I’ve been flying to Italy for over a decade, and the airline you choose matters more than you’d think. Some get you to smaller cities nobody else serves. Others have better business class for less money. A few are just more reliable when things go wrong.
2026 has some genuinely useful changes. United started flying to Bari, which means you can reach Puglia without connecting through Rome. American brought back Miami-Milan after years off. Delta added Sardinia and Malta. Air Canada launched Montreal-Catania. These routes open up parts of Italy that used to need an extra flight.
I’ve flown every airline on this list multiple times. I know which seats are the most comfortable, which ones show up on time, and where the good sales happen. This guide covers the 10 best airlines to fly to Italy in 2026, including what routes they fly, what the cabins are like, and what you need to know before booking.
New EU Border Checks Now Live
Italy now runs the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), fully operational since April 10, 2026. The first time you land in the Schengen Area, you’ll register your fingerprints and a facial scan at the border instead of getting a passport stamp, so leave extra time at your first Italian or connecting EU airport. There’s nothing to do beforehand and it’s free, but note that ETIAS, the separate pre-travel authorization, is still expected to launch in late 2026.
Flying to Italy in 2026: All you need to know
Planning your flight to Italy? After 12+ trips over the years, here are a few insider tips to help you fly smarter, save money, and avoid rookie mistakes.
- Major Gateways: Italy’s main international airports are in Rome (FCO), Milan (MXP), and Venice (VCE). Florence and Naples are solid secondary options if you’re visiting central or southern Italy.
- Best Time to Book: For summer and fall trips, book 3–5 months out for the best fares. Use tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and especially Going.com for deal alerts. I once scored Boston–Milan roundtrip for $325!
- Nonstop vs. One-Stop: Direct flights save time but cost more. European connections through Zurich, Paris, or Amsterdam are usually cheaper and the hubs are efficient. You’re looking at 90 minutes to two hours between flights, which is manageable.
- Stopover Hack: ITA and Turkish let you add Rome or Istanbul to your trip at no extra cost. Turkish will even put you up in a hotel for free if your layover is long enough.
- What to Pack: Flights get cold, even in summer. I always bring a hoodie, compression socks, and snacks for long-haul legs. Meals are hit or miss, so pack backup food if you’re picky.
Want to save big on airfare? Sign up here for free flight alerts or try the Elite tier for luxury fare deals.
At a Glance: What Each Airline Is Best For
| Airline | Best For |
|---|---|
| ITA Airways | Direct flights to Italy with the best domestic connections |
| United Airlines | Direct flights to secondary Italian cities and Star Alliance benefits |
| Delta Air Lines | Most extensive Italy network from US hubs |
| Air France | Convenient connections through Paris with refined service |
| Lufthansa | Reliable service to Italy with efficient connections through Frankfurt and Munich |
| Turkish Airlines | Excellent value with high-quality service and free Istanbul stopover program |
| American Airlines | Miami-based travelers and those connecting through major US hubs to Italy |
| Air Canada | Canadian travelers and those connecting through Montreal or Toronto |
| Swiss International Air Lines | Premium transatlantic service with efficient Zurich connections |
| KLM Royal Dutch Airlines | Efficient Amsterdam connections with consistent service and frequent Italy sales |
1. 🇮🇹 ITA Airways
- 🏠 Base: Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
- ✈️ Best For: Direct flights to Italy with the best domestic connections
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and Magnifica (long-haul)
- 🧳 Baggage Policy: Personal item and carry-on included; checked bag included on most fares
- 💳 Loyalty Program: Lufthansa Miles & More (the old Volare program closed when ITA joined the Lufthansa Group)
- 🧠 Pro Tip: ITA joined Star Alliance on April 1, 2026, so you can now earn and redeem miles across United, Air Canada, and 20+ other carriers
ITA Airways is Italy’s national carrier, and 2026 has been a big year for them. The airline officially joined Star Alliance on April 1, 2026, and if you’re a points person, this is huge. Your miles now work across the entire Star Alliance network, and you get lounge access at over 130 airports worldwide.
From Rome, ITA flies nonstop to Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York JFK, San Francisco, Toronto, and Washington Dulles. They’re the only carrier flying some of these routes, and their schedule is built around convenient departure and arrival times. If you’re heading somewhere beyond Rome or Milan, ITA flies to 18 domestic Italian cities. That includes places like Bari, Catania, and Palermo that you’d otherwise need to connect through a European hub to reach.
The long haul fleet consists of modern Airbus A350s and A330neos. Business class is comfortable with lie flat seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, so everyone gets aisle access. The food is good, the wine selection is solid, and the service feels authentically Italian without being over the top. I’ve flown them multiple times, and the crew consistently delivers helpful, friendly service.
