We plan on leaving from either Tpa or MCO,on our way to FCO. Concerned about pre flight preparations and proper dress on board as to be as comfortable as possible. Long trip I heard. What would be the best airline (Price Matters). Iam totally impress by the expertize shown in this thread, I sincerely hope someone wil respond. Any and all comments are welcome.Thank you in advance.

Flying coach, differences in airlines in pretty small. I suggest you check the dates you want to go and see who has the lowest prices first. That will cut down the choices to a few. Then ask us again.

If you don't fly frequently, and isn't loyal to a particular airline's FF program, usually it comes down to fare, fare, fare, connection time and connection airport.

My god. So many grammatical errors in my post. I am sorry.

rkkwan's suggestion would be helpful since there are so many options and choices.

In general, we prefer foreign carriers for trans-atlantic flights (assuming coach which it sounds like you're doing). While the seats and leg room are pretty much the same with all airlines, we have found the service, food, etc to be better on foreign carriers than domestic ones.

We can provide more specific comments once you've narrowed down your choices.

Izzy - congrats on your first trip - hope it will be wonderful for you!

Check kayak.com for flight alternatives, and look at travelocity and/or expedia. Also check the airlines websites. It takes some work to get the best available price.

Re: Pre-flight: Get to the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure time - more if you've never flown, as it can seem chaotic at times. ASK for help when you get there if you're confused. Remember to allow yourself time for parking/shuttling if you're driving yourself. Have a checklist of all documents you need for the trip, and then make sure you have them before you leave the house: passports, tickets, hotel vouchers,car rentals etc. Check online prior to leaving for departure gate info. Remember that ALL carryon liquids, creams. etc must be in a 1 quart plastic bag, that you have out when when passing thorugh security. If you bring a laptop, you must take it out of its case when you go through security.

Re: comfortable clothes on flight - whatever your comfortable in on long drives will suffice. People wear all kinds of things - everything from jeans to sweats to suits. I prefer to wear something a little dressier than jeans; a nice pair of slacks and a blouse but that's personal preference. Bring a sweater onboard because it can get chilly.

The most important thing is to have fun and relish your trip!

<font color="green">Cyn</font>

To ya'll thanks but specially CYN. Thanks for the details, it's what we were looking for. Any suggestions on a carrier, or even a Hotel in Rome. Thanks one and all. If you think of anything, it will be welcome.