United and ITA Airways Forge New Partnership, Enhancing Global Connectivity

United and ITA Airways jets flying together in the sky.

United Airlines and Italy’s ITA Airways are launching a significant partnership, commencing September 15th. This collaboration will allow members of both airlines’ loyalty programs to earn and redeem points, with elite members gaining access to reciprocal lounge benefits. This move is a strategic step as ITA Airways prepares to join the Star Alliance in early 2026, following Lufthansa Group’s acquisition of a 41% stake in the Italian carrier.

At a Glance

  • Members of United’s MileagePlus and ITA’s Volare loyalty programs can now earn and redeem points on each other’s flights.
  • Elite status holders will enjoy reciprocal lounge access.
  • The partnership includes a codeshare agreement, expanding flight options for customers.
  • This alliance is a precursor to ITA Airways joining the Star Alliance in 2026.

Expanded Loyalty Benefits

Under the new agreement, MileagePlus members will earn valuable status points and segments when flying on ITA Airways. Similarly, Volare loyalty program members can accrue and utilize points on United-operated flights. This integration aims to provide a more seamless travel experience for frequent flyers of both airlines.

Codeshare Agreement Details

The codeshare component of the partnership will see ITA Airways placing its “AZ” flight code on select United-operated flights to U.S. destinations such as Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), Denver (DEN), and Houston (IAH). Conversely, United will place its “UA” code on certain ITA Airways flights within Europe, including routes to Florence (FLR), Catania (CTA), and Turin (TRN). The airlines will leverage shared gateways in cities like Boston (BOS), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), and Washington Dulles (IAD) for these codeshare operations.

Strategic Alignment and Future Integration

This partnership is a crucial step in ITA Airways’ integration into the Lufthansa Group’s broader network. It also serves as a precursor to ITA Airways joining the existing joint venture between United Airlines, Lufthansa Group, and Air Canada. This joint venture allows these airlines to coordinate schedules, fares, and sales strategies in the North Atlantic market, ultimately aiming to strengthen their competitive position against larger global carriers.

Sources

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