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For many travelers, a trip to Italy is the ultimate bucket-list vacation. Whether you’re dreaming of sipping espresso by Rome’s Colosseum, cruising the canals of Venice or exploring the dramatic cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, Italy has an undeniable allure. But getting there can be expensive, particularly if you’re eyeing business class to Italy.
Fortunately, Italy is one of the most accessible European destinations to reach using credit card points and frequent flyer miles. By leveraging the right airline loyalty programs and strategic credit card transfer partners, you can swap thousands of dollars in airfares for incredibly low mileage rates.
Let’s check out the best airline to fly to Italy and the best ways to redeem your points to make it happen.
The Shortest Path to Flights to Italy on Points
To maximize your points, you need a clear strategy. These five airline programs offer the best redemption value from the United States to Italy:
- Air Canada Aeroplan: The most reliable option for flights with Star Alliance airlines (such United Airlines), with business-class fares starting at 75,000 points one-way
- Air France-KLM Flying Blue: Strong availability, with economy flights starting at around 25,000 miles and business class from 60,000 miles one-way, plus a unique 25% discount for children
- Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards: Incredible value for American Airlines flights, offering business-class fares to Italy for 55,000 to 70,000 points one-way
- American Airlines AAdvantage: Solid value on its own flights, starting at 25,000 miles in economy and 75,000 in business class
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: One of the cheapest ways to fly business class (Delta One), starting at just 47,500 points one-way, though award space is challenging to find
Which Transfer Partners Offer the Best Value?
The good news is that you don’t need to fly frequently on these airlines to accumulate miles. Instead, you can earn transferable points through major credit card rewards programs and transfer them to the airline program of your choice.
Each major credit card ecosystem pairs differently with the top-tier programs for Italy:
- American Express Membership Rewards®: The most versatile rewards currency for Europe. It transfers 1:1 to Flying Blue, Delta SkyMiles, Air Canada Aeroplan and Virgin Atlantic.
- Bilt Rewards: The only major currency that transfers 1:1 to Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards, making it valuable for booking American Airlines flights to Italy at saver rates. It also transfers 1:1 to United MileagePlus, Flying Blue and Virgin Atlantic.
- Capital One Miles: Points transfer to Air Canada Aeroplan, Flying Blue and Virgin Atlantic at 1:1 ratios.
- Chase Ultimate Rewards: Points transfer 1:1 to Air Canada Aeroplan, Flying Blue, Virgin Atlantic and United MileagePlus.
- Citi ThankYou Rewards: The only major currency to transfer to American Airlines AAdvantage at a 1:1 ratio (via premium cards only). Points also transfer 1:1 to Flying Blue and Virgin Atlantic.
Best Programs for Award Flights to Italy
Let’s now take a deeper look at the best ways to fly to Italy on points.
Air France-KLM Flying Blue
Air France-KLM Flying Blue is a great program for getting between the U.S. and Europe at affordable rates in both economy and business class. Air France and KLM serve a wide range of U.S. airports and connect to a number of destinations through their respective hubs in Paris (CDG) and Amsterdam (AMS).
When searching for award fares through Air France, leave the dates section blank to bring up the award calendar overview. You’ll find the cheapest dates to fly highlighted in green.
Image courtesy of Air France
Because Flying Blue prices its award fares dynamically, you’ll need flexibility to find the cheapest dates, but it can be well worth it. For example, you could fly from Atlanta (ATL) to Venice (VCE) for 25,000 miles one-way in economy.
Image courtesy of Air France
You could also fly one-way in economy from Boston (BOS) to Milan-Malpensa (MXP) for as few as 18,750 miles using a Flying Blue Promo Reward.
Image courtesy of Air France
Flying Blue offers a 25% discount on award tickets for children aged 2 through 11, making this an incredibly affordable option for family travel to Italy.
If you want to fly business, you can often find fares—such as the one below between Minneapolis (MSP) and Rome (FCO)—for as few as 60,000 miles each way.
Image courtesy of Air France
Keep in mind that Flying Blue charges several hundred dollars in taxes and fees round trip. However, the affordable award rates, expansive route network and ample transfer partners make Flying Blue one of your best options for getting to Italy.
