Rome is one of the most iconic travel destinations in Europe — the Colosseum, Vatican, and world-class food make it a perennial favorite for award travelers. Fiumicino (FCO) has strong transatlantic connections via Air France, KLM, British Airways, Lufthansa, and United. Fluxora tracks 14,908 live award deals to Rome.
ITA Airways (formerly Alitalia, rebranded in 2021) is Italy's national carrier and operates nonstop service from New York JFK and Miami MIA to Rome Fiumicino (FCO). ITA joined the SkyTeam alliance in 2024, meaning its flights can now be booked through Air France Flying Blue and Delta SkyMiles on a partner basis. Flying Blue Promo Awards occasionally feature ITA routes at discounted rates.
For the best Rome award availability, don't limit your search to ITA — United operates a daily Newark (EWR) to Rome FCO nonstop that can be booked through United MileagePlus or Aeroplan. American Airlines flies JFK-FCO nonstop, bookable through AAdvantage or British Airways Avios. Flying into Milan Malpensa (MXP) instead of Rome and taking a high-speed train (3.5 hours) is another option that often has better award availability.
Rome's two airports add another choice: Fiumicino (FCO), 30km west of the city and served by most transatlantic flights, or Ciampino (CIA), a smaller airport 15km southeast used by budget carriers like Ryanair. Most award flights arrive at FCO; the Leonardo Express train takes 32 minutes to Roma Termini station. CIA has no rail connection and requires a bus or taxi to the city center.
Flying into Rome doesn't mean you need to stay there. Italy's high-speed rail network (Frecciarossa) connects FCO and Roma Termini to Florence (1.5h), Naples (1.25h), Venice (3.5h), and Milan (3h) at reasonable prices. A trip that opens with a Rome arrival and closes with a Milan departure — or vice versa — can be booked as an open-jaw itinerary on many award programs without extra miles, as long as the total fare structure allows it.
Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) are the best seasons for Rome — comfortable temperatures, no summer crowds at the Colosseum or Vatican, and fewer tour groups at major sites. Summer (July–August) is peak tourist season; lines at the Colosseum can be 2+ hours without advance booking. Book Vatican Museums online at least a week ahead in any season — lines without advance tickets easily exceed 3 hours.