For 2026, ITA is one of the best airlines to fly to Italy with easy onward connections. The Star Alliance membership opens up award availability and lounge access that wasn’t there before. They’re not the cheapest option every time, but the combination of convenience, service, and network makes them my top pick for flying to Italy this year.
- Read next: Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Italy
2. 🇺🇸 United Airlines
- 🏠 Base: Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
- ✈️ Best For: Direct flights to secondary Italian cities and Star Alliance benefits
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Economy Plus, Premium Plus, and Polaris Business Class
- 🧳 Baggage Policy: Personal item and carry-on included; checked bags available for purchase
- 💳 Loyalty Program: MileagePlus (miles never expire)
- 🧠 Pro Tip: United is launching the first ever nonstop flight from the US to Bari starting May 1, 2026, and continuing Palermo service
United is launching its nonstop service from Newark to Bari on May 1, operating four times weekly on a Boeing 767-300ER with lie flat Polaris business class. This is huge news. Bari is the gateway to Puglia, one of Italy’s most beautiful regions, and United will be the only US carrier flying there. They’re also continuing their seasonal Palermo service, which makes them the only airline connecting the US directly to Sicily.
Next summer, United will fly to six Italian cities from Newark: Rome, Milan, Venice, Naples, Bari, and Palermo. That’s more Italian destinations than any other US carrier. The schedule is designed around convenient connections, so if you’re flying from anywhere in the US, you can usually get to Italy with just one stop in Newark.
The Polaris business class product is fantastic. You get lie flat seats in a 1-2-1 configuration on the 767s flying to Italy, which means direct aisle access for everyone. The food has improved significantly over the past few years, and the bedding is comfortable. If you’re connecting through Newark, the Polaris Lounge is one of the best business class lounges in the US, with a full service restaurant, shower suites, and a recently expanded dining room that opened in 2025.
United is my top pick if you’re flying to Sicily or Southern Italy. The Bari route opens up Puglia without needing to connect through Rome, and the Palermo flight gets you to Sicily’s capital in one shot. MileagePlus miles are easy to earn through credit cards and hotel transfers, and award availability to Italy is generally good if you book early. United isn’t always the cheapest, but the combination of direct routes to places other airlines don’t serve and strong Star Alliance benefits makes them worth checking first.
✈️ How I Fly for a Fraction of the Price (Even Business Class)
Airfare keeps climbing, but I almost never pay full price. Going.com emails me roundtrips to Europe for under $350. With Elite, you’ll even see business class to Europe for ~$1,700 (deals you won’t find on Google Flights).
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3. 🇺🇸 Delta Air Lines
- 🏠 Base: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- ✈️ Best For: Most extensive Italy network from US hubs
- 💺 Cabin Options: Main Cabin, Comfort+, Premium Select, and Delta One
- 🧳 Baggage Policy: Personal item and carry-on included; checked bags available for purchase
- 💳 Loyalty Program: SkyMiles program (miles never expire)
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Delta launches flights to Sardinia in May 2026, the first US carrier to fly there nonstop
Delta flies to more Italian cities than any other US airline. By summer 2026, they’ll serve seven destinations including Rome, Milan, Venice, Naples, Catania, and the brand new Sardinia route. Starting May 20, you can fly direct from JFK to Olbia without connecting through Rome.
Delta’s big advantage is hub flexibility. You can fly to Rome from Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, JFK, Minneapolis, or Seattle. Milan has service from Atlanta, Boston, and JFK. If you live near any of these cities, you’ve got a direct or single connection option instead of routing through the East Coast.
Their Italy flights use 767s and A330s with lie flat Delta One seats. The product is comfortable and the food has improved. If you’re connecting through JFK in business class, the Delta One Lounge has full restaurant service and it’s one of the better lounges in the US.
I’ve booked SkyMiles awards to Italy several times. The trick is booking around 11 months out when space first opens up. You’ll have better luck finding business class seats at reasonable mileage rates. If Delta’s pricing looks high, check Air France or KLM through the same SkyMiles search since they’re partners.
If you live in Atlanta, Minneapolis, or Seattle, Delta is your best option for Italy. Already collecting SkyMiles? Same story. The network is the most extensive from the US, and having seven Italian cities to choose from gives you flexibility most other carriers can’t match.
