Alitalia no longer flies. It stopped in 2021. Read its story
Quick verdict
Deciding between Lufthansa and Alitalia often comes down to what a traveler prioritizes. Lufthansa consistently delivers on reliability, a vast network, and a polished, efficient experience, making it a strong choice for those seeking predictability and premium service, especially for international and business travel. Its robust operations mean fewer surprises and a generally smoother journey. Alitalia, even with its recent metamorphosis into ITA Airways, offers a distinct value proposition, particularly for those flying to, from, or within Italy. It often provides a more direct connection to Italian destinations and can sometimes offer competitive fares, making it an attractive option for leisure travelers or those prioritizing a taste of Italian hospitality. The trade-off may occasionally be less seamless connectivity or a network not as extensive as its German counterpart. Ultimately, if efficiency and breadth of network are paramount, Lufthansa often wins out, but for an authentic Italian gateway and potentially better value on specific routes, Alitalia (or ITA Airways) remains a compelling option.
At a glance
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Lufthansa, the German aviation giant, stands as a pillar of European air travel. Known for its expansive global network, punctuality, and a reputation for efficiency, it caters to a broad spectrum of travelers, from business executives to leisure tourists seeking a reliable journey. Its long-standing presence and consistent service have cemented its status as a premium carrier. On the other side, we have Alitalia, the flag carrier of Italy, now transitioning to ITA Airways. For decades, Alitalia has been the aerial ambassador of Italian style and hospitality. While it has faced well-documented financial challenges and operational restructuring over the years, its appeal has often centered on its direct access to Italy and a certain
About Lufthansa Read more
Overview
Lufthansa is Germany's largest airline and the flagship carrier of Lufthansa Group. According to Wikipedia, it traces its history to Deutsche Luft Hansa, founded on 6 January 1926, and was re-established in 1953. It is headquartered in Cologne, operates hubs at Frankfurt and Munich, and is a founding member of Star Alliance. Its frequent-flyer programme is Miles & More. The airline is still operating passenger services in 2026, its centenary year.
Network and hubs
Frankfurt and Munich are the main hubs. For summer 2026, Aviation Outlook reports that Lufthansa Group offers more than 14,000 weekly connections to 330 destinations in around 100 countries. That figure covers the whole group, not only the Lufthansa brand, and the same source describes a shift away from loss-making short-haul feeder flying towards long-haul growth. Lufthansa has also taken a stake in ITA Airways, with an option to acquire the remainder later.
Fleet
Wikipedia lists a mainline fleet of 274 aircraft and 229 destinations (retrieved September 2026; some infobox data may lag). Lufthansa Group as a whole had 737 aircraft at the end of 2025, with 219 more on order, according to Aviation Outlook. The long-haul fleet includes Airbus A350-900s, and Wikipedia also covers A340-600s, A380s and Boeing 747-8s, some of which are being refitted.
On board
- Cabins: Economy, Premium Economy, Business and, on selected aircraft, First Class.
- Premium Economy: introduced in 2014, with a seat pitch of about 38 inches, according to Wikipedia.
- Allegris: the airline's newer long-haul cabin product, which is being introduced across the long-haul fleet. Availability varies by aircraft.
- Meal, entertainment and Wi-Fi details vary by route and cabin. Check the airline's website before booking.
Good to know
- Baggage: a third-party guide (2025) says Economy and Premium Economy include one 8 kg cabin bag (55x40x23 cm). Economy Light includes no checked bag, while Economy Flex includes two 23 kg bags. Business and First include two cabin bags. Rules change, so confirm on lufthansa.com.
- Lounges: Lufthansa operates lounges at Frankfurt and Munich, including First Class lounges and a First Class Terminal in Frankfurt.
- Loyalty: Miles & More has Frequent Traveller (Star Alliance Silver), Senator and HON Circle (both Star Alliance Gold) levels, with lounge access at the higher tiers.
About Alitalia Read more
Global Network and Operations
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Alitalia, Italy’s former flagship carrier, operated a wide network spanning Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and Africa before ceasing operations in 2021. Its main hubs included Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate airports. The airline's fleet primarily consisted of Airbus A319, A320, A321, and Boeing 777 aircraft, serving both short-haul and long-haul routes. Before its restructuring, Alitalia was part of several subsidiaries and code-sharing partnerships enhancing its global reach.
Innovation and Milestones
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Throughout its historic operation since 1946, Alitalia achieved significant milestones:
- Pioneer in introducing the first Italian jet service in the 1950s.
- Adopted advanced in-flight entertainment systems on long-haul flights.
- Implemented initiatives to improve operational efficiency and customer service, including digital booking platforms.
- Alitalia was a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance, strengthening its network collaboration globally.
Customer Experience and Recognition
Alitalia offered multiple cabin classes including Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class equipped with lie-flat seats on select long-haul flights. The airline was recognized for its Italian hospitality, cuisine, and style onboard, often receiving praise for cabin comfort and service quality. Its frequent flyer program, MilleMiglia, rewarded loyal passengers extensively.
Future Outlook
After facing financial challenges leading to its closure, Alitalia’s legacy was succeeded by ITA Airways, which builds upon the foundation to revive national air travel in Italy with a modernized fleet and renewed focus on sustainability and expanding international routes.
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