Bologna to Palermo question
 

We fly into Bologna (got a great fare from Charlotte, NC). We plan to spend a few days here before we travel to Sicily for a week. It looks like if we try to fly to Palermo our only option is RyanAir. Those flights appear to have a terrible reputation for delays and cancellations. Alternatively, we could take the train to Rome and fly out of FCO. I've never flown Ryanair, so I would appreciate any feedback.

RyanAir is among the biggest European carriers.
It aims for a fleet of about 500 this summer, including associated brands. It operates under the same strict fundamentals as all short-haul carriers
Charge extra for all "extras" such as advance seat reservation or checked luggage. Charge more at the gate than in advance. Cram them in and get them there in a hurry. No frills on-board. Deliver passengers and turn the planes around quickly for the next flight. No champagne service or seats reclining into beds.
The flight you would take is about 90 minutes. I can think of better ways to spend the extra time and the money required for a roundabout route.

Reliable? Everywhere in Europe, and elsewhere, airports and airlines haves schedule problems this summer. RyanAir has more practice on skeleton travel and I would trust them to cope.
Buyer beware: Read the website thoroughly and make all decisions in advance.
www.skyscanner.com is good at short-hop airlines but buy directly from the airline once identified.

RyanAir is fine. As Southam says just read the fine print. Pay the extra for checked luggage and airport check in. I think they have a better record than most other airlines right now.

Or cut out flights altogether.
Take a train to Rome, have dinner, then take one of the two daily sleeper trains from Rome Termini to Palermo - or Catania, Cefalu or Siracuse. www.Trenitalia.com
Have you been on a sleeper train before? Take a bottle of wine on with you and have a blast. It's not even expensive, and saves a hotel bill.
The train goes onto a ferry to cross the Straits of Messina, a unique and amazing experience, why miss that? And all 10 times less CO2 emissions than a flight.
https://www.seat61.com/trains-and-ro...-to-sicily.htm
The scenery along the coast is lovely - this journey will be PART of your vacation, it's not just transprotation.

Thank you - that is definitely something to consider. We have two days to get to Palermo, we love train travel and we have Neve been on a sleeper train. I will investigate.