A Look at ITA Airways vs. United and Delta for Premium Economy and Business Class
When planning a cruise to Europe, most travelers focus on the ship, the itinerary, and the destinations. But one piece of the journey can shape the entire experience before you even step on board — the flight.
For many of my cruise clients heading to Italy or connecting through Rome for Mediterranean sailings, one airline often appears in the search results: ITA Airways. Clients frequently ask how it compares with familiar U.S. carriers like United Airlines and Delta Air Lines.
I put together a simple comparison to help travelers understand the differences, particularly when choosing Premium Economy or Business Class for long-haul flights to Europe.
What Is ITA Airways?
ITA Airways is Italy’s national airline and the successor to Alitalia, which ceased operations in 2021.
The airline operates a modern fleet centered around new Airbus aircraft, including the Airbus A350 and Airbus A330neo, many of which feature newly designed cabins.
Its main hub is Rome Fiumicino Airport, which is convenient for travelers connecting to Mediterranean cruise ports such as Rome (Civitavecchia), Venice, Naples, and other Italian gateways.
In short, ITA Airways is a newer airline with modern aircraft, though it does not yet have the same global network as the larger U.S. carriers.
Comparing Premium Economy
Premium Economy has become one of the most popular options for transatlantic travel. It offers significantly more comfort than economy without the price of business class.
ITA Airways Premium Economy
ITA’s Premium Economy cabin is smaller and quieter than many competitors.
Highlights include:
Wider reclining seats
Approximately 38 inches of seat pitch
Footrest and leg support
Priority boarding
Upgraded meal service
The cabin tends to feel more intimate because fewer seats are installed.
United Premium Plus
United’s Premium Plus product offers:
Wider reclining seats with leg rests
Saks Fifth Avenue bedding items on overnight flights
Larger entertainment screens
Upgraded meals and beverages
United’s advantage is its extensive route network and loyalty program benefits.
Delta Premium Select
Delta’s Premium Select product is often considered the most refined of the three.
Features include:
Larger reclining seats
Elevated meal presentation
Dedicated cabin service
Good reliability and consistency
Delta tends to deliver the most polished service experience, though often at the highest price.
Typical Premium Economy Price Differences
For many transatlantic routes between the United States and Italy, average round-trip pricing generally looks like this:
ITA Airways: approximately $1,600–$2,100
United Premium Plus: approximately $1,900–$2,400
Delta Premium Select: approximately $2,200–$2,800
In many cases, ITA Airways can be 10–25% less expensive, which makes it an attractive value option for travelers who want more comfort without jumping to business class.
Business Class Comparison
For cruise clients beginning their vacation overseas, business class can be the best way to arrive rested and ready to enjoy embarkation day.
ITA Airways Business Class
ITA’s business class seats are fully lie-flat and feature a modern 1-2-1 configuration, meaning every passenger has aisle access.
Passengers can expect:
Italian-inspired cuisine
Premium wine selections
Stylish cabin design
Fully flat beds
Where ITA sometimes falls short compared to U.S. carriers is its smaller global lounge network.
United Polaris Business Class
United’s Polaris business class is designed primarily around sleep comfort.
Features include:
Fully flat pods
High-quality bedding
Polaris lounges at major airports
Good privacy for overnight flights
The seat itself is widely regarded as one of the best transatlantic sleeping environments.
Delta One Business Class
Delta One cabins on newer aircraft offer suites with sliding doors, strong service, and excellent catering.
Delta has built a reputation for delivering a consistent premium experience, though its pricing is usually the highest among the three airlines.
Typical Business Class Pricing
On flights between the U.S. and Italy, approximate round-trip pricing typically falls in these ranges:
ITA Airways: $2,800–$3,800
United Polaris: $3,200–$4,500
Delta One: $3,500–$5,000
Because of this pricing difference, ITA Airways is often considered one of the best values for transatlantic business class travel.
My Take for Cruise Travelers
For clients heading to Mediterranean cruises, I generally suggest the following approach:
Premium Economy: Delta or United offer strong consistency and service.
Business Class: ITA Airways can offer exceptional value while still providing a fully lie-flat experience.
Frequent Flyer Benefits: United or Delta may be preferable for travelers focused on loyalty programs.
Each airline offers a solid product, but the right choice depends on your priorities — comfort, price, loyalty benefits, or schedule.
Final Thought
Your vacation begins the moment you leave home, not when you board the cruise ship.
Choosing the right airline and cabin class can mean arriving in Europe rested, relaxed, and ready to enjoy every moment of your cruise experience.
If you are planning a European cruise and want guidance on flights, cabin options, or the best airline combinations for your itinerary, I’m always happy to help.
