I'm planning on flying into Venice from JFK around 06/04/12 and back to JFK from Rome around 06/30/12 (my dates are flexible by about three days +/-). I can't afford a direct flight, so I'm looking at layovers/connecting flights on Kayak. How much time do I need to allow between these flights (I've seen available options ranging from 50 minutes to 7 hours)? I won't be checking luggage because I'm just bringing my carry-on backpack and day bag/purse. I haven't flown before, and I'm looking to minimize cost, confusion, frustration, and avoid getting stranded at the airport in the wrong country. Please help! Also, how early do I need to arrive at the airport (2 hours before my flight?). Thanks!
Posted by
OP
NY
4 posts
Sasha, Yes, it's sold as one ticket. For example, I'm looking at an Air Berlin flight from JFK that stop in Duesseldorf for an hour and twenty minutes before continuing on to Venice. I just wasn't sure if that would provide me enough time to get to the second part of the flight. The Air Berlin return flight I'm looking at only has a fifty minute connection in Berlin. Is fifty minutes enough time to get to the second part of the flight or would I get stranded? There are other flight options with a longer period between the connections, but I don't want to spend more than 16 hours or so in flight. There are options that take over thirty hours and that seems ridiculous. Thanks for your help. Hopefully other people have some advice too.
Posted by
Bainbridge Island
3115 posts
Meg, it depends on what airport you are connecting through. If it is sold as one ticket, (JFK to X and X to Venice) then it should include a legal and doable connect time. But you could post several of the options here and see what people think. Do be careful of connecting at London on British Airways. flights from the US land at heathrow, but the afternoon flights to Venioce depart from a different airport, Gatwick. So you need lots of time to connect that one, like 4 hours to be safe. I'd avoid that connection if possible.
Posted by
Carbondale, IL, USA
1201 posts
Meg Alitalia/Delta run a code share flight out of JFK that is direct. It looks to only be a bit more than the Air Berlin flight. You might want to take look at it. Leaves at 8:40 pm
Posted by
Central Connecticut, USA
1103 posts
Have you tried the AerLingus site? They often have inexpensive fares.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
3 posts
I am taking this exact route next week. JFK-Venice, Rome- JFK. When looking at flights, the price difference was minimal. I think it is worth the direct flight and not have to stress about missing any connections. There are many things that can delay a flight, why chance missing your flight, when for a minimal cost you can guarantee you will arrive at your desired location?