The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Advertiser disclosure
The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Guides
The best ways to travel to Italy with points and miles
Andrew Kunesh is TPG's Points & Miles editor. He has been active in the points and miles space since 2014, using them to travel far and wide around the world. He is originally from Chicago but moved to New York City after graduating from DePaul University. His work is featured on Credit Karma, UpgradedPoints, ValuePenguin and various other travel and finance publications. He currently holds Delta Diamond Medallion and Marriott Titanium status, and 20+ credit cards that each have a special place in Andrew's wallet.
July 28, 2025 • 15 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Editorial note: This is a recurring post that is regularly updated with new information and offers.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
Related stories
Quick summary
Italy offers a diverse travel experience, from historical cities and art museums to beaches and high-end shopping.
Major U.S. airlines and select international carriers provide extensive flight options to Italy, including routes to both major and smaller cities.
Travelers can use airline and hotel loyalty programs to book flights and accommodations in Italy, often saving substantially on premium cabins and luxury stays.
Dynamic pricing and award availability vary widely by carrier and loyalty program, impacting the value and ease of booking with points or miles.
What to consider
Award pricing for flights and hotels can fluctuate significantly based on season, route and program rules.
Some loyalty programs offer better transfer options and lower taxes and fees, but premium cabin award space may be limited, especially on popular routes.
Bringing a payment card with no foreign transaction fees is recommended to avoid extra costs when spending in euros.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of the best loyalty program strategies for booking flights and hotels in Italy, including specific routes, transfer partners and award rates.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
Between pasta, pizza, wine, beaches, designer stores and some of the world’s fastest supercars, Italy is the perfect place for both a relaxing getaway and a jam-packed adventure, no matter your interests.
You can visit the historical sights in Rome, the canals in Venice and the famous art museums in Florence. And if high fashion is your thing, you can't miss Milan's high-end shopping.
All three of the U.S. legacy carriers fly to Italy, and there is even a cool fifth-freedom route to make your trip a little more exciting. Some U.S. airlines have also started flying to smaller Italian cities. For example, United Airlines flies to Palermo Falcone Borsellino Airport (PMO) and Delta Air Lines flies to Vincenzo Bellini Catania Airport (CTA) in Catania.
Today, we’ll look at the best ways to travel to and stay in Italy using your points and miles.
Booking American Airlines flights to Italy
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
American Airlines serves Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO), Silvio Berlusconi Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), Naples International Airport (NAP) and Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) from various U.S. hub airports. Italy is one of American's largest markets in Europe, with the airline serving the following routes (note some may be seasonal):
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
FCO
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
FCO
VCE
O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
NAP
FCO
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
FCO
MXP
Miami International Airport (MIA)
FCO
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
NAP
MXP
FCO
VCE
American Airlines' business-class product isn't the most luxurious way to fly from the U.S. to Italy, but you'll enjoy predictable service and lie-flat seats. You have a handful of options for booking these flights with miles, including with American's own AAdvantage loyalty program.
The program uses dynamic pricing to price its flights, meaning that the price changes day-to-day depending on when you book, where you fly and other factors. While this means it may require a ton of miles to book American flights to Italy on some days, you can get a reasonable deal on off-peak dates.
For example, on a random date next February, you can book a one-way, business-class flight from PHL to FCO for 65,000 American miles. Meanwhile, economy costs 19,000 miles and premium economy costs 39,000 miles on this date. You'll pay just $5.60 in taxes and fees on flights from the U.S. to Italy.
AMERICAN AIRLINES
Unfortunately, earning American miles isn't easy. You can earn them when you fly with American or its partner airlines, use its cobranded credit cards and leverage other partnerships.
If saver award space is available, you can also book with Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan. This Oneworld loyalty program uses a distance-based award chart, so shorter flights cost fewer points. The Philadelphia-to-Rome flight mentioned previously cost 27,500, 35,000 and 55,000 miles for economy, premium economy and business class, respectively. There's an additional $19 in taxes and fees.
ALASKA AIRLINES
Alaska Airlines miles can also be tough to earn. Like AAdvantage, you can earn them by flying with Alaska and its partners, using its cobranded credit cards or spending with other partners. However, you can transfer Bilt Rewards points to Alaska at a 1:1 transfer ratio.
Booking with Qantas Frequent Flyer is a reasonable deal if you want to redeem transferable points. Like Alaska Mileage Plan, the price will vary based on how long your desired route is. Using Philadelphia to Rome as an example, you can expect to spend 25,200, 51,300 or 68,400 miles for economy, premium economy and business class, respectively. There's an additional $239 in taxes and fees.
Delta Air Lines has an extensive route network to Italy, including seasonal routes to smaller Italian cities. Here's a look at all the routes that Delta currently operates, but note that some may only operate seasonally.
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
MXP
NAP
FCO
VCE
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
MXP
NAP
CTA
FCO
VCE
Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
FCO
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
MXP
FCO
Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
FCO
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
FCO
The Delta One business cabin is often seen as one of the better products among U.S. airlines, with recently refreshed cabins on select planes. Regardless of the Delta plane you fly from the U.S. to Italy, you can expect good service, a lie-flat seat and access to the Delta One lounge if flying from an eligible airport.
Delta SkyMiles prices all of its awards dynamically, and tickets in Delta One are often very expensive. For example, this flight from JFK to FCO costs as few as 29,000 SkyMiles in economy but as many as 255,000 in Delta One. However, these prices drop by 15% if you have an eligible Delta cobranded American Express card, thanks to the TakeOff 15 benefit. Taxes and fees are just $6.
DELTA AIR LINES
Earn Delta SkyMiles by using Delta's suite of cobranded American Express credit cards or by flying with Delta and its partners. You can also transfer American Express Membership Rewards points to Delta SkyMiles at a 1:1 transfer ratio.
