Does anyone have any recent news on the status of Alitalia? I am considering booking a direct flight for April 09 from Boston to Rome and back. Am I crazy? The other options are to do a connection (which we are trying to avoid) or drive to NYC and leave from Kennedy. Thanks!

I wouldn't book now. Alitalia may still be around then, but who knows in what form? And who knows if they still have BOS non-stop (or at least on the date you want to fly)?

If you're pretty flexible and don't mind the hassle of possible refunding/rebooking, then maybe. Otherwise, don't.

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/...y-Alitalia.php

You make the decision....

Thanks for the replies. In addition to all the questions regarding flights, I found some info on other websites that said the flight attendants and other employees are not being too nice to people these days! I'm looking into booking flights from JFK and doing long-term parking there.

<i>not being too nice to people these days</i>

These days? Alitalia employees have had a bad reputation for a LONG time.

I must confess that I think it is ridiculous to drive from BOS to JFK, just to avoid a connection. I mean, you are looking at 4-5 hours in traffic. Even a bad connection is better than that.

Personally, I would see about taking Northwest/KLM and connecting through Amsterdam - it is a very easy connection. Plenty of other options, as well, with AA or BA via London, Air France via Paris, Lufthansa via Frankfurt, etc. I would recommend connecting in Europe rather than via the US, to avoid backtracking and because it is easier on the return, since you don't have to collect and recheck bags at customs

The Italian consortium has made a binding offer on Alitalia operations, so liquidity situation is less of an issue right now. (The consotrium is reportedly seeking an international partner--AF or LH to take a minority stake but nothing confirmed at thispoint. Personally I think LH is unlikely given they're busy digesting BMI and possibly looking at Austrian. )

However, you're still subject to labour disputes and strikes. As a matter of fact, pilots and flight attendant already threaten to walk-out on 25 Nov.

Again, I won't drive from BOS to JFK. Any particular reasons why it has to be direct flights? Otherwise you can connect via AMS, MAD, FRA or other European airports.

Thanks for the additional replies. As it stands now, we are looking into using FF miles/AmEx points to try to get a flight on Delta or American. Regarding our preference for a direct flight, our last trip to Italy was a disaster due to missed connections. Both my husband and I grew up in the NYC area so we are familiar with JFK and can combine this trip with a family visit.

Ok in that case, I believe AA and CO are the only ones with direct flights between NY and Rome, aside from AZ. AA from JFK, CO from EWR.

A missed connection shouldn't be a disaster, unless you're totally inflexible with your travel plans (having a cruise/catch to catch, wedding to attend, etc within a few hours of your arrival).

There are plenty of flights from AMS, FRA, CDG, etc to Rome. Even if your flight is late, they can put you on the next flight out and be just a few hours late.

And who says you can't have a flat tire on I-95 and miss your flight at JFK?

Anyways, DL flies its own planes JFK-FCO. Not just AZ codeshare.

If you are looking to catch up with family, then flying from JFK makes a bit more sense.

But... at the risk of piling on, I think you are over-estimating the risks of a connection. If you schedule a decent layover (1-1/2 hours at AMS or 2 hours at most other airports) and fly with a reputable carrier (i.e. someone other than Alitalia), then you will almost always be fine.

Thanks, everyone, I really do appreciate all the input. We're going to see what we can get using FF miles, etc. BTW, there's an article in the paper today about a Alitalia strike causing havoc at the Rome airport. Definitely an airline to avoid these days...