Reciprocal Frequent Flyer Benefits Begin Next Week for ITA Airways and United

Updated: September 3, 2025, 3:18pm CDT

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ITA-United Reciprocal Benefits Set To Begin September 8
Final Thoughts

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Italy’s new(ish) flag carrier, ITA Airways, left its former home in the SkyTeam alliance and is in the process of integrating into the Star Alliance after the Lufthansa Group took a sizeable financial stake in the carrier.

Now, it’s gotten a step closer, as it’s launching reciprocal benefits with United, the major Star Alliance carrier in the U.S., as of next week.

Here’s what you need to know about this significant development.

ITA-United Reciprocal Benefits Set To Begin September 8

While ITA Airways won’t complete its integration into Star Alliance until sometime next year, it’s getting one step closer by announcing reciprocal frequent flyer benefits with United Airlines, set to begin September 8, 2025.

As of next Monday, United MileagePlus members can earn and redeem miles on ITA Airways flights (and vice versa for ITA’s Volare members). Plus, United Gold, Platinum, 1K, and Global Services elite members will have access to ITA Airways lounges across its network.

ITA Lounge at Rome FCO — Image Credit: Daniel Ross

MileagePlus members will earn elite-qualifying PQFs and PQPs in addition to redeemable miles. Additionally, members can redeem MileagePlus miles for ITA Airways flights through united.com or over the phone. Note that while United and ITA will soon be partners, ITA maintains its own rules for things such as baggage allowance.

Here’s a look at MileagePlus earning rates on ITA flights:

Tickets booked directly through United:

UA earnings for ITA flights UA stock — Image Credit: United Airlines

Tickets booked on non-United ticket stock, a third-party, or a travel agent:

UA earnings on ITA non-UA Stock — Image Credit: United Airlines

While ITA is in this “limbo” period after exiting the SkyTeam alliance and before it fully integrates into Star Alliance, it’s great to see the airline establishing partnerships with future alliance partners. It stands to reason that once full integration is complete, the existing partnerships will only grow deeper, so there’s much to look forward to for Star Alliance flyers.

Hot Tip:

Interested in boosting your balance of United miles? Learn about all the best ways to earn lots of United MileagePlus miles in our complete guide.

Final Thoughts

ITA Airways is moving ever closer to Star Alliance, with a new frequent flyer partnership with United Airlines beginning next week. Starting September 8, MileagePlus members can earn and redeem miles on ITA flights, eligible elite members can access ITA lounges, and more.

As ITA completes its entrance into Star Alliance, expect more partnerships with other member carriers to come and, of course, deeper cooperation once the integration is complete in 2026.