- Read next: Affordable Places to Fly from Atlanta
4. 🇫🇷 Air France
- 🏠 Base: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
- ✈️ Best For: Convenient connections through Paris with refined service
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and La Première (select routes)
- 🧳 Baggage Policy: Personal item and carry-on included; one checked bag included on most fares
- 💳 Loyalty Program: Flying Blue miles program with four elite levels
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Air France added extra daily flights to both Milan airports in winter 2025, making connections even easier
Air France connects to Italy through Paris, and they’ve quietly built one of the better networks for getting there. They fly to Rome, Milan (both Linate and Malpensa), Venice, Florence, Bologna, Turin, Naples, and several smaller cities. That coverage means you can connect through Paris to just about anywhere in Italy worth visiting.
Paris Charles de Gaulle is a massive hub, but Air France has their operation down. The connections are timed well, usually giving you 90 minutes to two hours between flights. They added an extra daily flight to both Milan airports this past winter, which tells you demand is strong and they’re responding to it.
The onboard experience is typically French. The food in Air France business class is several notches above what most airlines serve, with French wines and fresh meals. Even in economy, you get complimentary wine with dinner and the croissants at breakfast are better than what you’d find at most US airports. Their new La Première first class cabin is rolling out on select routes, though you won’t see it on Italy flights since those are all short haul from Paris.
Flying Blue is a solid loyalty program. Miles don’t expire, which is helpful if you’re not flying constantly. Award space to Italy opens up pretty well if you book early, and the program is shared with KLM, so you’ve got backup options. I’ve used Flying Blue miles for Italy trips and found decent availability, especially in economy.
Air France works best for East Coast travelers who don’t mind a Paris connection. The schedule from New York, Boston, and DC connects well with Italy flights. You’re also getting a nicer onboard product than most US carriers offer, and Paris makes for a pleasant connection point.
- Read next: Hidden Gems in Italy
5. 🇩🇪 Lufthansa
- 🏠 Base: Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
- ✈️ Best For: Reliable service to Italy with efficient connections through Frankfurt and Munich
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class (select routes)
- 🧳 Baggage Policy: Personal item and carry-on included; one checked bag on most fares
- 💳 Loyalty Program: Miles & More (Lufthansa Group’s program, shared with SWISS, Austrian, and now ITA Airways)
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Lufthansa runs regular fare sales from US gateways, and Miles & More now covers SWISS, Austrian, and ITA, so your points stretch across the whole group’s Italy network
Lufthansa flies to 12 Italian cities from Frankfurt and Munich, including Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence, Bologna, Naples, and Turin. That’s comprehensive coverage if you’re connecting through Germany.
The big development for 2026 is that Lufthansa now owns 41% of ITA Airways. This means you can book smooth connections from any US city through Frankfurt or Munich to anywhere in Italy that ITA serves. The schedules are coordinated and it’s all on one ticket, which matters if something goes wrong.
Munich is consistently rated one of Europe’s best airports. It’s clean, efficient, and easy to navigate. Frankfurt is bigger and busier but still well organized. Both hubs have good lounges if you’re flying business class. Connection times are usually reasonable, around 90 minutes to two hours.
Business class on Lufthansa is comfortable but not flashy. The seats are lie flat, the food is solid, and the service is professional. Their Munich hub has excellent lounges if you’re connecting in business or first class. I’ve used their Frankfurt lounges multiple times and they’re spacious with good food options.
Miles & More is worth considering because it works across the entire Lufthansa Group, including ITA now. That’s a massive network. Award availability to Italy is generally good if you book when space opens at 11 months out.
Lufthansa is a top choice if you’re already routing through Germany or if you live in the Midwest. Their network from Frankfurt and Munich to Italy is strong, and now with ITA in the picture, you’ve got even more connection options throughout Italy.
- Read next: Beautiful Cities in Europe
6. 🇹🇷 Turkish Airlines
- 🏠 Base: Istanbul Airport (IST)
- ✈️ Best For: Excellent value with high-quality service and free Istanbul stopover program
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy and Business Class
- 🧳 Baggage Policy: Personal item, carry-on, and 2 checked bags included even in economy
- 💳 Loyalty Program: Miles&Smiles with four elite tiers
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Turkish offers a free Istanbul stopover program with complimentary hotel stays for longer connections
Turkish Airlines flies to nine Italian cities from Istanbul: Rome, Milan, Venice, Bologna, Naples, Bari, Catania, Palermo, and Turin. The fares typically run $200 to $300 less than direct flights from the US, which is why I keep booking them.
The Istanbul connection is easier than you’d think. The airport is huge but clear signage makes it manageable, and Turkish times their Italy connections well. You’ll usually have 90 minutes to two hours between flights. If you end up with a longer layover, Turkish offers a layover program in Istanbul where they’ll put you up in a hotel for free.
