Airfare - Boston to Italy in June

"Compared to friends who have taken a similar route in the past, this seems high." Indeed it probably does, but that's the catch - everyone is finding much higher airfares to Europe this year compared with past years. I'd probably wait a bit, and check airfares frequently; they're unlikely to go up in the next 1-2 months, and you may snag a bargain. Be ready to pounce immediately if you do see a sale; these can disappear within the hour. And if you've looked for 1-2 months and they're not budging, you have to either change your trip, or pay what the airlines are charging. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

For mid June, that seems about right for Open Jaw RT from Boston. I doubt that you will get anything under $1,200. My suggestion is to book it soon and move forward with the fun aspects of the trip. Have a great family trip that you will remember long after the flight is paid for.

First, I would sign up for fare alerts on Kayak, Travelzoo, and others. I've gotten great deals that way, but as the previous poster said, you have to be ready to pounce when you find it. Second, check fares through Aer Lingus. I bought my tickets after Christmas and found AL had fares that were $200-300 cheaper than any other airline. Good luck!

Danielle, I bought a ticket 2 weeks ago on Aer Lingus webside from Boston to Naples and back from Rome to Boston (connecting in Dublin) for $955. But this is for April. I think if you see $1200 for June or less, it's good. I also flew your route before on British Airways, connecting through Heathrow, it was a little over $1000 but a few years ago.
Good luck! The sooner you book the better chance you get to seat together.

Try the reverse trip, from north to south. Fly to Venice first, then return to Boston from Rome. Air Lingus (via Dublin) gives me prices under $1,100 for that travel solution in the second half of June. Returning to the US from Rome is often better than Venice anyway. Flights back to the US from Italy are often in the morning (even more so if you have to stop somewhere else in Europe). Since Rome's airport is only 30 min. away from the historical city center, you don't need to get up at ungodly hours like in Venice, where the airport is at least one hour away via boat.

Invaluable advice - thank you - I will try all your suggestions and see how I make out. Will keep you all posted!

Going through Aer Lingus is a great idea. We did this last year on a trip to Spain and it saved us a couple hundred dollars. Only beware - since Aer Lingus is based on Dublin, they may charged you in dollars, but they will assess the extra 2-3% (depending on your bank) fee as though it was a foreign transaction. Even with the extra cost, the price was still well below any other airline, but if you're like me, you don't necessarily like surprises. Have a good trip!

I'm having the same problem - my mother is planning on visiting in April to see her new grandchild but the cheapest Boston to Venice flight we can find is around $1200-1300 (Aer Lingus is $1250). I've been checking daily but no change yet.

Rik - I will let you know if I when/if I find anything. I have checked out Aer Lingus and the rates are better - but still high. Thanks again everyone!

It is true about a foreign transaction fee if you buy directly on a foreign airline webside (Aer Lingus) vs. getting your tickets through Orbitz, for example. But I bought my ticket with my American Express Card which has no foreign transaction fee charges. ( mine is from Bank of America, I use it overseas for hotel bills, train tickets, etc.)

Hi Danielle, We booked tickets from Seattle to Paris then flying back from Zurich a few weeks ago for $1,200 per ticket (we are going in May). I was thinking the same thing, that we could get cheaper tickets too. I would book as soon as you can, though, for one reason: planning places to stay. Of course we are flying into Paris, but finding an affordable to stay that we liked was difficult. Places book up quickly, and having the firm dates in order to plan has been essential. Good luck finding a good price! Another thought is to work through an agent. It was $40 per ticket for an agent to find tickets for us, and he was able to get tickets that we liked very well. I could not find the same thing he did, even after the fact. Good luck! Your trip will be wonderful. Cheers,
Becky

Hi Danielle, If your still looking a travel site I like is Hipmunk.com. I know air is high and I wonder if I made a mistake in not waiting. Leaving May 15th and returning May 28 I've booked an openjaw flight from Asheville NC to Naples and then Venice to Asheville for $1,110. Now I'm doing as suggested...just enjoy the trip. Good luck with your plans

Check "fairbuzz.com" I 'joined' free and they send me s weekly on fare changes. Today they were saying @$1100 r/t Boston/Naples, on Aer Lingus but you have
to connect in Dublin. (June 1 departure, returning June 25) Worth a try.