Alitalia: MilleMiglia (Now ITA Airways Volare)

The Ultimate Guide to Alitalia’s MilleMiglia (Now ITA Airways Volare)

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Introduction: From Alitalia MilleMiglia to ITA Airways Volare

For decades, Alitalia’s MilleMiglia program was the go-to frequent flyer program for passengers flying Italy’s former national airline. In October 2021, ITA Airways officially replaced Alitalia, ending MilleMiglia’s long-standing run. ITA Airways introduced a new loyalty program called Volare, which has taken center stage for all frequent flyers looking to earn and redeem points on the new Italian flag carrier.

While MilleMiglia is no longer active for earning miles, it remains a significant reference point for travelers who previously earned Alitalia miles. This ultimate guide will walk you through:

1. The transition from MilleMiglia to Volare
2. Volare tier structures, how to earn “Volare points,” and redemption options
3. Tips for maximizing your rewards on ITA Airways

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1. A Brief History of Alitalia’s MilleMiglia

• Launched: Alitalia introduced MilleMiglia in the early 1990s.
• Core Benefits: Earn miles on Alitalia (and later partner airlines), redeem for flights, class upgrades, and other travel perks.
• SkyTeam Membership: Alitalia was part of the SkyTeam alliance, allowing MilleMiglia members to earn and redeem miles on other SkyTeam carriers.

However, due to Alitalia’s closure, MilleMiglia ceased new mileage accrual on October 15, 2021. Any remaining miles or benefits tied to MilleMiglia do not automatically transfer to the new ITA Airways Volare program.

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2. Introduction to ITA Airways and the Volare Program

ITA Airways (Italia Trasporto Aereo) is Italy’s new national airline, officially launched on October 15, 2021. The carrier introduced its own frequent flyer program, Volare, which aims to offer a simplified, modern approach to earning and redeeming points.

Key Points About ITA Airways

• Headquarters: Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
• Alliance: ITA Airways is a member of the SkyTeam alliance, which includes carriers like Air France, KLM, and Delta Air Lines.
• Fleet and Routes: Primarily short-to-medium haul within Europe, plus select intercontinental routes (e.g., North America, South America, Asia).

Volare Program Highlights

• Points vs. Miles: Volare uses a points-based system rather than “miles.”
• Tiered Membership: Offers multiple elite tiers, each with increasing perks.
• Flexible Redemptions: Redeem points for flights, upgrades, and partner services.

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3. Volare Program Structure

Volare features four membership tiers that provide escalating levels of benefits:

Tier	Qualification Criteria (Annual)	Key Benefits
Smart	Entry-level upon joining Volare	Earn Volare points, basic customer service
Plus	Accumulate a specified amount of points or flight segments on ITA Airways	Priority check-in, extra baggage allowance
Premium	Higher points or flight segments threshold	Lounge access, priority boarding, dedicated customer service
Executive	Top tier for the most frequent travelers	Highest priority services, enhanced lounge access, free upgrades

Note: ITA Airways has been refining qualification criteria since launch. Always check the official Volare pagefor the latest thresholds and rules.

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4. Earning Volare Points

ITA Airways’ Volare program allows you to earn points in several ways:

4.1. Flying on ITA Airways

• Distance & Fare: Points may be based on distance flown or fare paid, depending on the route and cabin class.
• Bonuses for Higher Tiers: Plus, Premium, and Executive members earn tier bonuses on each flight.

4.2. Flying on SkyTeam and Partner Airlines

Since ITA Airways is a SkyTeam member, you can earn Volare points by flying with partner airlines like Delta, Air France, KLM, Aeroméxico, and Korean Air.

• Earning Rates Vary: Each partner has its own earning chart based on fare class and distance.

4.3. Credit Card Spending

At launch, ITA Airways did not immediately offer a co-branded credit card (particularly in non-Italian markets). However, there may be options in Italy or the EU that allow direct or indirect earning.

• Check Local Banks: Some Italian financial institutions might partner with Volare for point conversions or sign-up bonuses.

4.4. Other Partners (Hotels, Car Rentals, etc.)

ITA Airways is actively developing partnerships with hotels, car rental companies, and lifestyle brands.

• Promotional Offers: Keep an eye on the Volare website or newsletters for double or triple point promotions.

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5. Redeeming Volare Points

Volare aims for simplicity in redemption options:

5.1. Award Flights on ITA Airways

• Dynamic Pricing: Point requirements may vary depending on demand, route popularity, and travel class.
• No Blackout Dates: Typically, as long as a seat is for sale, you can redeem points (subject to availability).

