[Expired] Get SkyTeam Status With Italian Carrier ITA’s Latest Promotion

Update:The offer mentioned below has expired and is no longer available.

ITA Airways, Italy’s flag carrier, has been in the news a lot lately. The latest reason is a status match to its Volare frequent flyer program.

Since becoming Italy’s flag carrier after Alitalia’s demise, the airline has officially joined the SkyTeam alliance.

If you haven’t applied for a status match with ITA Volare in the past, know that members of 19 other airlines are eligible this time around.

Here’s what you’ll need to do to match your status, along with a look at the benefits you’ll be afforded as a result.

Matching Your Status to ITA’s Volare Program

This is just the latest installment of ITA’s status match, which we’ve seen a few times before. ITA Airways’ current offer runs through August 19, 2024.

To be eligible, you can’t live in Italy and must be a member of ITA Airways’ Volare program, which you can join here. Once logged in, you’ll have the option to request a status match within your account.

You’ll also need some level of airline elite status above the basic level in 1 of the 19 eligible programs. The status on your competing airline loyalty card cannot have expired before January 2023, and you’ll need to submit a photo of this card (or a screenshot from your member area in the competing airline’s website).

If your application is approved, you should receive your new membership card and status within 60 days.

Status holders from no less than 19 airline programs (down from a previous 22) are eligible for the status match:

Once your status has been matched, you’ll have your status through December 31, 2025 — more than a full year. Applications must be received by August 19, 2024.

Status Match Benefits

Since ITA is a member of SkyTeam, it opens up the possibility of receiving reciprocal benefits when flying with one of the many other SkyTeam members, such as Delta, Air France, or KLM.

Bottom Line: SkyTeam is 1 of the 3 major global airline alliances. Check out our SkyTeam guide for the full list of participating airlines and how the alliance works.

These are the benefits you can expect from the various tiers of the Volare program when flying ITA:

Plus

• Business class check-in, priority boarding, priority luggage, and additional baggage allowance
• Free seat selection in the “Club” area of the aircraft
• 10% points bonus per euro spent

Premium

• All benefits of Club Plus, as well as lounge access and access to fast-track airport security lanes
• 20% points bonus per euro spent

Executive

• All benefits of Club Plus and Club Premium
• 30% points bonus per euro spent
• Guest privileges at lounges
• Free checked golf equipment

You’ll also get SkyTeam Elite Plus status with the higher tiers of ITA Volare. However, the future element could be the best or worst part of this opportunity, depending on your travel plans and alliance preferences.

Lufthansa is purchasing a large share of ITA Airways, and that’s been approved to move forward. When it does, ITA Airways will likely join Star Alliance and start participating in the Miles & More program with other airlines in the Lufthansa Group.

While we don’t know specifics, there’s a chance you might start with SkyTeam elite status and end up with Star Alliance elite status by the time your ITA status runs out from the status match.

Final Thoughts

Status matches are a great opportunity to further leverage elite status gained by spending time and money with another airline.

It’s up to you whether you think it’s worth applying. If you do, you could get ITA Volare status through the end of 2025. After you get your new status, it might be worth looking for this targeted Amex Offer for bonus points on ITA purchases.