American Airlines
One of the best airlines to fly to Italy on points with is American Airlines.
American flies nonstop to Rome (FCO), Naples (NAP), Venice (VCE) and Milan-Malpensa (MXP) from a number of its hubs, making Italy one of its largest European markets.
| Hub airport | Destination in Italy |
|---|---|
| Dallas (DFW) |
|
| Charlotte (CLT) |
|
| Chicago-O’Hare (ORD) |
|
| Miami (MIA) |
|
| New York (JFK) |
|
| Philadelphia (PHL) |
|
American’s award chart for its own flights is subject to dynamic pricing fluctuations. For partner-operated flights, American offers fixed zone-based pricing. If you’re looking for American-operated award flights to Italy, your best bets are to book directly through American Airlines AAdvantage or through Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards.
American Airlines AAdvantage
American Airlines AAdvantage prices award flights to Italy on its own metal starting at the following one-way rates:
- Economy: 25,000 miles
- Premium economy: 50,000 miles
- Business/first: 75,000 miles
American Airlines uses dynamic pricing, meaning you’ll often see flights going for far more or occasionally less. Despite the dynamic pricing system, you can often find saver award rates for economy and business-class seats, but you’ll need flexibility with your dates to secure them.
You can simplify your search by using American’s award calendar overview to find the cheapest days of the month to fly. You can also filter this calendar by service class, making it even easier to find the fares you want.
Image courtesy of American Airlines
For example, you could fly from New York (JFK) to Rome (FCO) for 30,000 miles in economy, 52,000 miles in premium economy or 77,000 miles in business each way.
Image courtesy of American Airlines
Similarly, you could fly with American Airlines from Miami (MIA) to Milan-Malpensa (MXP) for 31,000 miles in economy, 52,000 miles in premium economy or 77,000 miles in business each way.
Image courtesy of American Airlines
These are competitive rates to Italy that hover around the saver level, offering excellent value for your miles.
You’ll also find partner award fares to Italy through the AAdvantage program, which are priced at the following rates:
- Economy off-peak: 22,500 miles
- Economy: 30,000 miles
- Premium economy: 40,000 miles
- Business: 57,500 miles
- First: 85,000 miles
However, most partner-operated flights to Europe are with British Airways, which tacks on significant taxes and fees to award fares. For example, a business-class ticket with British Airways from New York (JFK) to Rome (FCO) via London-Heathrow (LHR) may cost only 57,500 miles each way, but you’ll pay $754.70 in taxes and fees.
Image courtesy of American Airlines
For this reason, you’re best off targeting award flights on American metal only.
Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards
If you’re struggling to find saver award pricing on American flights, an even better option is to book them through Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards. Alaska uses a distance- and zone-based award chart to price its flights, with the following one-way rates for partner-operated award flights.
| Distance flown (in miles) | Economy | Premium economy | Business | First |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3,501-5,000 | 27,500 | 35,000 | 55,000 | 82,500 |
| 5,001-7,000 | 35,000 | 45,000 | 70,000 | 105,000 |
| 7,001-10,000 | 42,500 | 55,000 | 85,000 | 130,000 |
Just like with American Airlines, Alaska allows you to search for award fares by the month, making it easy to find the cheapest dates to fly.
Image courtesy of Alaska Airlines
If you can find saver award availability with American Airlines, you can pay even less than you would by booking directly through the AAdvantage program. For example, you could fly with American Airlines from New York (JFK) to Rome (FCO) for 27,500 points in economy or 55,000 points in business each way.
Image courtesy of Alaska Airlines
You could also fly from Dallas (DFW) to Venice (VCE) for 35,000 points in economy, 45,000 points in premium economy or 70,000 points in business each way.
Image courtesy of Alaska Airlines
If you have a stash of Atmos Rewards points, this is one of the most affordable ways to fly to Italy on points.
