ITA Airways is Italy’s national flag carrier and the direct successor to the collapsed Alitalia airline. It operates transatlantic routes from Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to major US cities using the Airbus A350-900.
The airline launched commercial operations in October 2021. By 2026, it has expanded its long-haul network and completed its transition into the SkyTeam alliance, giving it codeshare access with Delta Air Lines and Air France.
This guide covers ITA Airways across every cabin class, every major traveler profile, and every practical logistics question you need answered before booking a flight to or from Italy.
What Is ITA Airways and How Did It Replace Alitalia?
ITA Airways (Italia Trasporto Aereo S.p.A.) is Italy’s government-backed flag carrier, created to replace Alitalia after the older airline’s final collapse in 2021.
Alitalia accumulated decades of financial losses before the Italian government wound it down. ITA Airways launched with a smaller fleet, reduced workforce, and a narrower route network than its predecessor.
The airline operates out of its primary hub at Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO). A secondary operational base at Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) supports intra-European and select long-haul services.
ITA Airways is not a low-cost carrier. It is a full-service airline with business class, premium economy, and economy cabins on long-haul routes.
For first-time international travelers: ITA Airways offers full-service amenities including checked baggage and meals in economy on transatlantic routes. It is not comparable to Ryanair or easyJet in product or pricing.
One important distinction: ITA Airways does not carry Alitalia’s MilleMiglia loyalty miles. The Volare frequent flyer program started fresh with its own earning and redemption structure.
Italian Airlines in 2026: Where ITA Airways Fits
Italy’s airline landscape in 2026 is a mix of ITA Airways as the sole full-service flag carrier and multiple low-cost carriers serving domestic and European routes.
Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air dominate cheap intra-European flying to and from Italian cities. None of them operate transatlantic service.
ITA Airways holds the monopoly on Italy-flagged transatlantic service. It is the only Italian airline flying nonstop between the US and Rome on Italian-registered aircraft.
Travelers flying from the US to Italy on airlines like Lufthansa, Air France, or Delta are flying foreign carriers connecting through their own hubs, not Rome directly.
For budget travelers: Low-cost carriers like Ryanair offer the cheapest flights within Italy and to nearby European cities. ITA Airways is the correct choice for full-service transatlantic travel originating or terminating in Rome.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, nonstop transatlantic service competition between US and Italian gateways is limited, making ITA Airways pricing less competitive than routes with multiple carriers.
| Italian Carrier | Type | Transatlantic | Key Routes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ITA Airways | Full-service flag carrier | Yes | Rome FCO to JFK, BOS, MIA | Transatlantic, full-service Italy travel |
| Ryanair | Ultra-low-cost | No | Intra-European | Cheap domestic/European hops |
| easyJet | Low-cost | No | UK, France, Spain to Italy | Budget European connections |
| Wizz Air | Ultra-low-cost | No | Eastern Europe to Italy | Eastern European budget routes |
ITA Airways Review: The Honest Passenger Assessment
ITA Airways delivers a genuinely improved product over Alitalia, but the airline is still maturing its service consistency across cabin classes and routes.
Business class on the Airbus A350-900 is the strongest product the airline offers. Economy class on the same aircraft is functional but not distinctive compared to Air France or Lufthansa economy on the same transatlantic corridor.
Service from cabin crew is a frequently cited strength. Italian service culture translates into warmer, more attentive interactions than passengers often experience on Northern European carriers.
The honest limitation: ITA Airways has fewer destinations, fewer frequencies, and a smaller alliance network than Lufthansa or Air France. Connecting onward from Rome requires more careful route planning.
For business and frequent flyers: The business class cabin on the A350-900 genuinely competes with mid-tier European business class. It does not match the industry-leading products from Singapore Airlines or Qatar Airways on comparable aircraft.
For first-time international travelers: ITA Airways is a welcoming first transatlantic experience. The Rome FCO hub is manageable and the terminal layout is not excessively complex for new international passengers.
Key Takeaway: ITA Airways business class on the Airbus A350-900 is competitive but not the top European business class product on transatlantic routes.
ITA Airways Routes from the USA: What’s Flying in 2026
ITA Airways operates nonstop transatlantic flights from several major US gateway cities directly to Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO).
