International Airline Carriers to Venice

I've only flown American. It was fine - they certainly keep the passengers well fed and watered.

There are no flights to and from the U.S. 12 months out of the year--only seasonal.
United Airlines flies to Venice out of Newark.
Delta flies to Venice out of JFK and Atlanta.
American Airlines flies to Venice out of Philadelphia.
You'll have to check with the airlines if October 8th is "seasonal" on their schedule.

If October is not "seasonal" you may have to fly from K.C. to a U.S. gateway city and fly to a European Gateway city and catch another flight into Venice. That makes for a very long travel day.
Coming out of Rome FCO, you might take Delta Airlines to Atlanta non-stop and a connecting flight to K.C. Unfortunately, Delta has not been inexpensive on such flights lately..

....Looking for an airline that serves food on the overnight flight, good customer service, comfort (not going first class) and most importantly... our luggage arrives,,,,,,

That could easily be called unreasonable expectations. All the airlines will have some form of meal service of so so quality since you will be in coach. We tend have a decent meal in the airport prior to departure and then try to sleep through all of the service activity.

All the carriers are about the same. Comfort in coach has become more and more sardine like especially if you are over 5-1". If the airlines offers something called Economy Plus, Economy Comfort and you can afford it, opt for it. You gain 4 or 5 more inches between the seats but it is well worth it. You don't get anything else but your knees will fit between the seats. And don't expect to recline more than an inch.

99.9% of the luggage arrives with you so there is little difference in airlines. And customer service is a thing of the past.

In addition to the three American carriers David lists, Air Canada also flies to Venice seasonally thru Toronto. It's actually Air Canada Rouge, which is their "low cost carrier" division.

In my opinion, my first priority would be getting from MCI to VCE with just one stop, assuming the schedule also makes sense. If not, you will not only have two stops, but you'll also have to fly two separate airlines. It's probably not that big of a deal, as the airlines will likely be partners and interline all luggage. Still, that's just one extra step where something can go wrong.

Whatever you do, do NOT buy separate tickets. If your first flight is late, the second airline has no obligation to accommodate you on the flight you missed.

Hi ratzlak. I hope you haven't been scared off by some of the other responses. Look at a web site such as kayak or ita software airfare search and use the 'multi city' feature flying MCI to Venice and Rome to MCI. When I did that, I see that there are many airline and route choices for around $1200; some with one stop; some with two. I don't think the difference between airlines is big enough to be a big factor in your decision. I've flown American, United, Delta, Lufthansa, Air Canada, and KLM and they were all fine. They will all generally serve a hot meal shortly after takeoff and a small breakfast before landing; I find the food and service to be fine. They will also let you check one bag each for free if desired, and/or carry on a bag plus a personal item. I know some people complain about seat space, but I'm 6 feet tall and I'm fine in coach. Take a look at the choices for yourself and see what you think. Enjoy your trip!

I have flown overseas once. I realize airlines have horrible customer service and generally no food. I have heard some airlines feed you on their international flights, so that is why I was inquiring. I basically want to know if there is a better international carrier over another. All the reviews I read about the airlines are horrible. I am doing research on flights, but that was not my question.

Thank you Bob for the response I was looking for!

I think Bob nailed it: there shouldn't be much difference flying any of the major airlines which make that run, and all of them will include a meal (of varying quality. HA!). We've also always been able to check one bag each (under 50 lbs) for free.

The only one so far which I'd prefer not to fly again was Alitalia; codeshares with Delta. The plane we were stuck on was pretty old, not especially comfortable (coach) and had the video screens down the middle of the aisle instead of seat-back. But no matter; it was the best choice at the time and got us to Italy! And it doesn't mean you'd end up on that particular aircraft, either.

ratzlak you might consider flying in to Milan, and taking the train to Venice from there. We found a lot of options for direct flights from the US, connecting from MCI. We flew Delta, but the choice was mainly based on convenient flight schedule and more importantly a good connecting airport.

Ratzlak, I usually fly United (and in a few weeks will be flying Home City - Chicago - Rome and then Venice - Newark - Home CIty, on United). I, too, will fly from a US city that does not have direct flights to Italy, and so have to make a connection somewhere. I prefer making the connection in the US, both on the way over and on the way back. Going over, that makes for a longer "night" on the plane, and perhaps one or two more hours of precious "sleep" on that night. Coming back, I figure I'd best get to the US on the first leg of the trip, so if there is any hiccup in the flight schedule, then at least I am at an airport where there might be more options to get back to my home city. Also: Although I usually use my Chase United card points to pay for the flights, I find it WELL worth the extra $100 - $120 or so to pay for "Economy Plus" for the extra 3-4 inches of legroom, at least on the way over. It really makes a difference in my ability to "sleep" or possibly rest for a few hours. Finally: Use seatguru.com to look at the actual configuration of the aircraft for the flights you are considering. It will tell you (more or less) exactly what to expect on each aircraft and even each seat on that aircraft (seat width and pitch in each class of service, and also drafty? limited foot room? too close to WC?, etc).

