Flying in to Rome in November for the Sicily tour. What is the best/easiest way to get ourselves on down to Palermo? What Italian airlines is comparable to Southwest here in the states? Thanks.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16894 posts
RyanAir, Vueling, and Alitalia all serve the route. See also www.skyscanner.com.
Posted by
OP
13 posts
Thank you.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Also try EasyJet; I know they fly from Milano.
Posted by
San Francisco area
1843 posts
My friends flew Ryanair. They booked the business fare as it was a little cheaper (checked bags, seat selection, etc). They thought it was fine.
At the end of the trip we all flew out of Catania. I elected to fly Alitalia as they had more frequent service. My friends were on the Ryanair flight a little after mine. On this particular day the Alitalia flight used busses to board in Catania and deplane on arrival. So my friends got into Rome before I did.
If you fly one of the budget carriers please read up on all the details and fees so you aren't surprised by anything.
If you decide to fly Alitalia, when booking select international as the website and english for your language. The flight was significantly cheaper but priced in euros. I think it was around 55 euros vs $130 on the US website.
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
For Alitalia, compare both the US and international rates. My rate from Rome to Palermo was less expensive in USD (which saved credit card fees), but my flight from Catania was less epensive on the international site in euro (including credit card fees). Timing will play a part. I booked the Catania ticket a couple of weeks after the Palermo ticket. The earlier you book, generally the lower the price.
Posted by
OP
13 posts
Thank you. Great information. Will sit down now and buy the tickets.