I flew on Delta in November 2005 out of Venice. We bit the bullet and used a water taxi because our flight left early as well. It wasn't my ideal way to spend a big hunk of euros, but it bought peace of mind and a direct route.

Thank you all so much for your advice! Very helpful to know I don't need to be at the airport at 5 am. I ended up booking a room at the Hotel Antiche Figure because it seems easy to get there from the Santa Lucia train station and it has gotten good reviews, but booking the Marriott near the airport for the final night, just for my peace of mind. It seems pretty easy to keep my luggage at the Hotel Antiche Figure for my final day, then just come back and get my luggage and then go to the airport Marriott that evening.

I think you'll love the Antiche Figure, jat. Did you get a canal front room? Ours was on the second floor and it was really special.

We took the train to Venice from Florence and when we stopped at the information desk in the station to ask for directions to the hotel, the young woman just pointed at it, it's that close. You walk out of the station, across the bridge, and there it is.

Have a wonderful trip!

That sounds perfect! There were no canal front rooms available on the dates I will be there, but it should be nice, anyway!

Are there steps getting to your room at the Hotel Antiche Figure?

there's an elevator

Thanks Goddesstogo,
I found a great deal on the room at hotels com and just wanted to make sure.

US Air has direct flights from Philadelphia to Venice from middle of May to middle of September or October, not sure which month it ends. Our return flight left at 11 am Venice time. We had a water taxi pick us up at our hotel at 8 am and by 8:30 we were in the airport.
dave