Lufthansa Deepens ITA Airways Integration Ahead of Record Summer Travel
With record summer crowds, Lufthansa is stepping up: ITA Airways lounge access, smart bag check-in, improved punctuality, and deeper elite rewards redefine premium travel across Europe
Photo: Courtesy of Lufthansa
Lufthansa is expanding benefits for its frequent flyers and preparing for one of its busiest summer seasons to date. As of July 1, 2025, all Lufthansa Group status customers—Frequent Travelers, Senators, and HON Circle Members—will have access to ITA Airways lounges in Milan, Rome, and Catania.
This marks a new phase in the Lufthansa Group’s integration of ITA Airways, which officially joined the Group as its fifth network airline earlier this year.
Lounge Access and Status Benefits Expanded
Previously, only Lufthansa Senators and HON Circle Members had access to ITA Airways lounges, starting in March. Now, Frequent Travelers—mid-tier status holders in the Lufthansa Miles & More loyalty program—will also be granted access.
This change significantly increases lounge availability for Lufthansa Group elites, especially at Italian airports. “The harmonization of our Frequent Traveler status benefits across the Lufthansa Group marks a significant step for our most loyal guests,” said Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer of the Lufthansa Group.
Photo: Courtesy of Lufthansa
Lufthansa Group status passengers flying on ITA Airways will also benefit from other perks: priority check-in, additional baggage allowance, and waitlist priority. Senators and HON Circle Members gain additional benefits, including fast-track security, priority boarding, expedited baggage handling, and complimentary seat selection.
Miles & More members have been able to earn and redeem miles on ITA Airways flights since February 2025, with Business Class tickets also earning HON Circle Points.
Photo: Courtesy of Star Alliance
ITA Airways relocated to Terminal 1 in Frankfurt and Terminal 2 in Munich, consolidating all Lufthansa Group airlines in the same terminals at these hubs. The two carriers also launched a European codeshare partnership in March, covering over 100 routes. Long-haul codeshare services will begin on July 1.
ITA Airways is expected to join Star Alliance in early 2026.
Lufthansa Forecasts High Summer Demand
Lufthansa expects 186,000 passengers at Frankfurt Airport during the first weekend of the summer school holidays in Germany. The airline operates 211 routes from Frankfurt this summer—140 within Europe and 71 intercontinental.
Portugal, Greece, France, Italy, and Scandinavia are the most in-demand European destinations. On long-haul routes, Windhoek, Seattle, Los Angeles, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Bogotá are proving popular.
According to Lufthansa, its on-time performance has significantly improved. The airline now ranks among the top three European network carriers for punctuality, and it held the top spot for arrival punctuality this spring. Jens Ritter, CEO of Lufthansa, said the improvement is linked to €200 million invested in operational stability.
“A stable and punctual flight operation is a prerequisite for good customer experience,” Ritter said.
Technology Enhancements
Lufthansa has introduced new digital services, including enhanced mobile app functionality. The app now allows travelers to upload their passport during check-in and verify U.S. ESTA travel authorizations. It also offers real-time updates on gate assignments, departure times, and baggage status.
Photo: Courtesy of Lufthansa
In Frankfurt, Lufthansa has partnered with AirPortr to offer baggage pickup and check-in service for departing passengers. Travelers can have their luggage collected from their home or hotel, sealed, and transported to the airport. The process includes real-time tracking and a digital baggage tag. Travelers can proceed directly to security upon arrival at the airport.
Additional Awards and Services
Lufthansa was named the world’s most family-friendly airline at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards. The Lufthansa First Class Terminal in Frankfurt was also recognized as the world’s best First Class Lounge.
Photo: Courtesy of Lufthansa
The airline continues to roll out its new Allegris long-haul cabin and has reported an increase in customer satisfaction. “We are seeing a positive trend in customer satisfaction and customer interaction,” Ritter said.
The Lufthansa Group says it is prepared for high passenger volumes this summer and expects smoother operations compared to previous years. It attributes this to staffing improvements, expanded services, and better coordination across its growing airline portfolio.
