Using Momondo mentioned above, last week I found and booked on BudgetAir a $1300 fare from Boston to Naples with one stop only in Rome. I had never heard of BudgetAir but it seems to be okay. When I couldn't figure out how to assign seats on the Alitalia website, I called their number (in California and NOT an 800#) and they reserved our seats for us. Our trips is months away but it was worth it to me to potentially miss a bargain, just to have the security of knowing our flights are all set. Now, if Alitalia doesn't change their schedule...

My flight to Vienna in March costed out about $836 (I booked a package but the air is listed separate on my charge). If I waited till fall it was over $1000. I am used to getting air to Europe for around $500 - usually in March or fall. Unhappily I think those days are over. In 2009 I scored Harrisburg-Zurich for about $515 in September. The best deal I got was in 2003 when I got non stop Tampa-London for $350! the idea of paying $1300+ for a ticket to Europe in the current flying conditions (not fun) is horrifying! It used to be flying to London or Munich or Rome was fairly cheap. Not any more.

Thanks to all for your replies. The US Air rep assured me that there was adequate time in Philadelphia. If we miss a flight and have to come back the next day, it will not be a huge problem. Vicky, those airfares you quotes sure sound enticing -- wish we could have snagged one! As it stands, we'll just have to be content with our $1,200 fare, which is still about $300 lower than on any other airline. Unbelievable.