As of 2026 routing, confirmed nonstop US gateways served by ITA Airways include New York JFK, Boston Logan (BOS), Miami International (MIA), Los Angeles International (LAX), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), San Francisco International (SFO), and Washington Dulles (IAD). Verify current schedules directly with ITA Airways before booking, as seasonal frequencies change.
The Rome FCO hub serves as the primary connecting point for onward European travel. From FCO, ITA Airways connects to over 50 European and Mediterranean destinations.
Travelers targeting other Italian cities such as Milan, Venice, or Florence will typically connect through FCO. Direct connections from the US to Milan Malpensa (MXP) are available on select seasonal schedules.
For business travelers: The JFK to FCO and BOS to FCO routes operate on the Airbus A350-900 with the full business class cabin. These are the routes where the lie-flat seat is available.
For first-time international travelers: Flying into Rome FCO and connecting onward domestically within Italy is straightforward. The Leonardo Express train from FCO to Roma Termini station takes approximately 32 minutes.
- ITA Airways nonstop US gateways (verify current schedule with ITA Airways):
- New York JFK to Rome FCO
- Boston BOS to Rome FCO
- Miami MIA to Rome FCO
- Los Angeles LAX to Rome FCO
- Chicago ORD to Rome FCO
- San Francisco SFO to Rome FCO
- Washington Dulles IAD to Rome FCO
ITA Airways Business Class: Seats, Comfort, and Value
ITA Airways business class on the Airbus A350-900 features a fully lie-flat seat in a 1-2-1 direct-aisle-access configuration. No passenger in business class needs to climb over a neighbor to reach the aisle.
The seat used is the Collins Aerospace Vantage XL product, configured in a staggered layout. Seat pitch is typically around 75 to 78 inches in this configuration; confirm your specific aircraft layout on SeatGuru or the ITA Airways seat map tool before booking.
Seat width is approximately 21 to 22 inches at shoulder level, narrowing toward the feet in the staggered shell design. The fully flat sleeping surface is a genuine advantage on the 9-plus-hour JFK-to-FCO overnight sector.
The IFE system features a touchscreen monitor in the 18-inch class with a selection of Italian and international films, TV series, and music. The selection is smaller than what Lufthansa or Air France offer on their flagship business class products.
For business and frequent flyers: The 1-2-1 direct-aisle access configuration is the correct standard for a serious business class product on a long overnight transatlantic flight. Any configuration without direct aisle access from every seat is a meaningful downgrade.
Business class fares on ITA Airways transatlantic routes typically range from mid-tier to premium European business class pricing. Fares vary significantly by booking window and season. Verify current pricing directly on the ITA Airways website or Google Flights before committing.
| Feature | ITA Airways Business (A350-900) | Honest Note |
|---|---|---|
| Seat type | Lie-flat, Collins Vantage XL | No direct competitor at this price tier offers more |
| Configuration | 1-2-1 staggered | Every seat has direct aisle access |
| Seat pitch | Approx. 75-78 inches | Confirm on SeatGuru before booking |
| IFE screen | ~18 inches touchscreen | Smaller content library than Lufthansa or Air France |
| Lounge access | Sala Monteverdi at FCO | Not Priority Pass; ITA Airways-operated |
| Price tier | Mid to upper premium | Justified for overnight transatlantic; less clear on day flights |
| Best for | Business travelers, long-haul comfort seekers | Not ideal for sub-6-hour hops in Europe |
ITA Airways Premium Economy: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
ITA Airways premium economy is available on select long-haul Airbus A350-900 routes and offers a wider seat, increased recline, and priority service compared to standard economy.
The premium economy cabin on the A350-900 typically features a 2-3-2 or 2-2-2 configuration depending on the aircraft variant. Seat pitch in premium economy is typically around 38 to 40 inches. Verify the specific configuration on the ITA Airways seat map before booking.
The seat reclines further than standard economy but does not lie flat. On overnight transatlantic sectors of 8 to 10 hours, this distinction matters significantly for sleep quality.
Premium economy includes a dedicated meal service with more options than economy class. Amenity kits are provided on long-haul routes, though the kit contents are more modest than those offered in business class.
For business and frequent flyers: Premium economy on ITA Airways is not a substitute for the lie-flat business class experience on an overnight flight. Travelers who need genuine sleep should book business class or choose the economy cabin and save the fare difference.
