A LoyaltyLobby reader from Italy dropped me an email about unannounced changes made to Alitalia’s MilleMiglia program overnight.
Seems that both economy and business class partner awards (at least between Europe – North America) now require 100% more miles and insane taxes/fees (mainly fuel surcharges).
Here’s what the reader wrote:
just to let you know that Alitalia changed the chart to redeem Millemiglia miles today.
Situation before:
BUSINESS CLASS TICKETS MULTICARRIER FOR USA
ECONOMY 50.000 MILES + 260€
BUSINESS 80.000 MILES + 260€
NOW:
ECONOMY 100.000 MILES + 350€
BUSINESS 200.000 MILES + 560€
please see below:
Conclusion
Etihad Airlines saved Alitalia the other year from going under (owns now 49% of the airline) and the CEO has not been happy with the Italian government of not keeping their promises made at the time.
It is absolutely crazy trying to charge 100,000 miles for transatlantic economy awards combined with 350 in taxes/fees. You can often buy a paid ticket for roughly the same amount during slow season.
If these really are intended changes to Alitalia’s program, cannot see why anyone would bank their Skyteam miles with them.
You may find more discussion about these changes from Italian frequent flier website Milionedimiglia.