Alaska Airlines, ITA Airways Launch Points-Earning Partnership

Alaska Airlines and ITA Airways have announced a new loyalty partnership that allows passengers to earn points on flights operated by either airline, expanding benefits for frequent flyers traveling between North America and Europe. The agreement applies to eligible flights on or after January 10, 2026, and links Alaska’s Mileage Plan with ITA’s Volare loyalty program.

Under the partnership, travelers flying on Alaska Airlines or ITA Airways will be able to accrue loyalty points regardless of which airline operates the flight, provided the booking meets qualifying fare and ticketing requirements. While full details on redemption opportunities have not yet been disclosed, the earning component marks a significant first step toward closer cooperation between the two carriers.

For Alaska Airlines, the deal strengthens Mileage Plan’s reputation as one of the most flexible and partner-rich loyalty programs among US airlines. Alaska has steadily expanded its global reach through bilateral partnerships rather than traditional alliance membership, giving Mileage Plan members access to a wide range of international carriers while maintaining unique earning and redemption structures.

ITA Airways, Italy’s national carrier, benefits by gaining exposure to Alaska’s strong customer base on the US West Coast and beyond. The partnership provides ITA passengers with an additional pathway to earn rewards when traveling within the United States, while also enhancing ITA’s appeal to international travelers seeking seamless loyalty benefits across regions.

The agreement comes as ITA continues to build its international footprint following its launch and restructuring in recent years. Rome Fiumicino remains the airline’s primary hub, with growing long-haul connectivity to North America and other global markets. By aligning with Alaska Airlines on loyalty earning, ITA strengthens its competitive position in attracting premium and frequent travelers.

Industry analysts see the partnership as part of a broader trend toward modular airline cooperation, where carriers selectively link loyalty programs without full alliance integration. Such arrangements allow airlines to respond more quickly to market demand while offering tangible benefits to passengers.

While the current announcement focuses on points earning, travelers will be watching closely for potential future enhancements, including reciprocal redemption options, elite benefits, or deeper commercial cooperation. Alaska Airlines has historically expanded partnerships incrementally, often starting with mileage accrual before adding redemption and status perks.

For frequent flyers, the Alaska–ITA agreement represents a practical enhancement to long-haul travel between the US and Italy. By earning points across both networks, passengers gain greater flexibility and value from their journeys—an increasingly important factor as airlines compete not just on schedules and fares, but on loyalty and long-term customer engagement.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com

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Alaska Airlines, ITA Airways Launch Points-Earning Partnership

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