Travelling is never just about moving from one place to another, but about living an experience full of memorable moments: from relaxing on board the train, to the comfort of services designed to make the journey pleasant, right up to your arrival at your destination. CartaFreccia, the Trenitalia (FS Italiane Group) loyalty programme dedicated to Frecciarossa customers, has always accompanied those who choose the train as their means of travel, enriching each journey with special attention and exclusive benefits. We met Mario Alovisi, Director of Marketing & Revenue Management at Trenitalia, and Stefano Pileri, CartaFreccia Infinite Platinum member, to find out what it means to be an Infinite Platinum member, what exclusive benefits this status offers, and the strategic partnerships designed to provide a top-level travel and lifestyle experience.
Director Alovisi, can you explain how the Infinite Platinum status came about and what value it represents for Trenitalia?
The Infinite Platinum status was introduced in February 2024, when the CartaFreccia programme reached over 10 million members. It is an exclusive recognition dedicated to the most loyal customers, those who have consistently chosen Trenitalia and Frecciarossa over the years. It is our way of saying "thank you" to those who accompany us on the long journey of growth and innovation.
What are the requirements to obtain this status?
The Infinite Platinum status grants lifetime Platinum status to those who have maintained it for 10 consecutive years, earning at least 7,500 status points each year. It is certainly a level that can only be achieved on merit: only those who demonstrate real and continuous loyalty, often travelling with Frecce, can become Infinite Platinum members.
What are the benefits of Infinite Platinum status?
The benefits are numerous. Among the main benefits are the permanent status with no expiration date, the option to gift an additional CartaFreccia Gold to a person of your choice, access to exclusive events organised by Trenitalia and its partners, and the opportunity to earn double points for each trip. In addition, members enjoy free access to FrecciaLounge and FrecciaClub with two companions, reward tickets, and special services such as on-board purchases without penalties and the "SuperFlex" flexibility that allows changing trains without time restrictions until midnight on the day of departure. We have also built a network of select partners who share our vision and values to cover a wide range of sectors and ensure an increasingly comprehensive experience tailored to our members' preferences, ensuring maximum added value.
Tell us about the most exclusive partnerships linked to this status.
Many partnerships are in line with Trenitalia’s focus on tourism. Among these, the collaboration with NERO Lifestyle allows Platinum and Infinite Platinum members to access the exclusive Blastness Club for Frecciarossa to book hotel stays throughout Italy with 40% discounted rates compared to those of the main online portals. Members can also enjoy a 20% discount when staying at the exclusive NERO Lifestyle Hotels throughout Italy. These partnerships demonstrate our dedication to providing exceptional experiences, both while travelling and during your leisure time.
What message is Trenitalia aiming to communicate through this reward?
Infinite Platinum status is a tangible sign of our gratitude to those who choose us every day. It is an invitation to experience travelling with Trenitalia as a complete journey, marked by comfort, exclusive benefits, and attention to detail. We want to build a lasting relationship of trust with our customers, always offering the very best.
INTERVIEW WITH A CARTAFRECCIA MEMBER INFINITE PLATINUM MEMBER
What has motivated you to choose Frecciarossa as your travel companion over all these years?
My regular route, several times a week for many years, is Milan-Rome. Then also Naples, Turin, and Bologna, but much less frequently. I prefer Frecciarossa to the plane because it takes me to the centre of the cities where I live and work. I’m fortunate to have homes in both Milan and Rome, and I really use the Frecciarossa like Italy’s subway. Additionally, Frecciarossa is preferable because you can board it just seconds before departure and it has very simple check-in procedures. Finally, thanks to its quiet zones, onboard meeting rooms, and Wi-Fi connectivity, it offers a positive experience that allows work activities to continue seamlessly even while travelling. Frecciarossa offers several advantages, such as onboard services, which are very well suited to the needs of people like me who travel a great deal - for example, the restaurant and bar service in a dedicated carriage.
Among the exclusive services reserved for our most loyal customers, is there one that you particularly appreciate?