For budget travelers: Premium economy offers a meaningful comfort step up from economy at a lower price than business class. On a daytime transatlantic crossing, it can represent solid value. On overnight flights, the lack of lie-flat capability is the primary limitation.
Insider Tip:
Seats in the forward rows of the ITA Airways premium economy cabin often have slightly more legroom due to bulkhead placement. Check the ITA Airways seat map tool when selecting seats.
Window seats in premium economy on the A350-900 have a small ledge between seat and fuselage, which some travelers use as a personal table. Solo travelers tend to prefer these seats.
For solo travelers: The window seat in premium economy offers more personal space and a surface for a laptop or drink. Solo travelers report better sleep quality in window positions on overnight sectors.
ITA Airways Economy Class: What Budget Travelers Get
ITA Airways economy class on transatlantic routes includes a checked baggage allowance and complimentary meal service, making it a full-service economy product rather than a stripped-down basic economy fare.
Seat pitch in ITA Airways economy on the Airbus A350-900 is typically around 31 to 32 inches. Seat width is approximately 17 to 18 inches in the standard economy configuration. Verify dimensions on SeatGuru or the ITA Airways seat map tool before booking.
The standard economy seat reclines but does not lie flat. On a 9-hour overnight transatlantic sector, the recline is modest and sleep quality varies significantly by seat position and passenger height.
Basic economy fares on ITA Airways include fewer advance seat selection options. Travelers who want to choose their seat before check-in day typically need to pay a seat selection fee or book a higher fare tier.
For budget travelers: ITA Airways economy is not the cheapest transatlantic option. Carriers like Iberia, Norwegian, and Level frequently undercut ITA Airways economy fares on comparable transatlantic routes. If price is the primary factor, compare all options on Google Flights before booking.
For families with children: ITA Airways allows families to select seats together, but this often requires paying the seat selection fee on basic economy fares. Check the current seat selection policy directly with ITA Airways before booking a family trip.
Key Takeaway: ITA Airways economy includes checked bags and meals on transatlantic flights, which adds genuine value compared to true basic economy carriers.
ITA Airways Food and In-Flight Experience
ITA Airways offers a full complimentary meal service in all cabins on transatlantic routes, with the quality of the meal scaling significantly between economy and business class.
Business class passengers receive a multi-course Italian-influenced meal with starter, main, dessert, and cheese course options. The meal service leans toward Italian regional cuisine. The catering quality is frequently cited as one of the cabin’s genuine strengths.
Economy class meals are functional rather than exceptional. Passengers receive a tray with a main course, bread roll, dessert, and a soft drink or wine. The food is reliably edible but does not distinguish itself from the mid-tier European carrier standard.
The IFE system in business class includes noise-canceling headphones in most configurations. Economy class headphones are the standard foam earbuds.
For business and frequent flyers: The Condรฉ Nast Traveler editorial team has noted ITA Airways meal service as a differentiator in the mid-tier European business class category. The Italian menu focus is a genuine point of distinction.
For budget travelers: Wine and beer are complimentary in economy on transatlantic ITA Airways routes. This is a meaningful benefit compared to North American carriers that charge for alcohol in economy.
WiFi is available on ITA Airways long-haul flights. Coverage quality and pricing vary by route. Verify current WiFi availability and pricing directly with ITA Airways before your flight, as connectivity plans change.
ITA Airways Lounge at Rome Fiumicino Airport
The ITA Airways business class lounge at Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is the Sala Monteverdi, located in Terminal 1 and accessible to business class passengers departing on ITA Airways flights.
The Sala Monteverdi offers hot food stations, a bar with Italian wines and spirits, seating areas, shower facilities, and workstation zones. It is an ITA Airways-operated lounge, not a Priority Pass or third-party network lounge.
The lounge is not accessible to economy or premium economy passengers on standard fares. Elite Volare members at upper tier levels may have access depending on their status. Verify current access rules directly with ITA Airways before departure.
For business and frequent flyers: The Sala Monteverdi is a comfortable pre-departure experience but does not rank among Europe’s top airport lounges. It is solidly functional rather than exceptional. The Turkish Airlines CIP Lounge in Istanbul (IST) and the Air France La Premiรจre Lounge in Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) set a higher benchmark.
For first-time international travelers: Lounge access at FCO is a useful pre-departure benefit on long transatlantic sectors. The hot food and shower access before a 9-hour overnight flight are practically valuable.