United Airlines
United Airlines offers a strong route network with multiple nonstop flights to Italy from its West Coast, East Coast and Midwest hubs.
| Hub airport | Destination in Italy |
|---|---|
| Chicago-O’Hare (ORD) |
|
| Denver (DEN) |
|
| Newark (EWR) |
|
| San Francisco (SFO) |
|
| Washington (IAD) |
|
As United is a member of the Star Alliance, you have multiple options when it comes to booking United flights to Italy at affordable rates. Some of the best options include booking directly through United MileagePlus if you’re a co-branded cardholder or booking through Air Canada Aeroplan.
United MileagePlus
Booking United award flights directly through United MileagePlus can be a lucrative option for United co-branded cardholders, thanks to its exclusive cardholder discounts. Booking Star Alliance partner-operated flights through United MileagePlus also offers advantageous award pricing for both cardholders and non-cardholders.
When searching for flights through United MileagePlus, use its award search calendar to check for availability by the month. The cheapest award fares are highlighted in green.
Image courtesy of United Airlines
United award flights are subject to dynamic pricing, making it crucial to be flexible with your travel dates. The saver level rate for one-way flights between the U.S. and Europe generally hovers around 40,000 miles for economy and 80,000 miles for business, but it can be challenging to find business saver award space.
Many United business fares will price at 200,000 miles each way, but United co-branded cardholders can often find deep discounts on these up-front rates. For example, you could fly from Washington (IAD) to Venice (VCE) for just 72,000 miles in United Polaris business each way, which would cost 200,000 miles for non-cardholders. Likewise, cardholders would pay just 36,000 miles in economy and 45,000 miles in premium economy one-way to Venice instead of 40,000 miles and 50,000 miles, respectively.
Image courtesy of United Airlines
You can typically find much more saver award space for partner-operated flights to Europe. For instance, you could fly with LOT Polish Airlines from Newark (EWR) to Rome (FCO) with a connection in Warsaw (WAW) for 88,000 miles in business each way or 80,000 miles if you’re a United co-branded cardholder.
Image courtesy of United Airlines
Flying the same route with ITA Airways—Italy’s flag carrier—would cost the same number of miles.
Image courtesy of United Airlines
If you have a stash of United miles and are a United co-branded cardholder, booking award flights through United MileagePlus—whether with United or a Star Alliance partner—is a great way to fly to Italy. Alternatively, if you have a stash of Chase Ultimate Rewards or Bilt Rewards points, you can transfer these to United MileagePlus at a 1:1 ratio, making it a strong option for booking Star Alliance partner flights. In either case, you’ll benefit from competitive award rates and low taxes and fees.
Air Canada Aeroplan
If you’re not a United co-branded cardholder, a better option is to book through Air Canada Aeroplan. Air Canada uses a zone- and distance-based award chart to price its partner award fares. United award fares are subject to dynamic price fluctuations, but you’ll often find greater award availability at the saver level compared to booking directly with United.
These are the one-way starting rates for United flights between the U.S. and Europe booked through Air Canada.
| Distance flown (in miles) | Economy | Premium economy | Business |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4,001-6,000 | 42,500 | 60,000 | 75,000 |
| 6,001-8,000 | 55,000 | 70,000 | 90,000 |
For example, you could fly from Newark (EWR) to Venice (VCE) with a connection in Rome (FCO) with United and ITA Airways for 42,500 points in economy or 75,000 points in business each way.
Image courtesy of Air Canada
From the West Coast, you could pay 90,000 points for a business-class fare from San Francisco (SFO) to Rome (FCO) with United and ITA Airways.
Image courtesy of Air Canada
If you want to avoid United’s dynamic pricing fluctuations, Air Canada Aeroplan is a solid program for booking flights to Italy.
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines offers a number of nonstop flights from the U.S. to Italy.
| Hub airport | Destination in Italy |
|---|---|
| Atlanta (ATL) |
|
| Boston (BOS) |
|
| Detroit (DTW) |
|
| Minneapolis (MSP) |
|
| New York (JFK) |
|
| Seattle (SEA) |
|
If you’re targeting Delta One award space, you’ll want to book through SkyTeam partner programs, such as Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. However, if you’re flying economy, booking directly with Delta can offer the best rates.
Delta SkyMiles
You can book affordable economy fares through Delta SkyMiles. For instance, you could fly from Atlanta (ATL) to Rome (FCO) in economy for 36,900 SkyMiles each way.
