10 Best Airlines to Fly to Italy in 2025 (Ultimate Guide)

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Are you looking for the best airlines to fly to Italy? I’ve researched and compiled the top carriers to bring you to this enchanting European country. This list features airlines from the United States, Canada, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and more, ready to take you to Italy’s famous cities and breathtaking countryside.

Having visited Italy multiple times, I’ve flown with various airlines that cater to different preferences, whether traveling on a budget or in luxury. Here are the best airlines to fly to Italy right now!

Quick tip to find cheap flights to Italy

Looking for the cheapest flights to Italy? This is a game-changer: Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights).

Here’s the deal: Sign up for free email alerts and set your departure and destination. From there, you’ll get alerts for insanely cheap flights, mistake fares, and points deals.

I’ve saved thousands using Going, including a $325 roundtrip fare from Boston to Milan during the fall. Not bad!

Want even more deals? Their $49/year premium version is well worth it- just one discounted flight pays the whole thing. For business/first class, you’ll definitely want to sign up for their Elite version, which saved me over $5,000 in 2024 alone.

Now, let’s discuss the best way to fly to Italy in 2025.

Discovering the Best Airlines to Travel to Italy

Nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean, Italy is a world-famous tourist destination. Every year, millions of visitors from around the world arrive to take in its rich history and culture. But how do you fly to Italy in style? This guide will answer all your questions.

Don’t have time to read the full article? Here’s a quick overview of some highlights:

Highlights	Airline
Top Overall Airline	ITA Airways
Best Airline for Business Class	Air France
Cheapest Airline to Italy	Delta Air Lines
Most Accessible Airline to Italy	Lufthansa
Best Airline for Luxury	Swiss International Air Lines
Best Airline for Connectivity	Turkish Airlines
Best Airline for Economy Class	KLM
Best for Frequent Flyer Program	Iberia
Best for Comfort and Convenience:	Air Canada
Best for Inflight Meals	Austrian Airlines

From the romantic canals of Venice and the historic streets of Rome to the rolling hills of Tuscany and the stunning Amalfi Coast, Italy offers a diverse array of experiences. Explore the Renaissance art in Florence, savor the world-renowned cuisine, and bask in the Mediterranean sun.

1. 🇮🇹 ITA Airways

• 🏠 Base: Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
• ✈️ Best For: Direct flights to multiple Italian destinations with Italian hospitality
• 💺 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: Volare program with four status levels
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book connecting flights within Italy through their hub for seamless access to smaller cities

ITA Airways literally rose from the ashes of Alitalia in 2021, and they’ve managed to keep all the good stuff (the style, the service) while ditching the problems that plagued the old airline.

Flying out of Rome and Milan, ITA connects major US cities directly to Italy with some of the most convenient schedules you’ll find. Want to explore beyond the major hubs? They’ll get you to those charming smaller spots like Sicily, Florence, or the Amalfi Coast with easy connections that actually make sense for travelers.

Their transatlantic fleet has been completely modernized with new Airbus planes that feel fresh and comfortable. The food is legitimately good (not just “good for airplane food”), with regional Italian dishes and wines that give you a taste of what’s waiting for you upon landing. Their Magnifica business class is surprisingly competitive with the big international carriers, featuring lie-flat beds and amenity kits from Italian luxury brands.

The coolest thing about ITA is how they’ve embraced being authentically Italian. Their “Rome Stopover” program lets you hang out in the capital for up to three days at no extra airfare cost. The cabin crew actually seem happy to share recommendations about their home cities, and the whole experience feels like your Italian vacation starts the moment you step onboard. For the most immersive journey to Italy, it’s hard to beat flying with the Italians themselves.

• Read next: Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Italy

2. 🇫🇷 Air France

• 🏠 Base: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
• ✈️ Best For: Elegant service to Italy with convenient connections through Paris
• 💺 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: Look for their “Oh La La” deals that frequently feature Italian destinations at 25-40% off standard fares

Air France brings a touch of Parisian elegance to your Italian journey, with some of the most reliable and well-timed connections to cities across Italy through their massive Paris hub.

