Deal alert: Fly business class to Italy this fall from $1,800 round trip
Quick summary
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
If you've been thinking of saying "ciao" to Italy, now is a great time to book your trip. You'll be able to fly comfortably from multiple U.S. cities in business class with round-trip prices starting at $1,800.
These deals are available starting at the end of the summer and they run through next spring; however, we're seeing the best availability for many of these business class discounts in November. We think late fall is the perfect time to visit Italy because the summer heat will have dissipated. Plus, it's prime time to sample seasonal specialties such as mushrooms, chestnuts and wild game in addition to staples such as local bread, pizza and pasta.
Multiple airlines are offering these discounts, so be sure to check your favorite carriers. One noteworthy option is to fly Turkish Airlines, which will allow you to plan a two-day layover in Turkey; this way you can explore the wonders of Istanbul on your way to favorite Italian spots like Rome, Milan, Florence or Venice.
Deal basics
Airlines: Air Canada, Air France, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, KLM, TAP Portugal, Turkish, La Compagnie, ITA.
Routes: Boston, Miami, Newark, New York City, San Francisco, San Jose and Washington, D.C., to Bologna, Florence, Milan, Naples and Rome.
How to book: Search Google Flights and book directly through the airline.
Travel dates: August 2022 to May 2023.
Thanks to Scott's Cheap Flights for first alerting us to this deal. Its Premium membership is available for $49 per year, while the Elite tier option is available for $199 per year. The latter offers access to deals on premium economy, business- and first-class tickets.
As always, be as flexible with your travel plans as possible, as it'll typically help you find better prices.
Sample flights
The best deal we found is from Washington, D.C.'s Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Milan on TAP for nearly half-off the regular business-class fare. Milan is an easy jumping-off point to other popular Italian cities, with fast and easy train access to Lake Como, Venice and Florence. If you want to explore Milan, you can view The Last Supper, go to the roof of the Duomo or try some snacks and cocktails during apertivo hour.
Another route with strong discounts and multiple airline options is this San Francisco to Rome option for less than $2,200 — a savings of nearly 40% off regular business-class fares.
For slightly different destination, consider Bologna: It's a central Italian destination near Florence, and it's just an easy train ride away from Tuscan gems. Plus, it's an easy jump south to Rome or north to Milan. Departures in the early spring yield the best prices in business class, including this deal from Boston to Bologna for 36% less than usual fares.
Maximize your purchase
Pay with: The Platinum Card® from American Express for 5 points per dollar on airfare booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year), the Citi Prestige® Card for 5 points per dollar on airfare, the Citi Premier® Card (see rates and fees),or Chase Sapphire Reserve for 3 points per dollar on air travel, the American Express® Gold Card for 3 points per dollar on airfare when booked directly with the airline or through Amex Travel or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card for 2 points per dollar on travel.
The information for the Citi Prestige Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Bottom line
If you've been saving up for an Italian getaway and want to fly in style, consider taking advantage of one of these business-class deals. The best flight options from many U.S. cities to Italy are in late fall, but there are deals throughout the winter and spring as well.