Booking a flight to Italy often comes down to one question: is it worth paying for a nonstop flight, or should you save money by connecting through another European hub? ITA Airways is one of the most convenient options for travelers flying directly from the United States to Rome, but the final value depends heavily on the fare, cabin, aircraft, and extras included in the ticket.
ITA also went through two major loyalty changes in 2026. The airline joined Star Alliance, while Miles & More became its official frequent flyer program on April 1. For this ITA Airways review, we compared the airline’s official cabin and fare information, current US routes, baggage rules, loyalty benefits, and recurring passenger feedback to help you decide whether it is the right choice for your trip to Italy.
What Is ITA Airways?
ITA Airways launched in 2021 as the successor to Alitalia, with a smaller fleet, a leaner workforce, and a narrower route map than the airline it replaced. It’s a full-service carrier, not a budget one — economy fares on long-haul routes still come with a meal and, on most fares, a checked bag.
Rome Fiumicino is the center of ITA Airways’ long-haul network, with additional flights operating through Milan and other Italian airports. Its current long-haul fleet includes the Airbus A350-900, A330-900neo, and A330-200. The airline also uses aircraft including the A321neo, A320neo, A320, A220, and A319 on short- and medium-haul routes. Because the cabin product can differ significantly by aircraft, always check the aircraft type and seat map before booking.
On April 1, 2026, ITA Airways became a full member of Star Alliance, giving travelers access to a broader network of partner airlines. Miles & More also became ITA’s official frequent flyer program on the same date, replacing Volare, which ended on March 30, 2026.
If you’re weighing ITA against other options for reaching Europe, our guide to How to Choose the Right International Airline for Long-Haul Flights walks through the trade-offs beyond just price.
ITA Airways Cabins Explained
ITA Airways offers Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class, but the experience depends heavily on the aircraft. Long-haul flights usually offer three cabins, while short- and medium-haul products vary. Here is what travelers can generally expect when booking a flight between the United States and Italy.
Economy
Economy Light is ITA Airways’ cheapest fare, but it does not include a checked bag. Regular Economy generally includes one checked bag weighing up to 23 kg, while both fares include one carry-on weighing up to 8 kg and a small personal item. Seat selection may cost extra depending on the fare purchased.
Economy Light can be good value for travelers carrying very little. However, once you add a checked bag and seat selection, the total price may come close to — or exceed — the cost of regular Economy. Compare the complete checkout price rather than choosing the lowest headline fare automatically.
Premium Economy
Premium Economy is a dedicated cabin on the widebody long-haul fleet — a maximum of 24 seats, wider and more ergonomic than Economy, with extra recline and both leg and footrests. It comes with a welcome drink, a proper amenity kit with a pillow and blanket, and two checked bags at 23 kg each, plus priority boarding.
Premium Economy is likely to offer the best balance of price and comfort for many overnight flights between the United States and Italy. Fares change based on the route, travel dates, demand, and booking window, so there is no fixed upgrade price. Compare the Premium Economy fare directly with regular Economy for your dates; the upgrade makes the most sense when the extra space, priority services, and two checked bags justify the difference.
Business Class on Long-Haul Flights
Business is ITA Airways’ highest cabin; the airline does not offer First Class. On long-haul flights, Business Class seats recline into fully flat beds and provide direct aisle access. Passengers also receive priority airport services, lounge access where available, premium meal service, and an international baggage allowance of two checked bags weighing up to 32 kg each.
Independent reviews of ITA Airways’ A350 Business Class and A330-900neo Business Class are broadly positive, particularly about the seats, Italian dining, onboard amenities, and cabin service. However, the exact seat design, privacy, storage, and entertainment system depend on the aircraft.
ITA currently uses the Airbus A350-900, A330-900neo, and A330-200 on long-haul routes. Check the aircraft type and seat map shown during booking before paying for Business Class, especially if a particular seat design or level of privacy matters to you.
Business Class on Medium- and Short-Haul Flights
Do not assume that every ITA narrowbody offers the same Business Class experience. The Airbus A321neo is a special case: it has three separate cabins — Business, Premium Economy, and Economy — and features fully flat Business Class seats rather than the standard European-style setup found on many shorter flights. An independent ITA Airways A321neo Business Class review from One Mile at a Time praised the seat, Italian meal service, and overall onboard experience.
On aircraft such as the A320 and A319, short-haul Business generally uses an Economy-style seat with the adjacent seat left empty. On the A220, ITA notes that the empty-adjacent-seat benefit does not apply because of the aircraft’s seating configuration. Check the aircraft type before booking, especially if the quality of the Business Class seat is a major reason for paying more.