Flying from 12 US gateways to Paris, Air France offers smooth connections to 14 Italian destinations including not just the major cities but also smaller gems like Bologna, Genoa, and Bari. Their schedule is designed with American travelers in mind, allowing for morning arrivals in Italy with minimal connection times.

Their refreshed cabins feature surprisingly comfortable economy seats with decent legroom and personal entertainment screens loaded with international content. Their famous meal service stands out even in economy, with complimentary champagne and menus designed by renowned French chefs. Business class on their newest planes features private pods with direct aisle access and full-flat beds.

The real winning aspect of Air France is reliability combined with style. Their Paris CDG hub operates with impressive efficiency for connections, and their frequent “Promo Rewards” offers slashed mileage requirements for Italy flights, sometimes as low as 10,000 miles one-way from the US. Their partnership with Air Italia means seamless connections and protection if weather or other issues arise. 

• Read next: Affordable Places to Fly to in Asia

3. 🇺🇸 Delta Air Lines

• 🏠 Base: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• ✈️ Best For: Direct flights to Italy from multiple US cities with reliable service
• 💺 Cabin Options: Main Cabin, Comfort+, Premium Select, and Delta One (long-haul)
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Personal item and carry-on included; checked bags available for purchase
• 💳 Loyalty Program: SkyMiles program (miles never expire)
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book their seasonal direct flights to Venice or Naples, which often have better award availability than Rome or Milan routes

Delta has seriously upped their game to Italy in recent years, now offering the most extensive network of direct flights from the US to multiple Italian cities, paired with their signature reliability that reduces the stress of international travel.

Flying direct to Rome and Milan year-round from hubs like Atlanta (ATL), New York (JFK), and Boston (BOS), Delta also adds seasonal service to Venice and Naples during summer months. This expanded network means you can arrive in the region of Italy you actually want to visit without extra connections, saving precious vacation time.

Their long-haul fleet features refreshed interiors across all cabins. Their Delta One business class suites offer full privacy with sliding doors, while their newer Premium Select cabin provides a nice middle option with wider seats and enhanced service. Even in economy, their international flights include complimentary meals, alcohol, and extensive entertainment options to make the long flight more enjoyable.

What really makes Delta shine for Italy travel is their operational reliability and customer service recovery. When weather or other issues arise, Delta’s extensive network and partnership with both Air France and ITA Airways means more rebooking options than airlines with limited service. Their app also provides real-time updates and rebooking capabilities, reducing travel stress. 

• Read next: Affordable Places to Fly from Atlanta

4. 🇹🇷 Turkish Airlines

• 🏠 Base: Istanbul Airport (IST)
• ✈️ Best For: High-quality service to Italy with excellent value and connection options
• 💺 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: Book their “Stopover in Istanbul” program for a free hotel stay when connecting to Italy

Turkish Airlines serves more countries than any other airline in the world, creating a massive global network that makes them a surprisingly fantastic option for reaching Italy with better service and often lower prices than direct flights.

Flying from most major US cities to their massive Istanbul hub, Turkish connects to practically everywhere in Italy worth visiting. And we’re not just talking Rome and Milan, they’ll get you directly to places like Bari or Catania that other airlines skip entirely.

Let’s talk about the food because it’s ridiculous how good it is. They serve meals on actual porcelain with metal cutlery in economy. There’s a flying chef in a full toque on long-haul flights who’s actually preparing food, not just heating it up. And you get free checked bags, plural. Two free bags even in economy, which is perfect when you’re planning to shop your way through Italy.

The best part might be their stopover program. You can essentially add Istanbul to your Italian vacation for free, with complimentary hotel stays for longer connections. Their fares often run $200-300 less than direct options, but the experience feels more like a premium airline. If you’re not in a rush to reach Italy and appreciate great service and food, the Turkish detour is absolutely worth it.

• Read next: Hidden Gems in Italy

INSIDER TIP: Again, I highly recommend signing up for Going.com (Scott’s Cheap Flights) to find the best deals. Last year, I got an email alert on a $350 roundtrip fare from the US to Rome with Turkish Airlines. The premium version is 100% worth the money, but I would at least sign up for the free version to save big on airfare this year.