Most of the airlines are about the same now with regard to service, meals, etc. unless you are flying first class and I can't speak to that. I can only remember one meal (breakfast) that was really bad. It'll never qualify as "fine dining" but it is okay for micro waved mass produced food. Paying the extra price for "economy plus" or whatever it's called this week is well worth the extra money on a flight over the pond. We've flown Delta, Air France, and Lufthansa to Europe and have no real complaints about any of them. The only thing I would advise against is flying through JFK. It'll drive one to drink!! Enjoy your trip and feel free to ask anything on the forum -- there are a lot of really nice folks here with really good information.

It is all about expectations. If the act of flying is exciting to you than odds are you will be happy with any airlines service and flight provided they don't lose your luggage.
I enjoy to fly, mainly because I am so excited to get where I am going although I am 6' 4" and weigh 230 lb.'s I sit in coach and never have complained about a flight but folks half my size routinely do. I almost never upgrade to the larger economy seats, the cost difference to me does not seem worth it. I would never classify a flight as comfortable unless I am in business or first class but that does not mean I think it makes financial sense to pay for comfort. Any food I get fed is food I don't have to buy elsewhere and though I have never raved about airline food I have never found it inedible.

If the act of flight is a chore for you or you are upset that it is not the same experience it was 30 years ago, you are bound to complain about the food quality, comfort of the seats in coach, feeling like cattle, etc..
I really don't think any one airline is vastly superior to any other, just each has different policies so make sure you add up any relevant costs for fair comparisons.
I think lost luggage is luck of the draw and it a rare occurance with all airlines, limiting tight connections is really your best prevention on this. Those that this happens to will complain but those whose luggage reach them as they should will not positively comment so it makes sense if you research reviews/comments about a specific airline they are all negative

Would I think should be of more interest in your case or maybe a way to phrase a new question since reaching Venice non-stop is not possible from your city is if you are better off having a connection in the US or reaching Europe (another Schengen country) is better in terms of reaching Venice.
I don't know that answer, I would suspect it better to reach a Schengen country so your layover time can be productive and once you reach Italy you can get out of the airport faster.
I also think I would rather pass a few hours in a foreign country than in Newark, Philly, Atlanta, Chicago, etc... but that is just an opinion. Timing wise a US first flight may be better as you would likely reach Venice early in the day as you likely leave MCI in the afternoon instead of night.
Either way the day will be very long as airlines are cutting less profitable routes, with Venice being a leisure not business travel location it is one the airlines from the US do not cater to.

As is most of Italy for that matter, with Milan and Rome being the most popular and therefore the best served.
From Kansas City though, I would imagine you cannot fly non-stop to any Italian city though, over the years Boston which is my local airport has much fewer flights to Italy but other parts of Europe are better served now than ever before.
From other inter-Europe cities flights to Venice are very common.

Ratzlak,

In the last 5 years or so, the airline industry has reformulated their product line to stem big losses brought on by 9-11-01 and then the global recession. Planes today carry more people (more seats, less room between them) and have far fewer empty seats than 10 years ago. Food service is not what it used to be and the number of long-haul flights I've been on where the food ran out before the passengers did would surprise you. These are just the facts of flying life these days...

That said, I wouldn't put too much stock in having a non-stop from the USA to Venice. From experience, I can tell you that American Airlines code-shares with British Airways and you'll have a (peasant) layover at London Heathrow. Delta code-shares with KLM with a layover in Amsterdam and/or with Air France with a layover in Paris. It's also been my experience that Amsterdam and Paris layovers will either be very short or very long. Given the preference, I would rather fly the American via London route.

Another possibility is to fly American's (and British Air's) code-share partner Iberia and change planes in Spain but I've never flown this route.

One thing NOT in your favor is the small-ish size of Venice Marco Polo airport. It only has one runway and a very limited number of jet-bridges. (Last time I flew in there, we de-planed directly onto the ramp and walked to the terminal.) And, it doesn't get too many wide-body jets... It is, however, a real treat to land at your destination and not end up in a queue of a thousand people trying to get through passport control and customs. Plus, I can't think of another international airport served by scheduled ferry service (walk off the plane and onto a boat).

