Best Times to Book and Average Prices for Flights from the U.S. to Italy
Planning a trip to Italy? One of the biggest expenses travelers face is airfare. Flight prices vary depending on the time of year, departure city, and how far in advance tickets are booked. Here’s a guide to help you find the best deals when flying from major U.S. cities to Italy’s top destinations: Milan, Venice, Florence, and Rome.
Average Flight Prices to Italy
While airfare fluctuates, here are the general average prices for round-trip economy flights from the U.S. to Italy:
- Rome (FCO): $600 – $1,200
- Milan (MXP): $550 – $1,100
- Venice (VCE): $650 – $1,300
- Florence (FLR): $700 – $1,400
When to Find the Best Deals
The best time to find cheaper flights is usually during the off-season. Italy’s peak travel months are June through August, with prices skyrocketing during these months. To save money, consider these alternatives:
- Low Season (November – March): Flights are generally at their lowest, often dropping by 30–40% compared to peak season.
- Shoulder Season (April – May, September – October): You can still find good deals, especially if booking in advance.
Cheapest U.S. Departure Cities
Flights from the East Coast are typically more affordable than from the West Coast. Here are some of the lowest fares commonly found:
- New York (JFK/EWR) to Rome: Starts at $450 (low season deals can be as low as $350)
- Boston (BOS) to Milan: Starts at $500
- Chicago (ORD) to Venice: Starts at $550
- Los Angeles (LAX) to Florence: Starts at $650
Alternative Airports:
Here is a list of alternative international airports in Italy that accept flights from abroad, offering potential savings and convenience:
Northern Italy:
- Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport (BGY) – A major low-cost hub near Milan, with international flights from across Europe.
- Turin Caselle Airport (TRN) – Serves international flights, especially from European cities, and is a gateway to the Alps.
- Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN) – Handles international flights from Europe and is convenient for visiting Lake Garda.
- Treviso Airport (TSF) – An alternative to Venice’s main airport, serving many budget airlines from European destinations.
Central Italy:
- Pisa International Airport (PSA) – Tuscany’s main international gateway, with flights from Europe and some seasonal long-haul options.
- Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) – A well-connected airport with European and intercontinental routes.
Southern Italy:
- Naples Capodichino Airport (NAP) – The main international airport for southern Italy, with connections to Europe and beyond.
- Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI) – A key hub in Puglia, welcoming international flights from major European cities.
- Brindisi Salento Airport (BDS) – Another Puglia airport with international routes, primarily within Europe.
Sicily & Sardinia:
- Palermo Falcone Borsellino Airport (PMO) – Offers international flights, mainly from Europe and the Mediterranean.
- Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) – The largest airport in Sicily, serving European and some seasonal intercontinental flights.
- Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG) – The primary gateway to Sardinia, with European international connections.
- Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) – Handles international flights, especially from northern and central Europe.
These airports provide international connections, particularly from Europe, and can be great alternatives to the busiest hubs like Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Milan Malpensa (MXP). Many budget airlines, including Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air, operate from these locations, offering more affordable flight options.
Tips to Save on Flights
- Book in Advance: Prices tend to be lower when booking 2–4 months ahead.
- Use Fare Comparison Tools: Websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak help track and compare prices.
- Be Flexible with Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) often yields the cheapest fares.
- Consider Nearby Airports: Flying into Milan instead of Florence, or vice versa, could save you a few hundred dollars.
- Sign Up for Airline Alerts: Airlines occasionally offer flash sales or mistake fares.
Final Thoughts
Italy is a dream destination, and with a little planning, you can score affordable flights. The key is flexibility—both with travel dates and departure cities. By booking strategically and avoiding peak travel months, you can make your Italian adventure a reality without breaking the bank!
