Transfer from Delta FCO arrival terminal to ITA terminal for flight to Sicily

You might try going to the Delta website to see what terminal they land in at FCO, then do the same for the ITA website. Assuming they are different terminals, then google a terminal map of FCO and see how far apart they are. Most airport websites have a page devoted to how to transfer between terminals. It should explain if there are bus or trains available to change terminals and where those are located. Most even have maps to show the way. This is the process I use all the time to map out how to get from point A to B and it works for me. Good luck with your trip!!

Do you know how I find out if there are any stops along the way such as customs and/or security.

Delta will most likely land at Terminal 3 and your flight to Catania will depart from Terminal 1. It’s a short walk between the two terminals and shuttles are also available. If your flight arrives on time, it should not be a problem. If your your trip is on 1 ticket, ITA should put you on next available flight should you miss the 12:10.it’s a 10 minute walk to reach the exit inside Terminal 3 and a five minute walk to walk fro 3 to 1.

Do you know how I find out if there are any stops along the way such as customs and/or security.

If the arriving flight is from a non-Schengen origin, you will go through immigration/passport control.
Are you sure your carry-on luggage will qualify as such for ITA?

The key to this is, is it a single ticket trip?

Assuming, based on your home address, you are flying Delta DL 152 from JFK to FCO, that is a ITA codeshare flight (AZ 7615) operated by Delta, therefore you are likely in a single ticket. Your luggage will go through to Catania seamlessly with no need to retrieve it and re-check it. Since you are coming from outside Schengen you will need to go through passport control and then security before flying to Catania. The length of that process will vary depending on the number of international flights arriving simultaneously, however your layover time should be sufficient for the transfer. Today that flight arrived at gate E24 while the one for CTA departed from gate A67. The map is below. It’s a 15 min walk.
https://images.app.goo.gl/G7KseHpuKe2eaHubA

In case you miss the flight because of a delay, ITA will place you on the next available flight to CTA. There are 3 more after the one you are supposed to take, the last one departing at about 10pm.

Wow, thanks everyone for the great information! Unfortunately, we don't have a single ticket. I guess that's one of the drawbacks of not using a good, old travel agent like my mom was years ago. She's 88 now and I told her all about my trip planning to Sicily and the Amalfi Coast and she was very impressed. We'll just keep the single ticket thing between us ;-)

Unfortunately, we don't have a single ticket.

If you have checked bags you are really living 'on the edge'. You may already be in the Wile E Coyote space where the edge is behind you.

The maximum size of ITA Airways cabin (hand) baggage is 115 cm (55+35+25), [ 21.6" x13.8"x9.8"] which is the sum of the three dimensions, and its maximum weight is 8 kg. ( 17.6 lb)

https://www.baggage-allowance.com/itaairways-luggage-restrictions-policy/

We just have carry on luggage and it will conform to the ITA restrictions. What is good to know is if overhead space is gone by the time we board (we have the cheapest tickets on Delta from JFK to FCO with unassigned seating and last to board), I assume we can ask for our baggage to be passed along to ITA for Sicily.

I assume we can ask for our baggage to be passed along to ITA for Sicily.

Not the assumption I would make.

If you have to check your bags on the Delta flight due to lack of space, I would expect you would have to go to baggage claim to get them. Another problem with separate tickets. You have to take the bags to the next airline.

If you have already purchased the ITA tickets, you may want to explore what the change fee is vs. the possibility of having to buy tickets on the day of the flight if there is a delay in getting to FCO.

If the ITA tickets are a r/t , and you fail to show up in time for the FCO-CTA flight, the CTA-FCO will be cancelled, and you will have to buy a new return fare as well.

I hope this is not your situation, but it is what comes to mind--
https://crazypoppins.com/en/wile-e-coyote-finally-retires-after-72-433-falls/
https://blogs.agu.org/landslideblog/2015/08/23/road-runner/

Or you could end up being the Roadrunner and be fine.

Best of luck

I believe I recall reading that ITA will put you on the next flight for a fee. And fortunately, the return is from Catania to Naples on EasyAir which of course has different baggage restrictions. But we're staying at a hotel next to the airport in Catania, so I'm not concerned about missing that flight. So, I think I have it straight now which is 1. try to be the first to board for our group when called 2. try to make sure our carry-ons make it onto the flight 3. make haste when we land at FCO directly to passport control. 4. say a little prayer everything goes right

And, if you haven't already thought of this, be sure to have your ITA boarding passes in your possession, preferably before you board your flight at JFK.

Good point, thanks!