So confusing... can you help? If we fly from Catania to Rome and then onto JFK and do not have it one ticket, but a separate reservation (much cheaper) how much time to 1) get our luggage, 2) get to the international terminal to the US and get thru security? Any different if we switch in Milan?

Thanks in advance.

I don't think anyone can quote an accurate time frame for you. At any airport it matters how many flights are departing or landing at the same time as far as how lines for security (or immigration & customs) back up. 3 hours is typically sufficient anywhere, even with luggage claim and checking into a different flight on separate tickets.

I assume that just leaving FCO usually asks for 2 hours for an international flight... But how to long to get our own luggage on plane from Catania (domestic) and then how long to get to International outgoing to US terminal seems to add at east another 2 hours.. Probably best to stay over a night, but wanted to check with those that have some knowledge. To be safe, assume 5 hours needed??? Sound right????

>>To be safe, assume 5 hours needed??? Sound right????<<

5 hours should be more than ample . . . HOWEVER, on separate tickets nothing is guaranteed. If your flight in from Catania is delayed or cancelled you won't have a flight home. Unless you can afford to buy a new ticket at Rome -- fly in the evening before.

Thanks... needed some confirmation of my thinking.

When it is not all on one ticket, I don't think you can ever allow too much time. And yes I'd fly to Rome the day before. But I don't like to be worried or stressed when I travel, any more than naturally happens!

Is Milan preferable to Rome, if the flights work out?

What airline are you trying to fly back to JFK on?

On separate tickets it really doesn't matter . . . you should still be in your departure the evening before the flight out.

For the US it's three hours not two. Two hours are for flights within the Schengen zone.

The problem with doing it on separate tickets is a delay or a change in flight schedule and you're really in trouble. Ask yourself if things go bad are you willing to buy a one way ticket back home? If not fly into Rome the day before.