Hi,

I am having a very difficult time finding inexpensive airfare to Italy from California, specificaly Los Angeles. Does any one have any tips of where to search? Is there a better time to buy, should I wait? I will be flight the end of Sept coming back early Oct and I will be flying into Naples and out of Venice. Any help is very much apprecaited.

Thank you,
Ann

Try putting your dates into Kayak.com - someone else mentioned it on this forum a few weeks ago, so it is new to me, but I like it very much.

People seem to use it to search for cheaper tickets but then check out the airlines as well.

Good luck and thanks to whoever it was who mentioned it Anselm perhaps?

It may be harder to find a decent price for airfare now for Sept/Oct. We booked for October several months ago and the fares have gone up at least $200-$300/pp since then and seat availability on some flights is low.

On other threads people have suggested getting a cheap flight to another European city such as London and then taking a discount airline such as RyanAir to Italy. Or try a consolidator who may be able to get you a cheaper fare.

Good luck!

This airfare game is a gamble and I just lost. I booked my airfare roundtrip on Alitalia in early October. It is non-stop for $940 which includes a flight from Venice to Rome before heading back to Boston. I just thought I would peek today, shouldn't have, and it is $495 (with taxes and fees) on their website only. When I called the airline, they couldn't seem to pick up this fare. I can't cancel or change they say because of the type of ticket I bought (THE NONREFUNDABLE ONE). Oh well, like I said, it is a game. Even looking on other sites, the fare isn't this low, only on Alitalia. So, maybe checking an airline directly on-line would help. Also I heard Tuesday and Wed. the fares my be better.

Yes, your best bet is to find a cheap fare to London. From London there are many low cost airline flying to Italy.

Try this great website:
http://www.whichbudget.com/

Last year we flew from Venice to London (Easyjet) for 36euro. I believe Easyjet or Ryanair also flies from London to Rome, where I will go next year.

Thanks for all the tips. I should have booked a few months ago but it is just so much to digest and I didn't feel ready. Oh well, I appreciate the feedback and will continue to search. BTW the Kayak site and easy jet were both very helpful tips

Ann