How to Book ITA Airways with Points

By Bryce Casson, Founder · Cardocrat · Updated June 2026

The short answer: ITA Airways is the Italian carrier hubbed in Rome, the successor to Alitalia, with a modern business class. It has been a SkyTeam member bookable through Flying Blue and Delta, but Lufthansa acquisition is expected to move it toward Star Alliance over time, so verify its current alliance and booking paths before planning.

This guide covers how to book ITA Airways with points today, the transition to watch, and the best programs. Award prices and availability change constantly as programs devalue and adjust, so treat every points figure here as a rough, illustrative guide rather than a guarantee. Always confirm the current price and that an award seat is actually available on the airline own site before you transfer points, since transfers are one-way and cannot be reversed.

The airline and the transition to watch

ITA Airways launched as the successor to Alitalia and operates as the Italian flag carrier, hubbed in Rome with a modern fleet, including new long-haul aircraft with a contemporary business class, and service from the US. The pivotal context is its ownership transition: Lufthansa has acquired a stake in ITA, which is expected to move ITA from its SkyTeam membership toward the Lufthansa group and Star Alliance over time.

Because of this, ITA alliance membership and the programs that can book it are evolving, so verify its current status before planning a booking. See our SkyTeam guide and Star Alliance guide.

How to book ITA Airways with points today

While ITA has been a SkyTeam member, it is bookable through SkyTeam programs, most accessibly Air France/KLM Flying Blue, which transfers from every major bank, and Delta SkyMiles. As the Lufthansa-driven transition proceeds, ITA booking paths may shift toward Star Alliance programs like Avianca LifeMiles, United, and Aeroplan, and the Miles and More program.

Given the moving target, confirm ITA current alliance and which programs can book it for your dates before transferring points. See our Flying Blue deep dive.

Rome gateway to Italy

ITA Rome hub, with Milan as a secondary base, makes it a natural carrier for reaching Italy directly, with onward connections within the country and around Europe. For a trip centered on Italy, ITA offers convenient access to Rome and Milan and the rest of its Italian network.

Italy is one of the most popular destinations, so ITA is relevant for many travelers, whichever alliance it ultimately settles in. See our Italy guide and Europe guide.

Finding space and the transition

During the transition, the main thing to verify is which alliance and programs can book ITA for your travel dates, since this is precisely what is changing. For now, search through Flying Blue or Delta, but be prepared for ITA to move toward Star Alliance booking through programs like Avianca LifeMiles and United as the integration advances.

Because the situation is evolving, confirm current details close to booking and stay flexible. See our finding award space guide.

Who should book ITA Airways

ITA Airways is ideal for travelers heading to Italy who want a modern, direct option to Rome or Milan, with the important caveat that its alliance and booking paths are in transition under Lufthansa ownership. For now it is bookable through SkyTeam, but expect a shift toward Star Alliance over time.

Verify ITA current alliance and which programs can book it before planning, and stay flexible given the integration. For Italy itself, it is a convenient, modern carrier. Award prices and availability change constantly as programs devalue and adjust, so treat every points figure here as a rough, illustrative guide rather than a guarantee. Always confirm the current price and that an award seat is actually available on the airline own site before you transfer points, since transfers are one-way and cannot be reversed.

Frequently asked questions

How do I book ITA Airways with points?

While ITA has been a SkyTeam member, book it through SkyTeam programs like Air France/KLM Flying Blue, the most accessible, or Delta SkyMiles. As Lufthansa integration proceeds, booking paths may shift toward Star Alliance programs, so verify current status.

Is ITA Airways in SkyTeam or Star Alliance?

ITA has been a SkyTeam member, but Lufthansa acquisition of a stake is expected to move it toward the Lufthansa group and Star Alliance over time. Its alliance membership is in transition, so verify its current status before planning.

Is ITA Airways the same as Alitalia?

ITA Airways is the successor to Alitalia, operating as the Italian flag carrier with a modern fleet. It launched after Alitalia ceased operations, and it is now undergoing an ownership transition under Lufthansa.

Which program is best for ITA Airways?

For now, Air France/KLM Flying Blue, the most accessible SkyTeam program, or Delta SkyMiles. As the Lufthansa transition advances, Star Alliance programs like Avianca LifeMiles and United may become the way to book it, so verify current options.

Why is ITA booking uncertain?

Because Lufthansa has acquired a stake in ITA, which is expected to move it from SkyTeam toward the Lufthansa group and Star Alliance over time. This changes which alliance and programs can book it, so confirm current details before planning.