We prefer to fly nonstop to Europe if at all possible, and since we live in the middle of nowhere in Upstate NY, don't mind driving a few hours in any direction in order to get a reasonably priced nonstop flight. On our previous two trips (into Amsterdam/out of Paris and into Vienna/out of Venice) we flew out of/into Toronto, and we really like that airport. Now I'm beginning to investigate flights into/out of Rome. I'm having trouble locating nonstop flights (I could fly nonstop from Toronto, but it's on Air Canada, which is not one of my favorite airlines). I also want to avoid any low cost airline that might disappear in the coming months. What airports in the northeast US fly non-stop to Rome?
OR, if I decide not to fly direct, which airlines are your favorites into/out of Rome with a stop somewhere in Europe? I've had limited international travel experience, but have liked the flights I've taken on KLM, Austrian Air, and Air France, and definitely not enjoyed Air Canada Rouge (a last minute change when my Luftansa flight was cancelled) or American. I definitely do not want to change planes in CDG, but am open to other airports, and might even think about adding a day somewhere before continuing on to Rome.
This is all very speculative right now. I wouldn't be traveling until next fall, so won't be ticketing until spring, at the earliest. But I want to start watching routes and fares now because it will impact my trip planning.
Thanks!