Insider Tip:
The Sala Monteverdi has quieter seating areas away from the main food zone. These are better for working or resting before boarding.
Business class passengers connecting from an intra-European ITA Airways feeder flight may also access the lounge during a layover at FCO. Confirm this with ITA Airways at check-in.
For solo travelers: The shower facility at the Sala Monteverdi is practical before overnight long-haul departures. Solo travelers who book business class on red-eye transatlantic flights particularly benefit from this amenity.
ITA Airways Volare Frequent Flyer Program
The Volare frequent flyer program is ITA Airways’ loyalty program, offering points earning on ITA Airways flights and with SkyTeam partner airlines including Delta Air Lines, Air France, and KLM.
Volare miles do not expire while an account remains active with qualifying activity. Verify the current activity requirement period directly with ITA Airways, as loyalty program terms change without advance notice.
Volare has several membership tiers: Volare Classic (entry level), Volare Plus, Volare Executive, and Volare Premium. Higher tiers unlock lounge access, priority boarding, and bonus miles earning.
SkyTeam membership means Volare miles can be earned and redeemed on flights operated by Air France, KLM, Delta Air Lines, Korean Air, and other SkyTeam carriers. The full list of partner earning rates should be verified on the official Volare program website.
For business and frequent flyers: Volare is a newer program with fewer redemption partners than established programs like Delta SkyMiles, Lufthansa Miles and More, or Air France-KLM Flying Blue. Travelers who already hold elite status with a SkyTeam carrier can often credit ITA Airways flights to their existing program.
For budget travelers: Earning Volare points in economy class on a single transatlantic round-trip generates meaningful miles but the redemption value depends on availability and route. Compare the value of earning Volare points versus crediting the flight to an existing SkyTeam program you already use.
Key Takeaway: Volare miles earn across the SkyTeam network, making them most valuable for travelers already flying Delta, Air France, or KLM regularly.
ITA Airways Baggage Policy: Fees, Rules, and What to Know
ITA Airways economy class on transatlantic routes typically includes one checked bag as part of the base fare, though the exact allowance depends on the fare tier purchased.
Business class passengers typically receive two checked bags with higher weight allowances than economy class. Verify the precise weight limit and number of bags for your specific fare category directly on the ITA Airways website before packing.
Carry-on baggage policy allows one carry-on bag in the overhead bin plus one personal item under the seat in standard economy and business class. Dimensions and weight limits are published on the ITA Airways website and should be confirmed before travel, as policies change.
Overweight and oversize baggage fees apply when checked bags exceed the published weight limit. These fees are charged at check-in. They are not fixed amounts and vary by route and fare class.
For families with children: ITA Airways allows a stroller to be checked at the gate at no additional charge on most fare types. Infant passengers typically receive a partial baggage allowance. Confirm the current family and infant baggage policy directly with ITA Airways before traveling.
For budget travelers: Booking the lowest ITA Airways economy fare tier may not include a checked bag on short European routes. Read the fare conditions carefully before purchasing to avoid unexpected fees at the airport.
Important Accuracy Note on ITA Airways Baggage Policy
Baggage allowances, carry-on dimensions, and overweight fee structures change without advance public notice. Verify the following directly with ITA Airways before traveling:
- Your specific fare tier’s checked baggage allowance and weight limit
- Carry-on dimensions and weight limits for your route and cabin
- Infant and child baggage entitlements for family travelers
- Overweight and oversize fees applicable to your route
Check the official ITA Airways website at the time of booking and again 24 hours before departure to confirm no policy changes have occurred.
ITA Airways Fleet and Aircraft Types
ITA Airways operates a fleet built around Airbus narrowbody and widebody aircraft. The airline does not operate Boeing aircraft as of 2026.
The long-haul fleet is anchored by the Airbus A350-900. This aircraft carries the business class, premium economy, and economy cabins on transatlantic routes to the United States.
Medium-haul European and Mediterranean routes are served by the Airbus A321neo and Airbus A320neo family. These aircraft offer a two-class cabin: business class (which is a recliner seat, not lie-flat) and economy.
Thinner domestic Italian and short European routes are served by the Airbus A220-100. This aircraft has a single-class or two-class configuration depending on the route.