5. 🇳🇱 KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

• 🏠 Base: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
• ✈️ Best For: Reliable service to Italy with efficient connections through Amsterdam
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Economy Comfort, and World Business Class
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Personal item and carry-on included; one checked bag on most fares
• 💳 Loyalty Program: Flying Blue miles program (shared with Air France)
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Look for their “KLM Dream Deals” that regularly feature Italian cities at 25-30% off standard prices

KLM operates one of the oldest airline routes in the world, flying continuously since 1919, bringing over a century of experience to your Italian journey with Dutch reliability that consistently ranks them among Europe’s most punctual airlines.

Their hub in Amsterdam (AMS) is honestly one of the easiest airports to connect through in Europe. Everything is under one roof, signs are crystal clear, and there’s plenty of good coffee to keep you going. They fly to pretty much every corner of Italy, from the major cities to smaller gems like Turin and Genoa.

The onboard experience is quintessentially Dutch, practical but with thoughtful touches. Their iconic little blue Delft miniature houses filled with gin given to business class passengers have become collectors’ items. Even in economy, the service feels personal, not rushed, and their meals are actually decent.

What makes KLM particularly great for budget travelers is their frequent sales targeting Italian destinations. Their “Dream Deals” promotions often drop fares to Italy below $600 round-trip from the US, with excellent value in their basic economy fares that still include a free checked bag. Their app provides quick rebooking options if plans change, making KLM a stress-free option for reaching Italy without blowing your budget.

• Read next: Beautiful Cities in Europe

6. 🇨🇭 Swiss International Air Lines

• 🏠 Base: Zurich Airport (ZRH)
• ✈️ Best For: Premium service to Italy with efficient connections through Switzerland
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class (select routes)
• 🧳 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: Book their “Taste of Switzerland” menu in advance for one of the best culinary experiences in the sky

Swiss employs more professional chefs than any other European airline, with their culinary team creating over 40 different regional Swiss menus annually, bringing a taste of Alpine excellence to your journey toward Italian pasta and pizza.

Flying from major US hubs to their beautiful Zurich (ZRH)  hub, Swiss connects to seven Italian destinations including Milan (MXP), Rome (FCO), and Florence (FLR). Their proximity to northern Italy means especially quick connections to the Italian lakes, Milan, and the Dolomites, often getting you there faster than seemingly more direct options.

Their newer aircraft feature an excellent premium economy cabin that’s perfect for those wanting extra comfort without the business class price tag. The food is legitimately memorable, with their “Taste of Switzerland” program showcasing different regional Swiss cuisines. They still give you little touches like warm towels and Swiss chocolate even in economy.

While not always the absolute cheapest option, Swiss frequently offers “Surprise Fare” promotions to Italian cities that can save 20-30% off regular prices. Their operations run with that stereotypical Swiss precision, with one of the best on-time records in the industry. For travelers who value quality, efficiency, and reliability on their way to Italy, Swiss delivers a premium experience that’s often available at surprisingly reasonable prices during their seasonal sales.

• Read next: Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Switzerland
• You may also like: Affordable Places to Fly from Rome

7. 🇨🇦 Air Canada

• 🏠 Base: Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
• ✈️ Best For: Quality service to Italy with Star Alliance benefits and seasonal direct flights
• 💺 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: Look for their seasonal direct flights to Venice and seasonal connections to Sicily for unique routing options

Air Canada has seriously upped their game on European routes in recent years, evolving into a surprisingly excellent option for Italy with competitive prices and service that rivals fancier European carriers.

Flying year-round to Rome (FCO) from Toronto (YYZ) and Montreal (YUL), with seasonal service to Venice (VCE) and Milan (MXP), Air Canada offers convenient options for reaching Italy from dozens of North American cities. Their schedule includes well-timed connections that minimize layover time while still ensuring a stress-free transfer process.

Their long-haul fleet has been completely modernized with new Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A330s featuring excellent cabin pressure and humidity levels that help reduce jet lag. Their premium economy offers a significant comfort upgrade at often reasonable prices, while their Signature Class features private pods with lie-flat beds. Even in economy, their entertainment system stands out with extensive content and user-friendly interfaces.

