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 2023 alone.
Now, let’s discuss the best way to fly to Italy in 2024.
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
ITA Airways, the successor to Italy’s national carrier Alitalia, stands out as a top choice for travel from the US to Italy. Price wise, it’s a great option. And as far as transatlantic flights go, I’d consider it on the same level as major US airlines, including Delta.
Offering direct flights from major cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington, New York, Miami, and Boston, ITA Airways connects travelers to the heart of Italy, including Rome Fiumicino and Milan Malpensa. Beginning in April 7, 2024, ITA will also have nonstop flights from Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to Rome (FCO).
As the flag carrier of Italy, it prides itself on delivering authentic Italian hospitality and service, ensuring a comfortable journey across the Atlantic. Though if you’re on the taller end like me (I’m 6’4″), know that the legroom can be a bit limited if you’re flying in economy.
Whether you’re exploring the historic streets of Rome or the fashion capital of Milan, ITA Airways provides a seamless and direct gateway to the beauty of Italy.
2. Air France
Air France is among the best airlines to fly to Italy due to its status as the flag carrier of France. This is a premier airline that can get you to Italy in more than enough comfort and style. From its main hub at the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Air France and its fleet of Airbuses and Boeings fly all around the world.
As the go-to airline of France, you’d expect Air France to have the most modern onboard amenities. And you’d be right! You can choose from four cabin classes: La Première, business class, premium economy, and economy.
Looking for luxury on your way to Italy? La Première is what you want. Between the valet service and the first-class lounge at Paris Charles de Gaulle, you can’t do better than this. Of course, don’t sleep on the amenities of the economy class. You get comfortable seats with plenty of leg room, delicious in-flight meals, and conveniences such as electrical outlets and wifi on most aircraft. Plus, Air France offers in-flight entertainment on a touchscreen that comes in 12 languages!
Whether you’re flying to Italy or anywhere else, know that Air France goes basically everywhere. Air France is part of the holding company Air France–KLM, KLM being KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Each airline is also part of the SkyTeam airline alliance. This means that Air France is well furnished with resources and can get you anywhere. The airline flies to the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania.
You can’t go wrong with Air France as one of the best airlines to fly to Italy. As it is a large carrier, you’ll experience higher ticket prices than with a smaller airline. However, you get what you pay for.
3. Delta Air Lines
Next up we have the ever-reliable Delta Airlines. This U.S.-based airline has been around since 1929. That makes it one of the oldest airlines in the world. Its age hasn’t slowed it down at all, though. Delta remains a major carrier in the United States and flies just about anywhere you’d want to go. The airline is based in Atlanta, but you’ll have no trouble flying around the world. Its destinations include locations in the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. Basically, Delta is one of the best airlines to fly to Italy.
One of the things I love about Delta is their overall positive attitude toward flying and their passengers. They know traveling can be stressful, especially when we’re all already leading busy lives. Their philosophy is one of timeliness, hospitality, and service. Knowing this about airlines really helps me to go with one over another. I’ve flown Delta a lot over the years, and they always do their best to make me feel welcome.
Now, Delta has been in the game for so long that they have their stuff figured out. You can choose from cabins ranging from the luxurious Delta One® (with lie-flat seats) all the way down to basic economy. You’re also treated to free wifi and in-flight entertainment on most domestic U.S. flights. Long-haul flights offer you hot meals for purchase.
Delta is one of those airlines where you really can’t go wrong. I highly recommend them!
4. Turkish Airlines
Ready for another best airline to Italy in 2024? Turkish Airlines is an excellent choice. They offer flights to 12 Italian destinations including major cities and hidden gems. This includes Bari, Bologna, Cagliari, Catania, Milan (Malpensa and Linate Airports), Naples, Olbia, Palermo, Pisa, Rome, and Venice.
As the world’s largest airline by number of passenger destinations, Turkish Airlines connects passengers to 52 domestic and 263 international destinations in 129 countries. It’s known for its exceptional service, comfortable seating, and award-winning in-flight cuisine. Plus, its hub in Istanbul offers a unique opportunity for a memorable stopover, exploring the city’s rich history and culture.
Flights from Istanbul Airport typically span 2-3 hours. So if you’re flying from the US or Canada via Istanbul, you’re looking at around a 10-12 hour total flight time. This makes Turkish one of the best international flights out there.
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
Another of the truly best airlines to fly to Italy is KLM. That’s the short version of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. In case you didn’t guess, KLM is the flag carrier airline of the Netherlands. It’s partners with Air France and also a member of the SkyTeam carrier alliance. As I said above about Air France, the prestige of membership in an alliance like this means KLM is flush with the amenities it needs to keep passengers happy.
Obviously, one of the things that travelers like is an airline that’s versatile. And KLM has that, to be sure. From its home base in Amsterdam, the airline flies to locations nearly all over the world. You’ll find plenty of flights to Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia.
Similar to the offerings of its counterpart Air France, KLM has all the onboard accommodations you could possibly want. Even the economy cabin level has wifi, entertainment, and complimentary snacks and beverages. Of course, you can upgrade to the premium comfort class or KLM business class if you prefer a more pampered ride through the skies.
KLM is currently the oldest operating airline in the world. They’ve had the chance to work out all the kinks over that time, and they surely have! If you’re looking for a no-nonsense, truly passenger-first plane experience, KLM is one of the best airlines to fly to Italy.
6. Swiss International Air Lines
It’s just a short hop from Switzerland to Italy, really. That’s why it seems fit to mention this next carrier as one of the best airlines to fly to Italy: Swiss International Air Lines. Like other carriers on this list, SWISS (as it’s known) is the flag carrier of its home country. Whenever you hear that, you know it’s going to be an airline that has the resources to put passengers and hospitality above anything else.
