Would like to use some accumulated miles on American to get to Palermo. Looks like they don't go there and if they do with other partners, it's too many stops. I could easily get to Rome with miles and then take another airline into Palermo. Does this make sense; not seasoned travelers like most of you, so asking for your suggestions? Would be traveling mid October.
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
Use your miles to get to Rome. Then use a budget airline such as Blu-Express to fly from Rome to Palermo. The flight is only an hour. Be sure to allow plenty of time between flights in Rome because you'll have to retrieve and recheck your bags.
Posted by
OP
Orlando, Florida, Usa
4 posts
Thank you. Very helpful.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32398 posts
Georgiann, I've also been checking out flights to Sicily this year, and have also found that the code share flights seem to involve a lot of changes. However, one thing I like about code share flights is that I only have to check my bag on departure, and then pick it up at my final destination. I'm still looking at the options and costs, so not sure which method I'll use this year? If you decide to fly into Rome / FCO, you might have a look at EasyJet as they appear to have three flights per day from FCO to Palermo, with prices currently has low as €21.99. Happy travels!
Posted by
OP
Orlando, Florida, Usa
4 posts
Thank you also. Good options, leaning toward staying in Rome for a night, then taking one of the budget airlines like you suggested to Palermo.
Posted by
Cesena, Italy
791 posts
Keep in mind the budget airlines will charge extra for checked luggage. I often get tickets on Ryanair for 30/40 euro roundtrip and if I were to add one checked bag it would cost around an extra 70 euro for both legs of the flight.
Posted by
OP
Orlando, Florida, Usa
4 posts
Never thought about the extra cost for bags. Thank you.
Posted by
San Diego
1540 posts
I flew from Rome to Palermo on Alitalia and it was about $100 - no luggage problem (with weight). I always do a carry-on bag. As folks say it was about 1 hour. I then took a shuttle bus into Palermo and got off at the main square.
No problems.
Posted by
Gaston, Oregon, USA
931 posts
Use Whichbudget.com to see what lo-cost inter EU airlines fly that route. Make certain you understand which airport in Rome you will fly out of (Fiumicino or Ciampino...there is big difference.) Pay VERY close attention to all of the fees, and luggage restrictions. Understand that you will be allowed to carry on one item; not a purse and and carry-on. Even with all of the restrictions we always use these airlines to pop from one place to another in the EU......even if we have to schlep our bags to the next airline.