5.2. Upgrades

• Economy to Business: Use Volare points to upgrade on select mid- to long-haul ITA Airways routes.
• Promo Upgrades: Keep an eye out for special promotions that reduce point costs for upgrades.

5.3. Partner Airlines

• SkyTeam Carriers: Redeem points for flights on partner airlines like Delta, Air France, KLM, etc.
• Check Alliance Award Charts: Each partner or route may have a specific redemption rate.

5.4. Ancillary Services

• Extra Baggage: Pay for additional luggage with points.
• Seat Selection: Reserve preferred seating, exit rows, or extra-legroom seats using points.

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6. Transitioning from MilleMiglia to Volare

Since MilleMiglia was associated with Alitalia’s now-defunct operations, the program does not automatically transition to Volare. If you had leftover miles in MilleMiglia, those are typically not transferrable to ITA Airways. However, it’s worth checking if any limited-time offers or promotions arise that might allow partial mile transfer or recognition of status.

Pro Tip: Keep evidence of your MilleMiglia elite status or travel history. In some cases, ITA Airways may run status match campaigns for frequent flyers of other airlines or old Alitalia statuses.

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7. Volare Elite Status Benefits

Each Volare tier (Smart, Plus, Premium, Executive) includes progressive perks:

1. Bonus Points on flights
2. Priority Services: Dedicated check-in counters, early boarding, priority baggage
3. Lounge Access: Premium and Executive members often receive complimentary lounge access
4. Preferred Seating: Access to front-of-cabin or exit-row seats
5. Waivers on Fees: Ticket change fees, baggage fees, or upgrade charges may be reduced or waived

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8. Maximizing Your Volare Membership

Want to get the most out of your ITA Airways Volare membership? Here are some tips:

1. Stay Updated: Check ITA Airways’ official website or newsletters for bonus promotions, partner additions, or route expansions.
2. Combine Flights with Partners: Flying Delta or Air France can boost your Volare balance if the flights are eligible for earning.
3. Consider Booking Upgradable Fares: If you plan to upgrade, choose fare classes that allow or cost fewer points for upgrading.
4. Watch for Status Match Opportunities: If you hold elite status with other airlines, you might secure a fast-track to Volare Premium or Executive.

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9. Why Choose ITA Airways Volare?

• SkyTeam Connectivity: Fly globally with 19+ partner airlines.
• Modern, Growing Fleet: ITA Airways is renewing and expanding routes, especially for business and leisure travelers in Europe.
• Competitive Award Rates: With dynamic pricing, you can find good redemption deals, particularly on off-peak routes.
• Elite Status Perks: Priority services, lounge access, and potential free upgrades for top-tier members.

 

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FAQs About Alitalia MilleMiglia & ITA Airways Volare

Q1: What happened to Alitalia MilleMiglia miles?
A1: After Alitalia ceased operations in October 2021, MilleMiglia miles could no longer be earned. These miles generally did not transfer to ITA Airways’ Volare program.

Q2: Does ITA Airways recognize my old MilleMiglia elite status?
A2: ITA Airways does not automatically recognize old status levels. Periodically, however, they have run status match campaigns for Alitalia elites or members of other airlines.

Q3: How do I sign up for Volare?
A3: You can register online at the ITA Airways website, providing basic personal details to start earning points.

Q4: Is Volare part of SkyTeam?
A4: ITA Airways is a SkyTeam alliance member, meaning you can earn and redeem Volare points on partner airlines like Delta, KLM, Air France, etc.

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Call to Action

Ready to experience Italy’s new national airline and earn valuable points? Join ITA Airways Volare today by visiting ITA Airways to sign up and start earning points on your next flight!

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In Summary

With the end of Alitalia’s MilleMiglia and the rise of ITA Airways Volare, Italy’s frequent flyers have a fresh, modern loyalty program to explore. While the old MilleMiglia miles don’t automatically transfer, Volare offers new earning opportunities, dynamic redemptions, and elite perks—especially as ITA Airways expands its routes and fleet. Whether you’re based in Italy or traveling throughout Europe, Volare can help make every journey more rewarding.

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This airport guide is, comprehensive, and designed to help you understand and maximize the benefits of ITA Airways Volare, the successor to Alitalia’s MilleMiglia. For any updates, promotions, or detailed rules, always refer to official ITA Airways channels. Safe travels!