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ITA Lounge Access for Miles & More Frequent Traveller Status Holders
If you hold Miles & More Frequent Traveller status, it’s good news. From 1st July, you will have access to ITA lounges as part of ITA’s integration into the Lufthansa group. ITA is beneficial for reaching southern Italy or connecting onwards to long-haul routes via Rome Fiumicino.
ITA Lounges include:
- Hangar Lounge – Rome Fiumicino (Schengen)
- Piazza di Spagna – Rome Fiumicino (non‑Schengen)
- Runway Lounge – Milan Linate
- Piazza Vincenzo Bellini – Catania Fontanarossa
Frequent Traveller status holders will also benefit from priority boarding and an increased baggage allowance on ITA flights.
Here’s what you can expect as a Miles & More status holder when flying with ITA:
Here’s how Miles & More Frequent Traveller status matches up:
| Miles & More Status | How to Earn Status | ITA Volare Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Frequent Traveller | 650 Points + 325 Qualifying Points | Club Plus (30,000 Qualifying Points) |
| Senator | 2,000 Points + 1,000 Qualifying Points | Club Premium (60,000 Qualifying Points) |
| HON Circle | 6,000 HON Circle Points (on business/first with Lufthansa Group) | Club Executive (90,000 Qualifying Points) |
What’s Already In Place?
February 2025:
- Miles & More members can earn and redeem miles on all ITA Airways flights.
- ITA members can earn and redeem Volare Points with Lufthansa Group airlines.
March 2025:
- Senator and HON Circle members now receive lounge access benefits when flying with ITA.
- ITA has relocated to Terminal 1 at Frankfurt and Terminal 2 at Munich to align with the rest of the Lufthansa Group.
What’s to Come?
1st July 2025:
- Codeshare offers for ITA long-haul flights – 100 new intercontinental connections.
Beginning of 2026:
- ITA to join the Star Alliance
If you’re wondering what it’s like to fly ITA, read our London City to Rome Business Class review and Rome to Dubai Business Class Review.
Radisson RED to Open First Central London Hotel
Radisson, in partnership with PPHE Hotel Group, is set to debut the first Radisson RED in central London in 2029. The closing of this transaction will be finalised in the coming months.
The hotel will be located on Leman Street, replacing two dated office buildings, just a short walk from Liverpool Street Station and Tower Bridge. There will be at least 182 rooms, a restaurant, a bar, a gym, and office space.
Radisson RED combines bold and cutting-edge design with boutique-style service. The brand already has a presence in London with hotels at Heathrow, Gatwick, and Greenwich.
The opening may be years off, but it’s worth keeping an eye on, particularly if you often stay near Liverpool Street. Until then, top luxurious alternatives nearby include:
- The Andaz London by Hyatt
- Pan Pacific
- Montcalm Royal London House
- Virgin Hotels Shoreditch.
Radisson is rapidly expanding, with 1,565 hotels in operation and under development across more than 95 countries. It’s worth signing up for Radisson Rewards, especially with the current status match available via Avolta and complimentary Premium status via Amex Platinum.
The United Status Challenge Promotion Ends on Monday
United is running a status match promotion for elite status holders of American, Southwest, Delta, Alaska Airlines, British Airways and Qantas. This is an excellent opportunity to benefit from Star Alliance status, whether you’re looking at switching alliances or you’d find it beneficial to have status with more than one alliance.
To apply for the status challenge, submit your details and documents (including proof of valid elite status through 2025). You must have an account (or set one up) with United MileagePlus to be eligible to apply.
After approval, you must take a United-operated flight within 90 days – this becomes your ‘Activating Flight’ and triggers your 120-day challenge period.
You will be matched to a United status equivalent, ranging from Premier Silver to Premier 1K:
During the challenge, you must fly a set number of Premier Qualifying Flights (PQF) and earn Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) on United or United Express to keep your matched status:
-
Premier Silver: 5 PQF + 1,700 PQP
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Premier Gold: 10 PQF + 3,400 PQP
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Premier Platinum: 15 PQF + 5,000 PQP (plus 20 PlusPoints)
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Premier 1K: 20 PQF + 7,500 PQP (plus 100 PlusPoints)
If you complete the challenge, your status is extendable through to January 2027.
It’s worth noting that matched status is not available to those with temporary or promotional status, or who participated in a similar challenge in the past five years. It’s worth noting that you may not have access to all Premier benefits with United’s partners, including access to Star Alliance lounges during the Challenge Period.
If you’re willing to take on a challenge and fly United within the challenge window, this challenge could be a good option! Watch for our guide to airline status matches tomorrow, which will include details on other matches and challenges currently available. Make sure you also read our guide to status matches.
