After the Lufthansa Group took over roughly 40% of the company in early 2025, ITA Airways‘ loyalty program Volare was initially set to end on December 31, 2025. In a rather surprising move, the airline sent out an e-mail to select members on Thursday, announcing that the end of Volare would be postponed until March 30, 2026. This also means all status holders can enjoy benefits (or match their tier) for three additional months.
The e-mail itself reads as follows:
We are pleased to inform you that the Volare Program has been extended until March 30, 2026.
You can redeem your Non-Qualifying Volare points until 30 March 2026 to book flights with ITA Airways and partner airlines using the Cash&Points or Award Ticket options.
You can also use them to purchase products or services from our commercial partners until 30 April 2026.
Please note that the balance of Qualifying Volare Points accrued as of December 31, 2025, will be retained and can continue to grow until March 30, 2026.
Your Club membership and related benefits will be guaranteed through March 30, 2026.
That means you can still redeem leftover award miles until the end of March (without any thrilling redemption options). After that, you can only use them in partner shops – which are even less attractive. The more appealing part of the message is that status benefits will be granted for three additional months, too.
While I personally did not receive an email, my status has already been updated on ITA’s website:
Three More Months of Lufthansa Group Benefits
Most Volare members probably already matched their status to Miles&More, which is still possible. With a successful match, your Volare status isn’t that important any more, as the Miles&More Senator is at least as valuable and lasts until February 2027.
However, there is an increasing number of reports from people whose match has been denied. It seems like Lufthansa (or statusmatch.com) remembered that ITA gave out statuses like free candy over the past two years. These people can rejoice, being able to enjoy three more months of benefits on ITA Airways and Lufthansa Group flights.
Among these perks are:
- Lounge access on Lufthansa Group flights (incl. Eurowings)
- Priority check-in & boarding
- Additional baggage allowances (excl. Light fares)
- and more
Editor’s Note: A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one. There are basically no downsides to these news – unless you like to complain about overcrowded Lufthansa lounges over the next three months.
Thanks to our source krabbs in the Travel-Dealz Forum
Translated by Felix