For business and frequent flyers: The lie-flat business class product is only available on the Airbus A350-900 on transatlantic routes. Booking a business class fare on an A320neo or A321neo intra-European segment will not deliver a lie-flat seat. Confirm your aircraft type on the ITA Airways booking engine before paying a business class fare on any European route.
For first-time international travelers: The A350-900 is a modern, quiet, fuel-efficient widebody aircraft with larger windows than older aircraft types. Cabin humidity and pressure are better calibrated than older long-haul aircraft, which reduces traveler fatigue on overnight transatlantic flights.
| Aircraft | Routes | Business Class Type | Economy Config | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbus A350-900 | Transatlantic US to FCO | Lie-flat, 1-2-1 | 2-4-2 approx | Flagship long-haul aircraft |
| Airbus A321neo | European medium-haul | Recliner, not lie-flat | 3-3 | No lie-flat on European routes |
| Airbus A320neo | Short European routes | Recliner | 3-3 | Standard European narrowbody |
| Airbus A220-100 | Domestic Italy, thin routes | Economy only or recliner | 2-3 | Quietest cabin in the fleet |
ITA Airways vs. Lufthansa vs. Air France: Side-by-Side
ITA Airways competes directly with Lufthansa and Air France on transatlantic routes between North America and Western Europe. The comparison is most relevant on the business class cabin and overall value.
Lufthansa business class on the Boeing 777-9 and Airbus A350-900 uses the Lufthansa Business Allegris product on newer aircraft, offering a direct-aisle-access seat. Older Lufthansa widebody configurations still use older angled-flat or forward-facing seats on some aircraft.
Air France business class on the Boeing 777-300ER uses the Air France Business Seat, a fully lie-flat product in a 1-2-1 configuration. The Air France La Premiรจre lounge in Paris CDG is among the strongest airport lounges in Europe.
ITA Airways sits between these two carriers in terms of product maturity. The A350-900 lie-flat cabin matches Air France’s configuration standard. The lounge and dining experience at FCO does not reach the standard of CDG or Frankfurt (FRA).
For business and frequent flyers: Air France Flying Blue offers a more mature loyalty program with stronger partner earning and redemption value than ITA Airways Volare. Lufthansa Miles and More has the deepest European partner network. Volare is the weakest of the three programs in 2026.
According to The Points Guy, Air France business class on the Boeing 777-300ER ranks among the top three European business class products for transatlantic travel, ahead of ITA Airways by most cabin comfort metrics.
| Airline | Business Seat | Config | Lounge (Home Hub) | Loyalty Program | Price Tier | Best For | Honest Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ITA Airways | Collins Vantage XL, lie-flat | 1-2-1 | Sala Monteverdi, FCO | Volare / SkyTeam | Mid-premium | Rome-routing transatlantic | Smaller network, newer program |
| Lufthansa | Business Allegris (new) or older product | 1-2-1 (new aircraft) | Lufthansa Senator Lounge, FRA | Miles and More | Mid to upper premium | FRA hub connectivity | Older aircraft may have non-flat seat |
| Air France | Lie-flat, full flat | 1-2-1 | CDG Business Lounge / La Premiรจre | Flying Blue | Upper premium | CDG hub routing, lounge quality | CDG can be operationally chaotic |
| British Airways | Club Suite (new), older Club World (older) | 1-2-1 (Club Suite) | Concorde Room / Galleries, LHR | Executive Club / Avios | Mid to upper premium | LHR connectivity | Mixed fleet; check aircraft before booking |
Key Takeaway: ITA Airways business class matches Air France and Lufthansa on seat quality but trails both in lounge experience and loyalty program depth.
ITA Airways Booking and Codeshare Partners
ITA Airways books directly through its official website and is available on major flight comparison platforms including Google Flights, Kayak, and Expedia.
The airline is a full SkyTeam member. This means tickets can be booked as codeshare flights through Delta Air Lines, Air France, KLM, and other SkyTeam carriers who place their flight codes on ITA Airways-operated services.
Booking a codeshare ticket through Delta or Air France may result in differences in baggage policy, seat selection fees, and check-in procedure. Always verify which airline is operating the physical flight before booking through a codeshare partner.