You may be able to find a better deal if you book with Air France-KLM Flying Blue. This program also uses dynamic pricing for award tickets, but prices tend to be more reasonable than those of Delta SkyMiles. Finding Delta One space through Flying Blue is almost impossible, but you can often book Main Cabin economy tickets for under 30,000 points one-way, plus $33 in taxes and fees.
AIR FRANCE
Earning Flying Blue miles is remarkably easy. You can transfer American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Wells Fargo Rewards points to Flying Blue at a 1:1 transfer ratio.
Booking Emirates flights to Italy
BEN SMITHSON/THE POINTS GUY
Emirates offers a fifth-freedom flight from JFK to MXP aboard its flagship Airbus A380 aircraft. This is the most luxurious way to fly to Milan in first or business class, thanks to Emirates' top-notch onboard service and over-the-top amenities in first class. Think an in-seat minibar and even an onboard shower in first class.
Emirates Skywards recently restricted first-class award tickets to those with Emirates elite status. However, those without status can still book economy, premium economy and business-class award tickets — albeit at relatively high prices. You'll pay 17,500 miles and $49.50 for an economy ticket and 87,000 and $101.50 for a one-way business-class ticket from the U.S. to Italy.
EMIRATES
You can transfer American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou points to Emirates Skywards. However, most transferable point programs will soon devalue their transfer rates to Emirates Skywards, so watch out.
Further, Qantas and Emirates have a nonalliance partnership that offers decent rates on Emirates flights. The biggest advantage of booking Emirates flights through Qantas, however, is that the program doesn't restrict first-class award bookings to elite members. You'll pay 25,200, 75,000, or 107,700 miles for a one-way ticket on this route in economy, business class and first class, respectively. Taxes and fees range between $50 and $250 each way.
QANTAS
As mentioned earlier, you can transfer American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One miles and Citi ThankYou points to Qantas Frequent Flyer. These transfers all process at a 1:1 transfer ratio.
Booking ITA flights to Italy
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
ITA is Italy's flag carrier. It was recently acquired by Lufthansa Group and left SkyTeam, with plans to join Star Alliance soon. However, the airline has maintained partnerships with several loyalty programs that offer reasonable redemption rates.
ITA Airways offers flights from Rome to Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. The airline also operates long-haul flights to Canada and various cities in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and South America.
Now for the bad news: Finding ITA business-class award space is nearly impossible right now. After checking Seats.aero, we found no business-class seats available from the U.S. to Europe (or vice versa) through the end of the booking calendar. Thankfully, economy award space is plentiful.
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club is generally your best bet for booking ITA Airways flights with transferable points. You'll pay 25,500 miles for an economy flight from the East Coast to Italy and 37,000 miles for a flight from the West Coast to Italy, plus under $100 in taxes and fees.
VIRGIN ATLANTIC
You can transfer American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards and Wells Fargo Rewards to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club at a 1:1 ratio.
Further, Air France-KLM Flying Blue maintains a partnership with ITA Airways, but you'll pay more for flights. ITA Airways economy flights from the U.S. to Italy start at 31,500 miles one-way. Further, you'll pay over $200 in taxes and fees. Flying Blue has the same transfer partners as Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.
AIR FRANCE
Booking United Airlines flights to Italy
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
United Airlines also operates an extensive route network from the U.S. to Italy, including seasonal routes to some smaller Italian cities. Here's a look at all of the Chicago-based airline's routes to Italy, but note that some may not operate year-round.
Denver International Airport (DEN)
FCO
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
MXP
NAP
PMO
FCO
VCE
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
MXP
FCO
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
FCO
Dulles International Airport (IAD)
FCO
VCE
United's long-haul fleet is outfitted with the carrier's Polaris business-class seats, which offer lie-flat beds and direct aisle access on most planes. You'll also find upgraded dining and Saks Fifth Avenue-branded bedding, which we've found to be super comfortable.
United MileagePlus uses dynamic pricing for award flights, with one-way economy awards usually starting at 20,500 miles, premium economy at 50,000 miles and business class at 80,000 miles. United adds minimal taxes and fees, with flights departing the U.S. adding just $5.60. Those with select United cobranded credit cards or United Premier elite status may get a mileage discount, too.
UNITED AIRLINES
You can transfer Bilt Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards points to United MileagePlus at a 1:1 transfer ratio. You can also earn with United's extensive collection of cobranded credit cards or by flying with United and its partners.
Another good option for booking United flights to Italy is Air Canada Aeroplan. This program now has dynamic pricing for United award tickets, but you'll generally pay 40,000 points for an economy ticket or 80,000 points for a business-class ticket, plus $60 to $100 in taxes and fees.
AIR CANADA
The upside to booking with Air Canada Aeroplan is how easy it is to earn Aeroplan points. American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One miles and Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer to Aeroplan at a 1:1 ratio. Air Canada also has a U.S. cobranded credit card that you can use to earn Aeroplan points.
The best points hotels in Italy
ROME CAVALIERI, A WALDORF ASTORIA HOTEL/FACEBOOK
Italy is full of great points hotels from all major loyalty programs, especially in major cities like Rome, Venice and Milan. Here's a look at some of our favorites alongside their award pricing:
Italy uses the euro, so it's essential to bring a credit card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees when you spend abroad. This will save you money and let you earn points toward your next trip.
The information for the Bilt Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Italy is a top destination for American travelers — and it's easy to see why. From fantastic food and wine to art and cultural experiences, there's something for everyone. Plus, there are so many flights between the U.S. and Italy on various airlines.
Booking your next trip to Italy with points and miles can save you thousands of dollars on airfare and hotels, especially when booking business-class seats and high-end hotels. Bookmark this guide and refer to it the next time your travel plans call for a trip to Italy.