The coolest thing about Air Canada for Italian adventures? Those sweet Aeroplan stopover rules. You can essentially add Montreal or Toronto to your Italian vacation without extra flight costs. This works amazingly well for summer travel when you can break up your journey with a few days in Quebec City or Vancouver before continuing to Italy. Their seasonal Venice flights are perfect for avoiding the chaos of larger Italian airports, and they’ve been expanding their Italy network almost every year. 

• Read next: Cheap Places to Fly from Canada

8. 🇦🇹 Austrian Airlines

• 🏠 Base: Vienna International Airport (VIE)
• ✈️ Best For: Quality service to Italy with excellent coffee and Viennese charm
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Personal item and carry-on included; first checked bag included on most fares
• 💳 Loyalty Program: Miles & More program (shared with Lufthansa Group)
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Request their special Viennese coffee service in all classes – it’s the best coffee you’ll find at 35,000 feet

Austrian Airlines flight attendants spend almost as much time training with professional baristas as they do on safety procedures, creating what many travelers consider the best coffee experience in the sky and making them a delightful surprise route to Italy.

Flying from several US cities to Vienna, Austrian connects quickly to 10 Italian destinations. Their flights to northern spots like Venice and Milan are especially quick, often getting you there faster than more crowded routes. Their fares frequently run $100-200 less than direct flights to Italy, making them a smart choice for budget-conscious travelers who don’t mind a quick connection.

They’ve got this amazing coffee service that’s become their signature thing. We’re talking real barista drinks served from a trolley, not just regular airplane coffee. Their food is actually delicious too, with Austrian specialties that make the flight part of your European experience. Even on their lowest economy fares, you still get free checked baggage and meals, unlike many competitors who’ve stripped these perks from basic tickets.

Their Vienna hub feels like a breath of fresh air compared to the chaos of bigger airports. It’s compact, logical, and rarely crowded. While other travelers struggle through complex mega hubs, you’re enjoying a stress-free connection with classical music in the background. Their seasonal sales often feature Italian destinations at 30-40% off regular prices, especially for spring and fall travel when Italy is less crowded but still beautiful. 

• Read next: Most Beautiful Cities in Italy
• You may also like: Cheapest Cities to Fly Into the USA
• 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. 🇩🇪 Lufthansa

• 🏠 Base: Frankfurt Airport (FRA) and Munich Airport (MUC)
• ✈️ Best For: Extensive route network to Italy with reliable German efficiency
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Personal item and carry-on included; first checked bag included on most fares
• 💳 Loyalty Program: Miles & More program with four status levels
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Choose connections through Munich rather than Frankfurt when possible for a more pleasant and efficient experience

Lufthansa offers more one-stop flights from North America to Italy than any other non-Italian airline, with over 330 weekly connections to Italian destinations through their German hubs, making them a powerhouse for reaching every corner of the boot-shaped country.

Flying from a whopping 19 North American cities to their hubs in Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC), they’ll connect you to 12 different Italian airports. This means you can land exactly where you want to be, not just at the major gateways. Their competitive pricing comes from this massive volume, with regular sales dropping fares to Italy as low as $599 round-trip from the East Coast and $699 from the West Coast during off-peak seasons.

Their cabins aren’t flashy but deliver solid comfort. The food is surprisingly good for an airline, with proper meals even in economy. The service has that efficient German vibe, attentive without being over the top. Their economy light fares offer a cheaper option if you can travel with just carry-on luggage, often saving $100+ compared to standard economy.

Their Munich hub is consistently voted one of Europe’s best airports, with a bright, logical layout and an actual brewery inside. Connections are smooth, and if something goes wrong, Lufthansa’s massive network means plenty of backup options. Their frequent “Discover Europe” sales target Italian cities regularly, and their Tuesday fare releases often have the best prices of the week. 