Award bookings using Volare miles can be made through the ITA Airways website. Award availability on partner SkyTeam airlines through Volare may be limited. Delta SkyMiles can also be used to book ITA Airways flights through the Delta-ITA codeshare agreement; confirm current partner booking terms directly with Delta.
For business and frequent flyers: Booking directly through the ITA Airways website gives the clearest control over seat selection and baggage. Codeshare bookings through Delta or Air France may offer elite status benefits if you hold SkyTeam elite status with one of those carriers.
For first-time international travelers: Booking directly through ITA Airways at itaairways.com is the simplest approach. It avoids any ambiguity about which airline’s policies govern your ticket.
To book ITA Airways correctly:
- Search itaairways.com or Google Flights for your route and travel dates.
- Compare base fare tiers and note which tier includes a checked bag.
- Select your seat during booking; seat selection fees apply to basic fares.
- Confirm the operating aircraft type on your specific flight before paying.
- Verify baggage allowance one final time before packing on departure day.
ITA Airways for Families and Budget Travelers
ITA Airways is a viable choice for families flying transatlantic to Italy, but families need to budget carefully for seat selection fees and verify the infant baggage policy before booking.
Families with young children should book directly through ITA Airways and contact the airline’s customer service to confirm adjacent seat assignments. The standard economy cabin in a 2-4-2 or 2-3-2 configuration on the A350-900 allows families to choose window-and-middle groupings.
Child meal options are available on ITA Airways long-haul flights when requested in advance at time of booking. Confirm current child meal availability directly with ITA Airways, as special meal options vary by route and fare tier.
For families with children: Strollers are typically accepted at the gate at no extra charge. Child passengers under 12 fly at a discounted fare but this discount percentage varies by fare class. Check the ITA Airways website for current child fare conditions before booking.
For budget travelers: ITA Airways economy on transatlantic routes is priced above ultra-low-cost carriers but below many full-service US carriers on comparable routes. The included checked bag and meal service add real value relative to stripped-down economy fares on budget carriers.
Budget travelers comparing ITA Airways economy against Iberia economy on a JFK-to-Rome itinerary (with a Madrid connection) should factor in total journey time and connection risk. A direct JFK-FCO ITA Airways flight eliminates one connection and one rebooking risk.
- ITA Airways practical tips for budget travelers:
- Book directly on itaairways.com to avoid third-party booking fees
- Choose the fare tier that includes a checked bag to avoid airport fees
- Select seats during booking to avoid higher gate-day seat fees
- Travel in shoulder season (May, September, October) for lower base fares
- Join the Volare program before flying to earn miles from your first flight
Is ITA Airways Safe and Worth Flying in 2026?
ITA Airways holds a standard European airline safety certification under the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and operates under Italian civil aviation authority oversight.
No major safety incidents are attributed to ITA Airways since its 2021 launch. The airline’s Airbus A350-900 fleet is among the most modern long-haul aircraft in commercial service.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulates ITA Airways under the same strict framework applied to Lufthansa, Air France, and British Airways. There is no elevated safety concern associated with flying ITA Airways compared to any other EASA-regulated carrier.
Is ITA Airways worth flying? For travelers routing through Rome on transatlantic itineraries, the answer depends on the cabin class.
For business and frequent flyers: The lie-flat business class on the A350-900 is genuinely worth booking on overnight transatlantic sectors. The 1-2-1 seat configuration, Italian meal service, and direct FCO routing make it a competitive choice against mid-tier European business class products.
For budget travelers: ITA Airways economy is a reasonable transatlantic choice when fare prices are competitive with other carriers. It is not the cheapest option on most routes and should be compared against alternatives before purchasing.
For first-time international travelers: ITA Airways offers a welcoming full-service experience with complimentary meals and checked bags in economy. It is a low-stress first transatlantic option for travelers new to international flying.
The honest overall verdict: ITA Airways delivers a solid mid-tier European flag carrier experience. It is not the top product in any single category. It is a genuinely good airline for Rome-routing transatlantic itineraries in business class. It is a reasonable but not exceptional economy choice.
Important Accuracy Notes for ITA Airways Travelers
Policies, fares, and route schedules for ITA Airways change frequently in 2026 as the airline continues to expand and adjust its network.
