Connecting flights in Rome/FCO

Key issue, one ticket or two?

IF one ticket ---- it will be immigration in FCO -- maybe an hour or so. Customs with luggage in Catania. Should stay behind security.

if both are ticketed by AA, you clear in Catania; if you book two separate tickets, PP control and baggage claim at FCO , and you exit the secure area and re-check bags at the ITA area and re- enter security. No one can tell you how long that will take.
Pre-Covid, when I traveled to FCO and then would go to MXP or Sicily using Easyjet, I'd allow my self 4 hours between connections, and it was worth it to me as a business traveler(at that time) for the savings.

When we went US to Sicily via FCO in 2019, we followed the line through a special transit immigration station, because we had to go across to the domestic terminal for our AirItalia connection. The one sleepy immigration officer was quick. We went through customs in Punta Raisa (Palermo). YMMV.

Some mixed information in the answers above.

Regardless of one itinerary or two, you will go through immigration at FCO, let's, for the sake of discussion, consider customs a non issue. You mention picking up bags, this is where you having this all on one itinerary, or having purchased ITA tickets separately matters. (I thought ITA was aligned with Delta though).

If one itinerary and you verify your bags are checked through to Sicily at check in in Philadelphia, then just follow the "in-transit" or connecting flights signage to in-transit immigration, then on to your new gate, (you never leave the secure zone) pick up bags in Sicily.

If you purchased the ITA ticket as a separate ticket, and you have checked bags, it gets messy. You would then follow the signs for Ground transportation/Baggage claim, go through immigration, then to baggage claim. Pick up your bag, then head up to arrivals and find the desk for ITA check-in, check your bag, head to security to get back into the secure zone, then onto your gate. Pick up your bags in Sicily on arrival.

As for time, if on one itinerary, the airline usually allows enough time, but a couple hours would be nice. If you are delayed and miss your flight, the airline will accommodate you. If two separate tickets, then leave a healthy buffer. The danger is delays, and with checked bags, having to claim them, then wait at check-in, then wait at security...with all the issues airports seem to be having? Maybe no less than 4 hours, and that is assuming your flight arrives on time. You of course still risk missing your Sicily flight and having to purchase or change your ticket, the airline bears no responsibility. Myself, when we did this, we just planned two nights in Rome to rest and get situated before heading to Sicily.

Paul. Can I assume that with only carryon that it would be the same as “one itinerary “ described above.
Ps great explanation

Thanks everyone for the helpful information.
The entire itinerary is bookable on the AA website but I know that doesn't guarantee "one ticket".
Will need to give this some thought!

Can I assume that with only carryon that it would be the same as “one itinerary “ described above.

Yes, if you have no checked bags, no need to exit the secure zone, so on to your next gate. If you need to check-in, they will have a service desk somewhere in the secure zone and often kiosks scattered around. Of course the caveats about risk of delay still apply.

gibbos 2

If you booked everything through AA, then they must have agreements with ITA. You can call AA and ask if your bags will be checked through to Sicily, and certainly, when checking in at Philadelphia, verify that they are.

Looking at the AA site I see it sells for ITA and has PHL-FCO-CTA as a single booking ( i.e. 'one ticket')

The 1 hr connection looks to be a hi tension choice.

I would choose the 2nd listed option with the 2hr 45min transfer time. Still gets you to CTA before noon; gives you time to get some breakfast at FCO ( unless you are biz or 1st class, you won't get much on the plane), so having the extra time at FCO can be a good thing.

For the random Oct date I chose, the price is the same for either itinerary.

Happy Travels

....I know that doesn't guarantee "one ticket". ..... Yes it does. If booking A to C through B, that is one ticket - 2 leg flight. If you miss B to C, then you are covered. But two separate tickets A to B, and B to C and you miss B to C --- big problem. It is your responsibility to get to C.

Good to know- thanks everyone. Yes, those are the flights I'm looking at and there was no way I was going to do the short connecting time!

i did something different for my recent trip to Italy. Flew into FCO and then stayed the night at the Airport Hilton (highly recommended on this travel forum). It was so nice to relax when my flight was late and not worry about connecting and once I was through FCO customs, a hot shower was a few minutes walk away. For dinner, I just walked back to the airport and had something simple to eat then had a wonderful night sleep.
Then, the next morning, I walked the 5 minutes to the airport and took my flight to Catania. No jet lag, ready to see Sicily!

And, if you are getting an Italian SIM card, it was so easy to do in the Rome airport and I didn't need to rush to do it.
Again, no stress and ready to start my Sicily adventure all rested.