In closing, here are a couple tips. Pay the extra for the premium economy seats (American = Main Cabin Extra). You will have much more leg room and you'll be closer to the front of the plane (in case the food runs out). If you do fly through a European hub on a European partner airline, pay the extra fee to select your seat at reservation time. Not pre-selecting a seat (waiting until check-in to get one assigned) will almost guarantee you middle seats... Give yourself at least 3-4 hours to layover at the European hub - there's nothing worse than starting your vacation all stressed out about trying to make a tight connection. Plus, it gives you time to relax in a restaurant to get some real food.

"Would I think should be of more interest in your case or maybe a way to phrase a new question since reaching Venice non-stop is not possible from your city is if you are better off having a connection in the US or reaching Europe (another Schengen country) is better in terms of reaching Venice."

I agree, but the issue is that there is not a single non-stop flight originating in MCI to anywhere in Europe. That means the OP is going to have to connect in North America no matter what and that the only options to even make it to Venice in one stop would be the flights listed by David and I up-thread. With all of them being seasonal, there's a good chance that some, if not all, will not be operating in October. And layover lengths could make the one stoppers poor options too.

Otherwise, if the OP is set on flying into VCE, they will have to connect in both North America and Europe and have to fly two different airlines (but can do so on one ticket). It's really not that big of a deal if layover times work out though.

I personally like the flying into Milan suggestion and then taking the train into Venice. That'll open up a lot more one-stop options, and will likely be less expensive too.

I'll also say while all airlines economy cabins are more or less the same, that's not necessarily true with premium economy. For instance, with United, you're only getting a few extra inches of extra legroom with their economy plus. The seat width, cabin and service are otherwise the same. With some European airlines, like Alitalia and I believe Air France, their premium economy is truly a separate cabin with seats that resemble something closer to a US domestic first class cabin than regular economy. In those cases, the fares will likely be 50% more than regular economy. I know the OP didn't mention seat quality, but to me the seat is a biggie.

Sweeney is right, there's a big difference between "economy plus" and "premium economy." Both can be worthwhile upgrades.

I wasn't going to comment on this query, but found the question almost a throwback to another era of jet travel when it comes to
inflight dining and amenities , have a look at this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6uLqbGJPa8

While there are so many well intentioned and informative responses, the OP listed a specific date for her travel - but not her budget (if she wanted more leg room which you have to pay for).

From the question, it's likely that she didn't do a simple search on any of the popular websites. If she did, it would have revealed that there are no non stops to Venice, Italy from MCI (which her question implied) on her date of travel, or for that matter any date.

However, there are many options for connecting flights, 1 stop - 2 stops and beyond for a variety of airlines if in fact she wants to fly to Venice, Below are 2 searches. Although depending on what her budget is, there might be 1 non stop flight from JFK, but it's still a stopover.

The end result will be - as others have said - not much difference in meals - but very long layovers

https://www.expedia.com/Flights-Search?trip=oneway&leg1=from:MCI,to:VCE,departure:10/08/2016TANYT&passengers=children:0,adults:1,seniors:0,infantinlap:Y&mode=search

https://www.skyscanner.com/transport/flights/mci/vce/161008/airfares-from-kansas-city-international-to-venice-marco-polo-in-October-2016.html?adults=1&children=0&infants=0&cabinclass=economy&rtn=0&preferdirects=false&outboundaltsenabled=false&inboundaltsenabled=false#results

Just a few other suggestions. The OP or anyone else that might be in a similar situation planning to travel to Europe - join a frequent flyer program and get a branded credit card, Unities, Delta, British Airways, for example. Benefits vary, but boarding sooner, no baggage fees for additional checked baggage, better seat assignments and potentially free flights if you have enough points.

Again, I commend everyone that has responded to this post with such detail. However, if this OP was locked into her date, her choices are limited and her expectations about meals - or differences in meals on different airlines - domestic or international in coach/economy not really an issue. There is not much difference, and many use LSG Skychefs - the same caterer.

One other tip. As vegetarians, we always order the vegetarian option. There are 2 benefits. You always get served first and it always tends to be better. But that's relative.

I just returned from Italy, flying in and out of Venice. My flight was with Air France on the way there and Delta on the way back . Delta was not bad, but Air France was wonderful! Much more room, better food, nice extras. I would highly recommend them. We went in and out of Venice because our travel agent found a deal that saved several hundred dollars per ticket to do that. I only had to stay at least one night at one of the listed hotels, so we stayed at one close to the airport for our last night. The company was Funjet vacations by the way.