Verify the following directly before traveling:
- Current transatlantic routes and frequencies: itaairways.com or your booking platform
- Baggage allowance by fare tier and cabin: ITA Airways official website at time of booking
- Volare program earning rates and partner redemption rules: official Volare program portal
- Seat selection fees and policies: ITA Airways website during booking
- Child and infant fare and baggage rules: ITA Airways customer service before purchasing
- Lounge access eligibility for your specific fare and status: ITA Airways or Sala Monteverdi directly
- Entry requirements for Italy from the US in 2026: U.S. State Department travel page at travel.state.gov
The single most important pre-travel action: confirm your specific aircraft type on your booked flight before departure, as aircraft swaps can change the cabin product you receive.
Frequently Asked Questions About ITA Airways
Is ITA Airways the same as Alitalia?
ITA Airways is not Alitalia. ITA Airways (Italia Trasporto Aereo S.p.A.) was created as a new company after Alitalia ceased operations in October 2021.
ITA Airways does not honor Alitalia’s MilleMiglia loyalty miles or carry over Alitalia’s routes, routes, or labor agreements. It is a legally separate airline.
Travelers who held Alitalia MilleMiglia balances at the time of Alitalia’s closure should verify any applicable compensation claims through Italian aviation consumer channels.
Does ITA Airways have lie-flat seats in business class?
ITA Airways business class on the Airbus A350-900 features fully lie-flat seats on transatlantic long-haul routes in a 1-2-1 direct-aisle-access configuration.
The lie-flat product is only available on A350-900 operated transatlantic flights. Intra-European routes on the Airbus A321neo and A320neo do not have lie-flat seats.
Verify your specific aircraft type at time of booking using the ITA Airways seat map tool or SeatGuru to confirm the business class product on your flight.
What is the ITA Airways baggage allowance for economy class?
ITA Airways economy class on transatlantic routes typically includes one checked bag as part of the base fare, but this depends on the specific fare tier purchased.
Basic economy fare tiers on shorter European routes may not include a checked bag. Always read the fare conditions during booking before purchasing.
Verify your exact baggage allowance directly on the ITA Airways website at time of booking and again before departure, as policies are subject to change.
Is ITA Airways part of an airline alliance?
ITA Airways is a full member of the SkyTeam airline alliance as of 2024-2026. SkyTeam partners include Delta Air Lines, Air France, KLM, Korean Air, and several other carriers.
SkyTeam membership allows ITA Airways passengers to earn and redeem Volare miles on partner carriers and access SkyTeam-affiliated airport lounges worldwide at qualifying status tiers.
Travelers with elite status in Delta SkyMiles, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, or other SkyTeam programs may receive reciprocal benefits when flying ITA Airways. Confirm current reciprocal benefits directly with your home program.
How do I earn and use Volare miles on ITA Airways?
Volare miles are earned on every ITA Airways flight based on the fare paid and the distance flown. Miles can also be earned on purchases with Volare program partners.
Redemption is available for ITA Airways award flights and, with varying availability, on SkyTeam partner airline flights. Award availability on partner carriers through Volare is more limited than through larger programs.
Verify current Volare earning rates, redemption charts, and partner availability on the official Volare program portal before planning award bookings, as program terms change.
Is ITA Airways a good airline for flying from the US to Italy?
ITA Airways is a solid choice for nonstop transatlantic travel to Rome, particularly in business class on the Airbus A350-900 with the lie-flat cabin.
Economy class is a reasonable option when ITA Airways fares are price-competitive with other full-service carriers. Budget travelers should compare prices against Iberia, Air France, and Lufthansa before booking.
The strongest case for ITA Airways is the direct FCO routing for travelers whose final destination is Rome or central Italy, avoiding a connecting hub in Frankfurt, Paris, or London.
The Honest ITA Airways Verdict
ITA Airways in 2026 is a maturing full-service European carrier with a strong business class product on transatlantic routes and a functional economy cabin. The airline’s greatest strength is its direct Rome FCO routing for travelers headed to central Italy.
The Volare program, the lounge experience, and the breadth of the network trail competitors like Lufthansa and Air France. The lie-flat business class cabin on the Airbus A350-900 competes honestly with the mid-tier European business class standard.
Book ITA Airways if you are flying transatlantic to Rome in business class and want a direct, full-service Italian carrier experience. Verify all fares, baggage policies, Volare program terms, and aircraft configurations directly with ITA Airways before purchasing, as details change regularly in 2026.
