ITA Airways Leaves SkyTeam, Begins Lufthansa Group Integration

Italian flag carrier ITA Airways has said arrivederci to SkyTeam as it begins its transition to the Lufthansa Group.

One of the transition’s first steps is also one of the most important: As of Monday, February 3, 2025, members of the Lufthansa Group Miles and More frequent flyer program can earn and redeem miles on ITA Airways flights.

“We want to push ahead with the merger quickly, so that ITA and its passengers, as well as the guests of our other passenger airlines, can quickly benefit from the advantages of an expanded Lufthansa Group,” said Carsten Spohr, CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG.

Today is just the beginning of the process, and we’ll continue to see developments over the next 12 months. Here’s everything you need to know right now.

February 3: Reciprocal Mileage Earning/Redeeming Is Live

The first step toward ITA’s complete integration into the Lufthansa Group is the ability for Lufthansa’s Miles and More members to earn and redeem miles on ITA Airways flights. Similarly, members of ITA’s Volare program will be able to earn and redeem miles on Lufthansa Group airlines, including Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, and SWISS.

However, it will be some time before Volare members can earn and redeem miles on flights with other Star Alliance members, as the process of joining the alliance isn’t due to be complete until 2026.

March 30: Lounge Access and Codeshare Flights

The next milestone date in this process is March 30, 2025, which marks the start of aviation’s summer schedule in the Northern Hemisphere.

At this point, reciprocal lounge access will begin. ITA Airways passengers will have access to around 130 Lufthansa Group lounges and Lufthansa Group passengers will have access to ITA Airways lounges.

Codeshare flights will also begin on March 30, which means passengers can expect seamless connectivity on ITA and Lufthansa Group flights on around 100 routes. Flyers will be able to book single-ticket itineraries on flights operated by a combination of ITA Airways and its fellow Lufthansa Group carriers.

Codeshare flights will be available to book from February 25, 2025.

April 30: ITA Completes Departure From SkyTeam

As of today, February 3, 2025, ITA is no longer a member of the SkyTeam Alliance. However, the airline is now in its “exit phase” to ensure an easy transition for travelers. The departure process should be completed by April 30, 2025.

SkyTeam advises customers who have questions regarding status benefits, mileage accrual, and other loyalty questions associated with ITA Airways flights to contact the relevant airline for more information.

For example, if you have a flight booked with ITA Airways that would, before today, have earned you elite-qualifying miles for another SkyTeam airline, you should contact that airline.

Final Thoughts

ITA Airways is leaving SkyTeam and joining the Lufthansa Group. This is big news in commercial aviation and will affect SkyTeam and Star Alliance flyers alike.

Reciprocal mileage earning and redeeming are already live among ITA and Lufthansa Group airlines, and reciprocal lounge access and codeshare flights are coming within weeks. However, other adjustments, like the full transition from SkyTeam to Star Alliance, are more complex and will take longer to complete.

We’ll be following this process every step of the way, so check in regularly for more updates!