You get two free checked bags in economy, which alone can save you $70 each way compared to US carriers. The meals are surprisingly good, and business class has lie flat seats if you want to splurge. The service feels genuine rather than robotic. The Istanbul lounges are worth getting to the airport early for if you’re in business class.
If you’re watching your budget but don’t want to suffer through a bare-bones flight, I highly recommend considering Turkish Airlines. You’ll save a few hundred dollars compared to direct flights, the service is better than most US carriers, and you can explore Istanbul if you build in time.
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- You may also like: Affordable Places to Fly from Rome
7. 🇺🇸 American Airlines
- 🏠 Base: Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- ✈️ Best For: Miami-based travelers and those connecting through major US hubs to Italy
- 💺 Cabin Options: Main Cabin, Main Cabin Extra, Premium Economy, and Flagship Business
- 🧳 Baggage Policy: Personal item and carry-on included; checked bags available for purchase
- 💳 Loyalty Program: AAdvantage miles program (miles never expire)
- 🧠 Pro Tip: American launches year-round Miami-Milan service on March 29, 2026, the first nonstop between these cities since before the pandemic
American Airlines is making a major comeback to Italy in 2026. The big headline is their new daily Miami-Milan flight starting March 29, operating on a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with lie-flat business class. The schedule works well: 8 PM departure from Miami, landing at 11:30 AM in Milan. Return flight leaves at 2:05 PM, arriving Miami at 6:40 PM.
By summer 2026, American will operate 18 daily flights from the US to Italy and Greece combined. They serve Rome from Miami, New York JFK, Philadelphia, and Chicago. Milan gets service from JFK, Philadelphia, and now Miami. If you’re anywhere in their domestic network, you can connect through one of these hubs.
The real advantage is Miami. If you’re in Florida, the southern US, or connecting from Latin America or the Caribbean, American gives you a one-stop option to Italy without routing through the Northeast. They’re also opening a new Admirals Club and Flagship Lounge at Miami in 2026, and upgrading all their Flagship Lounges with James Beard Foundation chef-curated menus.
AAdvantage miles are easy to earn, and award availability to Italy is decent if you book around 10 months out. If Miami is your connection point, American should be your first stop for Italy flights in 2026.
- Read next: Cheap Places to Fly from Canada
- Read more: 15 Cheapest Airports to Fly Into Italy
8. 🇨🇦 Air Canada
- 🏠 Base: Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
- ✈️ Best For: Canadian travelers and those connecting through Montreal or Toronto
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, and Signature Class (business)
- 🧳 Baggage Policy: Personal item and carry-on included; checked bag fees vary by fare
- 💳 Loyalty Program: Aeroplan points program with expanded redemption options
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Air Canada launches Montreal-Catania service on June 4, 2026, the first ever nonstop between Canada and Sicily
Air Canada is launching a game-changing route for 2026: Montreal to Catania, Sicily. Starting June 4 and running through October 22, this is the first direct flight between Canada and Sicily. The route operates three times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays using a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. Flight time is 8 hours and 40 minutes.
The schedule works well for connections. Departing Montreal at 7:35 PM, arriving Catania at 10:15 AM the next day. Return leaves Catania at 11:50 AM, landing Montreal at 3:20 PM. If you’re connecting from elsewhere in Canada, book it on one ticket for better baggage handling and protection if connections are tight.
Air Canada also flies year-round from Toronto and Montreal to Rome. The Toronto-Rome route is great if you’re planning to explore beyond Sicily, and their codeshare partnership with ITA Airways (launched in 2025) gives you easy connections throughout Italy on a single ticket.
The 787 Dreamliner cabin is comfortable with better air pressure and humidity than older planes, which helps with jet lag. Signature Class has lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 configuration. Premium economy is a decent middle option if you want extra legroom without the business class price tag.
Aeroplan miles are useful for Italy bookings. Award space opens up around 11 months out, and you’ll need roughly 46,600 points one-way in economy. The program has good earning options through credit cards and transfers from hotel programs.
If you’re in Canada or connecting through Montreal, Air Canada’s Sicily route is huge news for 2026. Direct access to Catania means you’re landing right near Mount Etna, Taormina, and Syracuse without routing through Rome first.