The SuperFlex service is essential for me, especially because my schedule often changes suddenly or meetings are extended, making it difficult to keep initial bookings. I must say that the digital experience via the Trenitalia App is very simple and effective, it is an indispensable tool for easily managing changes to times and dates. That’s why I choose it so often and with the SuperFlex service, I can travel with even greater peace of mind. Furthermore, both FrecciaLounge and FrecciaClub stand out for the hospitality and courtesy of their staff, as well as the opportunity to enjoy high-quality snacks. I frequently use the Lounges for video conferences and business meetings before my trips, because I always feel comfortable there.
Did you know that in the last 10 years you have travelled a distance of 540,000 km?
To give you a comparison, it’s roughly 14 trips around the Earth along the equator.
Yes, I was told that I’ve travelled so much to the wonderful events that Trenitalia organised in Milan for us "serial" travellers! Well, I'm happy with that milestone. For me, business travel means staying present and accessible to colleagues across the company’s offices, to clients, and to institutional partners. Even in the digital age, where we have experienced first-hand the power of video communication, in-person contact is irreplaceable - it means giving and receiving attention and recognition, it means building teamwork! When the trip is for leisure and during holiday periods, travelling by train has a particular charm. Have you noticed that when we travel by train for leisure, we are all more open to chatting and curious to meet new people? That’s because the train has always felt like a familiar, welcoming space, and Frecciarossa has long understood the unique atmosphere it creates.
Since you travel a lot for work, what is your ideal type of holiday?
I actually really enjoy travelling even in my free time, and I'm increasingly enjoying doing it by train, distances permitting. I like the idea that with Frecciarossa we can easily go to Paris and I like the idea that with Eurocity we can go to Switzerland and Germany and that - with Intercity Night and Euronight - we can travel safely even at night. As I mentioned before, travel is an integral part of the holiday, it's nice to exchange experiences with those travelling around us. Trains take you to the city centre, so I don’t have to worry about traffic, and in large stations there’s everything I need if I’ve forgotten something. Recently, there is also the option to complete the journey by bus or taxi by booking the service together with the train.
How do you spend your time on board a Frecciarossa train?
I usually travel in the evening, leaving around 7:30pm and arriving around 10:30pm. It’s less common for me to depart very early, before 7 in the morning. I realise I'm not original, but when I travel I work. As soon as I get on the Frecciarossa, I connect to the on-board Wi-Fi and finish reading the day's messages (email, chat, LinkedIn, etc.). I prepare for meetings in the coming days and read reports and documents that are important for my work. During the trip, I take half an hour to connect to Rai Play and watch the 8pm news. I have to say that the quality of video streaming connections has improved a lot, and today we can even hold video conferences while travelling with good quality (although there are still occasional interruptions or slowdowns). As a telecommunications engineer, I am convinced that the network should deliver high quality across all of Italy’s more than 20,000 kilometres of railways. It is a goal we must achieve as quickly as possible.
Is there a particular moment from your train travels that has remained etched in your memory?
When I was a young man starting my career, I often travelled, always between Rome and Milan, and I would travel overnight in a sleeper carriage. Also, in Milan it used to snow more often, and there was often a lot of fog in winter. Those are beautiful memories, it felt like an adventure. Then came the high-speed train, and travel times became shorter. I remember that in the early days, fifteen years ago, I would glue myself to the window to appreciate the sensation of 300 km per hour and I particularly enjoyed seeing how, when parallel to the motorways, for example between Bologna and Milan, the Frecciarossa instantly overtook even the fastest cars. I enjoy it when we cross the rivers, especially the Po with its impressive width.
Have you ever taken advantage of the benefits offered by Trenitalia partners?
Sometimes I take advantage of services that help me complete my journey right to my home or office. The services I have used most are Enjoy car rental and Wetaxi. Especially during peak tourist and pilgrimage seasons in Italy, taxis can be hard to find, so booking in advance is very useful. I like the idea that Frecciarossa takes care of my door-to-door journey and has reliable partners to make it possible.
