been particularly stingy with award space, especially on longhaul flights between the USA and its hub in Rome (FCO). United Airlines does not add surcharges to awards; you’ll pay only government taxes.
Premier Benefits On ITA Airways
In addition to earning and burning of points, MileagePlus Premier members enjoy lounge access when flying on ITA:
Premier Gold, Platinum and 1K® members are eligible for access to ITA Airways lounges when flying on ITA Airways on the same day of departure. For a list of lounges, visit the ITA Airways lounge website.
It isn’t clear if MileagePlus Star Gold members will be able to use ITA lounges if traveling on a different Lufthansa Group carrier.
I Look Forward To Flying ITA Airways
I have not flown the Italian flag carrier since it rebranded from Alitalia to ITA Airways, but had a very pleasant journey (now years ago) from Rome to Los Angeles. The reincarnation of Alitalia has brought new Airbus A350-900 and A330-900neo aircraft, swanky new A321XLR planes for mid-haul travel, and a focus on quality onboard, with multi-course Italian meals on longhaul flights in business class.
I’d like to take my family to Egypt or Syria this winter and would love to fly ITA via Rome in one direction…but I’m not holding my breath for award space.
> Read More: Alitalia 777-200 Business Class Review Rome – Los Angeles
CONCLUSION
As ITA Airways integrates into the Star Alliance network, United MileagePlus members will be able to earn and burn points and MileagePlus Premier members will enjoy priority benefits, including lounge access for Premier Golds and above.
I look forward to flying ITA Airways again, hopefully sooner rather than later.
image: ITA
Wonderful news and I just heard it first from Live and Let’s Fly by Matthew!!!
I have a ticket on ITA and was resigned to having to deposit miles with Lufthansa, where they would likely be orphan miles (or I would have to credit some United flights on LH in order to reach an award). Now I can credit my flight to United MileagePlus.
I hope they will let me change my ff number on my flight from LH to UA. The flight isn’t for over a month.
They should definitely let you change to UA. If not possible online try X or giving the call centre a ring.
Preferred Partner or regular? I wonder…