- Read next: Most Beautiful Cities in Italy
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- For more reading: Cheapest Places to Fly to in Canada from the US
- Keep reading: Cheapest Places to Fly Into Mexico
- Also worth reading: Austrian Airlines Business Class Guide
9. 🇨🇭 Swiss International Air Lines
- 🏠 Base: Zurich Airport (ZRH)
- ✈️ Best For: Premium transatlantic service with efficient Zurich connections
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class
- 🧳 Baggage Policy: Personal item and carry-on included; one checked bag included on most fares
- 💳 Loyalty Program: Miles & More program (shared with Lufthansa Group)
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Swiss debuts its revolutionary new A350 with “SWISS Senses” cabins in January 2026, featuring private first class suites
Swiss is launching its most ambitious product upgrade in company history with the new Airbus A350 and SWISS Senses cabin concept. The first A350 entered service in October 2025 on European routes for crew training, with Boston service starting January 1, 2026. The new cabin is a complete redesign from nose to tail.
The A350 features four first class suites with sliding doors for total privacy, including a bookable “First Grand Suite” that combines two suites into a private space. Business class gets 45 lie-flat suites with direct aisle access. Premium economy and economy both see upgrades with larger screens, bluetooth audio, and improved comfort. By the end of 2026, Swiss will have four A350s flying, with the fleet expanding to 10 by 2031.
Swiss serves multiple Italian cities from Zurich including Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence, and Bologna. Venice alone gets up to 29 weekly flights during summer 2026. The Zurich hub is clean, efficient, and rarely crowded compared to Frankfurt or Munich. Connection times are usually 90 minutes to two hours, which is manageable.
The airline has a reputation for excellent onboard service, including their famous barista coffee service and Swiss chocolate. Food quality is consistently good, even in economy. They’re part of the Lufthansa Group now, which means seamless connections with ITA Airways and access to the entire Miles & More program.
If you’re prioritizing premium cabin comfort and willing to connect through Zurich, I highly recommend Swiss. The A350 with SWISS Senses represents the future of their product, and it’s worth seeking out flights on this aircraft if you’re booking business or first class. For US travelers, Boston service is already bookable, with Montreal starting February 2026.
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- For more reading: Air Travel Updates
✈️ How I catch lie-flat business class to Italy for a fraction of the list price
Most of the airlines on this list fly gorgeous business cabins to Italy, but I almost never pay sticker for them. Going Elite is how I catch transatlantic biz fares to Rome and Milan when they drop into the $1,700 to $2,000 range, often less than half what Google Flights shows for the same routing. It’s saved me well over $10K a year, and one good fare drop covers the membership several times over.
Try Going Elite free for 14 days — use code JON25 for 25% off if you keep it.
10. 🇳🇱 KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- 🏠 Base: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
- ✈️ Best For: Efficient Amsterdam connections with consistent service and frequent Italy sales
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Economy Comfort, Premium Comfort, and World Business Class
- 🧳 Baggage Policy: Personal item and carry-on included; one checked bag included on most fares
- 💳 Loyalty Program: Flying Blue miles program (shared with Air France)
- 🧠 Pro Tip: KLM is consistently rated one of the world’s most punctual airlines, and their codeshare with ITA Airways gives you access to eight additional Italian destinations beyond their direct routes
KLM flies directly from Amsterdam to nine Italian cities: Rome, Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Venice, Florence, Bologna, Turin, Genoa, and Catania. The 2021 codeshare deal with ITA Airways extends this even further, giving you access to Palermo, Bari, Brindisi, Trieste, and other destinations via Rome connections.
Amsterdam Schiphol is one of Europe’s best hub airports. Everything is under one roof, signage is clear in English, and connection times are usually smooth. The airport consistently ranks high for efficiency, and KLM’s punctuality record backs this up. They’re frequently ranked among the world’s most on-time airlines.
The service feels distinctly Dutch. Economy includes complimentary meals and drinks on European routes. Premium Comfort gives you extra legroom and better seats at a reasonable upcharge. World Business Class has lie-flat seats on long-haul flights with solid food and attentive service.
KLM regularly runs “Dream Deals” that drop Italy fares by 25-30% off standard prices. These sales pop up frequently, especially for spring and fall travel. If you’re flexible with dates, signing up for their fare alerts can save you hundreds. I’ve seen roundtrips from the US to Italy for under $600 during their promotional periods.
Flying Blue is shared with Air France, which gives you more redemption options. Miles don’t expire, and award availability to Italy opens up well if you book around 11 months out. The program partners with both SkyTeam airlines and several hotels, making miles easier to earn.
If you’re connecting through Amsterdam or looking for reliable service at competitive prices, KLM delivers. They’re not flashy, but they’re consistent, punctual, and their Italy network is one of the most extensive among European carriers.
- Read next: Best Airlines to Fly to Europe
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- For more reading: Iberia Business Class Guide
Global Viewpoint is a personal blog. All content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional financial, medical, or legal advice.
