Layover in Rome or Naples

Posted by cristina lo on 05/29/25 07:04 PM

We are flying from Philly to Sardinia this summer. My options are fly to Rome and have a 1:50 layover until our flight to Sardinia, or fly to Naples and have a 5:30 layover.

We are not checking bags, and are flying on two separate tickets.

I'm worried about missing our flight to Sardinia if our first flight is late because I don't know how long passport control will take in Rome. But I also would DREAD sitting in the Naples airport for 5 and a half hours with my husband, my parents, and my kids. Everyone will be tired and miserable!

Would love any advice about which option to choose :-)

Posted by StellaB

Atlanta, Georgia

05/29/25 07:07 PM

87 posts

I'd choose the longer.

On my upcoming trip to Naples, I had a choice of a 1-1/2 hour layover at JFK or a 3-1/2 layover at CDG. I chose Paris because at least if I missed a connection there, I'm already in Europe and can more easily get to my destination. Plus - and I don't know if this is an option for you - there is a super nice Air France lounge at CDG which Delta passengers can use and I can think of way worse ways to spend a couple of hours than relaxing in the lounge with some wine and cheese!

Possible lounge access at Naples could be a consideration. Also, since the Naples airport is so close to the city center, you might have time to catch a taxi from the airport to a nice place to have lunch before your next flight (if time allows.)

Posted by joe32F

Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂

05/29/25 08:07 PM

12517 posts

With at least 6 people involved, the cost of a missed flight adds up in a hurry. Also the issue of how fast can everyone move.

Are you sure your bags will fit the carry on size and weight restrictions for the 2nd flight?

If a single ticket flight routing is not possible, then the route via Naples, in my judgement is the better, albeit not ideal, solution.

Good luck

Posted by geovagriffith

05/29/25 08:38 PM

8923 posts

You MUST pick the longer Naples layover since you have SEPARATE tickets.

Posted by valadelphia

05/29/25 09:04 PM

5819 posts

Is anything purchased?
I just returned from Sardinia, and I flew via Munich (Lufthansa) with short, convenient layovers both ways--it may cost slightly more, but I would consider alternatives before booking something that will be really inconvenient and possibly miserable with a group and small children.
In any case, I would opt for the five-hour layover because if you miss the other one you are out of luck. Plus, on any flight, you can be forced to check your bag if it is full. By the time you freshen up, have lunch, etc., it will be time to board.

Posted by TC

Atlanta

05/29/25 09:14 PM

5430 posts

Much better to spend several hours with spouse, kids, and parent even if everyone is tired and miserable, rather that be stressed out about missing the second flight and having to fork out a lot of money to get to get new tickets to Sardinia.

Posted by Roberto da Firenze ⚜

San Francisco Bay Area (USA)

05/29/25 09:45 PM

16649 posts

Assuming you are flying with AA non stop from Philadelphia to Naples, I'd take that option, because there is little chance that 90 min is enough time to make the change in Rome with separate tickets (and therefore separate check in at Terminal 1 with a domestic airline while you will arrive at T3).