If you’re planning your next European adventure, there’s some exciting news on the aviation front that could make your journey even smoother. ITA Airways, Italy’s national carrier, has officially joined the Lufthansa Group. This partnership isn’t just a corporate shuffle—it’s set to bring a host of new benefits to passengers flying with both airlines, including Aussies heading to Europe.

A New Chapter in European Air Travel

By becoming part of the Lufthansa Group—a conglomerate that already includes airlines like Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Swiss International Airlines, and Edelweiss Air—ITA Airways is poised to enhance the travel experience for its passengers. This synergy promises more seamless connections, expanded loyalty perks, and greater access to lounges across the globe.

Boosted Loyalty Programs

One of the immediate perks of this partnership is the integration of ITA Airways’ Volare loyalty program with the Lufthansa Group’s Miles & More program. For the 2.7 million members of Volare, this means you can now earn and redeem points not just on ITA Airways flights but also across Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines.

Conversely, the 36 million Miles & More members gain the ability to collect and use their points on ITA Airways routes. So whether you’re a frequent flyer hopping between European capitals or embarking on long-haul journeys, your loyalty is now even more rewarding.

Access to Over 130 Lounges

Starting from 30 March 2025, passengers flying with ITA Airways will gain access to approximately 130 lounges owned by the Lufthansa Group worldwide. This is a significant upgrade, offering a comfortable pre-flight experience complete with complimentary food, beverages, and a tranquil environment to relax or catch up on work.

Similarly, Lufthansa Group passengers will be welcomed into ITA Airways lounges, enriching the lounge network available to all travellers within the group.

Streamlined Terminal Operations

To make transfers more efficient, ITA Airways will relocate its operations to the Lufthansa Group’s terminals at Frankfurt and Munich airports from 30 March 2025. This move is set to simplify connections for passengers, reducing transfer times and the hassle of navigating between terminals. In other Lufthansa hubs, ITA Airways is already operating alongside its group counterparts, so this change brings consistency across the board.

Enhanced Codesharing for More Destinations

Another significant benefit is the expansion of codeshare agreements between ITA Airways and Lufthansa Group airlines. This arrangement allows passengers to book flights that combine segments operated by multiple carriers within the group on a single ticket. The result? Access to a greater number of destinations and more flexible scheduling options for your travels.

From 25 February, all these codeshare connections will be available for booking through the airlines’ websites, apps, and other sales channels. This integration makes planning your trip more straightforward, with the added convenience of managing your bookings in one place.

Improved Flight Schedules and Frequencies

Flights connecting the Lufthansa Group hubs—Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Vienna, and Brussels—with ITA Airways’ main airports in Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate will offer harmonised frequencies and schedules. This means more flight options spread throughout the day, making it easier to find departures and arrivals that fit your itinerary.

What Does This Mean for Australian Travellers?

For Aussies looking to explore Italy or other parts of Europe, this partnership enhances the travel experience in several ways:

• Greater Rewards: Earn and redeem loyalty points across a broader network of airlines, accelerating your progress towards rewards like upgrades and free flights.
• Smooth Connections: Improved scheduling and terminal operations reduce the stress of tight connections, especially when navigating large European hubs.
• Lounge Access: Enjoy a more comfortable journey with access to lounges during layovers, making those long-haul trips a bit more bearable.
• Expanded Destinations: With enhanced codesharing, you have more destinations at your fingertips, all bookable through familiar platforms.

How to Take Advantage of the New Benefits

To make the most of these changes, consider enrolling in the Volare or Miles & More loyalty programmes if you haven’t already done so. Keep an eye out for the updated booking options starting 25 February, and when planning trips after 30 March 2025, be mindful of the new terminal arrangements to ensure a seamless journey.

In Summary

The integration of ITA Airways into the Lufthansa Group marks a significant shift in European air travel, offering passengers—especially those coming from Australia—more benefits than ever before. From enhanced loyalty programs and expanded lounge access to streamlined operations and more destination choices, your next trip to Europe could be smoother and more rewarding.