American Airlines Announces Largest Ever Italian Summer Schedule

Vacationers seeking la dolce vita in Italy have more travel options next summer, as American Airlines launches new routes to Venice (VCE) and Naples (NAP) and increases flights to Rome (FCO).

Starting May 6, 2025, American Airlines will launch a daily non-stop route between Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Naples using a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.

Photo: Courtesy of American Airlines

American Airlines has just completed its first summer season flying from Philadelphia (PHL) to Naples. With the addition of the new flight from Chicago, the airline will provide more seats to Naples next summer than any other U.S. airline.

The new flights give American travelers easier access to the grottos and limoncello-soaked beaches of the Amalfi Coast and the romantic grit of Naples, a sprawling city in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, made a literary tourist destination by Elena Ferrante’s novels.

Dallas to Venice: New Route Launch and Changes

Then, on June 5, American Airlines will fly from its hub in Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) to Venice (VCE) for the first time. This is the carrier’s second route to the floating city after its connection from Philadelphia. Together, the two routes will offer travelers one-stop journeys to Venice from more than 230 destinations in North America.

Hotel Cipriani in Venice, Italy. / Photo: Courtesy of © Belmond_Tyson Sadlo

However, the Dallas-Venice link comes at the expense of the airline’s Chicago-Venice flight, which is being suspended. Travelers in Chicago with their hearts set on Italy may want to plan a trip to Naples instead.

Increased Flights to Rome

American Airlines has also announced it will move up the launch date of its new flight from Miami (MIA) to Rome–Fiumicino (FCO). The route was expected to begin service in July — it will now start on June 5.

The Roman Forum, seen on a Walks of Italy tour / Photo: David Soanes Photography/Getty Images

On the same day, the airline will also introduce a second daily departure from Philadelphia to the Italian capital for the summer season.

The new flights will give American dominance among U.S. carriers in Rome, with year-round daily departures from Philadelphia and New York JFK and seasonal flights from Charlotte (CLT), Chicago (ORD), Dallas, and Miami (MIA).

American Airlines previously announced a link from Philadelphia to Milan, launching on May 23.

Strategic Moves and Supply Chain Impact

“As Italy continues to remain popular for summertime travel, American is making it easier than ever for customers to shop, dine, or unwind in their favorite destinations,” said Brian Znotins, American Airlines’ Senior Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning.

“Whether reveling in the history of Rome or relaxing on a beach on the Mediterranean, American’s network will offer more ways for customers to plan their perfect itinerary.”

In an interview with The Points Guy, Znotins revealed that supply chain holdups made these new Italian flights possible, which have delayed a retrofit plan for the airline’s 20 Boeing 777-300ER jets.

Photo: Courtesy of American Airlines

The airline’s makeover of the planes will remove their Flagship First pods in favor of more business-class seats, capitalizing on vacationers’ interest in accessible but premium travel experiences.

CEO Robert Isom revealed during the airline’s third-quarter earnings call last week that delayed deliveries from supplies means that the first aircraft won’t be overhauled until the end of the summer.

That means multiple Boeing 777-300ERs that American Airlines had expected to have out of commission this summer will be available to fly. That allows the airline to enlist more of its Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 777-200s for flights to Italy and take advantage of growing interest in the country from U.S. travelers.

Thriving Interest in Italy Among Younger Travelers

Younger travelers are especially interested in Italian getaways, encouraged by social media posts idealizing “European summer,” supposedly a place of Aperol spritzes, ripe tomatoes, and airy dresses.

St. Mark’s Square in Venice, Italy / Photo: Sven Hansche/Shutterstock

“Our expectations continue to be exceeded in Southern Europe,” Znotins said.

Competitors Join the Race for Italian Routes

American Airlines’ competitors are also turning their eyes to Italy. Data from Cirium reveals that the Big Three—American, Delta, and United—are offering 54 percent more seats on flights to Italy this year than in 2019.

American Airlines will also debut three other routes to Europe next summer:

• Charlotte (CLT) to Athens, Greece (ATH), starting June 5
• Chicago (ORD) to Madrid, Spain (MAD), starting March 30
• Philadelphia (PHL) to Edinburgh, Scotland, starting May 23