Flying within Italy, recommendations or thoughts?

I've only used RyanAir within Italy but there is Windjet and a couple of other discount airlines (can't remember the names at the moment). I've always found RyanAir to be the cheapest for what I wanted though. BUT with Ryan the fare you first see is not what you end up with. It may be the same with the others. There's processing, check in,handling fees and taxes. You're allowed one carry on bag of certain dimensions (and they are strict) and any check in luggage you are charged extra for and that can add up. I paid 72 euro for my one bag roundtrip. I think my actual airfare was only like 90 something euro.

Milan (Bergamo) is one of Ryan Air's main hubs in Italy too so flights from there are usually cheaper. Bergamo is about a half hour outside of Milan proper and there are regular busses and such that connect.

Stephanie, In that situation, I'd still travel that route by train. Using a direct EuroStar Italia / Alta Velocita train, that trip is only about 4H:25M by direct train (NO changes, second class fare currently listed at €98, one brief stop at Roma Termini). I doubt very much whether travel by air would be any faster, when all factors are considered (travel to and from airports, check-in, security, waiting and if you use Bergamo, travel from airport to Milan). Air travel would also be more of a hassle, and you could be 'nicked' with extra charges for luggage, especially if you use RyanAir/ OTOH, a direct train during the day would probably be a very pleasant and relaxing experience. I'm not sure if a dining car is provided, but you might be able to enjoy a glass of Wine and a fine hot meal during the trip. Ciao e Buon Viaggio!

Meridiana, an Italian airline, flies non-stop between Naples and Milan Linate. I flew Meridiana from Amsterdam to Florence about a year ago. Price was very good and I was very happy with the experience. I wouldn't hesitate to use them again. You'll get the best price by booking directly using either their website or call center.

I'm also with Ken on this one. But if you want to fly, try this site for figuring out the airline. www.whichbudget.com It will tell you who flies where and has links to the booking sites. Remember that most international flights to the US fly out of Milan Malpensa (MXP) and the other airports some of the budgets use are a ways away, Bergamo in particular. If you don't fly into MXP you'll need to finish up on a bus or bus and train.

I'd choose to fly over the train. Flights are easy, plentiful and very inexpensive. Within Italy, I've flown Easy Jet and Blu Express without problems. Easy Jet was about $40 for a one way, Blu Express was a $20 ticket, both booked in advance. Just be aware of luggage allowances

Check out the Air Italia website for flights within Italy. We flew with them in 2008 and 2010 and were delighted.

Not sure what part of the summer you're heading over. If it's August, many things operate at a MUCH slower pace. I like the train option - as I've been stuck in the Rome airport with delays too often to count. But many times the plane was cheaper (much cheaper) and so off to FCO we went. This posting, with a list of budget airlines, may help you. Good Luck!

Whoops! That is Alitalia Airlines.

Thank you all for the great information! I am going to look into the luggage allowances for sure... since this will be the end of an almost 4 week trip (in June) my husband and I will have at least two big bags, so we may be pushing the size limits. I still haven't ruled out the train, especially due to the transferring between airports. So, I am going to look into the airlines recommended and the train to see which the cheapest/most convenient option will be with our time schedule :) Thanks again for the great recommendations!

I recently found a web site that seems to find the best deals: cheapoair.com. We just used them for our last trip. I definately recommend flying over taking the train. (Don't forget, Milano has two airports!)