Traveling to Italy is exciting. From the art and history of Rome to the canals of Venice and the food culture of Naples, millions of visitors arrive each year. Choosing the right airlines to travel to Italy can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. This article highlights major carriers that fly to Italy, what they offer, and how to decide which is best for your trip.
You will learn about key carriers, their strengths, and useful tips for planning your flight.
1. ITA Airways – Italy’s Flag Carrier
ITA Airways is Italy’s national airline and often part of the top options of the best airlines to travel to Italy. It replaced Alitalia and now operates a modern fleet and worldwide network.
Key Facts
- ITA Airways is the official flag carrier of Italy.
- It serves over 70 domestic, European, and intercontinental destinations.
- It has hubs in Rome Fiumicino and Milan.
- ITA is expected to officially join as a full Star Alliance member in early 2026, which will strengthen global connectivity for passengers flying with or through ITA Airways.
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What Makes ITA Airways Stand Out
ITA offers a true Italian travel experience. Its long-haul flights feature business class, premium economy, and economy cabins with regional dishes and Italian-style service.
The airline has received industry recognition. It earned a four-star rating from Skytrax, showing quality customer service and in-flight comfort. It was also named one of the top airlines in the 2024 Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards.
Practical Benefits
Passengers enjoy premium lounges at major Italian airports. ITA’s frequent flyer program, Volare, lets members earn miles and access partner benefits worldwide.
Because ITA is Italy’s reference carrier, it links major U.S. and European cities directly to cities like Rome, Milan, Naples, and more.
2. United Airlines – Direct U.S. Connections to Italy
United Airlines is another top pick among airlines to travel to Italy, especially from the United States.
Direct Routes to Italian Cities
United operates non-stop flights from major U.S. hubs such as Newark/New York to key Italian destinations, including seasonal service to Palermo and year-round flights to cities like Rome and Milan. New non-stop service from Newark to Bari is scheduled to begin in Summer 2026, further expanding travel options to Italy.
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Benefits for Travelers
- Star Alliance partner: United’s membership aligns with ITA’s alliance move, helping travelers earn and redeem miles across more carriers.
- Varied cabins: Economy, Economy Plus, Premium Plus, and Polaris Business offer travelers choice and comfort
United’s direct flights make it easier to reach destinations like Puglia, Sicily, and beyond without multiple connections.
3. Delta Air Lines – Extensive U.S.–Italy Network
Delta Air Lines stands out among airlines to travel to Italy because of its wide U.S. route network.
Multiple Cities, Direct Flights
Delta flies to many Italian cities, including Rome, Milan, Venice, Naples, Catania, and Sardinia. The variety of departure hubs (Atlanta, New York, Boston, and more) gives travelers more options without routing through other countries.
Cabin and Loyalty Options
Delta’s cabin classes range from Main Cabin to Delta One business class. Its SkyMiles program never expires, which can appeal to frequent travelers.
Delta’s broad service options make it one of the most flexible airlines to travel to Italy, especially for those living in different U.S. regions.
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4. Air France – Gateway Through Paris
Air France is known among international carriers and frequently appears on lists of top airlines to travel to Italy.
Connecting Flights via Paris
Air France operates flights from Paris Charles de Gaulle to many Italian destinations, including:
- Rome
- Milan (Linate and Malpensa)
- Venice
- Florence
- Bologna
- Turin
- Naples
Passenger Experience
Passengers enjoy complimentary meals and drinks in economy, cozy seats, and upgraded amenities in premium cabins. Seasonal discounts make travel more affordable.
Air France’s hub in Paris makes it an excellent choice when direct flights from your home city aren’t available.
5. Lufthansa and Air Dolomiti – German and Regional Links
Lufthansa is a major European airline often chosen from the U.S. and other continents to connect to Italy.
Lufthansa’s Network
Lufthansa flies to many Italian cities, including Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence, Naples, and Turin, from hubs like Frankfurt and Munich. Its service focuses on punctuality and efficiency.
