British Airways has to make a stop in London. DElta has direct flights. Which airline has teh better experience when flying overseas? I noticed that world traveller/club world cost twice as much with BA but is it even worth it? Should I just take cattle class and be happy with a straight flight or perhaps the 'business' class on Delta is worth looking into? Any suggestions would be very helpful!

American Airlines, Delta, Alitalia offer nonstop service to Rome from New York's Kennedy, while Continental offers nonstop service from Newark.

It all depends on what you prefer.

If you are a member of Skymiles, why not try Continental or Alitalia. While I would recommend Continental over Alitalia, I am sure you can find someone to take the opposite stance.

You can also buy a full-fare economy ticket (round-trip of course) and (if you have the miles) upgrade yourself for your flight to Rome. This would get you a decent night of sleep and arrive in Rome well rested, and will hopefull make jet lag less of a problem.

There are tons of connecting option. If anything, Air France via Paris, KLM via Amsterdam or Alitalia via Milan would be your other options (I am assuming you are Skymiles member).

My personal favorite is American, however they do not offer PTVs in Economy (nor does Delta; Continental has PTVs on their aircraft that make the Newark-Rome-Newark flight).

Look around and find the best fare, then compare products. If you are looking to fly during the off season you are bound to find plenty of deals - both Award Redemption and great prices for flights to Rome.

American operates it's Rome service seasonally, and both Alitalia and Delta (which "jointly" schedule their flights) reduce their frequency during the off season.

I agree with the previous poster. I would put Alitalia last. It's the pits. British Air is the best, but I wouldn't want to change in London if I didn't have to. Continental, American and Delta....you need to check prices.

British Air is my favorite, but I wouldn't make an extra stop just to fly them. I'd go with any carrier that had the best price and a non-stop flight in this situation.

Thanks folks - with little ones in tow I think a direct flight would be more practical. I am studying the prices now good to have some input!

Almost always select a direct flight over one that has to stop or requires a plane change. Every stop is another opportunity for a problem.

If I understand the question correctly, you need to depart from Rome to go to NY? Few of "us" have much experience with pricing from Europe to the US.

Ahother "nonstop" alternative, if you are willing to train to Naples or Bologna is www.eurofly.it

Fares from 349 euro, checking some arbitrary and random dates in September.

Best wishes,

Rex

On Valentines' Day my hubby treated me to a trip to Venice on Delta and upgraded to business class using our miles. IMO not worth it! (I am comparing to upgrading on N-West on flights to Asia - more miles use - which is fantastic). In July we flew to Rome from NY on American Airlines, I had never flown them before and thought they were really good and really comfortable (this was coach) but passing through their business class, I thought it was pretty poor especially if you are paying cash for it. Eventhough its 8 hours it was not bad at all. However, I did have an ambien and slept a straight 5 or 6 hours. Coming back, same thing.

oh sorry mousireid, just saw you will have kiddies so you cant take a sleeping pill. So, depending how young the kids are the airline will give you a bulkhead if you call and reserve it. Were you going to bring everybody business class? WOW!

Just to explain about changing in London on BA....You have to run through the terminal to a bus. The bus takes you to another terminal where you have to go through security again. Carry-on inspected, etc. Then get to the gate. They allowed 2 hours on our trip over and we made it with a couple of minutes to spare..only a couple...and we rushed. On the return trip we had an hour and a half between. We made it on the end of the line getting on the plane. With small children, who are tired.....As much as I love BA...go for the non-stop.

I'd say go nonstop, anyways BA's economy product is terrible (their economy plus product is well worth the extra money).

If you are flying BA Premium (Club of First) you skip the long line and go through a special express line that literally takes 30 seconds. The bus ride is only a few minutes as well. What really slows people down is the regular security line which can take as much as half an hour to get through.