Pros and Cons
What We Loved
- Fully flat Business Class seats with direct aisle access on long-haul flights
- A genuine Premium Economy cabin with extra space and two checked bags
- Star Alliance membership and Miles & More earning and redemption options
- Nonstop service to Rome from multiple US gateways
- A new nonstop Houston–Rome route launched in May 2026
- Regular Economy includes a meal and one checked bag on most US–Italy itineraries
What Could Be Better
- Economy Light does not include a checked bag, and seat selection may cost extra
- The Business Class product varies by aircraft, making it important to check the seat map before booking
- Wi-Fi availability, packages, and performance can vary by aircraft
- Support during disruptions and baggage issues may be less consistent than the onboard experience
Who Is ITA Airways Best For?
ITA Airways is best for travelers who want a nonstop flight from the United States to Rome, especially when the total fare is competitive with connecting alternatives. It is particularly appealing to travelers considering Premium Economy or Business Class, as well as those who use Miles & More or prefer flying within the Star Alliance network.
It is less compelling when Economy Light appears cheap but becomes expensive after adding baggage and seat selection. It may also be a weaker option when another airline offers a significantly lower total fare, a better schedule, or stronger benefits through a loyalty program you already use.
Before booking, compare the complete ticket price, flight duration, baggage allowance, aircraft type, and cancellation conditions — not just the fare shown in the first search result.
ITA Airways vs Delta Air Lines
ITA Airways and Delta both operate nonstop flights between the United States and Rome, but they now belong to different alliances and loyalty ecosystems. The better option depends on the route, total fare, aircraft, schedule, and which loyalty program you already use.
| Factor | ITA Airways | Delta Air Lines |
|---|---|---|
| Alliance | Star Alliance | SkyTeam |
| Loyalty program | Miles & More | SkyMiles |
| Long-haul Business | Fully flat seats; product varies by aircraft | Fully flat seats; product varies by aircraft |
| Best for | Direct access to Rome and onward travel within Italy | Travelers already invested in Delta’s US network and SkyMiles |
| Main booking check | Confirm aircraft, baggage, and total fare | Confirm aircraft, connection options, and total fare |
Choose ITA when its nonstop schedule, cabin, and total price make the journey to Rome easier. Choose Delta when its schedule, US connections, or your existing SkyMiles benefits provide more value. Always compare the two airlines on the same dates rather than assuming one is consistently cheaper or better.
Final Verdict: Is ITA Airways Worth Booking?
ITA Airways is worth booking when it offers the best combination of nonstop routing, total price, and cabin comfort for your trip to Italy. Its strongest products are Premium Economy and long-haul Business Class, while regular Economy is generally the safer choice for travelers who need a checked bag.
Economy Light can still be a good deal for carry-on-only trips, but compare the cost after adding baggage and seat selection. Business Class travelers should also confirm the aircraft type and seat map, since the cabin is not identical across the long-haul fleet.
Our verdict: ITA Airways is a strong option for direct flights to Rome, but its value depends on the complete fare rather than the advertised starting price. Compare the available cabin, baggage allowance, aircraft, and final checkout total before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What loyalty program does ITA Airways use now?
ITA Airways uses Miles & More as its official frequent flyer program. The change took effect on April 1, 2026, after the Volare program ended on March 30. Miles & More members can earn and redeem miles on eligible ITA flights, with additional benefits depending on membership status and fare.
Does ITA Airways have First Class?
No. Business Class is ITA Airways’ highest cabin. Long-haul Business offers fully flat seats, while the medium- and short-haul product varies by aircraft. The A321neo has a separate Business cabin, while some shorter flights use an Economy-style seat with additional space or an empty adjacent seat.
Is ITA Airways part of Star Alliance?
Yes. ITA Airways became a full member of Star Alliance on April 1, 2026. Miles & More became its official frequent flyer program on the same date.
What baggage does ITA Airways Economy include?
Economy Light does not include a checked bag. Regular Economy generally includes one checked bag weighing up to 23 kg, plus one carry-on weighing up to 8 kg and a personal item. Exact allowances can vary by destination and fare, so check the baggage summary before paying.
Is ITA Airways Economy Light worth it?
Economy Light can be worth it when you are traveling only with carry-on baggage and do not need advance seat selection. If you plan to check a bag or choose a specific seat, compare the final Light fare with regular Economy before booking.