Recently, Lufthansa acquired 41% of ITA Airways. This helps coordinate flights and offers smoother connections into Italy.
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Regional Support from Air Dolomiti
Air Dolomiti, a regional airline linked to Lufthansa, serves many smaller Italian cities. It connects hubs like Munich and Frankfurt to local Italian airports.
Together, Lufthansa and Air Dolomiti are useful airlines to travel to Italy when a traveler needs both international and regional links.
6. Ryanair – Widely Available Budget Flights
Ryanair is one of the most recognised low-cost airlines to travel to Italy, especially for travellers within Europe.
- It operates a large number of flights connecting European cities with multiple Italian destinations including airports in Milan, Palermo, Bari, Bergamo, and Catania.
- The base fares are often very low, but extras like checked baggage, seat selection, and priority boarding typically cost extra.
- Because of its network strategy, many Ryanair flights operate to secondary or regional airports.
Good for: travellers looking for low base fares on short-haul routes within Europe or domestic flights once in Italy.
7. easyJet – Budget Routes and Growing Presence
easyJet is another important low-cost option among airlines to travel to Italy.
- The airline provides budget flights to and from Italy, including routes connecting major European cities into Italian hubs.
- easyJet has expanded its presence at key Italian airports such as Milan Linate and Rome Fiumicino.
- This expansion gives travellers affordable choices for reaching Italy from countries like Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, and Austria.
Good for: international budget travel from other European cities into Italy’s major airports.
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8. Wizz Air – Budget Flights Connecting the UK and Europe
Wizz Air is a low-cost carrier that also ranks among airlines to travel to Italy.
- It offers low-fare routes connecting the UK (such as Glasgow) and other European hubs to Italian cities like Rome and Milan.
- These budget flights make city breaks and short trips to Italy more accessible and affordable.
Good for: travellers looking for cheap direct flights from the UK and some parts of Europe to Italy.
9. Vueling – Spanish Budget Option to Italy
Vueling is a Spanish low-cost carrier and another choice among airlines to travel to Italy.
- Based in Spain, Vueling flies many routes throughout Europe, including connections to Italian destinations.
- It is useful if you plan to come from parts of Western Europe before entering Italy.
Good for: travellers linking Italy with various cities across Europe on budget flights.
Other European and International Budget Options
While not strictly low-cost mega-carriers like the others above, several other airlines include routes into Italy at competitive prices:
- Neos – An Italian airline that flies to many scheduled destinations, including international and intercontinental links from Italy.
- Aer Lingus – Offers seasonal routes into Italian cities from Ireland such as Turin.
- Other carriers like Aegean, KLM, and Emirates can also serve Italy typically with one stop or direct service into major airports, though they are not budget-focused.
Tips for Choosing Airlines to Travel to Italy
1. Decide on Direct vs. Connecting Flights
Direct flights are usually faster and more convenient. Carriers like ITA Airways, Delta, and United offer many non-stop options.
Connecting through hubs like Paris or Frankfurt expands choices and sometimes lowers cost.
2. Check Alliances and Loyalty Benefits
Alliances like Star Alliance and Oneworld help passengers earn points and enjoy lounge access. With ITA joining Star Alliance in 2026, more connections will become seamless.
3. Budget or Comfort?
If comfort and service matter most, airlines like ITA Airways, Delta, and Lufthansa are worth considering. However, if price is key, low-cost carriers like Ryanair and easyJet often offer lower base fares.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Airlines to Travel to Italy
Italy’s global appeal makes it accessible via many international airlines. From Italy’s own ITA Airways to U.S. carriers and European mainstays, you have many options. Each airline has strengths depending on where you are flying from, how much you want to connect, and the level of comfort you expect.
When planning your trip, think about your priorities: direct flights, mileage rewards, comfort, or low cost. Use the insights above to pick among the best airlines to travel to Italy that fit your needs.
Happy travels!
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