Is 2 hours between planes in JFK ok or is delta's late record sufficiently bad that we should plan for longer layover? How far in advance will Delta permit seat selection? Thanks.

2 hours is fine if you're leaving the US, but on the return it's less comfortable. Since you'll have to go through customs and immigration in NYC on your return, you will need more time than on your outbound where you just have to go from one gate to another.

Delta should permit seat selection at the time of booking. So, if you can book the flight now, you should be able to pick it.

Thanks. Good point on allowing more time on the return--though I'll admit I'm not as goosey about being delayed on return than going. Coming back, we're just coming home and since we're retired when we get there is no big deal. Going, any problems cut into our Europe time. Hate that.

Delta's permitting immediate seat selection is a plus. NWA doesn't permit it until 90 or even 60 days out, forget which, but not immediate, for sure.

Coming home, if you miss your connection, you'll be reaccomodated on a later flight (assuming there is one and there are seats available). In any case, 2 hours should be sufficient time in either direction even if you need to clear immigration/customs.

I believe NW allows seat selection at 90 days.

Delta flies nonstop to Milan out of both JFK and Atlanta(which might be easier for you?) and nonstop to Rome from JFK, Atlanta and Cincinnati(which is a breeze for customs and connections coming home).