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• For more reading: Air Travel Updates

10. 🇪🇸 Iberia

• 🏠 Base: Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD)
• ✈️ Best For: Affordable flights to Italy with Spanish flair and good connections
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Personal item and carry-on included; checked bags available for purchase
• 💳 Loyalty Program: Iberia Plus (part of Avios system with British Airways)
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Use their “Optimized Pricing” calendar feature when booking to find dates with the lowest fares to Italy

Iberia operates the largest network of flights between Spain and Italy with over 15 routes connecting the two Mediterranean nations, creating unique opportunities for affordable two-country European adventures that many travelers overlook.

Flying from several US cities to their modern hub in Madrid (MAD), Iberia connects smoothly to seven Italian destinations including Rome (FCO), Milan (MXP), and Venice (VCE). Their smart scheduling means morning arrivals in Madrid with noon connections to Italy, so you’re not wandering around airports zombie-style with jet lag.

Their updated fleet includes A350s on transatlantic routes that actually help reduce fatigue with better cabin pressure. Their “Basic” fare tier can save you around $150 round-trip if you can pack light, making them one of the more budget-friendly options to Italy.

What makes Iberia special is their stopover program, letting you spend up to a week in Madrid at no extra airfare cost before continuing to Italy. Their frequent “Hola” sales drop prices by 25-30%, especially in spring and fall. For travelers wanting to experience tapas and pasta in one trip without breaking the bank, Iberia delivers a two-for-one cultural experience that’s hard to beat.

• Read next: Best Airlines to Fly to Europe
• You may also like: Cheap Flights from Madrid
• For more reading: Iberia Business Class Guide

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the best airlines to fly to Italy

If you’re here searching for the best airlines to fly to Italy, chances are you’ve never flown there before and are looking for some advice. We all have to start somewhere! I’ve traveled to many places in many ways over the years. So I always feel like it’s my duty to help others make the best decisions for themselves as they check off items on their bucket lists. Let’s get down to it, then. Here are some frequently asked questions about choosing airlines to fly to Italy.

How can I save money while traveling to Italy?

I know that traveling is expensive for us all. But if you still want to get out there and see the world, I can help you out. I’ve been using Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) for a few years now, and it is amazing for finding crazy-low fares to all my favorite destinations. You just make an account and input where you’re flying from and your destination. Scott’s will then email you free alerts containing cheap fares to your chosen places. Those prices are usually mistake fares or just other crazy-low offers. I’ve saved so much on flying over the years with Scott’s Cheap Flights. You can use the free version or the $49/year premium. Either way, you’re going to love the savings you find on the site.

Which airlines offer direct flights to Italy?

As long as you don’t mind paying a bit more for a more convenient flight, you can choose from multiple airlines that offer direct flights to Italy. These options are best for travelers who don’t have a lot of time to waste or just want to pack as much activity into their time off as possible. I get it!

Here are some of the main airlines that offer non-stop flights to Italy:

• Air Canada
• Air France
• American Airlines
• Austrian Airlines
• British Airways
• Brussels Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Emirates
• Finnair
• Iberia
• JetBlue
• KLM
• Lufthansa
• Swiss International Air Lines
• United Airlines

How long does it take to fly to Italy from the United States?

The length of a flight to Italy from the United States depends primarily on where you’re originating. If we say your origin point is New York or Boston on the East Coast, then a direct flight to Rome would take about eight hours. If we move out a bit farther to Chicago, that flight becomes a little more than nine hours. From a West Coast airport such as Los Angeles’s LAX, a direct flight to Rome would take just under 12 hours.

What is the cheapest airport to fly to in Italy?

I covered this subject extensively in an entire listicle on the cheapest airports throughout Italy. What I have found is that Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is the cheapest airport you can fly into in Italy. Tens of millions of passengers fly into and out of this airport every year. That level of operations means things are pretty efficient here. Cheap flights are not usually hard to find. Milan is in the far north of the country, but it’s only a short train ride away from other popular tourist cities such as Venice and Florence.

What is the main airline of Italy?

Italy’s flag carrier airline is ITA Airways. If you’re looking to travel to Italy from the United States or anywhere else, you might want to go with them. What other airline would be better for getting you safely and comfortably to Italy? You’ll find all the expected amenities onboard. When an airline can get you where you’re going without a problem, you have much more time and energy for the adventure ahead!