ITA Airways, the successor to bankrupt Italian flag carrier Alitalia, offered a status match earlier this year to numerous airlines including Singapore Airlines. Members were matched all the way up to Volare Executive, equivalent to SkyTeam Elite Plus.ย
If you didn’t have much opportunity to use your status benefits this year (either due to lack of flying or lack of recognition- we’ll get to that in a bit), here’s some good news. ITA Airways is extending all Volare status till 31 December 2023.
ITA Airways extends Volare status for 2023
Per an email sent out to Volare members, ITA Airways will be extending all elite status by a further 12 months until 31 December 2023.ย
Twelve months have passed since the start of the program, months packed with new experiences and initiatives specially designed for our members: promotions, new features, and the arrival of exclusive partners.
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Because you have been with us from the start, we have decided to offer you a special gift.
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For the entire duration of next year, until December 31st 2023, you will maintain your level within the program and continue to enjoy the benefits ofย Club Premium.-ITA Airways
At the time of writing, my online status still showed an expiry date of 01/23, but this will presumably be updated soon.ย
Here’s a summary of the benefits that Volare members can expect at each tier. You can think of SkyTeam Elite like Star Silver and SkyTeam Elite Plus like Star Gold, in that the worthwhile benefits like lounge access only kick in at Elite Plus (Volare Premium, Executive).ย
| Tier | Perks |
 Volare Smart |
|
 Volare Plus(SkyTeam Elite) |
|
 Volare Premium(SkyTeam Elite Plus) |
|
 Volare Executive(SkyTeam Elite Plus) |
|
The general benefits of SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus can be found below.
| ย | Elite | Elite Plus |
| Priority Wait List | โ | โ |
| Preferred Seating | โ | โ |
| Priority Check-inย | โ | โ |
| Priority Boarding | โ | โ |
| Extra Baggage Allowance | โ | โ |
| Priority Baggage | ย | โ |
| Lounge Access | ย | โ |
| Guaranteed Economy Class Seat | ย | โ |
How useful is Volare status in practice?
The experience with Volare status recognition thus far is best described as “mixed”. I personally haven’t flown a SkyTeam airline the whole of 2022, but based on reports I’ve read, some partners recognise the status without issue, others are unaware that ITA Airways even exists.
Based on reports in the Telegram Group, members have managed to get status recognised on Garuda, and Vietnam Airlines, while facing issues with Air France and Korean Airlines. Keep in mind the situation is fluid, so all you can do is cross your fingers and hope your carrier updates its systems before you fly.ย
In a way, these issues aren’t surprising to me since SkyTeam has a reputation for being the “dumping ground” alliance, full of infighting and disagreements.
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Conclusion
ITA Airways has extended all Volare elite tiers for a further year, with status now valid till 31 December 2023.ย
That will give you more time to take advantage of your SkyTeam Elite/Elite Plus benefits, although recognition on other SkyTeam airlines remains patchy at best.ย
What has your experience with Volare status recognition been like so far?
Thanks. You mention lounge access also at Volare Premium in the table overview. Mistake?
Volare premium has lounge access
I flew Delta this year on a domestic US route and although I wasnโt able to add my FF number during the booking process, online check-in and via a CSO (phone), they did recognize my status when I showed it to them on Apple Wallet at the airportโs check-in counter. For Garuda I was able to add my FF number in โmanage my bookingโ itself.
I had a similar experience in Europe in the beginning of the year where even at Check-in (Air France) showed agent my Apple Wallet Volare status which she didnโt recognized and had to be confirmed by a supervisor that I qualified for โfree additional check-in luggageโโฆ
In other words, when you know youโre right and someone suggests otherwise, FIND SOMEONE ELE higher up the food chain that can override the unknowing.. without being rude about it, of course.. ๐
Took Vietnam airlines. Status recognized at airport but had trouble getting it recognised when booking. So couldn’t pre select seats etc.
I managed to use it for a recent SIN-TPE-SIN family trip on China Airlines. Absolute life saving given that the flight was full and super long queues at Economy class. Managed to skip the queue at Business class check-in. They had difficulty recognizing ITA status at both SIN and TPE but they managed to provide additional 1 piece of check in luggage (strictly non negotiable), 2 x lounge access, priority for luggage and boarding and greetings by name by stewardess at Economy class. Had to forgo my miles as they could not enter ITA into their system. I am happy… Read more »