airfare advice
 

I am trying to find some economical airfare from North Carolina to Rome. I can return from Rome as in a RT or return to the USA from Florence where my tour ends. There seems to be an endless array of combinations.
I don't mind multiple carriers/and or stops...but want a reasonably comfy flight on a budget. Any suggestions would be appreciated..thanx

When?

sorry ..i should have said that in my original post....
Leaving the US on Sept 19 2006 return is flexible after the 29th when the tour ends.thanx...

I have investigated flying a major carrier to the UK as it seems economical and deals are frequent and then taking Easyjet to Rome? anyone have any thoughts or experiences with easyjet?

We've done that, and it's fine. Take into account transfer hassles across London if you do, or possibly an overnight, as the low-cost types often leave in the early morning and it's impossible to connect from Heathrow or Gatwick to the likes of Luton or Stansted. Germany (not especially FRA or MUC, but maybe Cologne or Dusseldorf) can be good for low-cost carrier (LCC) connections. Italy itself is always more expensive from N. America - not enough traffic.

I would wait awhile before booking. There's no competitive pressure at the moment for flights that far out. Start looking in earnest around Jan.-Feb.

You have received some good info so far -- but you are months too early to be buying tickest for next Sept. Many airlines don't even have their summer/fall schedules out. I would start seriously looking around March/April. Just be on the lookout for sales announced before then.

THANX for your advice so far Gardy n janis..yeah..i am just at the "investigation" stage now seeing what are typical flight times/routes.
I figgered about 4 months out is when i should get serious..but hey if a deal comes along that is driven by an airline circumstance/sale etc. I thought i would pounce upon it whilst it was good.
i seem to see that AF and BA have frequent "sales" to some major european cities i.e. Rome, London..etc. that i could capitalize on. Does this seem to be a trend that continues during the entire year or just certain seasons?
thanx again...