Image courtesy of Delta Air Lines
You can pay even less if you’re an eligible co-branded Delta cardholder, thanks to the 15% award flight discount offered through the TakeOff 15 benefit. However, you’ll want to avoid booking Delta One fares through Delta unless you have half a million miles to burn on a one-way ticket.
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
If you want Delta One tickets for a fraction of the price, you can book them through Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.
Virgin charges the following one-way rates for Delta One tickets to Europe.
| Origin | Off-peak | Peak |
|---|---|---|
| East Coast | 47,500 | 57,500 |
| Central U.S. | 47,500 | 57,500 |
| West Coast | 67,500 | 77,500 |
These are incredibly affordable rates compared to booking directly with Delta, but the main challenge is finding award availability through Virgin. For this reason, you’ll want to use an award search tool or award alert service. Alternatively, you can book main cabin economy fares starting at 30,000 points each way.
Image courtesy of Virgin Atlantic
This makes Virgin an affordable program for booking family travel to Italy.
Finding and Booking Award Availability
It’s one thing knowing where to look but another thing actually finding award space. Here are some strategies for making award space easier to find.
Best Tools for Searching Award Flights
Because award seats are limited, using the right search tool can save you hours of manual frustration. If you want to check availability across multiple dates and alliances simultaneously, skip individual airline sites and use specialized award search aggregators:
- Seats.aero
- Point.me
- Roame.travel
- AwardTool
- PointsYeah
Alternatively, you can use an award alert service, such as the one offered to 10xTravel+ members, to get notified immediately when award space becomes available.
Should You Book Round-Trip or One-Way Awards?
In almost all cases, booking one-way awards is the far better strategy.
Booking one-way awards makes it easier to find availability on each leg of your journey and allows you to mix and match booking programs. This helps you find the best rates and allows you to use different point balances if necessary.
The only exception is Delta round-trip award tickets, which often price at less than the cost of two one-way awards.
Pairing Points Flights With Hotel Rewards
Getting to Italy on points is only half the battle—you also need a place to stay. Fortunately, most major U.S. credit card points transfer to global hotel programs with expansive footprints across Italy.
Hilton Honors has a significant network of properties in Italy, with some top options including the Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, and the Hilton Lake Como. You can transfer Amex points (1:2) and Bilt Rewards (1:1) to Hilton Honors.
Marriott Bonvoy is another top contender when it comes to booking hotels in Italy. Some of its best Italian properties include The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, in Venice and The St. Regis Florence and St. Regis Rome. You can transfer Amex points, Bilt Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards to Marriott Bonvoy at 1:1 ratios.
World of Hyatt boasts a small yet luxurious network of properties in Italy, including the Park Hyatt Milan and the Il Tornabuoni Hotel in Florence. You can transfer Chase points to Hyatt at a 1:1 or 4:3 ratio, depending on the card you hold. You can also transfer Bilt Rewards points to Hyatt.
Putting Together Your Miles Trip to Italy
Whether it’s the canals of Venice, the serenity of Lake Como or the stunning waters of the Amalfi Coast, Italy is a must-visit destination for all travelers. All three major U.S. legacy carriers offer nonstop routes to Italy from multiple U.S. hubs. Leveraging programs such as Alaska Airlines Atmos, Air Canada Aeroplan, Air France-KLM Flying Blue and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club to book travel to Italy is your best bet for finding affordable fares—whether it’s in business or economy.
Be sure to use an award search tool and alert service to make the booking process easier. Similarly, don’t dismiss the possibility of booking a transatlantic award flight to any European country and then flying to Italy on a cheap cash fare. With low-cost airlines such as Ryanair, Vueling Airlines and Eurowings offering intra-European flights for under $100, this is an easy way to expand your booking options—maximizing your chance of landing a premium cabin seat.
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Editors Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. This site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. All values of Membership Rewards are assigned based on the assumption, experience and opinions of the 10xTravel team and represent an estimate and not an actual value of points. Estimated value is not a fixed value and may not be the typical value enjoyed by card members.
Editors Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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