American upgrades NYC-to-Rome route with first class
If you're looking to get to Italy in style this summer, American Airlines has a first-class option for you.
The Fort Worth-based carrier filed plans over the weekend to upgauge its New York-to-Rome route to be operated by the 304-seat Boeing 777-300ER during the peak summer season, as first seen in Cirium schedules and later confirmed by a carrier spokesperson.
American plans to fly two daily flights from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO) from June 5 to Oct. 25. Most of those frequencies will now be operated by the Boeing 777-300ER, as you can see below:
- From June 5 to July 18: Exclusively Boeing 777-300ER
- From July 19 to Oct. 25: One daily Boeing 777-300ER, one daily Boeing 777-200ER
American's largest jet, the 777-300ER, is unique because it is the carrier's only wide-body plane with a first-class cabin. It features eight first-class pods, 52 business-class lie-flats, 28 premium economy recliners and 216 economy seats — 28 of which are in an extra-legroom configuration.
(The carrier plans to retrofit the Boeing 777-300ER fleet by replacing the existing first- and business-class cabins with a new business-class suite. These retrofits aren't supposed to start until after the summer, so travelers can still enjoy the first-class product for a few more months.)
Meanwhile, the smaller Boeing 777-200ER seats 31 fewer passengers, with a smaller 37-seat business-class cabin, 24-seat premium economy cabin and 212-seat economy cabin.
As such, this upgauge represents a big increase in premium capacity to Italy — a move that's likely to appeal to deep-pocketed leisure travelers planning a summer vacation to Rome (and beyond). It might also result in more saver-level award and upgrade availability on this route during the summer.
American's first-class product may not win many awards, but it's certainly among the best commercial options for getting from New York to Rome nonstop this summer. There are just eight first-class pods arranged in a 1-2-1 layout at the pointy end of this jet, and the seats are unique in that they can convert into a desk mode to help you focus on work.
There's not much privacy in this cabin, but the beds are the best you'll find on a U.S. carrier. (Those looking for the fanciest way to get to Italy should check out Emirates' fifth-freedom flight from New York to Milan, operated by the double-decker Airbus A380.)
But for American, this move is part of a larger expansion planned for Italy service this summer. Perhaps the biggest news is that the airline is opening a new outstation in Naples for its new nonstop from Philadelphia that takes off on June 5.
The airline will also resume service from Chicago to Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) on June 5; it'll extend the seasonal duration for flights from Philadelphia to Venice and from Charlotte to Rome.
Furthermore, the carrier has upgraded its Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)-to-Rome route to year-round service. It'll add a second daily frequency during the summer from May 5 to Sept. 3.
All in all, American plans a 15% capacity increase in June 2024 compared to June 2019. This number jumps to 30% when compared to June 2023, Cirium schedules show.
So, if you're planning to visit Italy this summer, American will likely have an option for you.
Related reading:
- Your ultimate guide to American Airlines AAdvantage
- Best credit cards for American Airlines flyers
- What is American Airlines elite status worth?
- Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
- The best credit cards to reach elite status
- Everything you need to know about flying basic economy on American Airlines
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
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- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.