SWISS has its main hub in Zurich, Switzerland. It offers a wide range of flights to destinations around the world, including major cities in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
One of the main advantages of flying with SWISS is the level of comfort and service provided during the flight. The airline offers a range of seating options, including business class and first class, as well as comfortable economy seating. All passengers can enjoy a range of amenities. Those include free wifi, in-flight entertainment, and high-quality hot meals.
SWISS passengers can also check in online or at the airport, and the airline offers a variety of options for baggage allowances. For example, you have the option to pay for additional luggage or to bring sports equipment and musical instruments on board.
One of the key advantages of flying with SWISS to Italy in particular is the range of destinations the airline serves in the country. From Rome to Venice, Milan to Florence, SWISS offers flights to all of Italy’s major cities. That will definitely make it easy and convenient for travelers to explore this gorgeous country.
7. Air Canada
Looking for a reliable airline that flies to Italy from North America? Then put Air Canada on your radar.
As Canada’s largest airline, it’s known for its reliability, comfort, and customer service. For those traveling from other parts of Canada, Air Canada provides convenient connections through its hubs in Toronto and Montreal, making it easier to reach Italy without the hassle of multiple layovers. Even if you’re from the US, flying to Italy via Toronto or Montreal is a cost-effective option.
In summer 2024, Air Canada will offer daily flights to Milan and Venice, and three daily flights to Rome from Toronto and Montreal. Additionally, from Toronto, travelers can fly roundtrip to a variety of Italian destinations, including Rome (FCO), Venice (VCE), Milan (MXP), Florence (FLR), Naples (NAP), Catania (CTA), Lamezia Terme (SUF), and Palermo (PMO).
This wide range of destinations with Air Canada allows travelers to seamlessly explore Italy, from its historic cities and cultural centers to its stunning coastal towns. And if that’s not enough, Air Canada’s Aeroplan loyalty program offers valuable rewards and benefits. This will allow frequent flyers to earn points towards future travel, upgrades, and more.
8. Austrian Airlines
Austrian Airlines is the flag carrier airline of Austria. As such, it’s infused with all the hospitality, service, and flight options you’ll be looking for as you plan your trip to Italy. The carrier offers flights to several Italian cities, including Rome, Milan, Venice, and Florence, among others.
Like any large airline worth its salt, Austrian Airlines travels to a multitude of convenient locations around the world. From its main hub at Vienna International Airport (VIE), the carrier will get you to destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania. Austrian offers non-stop flights to certain large cities in the United States, Canada, and Asia. They’re also proud to service flights to tourists’ winter-favorite locations such as Cancun.
One of the key selling points of Austrian Airlines is the comfort and luxury offered to passengers in all classes of travel. The airline’s cabins are spacious and provide spacious leg room, making it easy to relax during long flights. Passengers can also enjoy top-of-the-line amenities, including in-flight entertainment, premium meals, and complimentary drinks. Austrian Business Class is definitely an experience you should add to your wish list as well!
For me, Austrian Airlines stands out for the hospitality and warmth of its staff. They truly go above and beyond to ensure that passengers have an enjoyable travel experience free from any kind of anxiety. All of these things are why I strongly recommend Austrian Airlines as one of the best airlines to travel to Italy.
9. Lufthansa
I forget sometimes how many truly amazing airlines are based in Europe. In this case, I’m talking about Lufthansa. That’s Germany’s flag carrier airline that is part of the international Star Alliance. For reference, the Star Alliance includes members such as United Airlines and Air Canada. Lufthansa also owns Austrian Airlines and Swiss International Air Lines that I just mentioned. Let that tell you about the size and success of Lufthansa over the years.
Lufthansa is so large that it actually has two hubs in Germany. The main one is at Frankfurt Airport (FRA), while Munich Airport (MUC) hosts the other. Like Air France and KLM, Lufthansa is a huge carrier with a lot of overhead. As such, you can expect ticket prices to be a bit higher than with a smaller airline. As you have likely heard me say before, though, those added expenses do give you value for your money.
When you fly Lufthansa, you have a huge selection of global destinations. It’s really amazing how many places this carrier will take you. From Greenland in the Arctic all the way down to Madagascar, Cambodia, or New Zealand, Lufthansa gets you there. You can take those journeys from the comfort of one of several cabin classes. The available amenities increase as you go from economy up to first class. But even economy class offers you all the basics you need to be comfortable in-flight.
What it comes down to is this: if you’re looking to get to Italy in comfort on a reliable airline, Lufthansa is the one for you. Air travel in 2024 is shaping up to be a great year for Lufthansa.
10. Iberia
Last up on this list of the best airlines to fly to Italy, we have the flag carrier of Spain: Iberia. This is another impressive European airline that will get you to Italy with no issue. If you don’t mind having connecting flights in Spain, this is a great choice.
Iberia is based at Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD). From there, it transports passengers to 133 destinations spread across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Iberia is particularly proud of its air services to Latin America. It claims to be the industry leader in accommodating passenger flights between that region and the “Old World” of Spain.
Iberia offers three cabin classes: economy, premium economy, and business. As you might expect, economy is as good as you probably imagine. There’s entertainment, wifi, and several hot meal options on long-haul flights. Move on up to premium economy for perks such as priority boarding and more comfortable seats. Iberia business class offers you lounge access in the terminal as well as more private seating onboard. On long flights, the plane will come equipped with seats that convert into beds.
Iberia’s main mission is to connect its passengers with the rest of the world. All the details of its cabin and flight experiences come down to that. If you’re looking for a solid, reliable airline to get you anywhere in Italy, Iberia is there for you.
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!
