Discovering the cheapest time to fly to Rome can save you substantial cash. Rome, the capital of Italy, is a historic city known for its ancient landmarks, such as the Colosseum and Vatican City. It’s also a cultural hub, blending art, history, and modern vibrancy.
This guide delves into the cheapest time to book flight tickets to Rome, navigating peak seasons and off-peak gems. By understanding the ebbs and flows of airline ticket costs, you can masterfully plan your Roman rendezvous without breaking the bank.
Cheapest Time to Book Flights to Rome in 2024/2025
There are three main factors to consider when looking for the cheapest time to fly to Rome:
- Time of year: The cheapest month to fly to Rome is typically December, followed by January and February. These are shoulder months between the busy summer season and the Christmas holidays. You’ll find the most expensive fares during peak tourist season, which runs from June to October.
- Day of the week: Generally, Wednesdays and Thursdays are the cheapest days to fly, while Saturdays are the most expensive.
- Time of Day: Red-eye and early morning flights are less popular with most travelers, which can translate to lower prices.
Cheapest Airlines That Fly to Roma in 2024 with Average Prices
Here are the seven cheapest airlines that fly to Rome with average prices (based on searches for economy-class tickets departing from the United States):
- Ryanair: This Irish low-cost carrier offers some of the cheapest fares to Rome, with an average price of around $200-$400 (round trip). However, Ryanair often charges extra fees for checked baggage, seat selection, and other amenities.
- Wizz Air: Another European budget airline, Wizz Air, also has flights to Rome for around $200-$400 (round trip) on average. Like Ryanair, Wizz Air may charge extra fees for checked luggage and other options.
- TAP Air Portugal: Portugal’s flag carrier, TAP Air Portugal, offers flights to Rome with a slightly higher average price than Ryanair or Wizz Air, around $300-$500 (round trip). However, TAP Air Portugal may include checked luggage or seat selection in the base fare, so carefully compare the total price.
- LEVEL: LEVEL is a low-cost airline owned by International Airlines Group (IAG), which also owns Iberia and British Airways. On average, LEVEL offers flights to Rome for around $300-$500 (round trip).
- Norwegian Air: This low-cost, long-haul airline offers competitive fares to Rome, with an average price of around $400-$600 (round trip).
- Air France: The flag carrier of France, Air France, offers flights to Rome with a more traditional airline experience. The average price is around $500-$700 (round trip).
- Lufthansa: Germany’s flag carrier, Lufthansa, offers flights to Rome with a good balance of price and service. The average cost is around $500-$700 (round trip).
Important Note: Flight prices can fluctuate depending on the time of year, departure airport, and other factors. It’s always a good idea to compare prices from several airlines before booking your flight.
Pros & Cons of Flying to Roma During the Cheapest Time
Snagging a cheap flight to Rome has definite advantages, but it’s important to weigh them against the potential drawbacks to ensure your trip is enjoyable.
Pros:
- Save Money: The biggest perk is the significant cost savings. This allows you to spend more on other aspects of your trip, like excellent accommodations, delicious meals, or even an extra day exploring the city.
- Fewer Crowds (Sometimes): Shoulder seasons (spring and fall) can offer cheaper flights and slightly fewer crowds than the peak summer tourist season. This can make sightseeing and navigating the city easier.
Cons:
- Weather: The cheapest times to fly often coincide with the off-season, so the weather might not be ideal. December to February can be chilly and rainy, while some attractions might have shorter hours.
- Limited Daylight (Winter): During the winter months, daylight hours are shorter, leaving less time to explore the outdoors.
- Flight Options: Red-eye or early morning departures, often the cheapest, can be tiring and disrupt your sleep schedule. Budget airlines offering lower fares might have stricter baggage allowances or charge extra fees for amenities like seat selection or checked luggage.
- Slower Service or Closures: Some restaurants or attractions might have limited hours or be closed entirely during the off-season.
Additional Tips for Finding Cheap Flight Deals to Rome in 2024
- Be a Browser Ninja: Don’t just stick to one search engine or booking site. Utilize tools like Kayak and Skyscanner to compare prices across multiple airlines and travel agents.
- Think “Incognito”: Websites sometimes track your searches and inflate prices after you’ve shown interest in a particular route. Use incognito or private browsing mode to avoid potential price hikes.
- Consider Alternative Airports: Major airports often have higher fees. Look for smaller airports near Rome, like Ciampino Airport (CIA), which might have cheaper fares on budget airlines.
- Become a Discount Decoder: Many airlines offer student discounts, senior discounts, or special promotions on certain days. Check airline websites and social media for current deals.
- Hack the Fare Game: Some airlines offer “open jaw” flights where you fly into one airport and out of another. This can be cheaper than a round-trip ticket, especially if you plan to travel to other parts of Italy after Rome.
- Embrace the Layover: While long layovers might not be ideal, they can sometimes lead to cheaper fares. Consider using the layover to explore another city for a few hours.
- Play the Points Game: Travel credit cards often offer reward points that can be redeemed for flights. If you’re planning a trip to Rome well in advance, consider applying for a travel rewards card to accumulate points towards your flight.
In conclusion, finding the cheapest time to fly to Rome requires a combination of tools, flexibility, and timing. Applying these strategies can secure outstanding deals for your next trip!
Share this BlogFrequently Asked Questions
Booking in advance usually offers better deals, especially for popular travel seasons. Last-minute bookings can sometimes be expensive, as airlines may increase prices closer to the departure date.
Low-cost carriers like Ryanair and EasyJet often provide competitive fares to Rome. Additionally, larger airlines may offer promotional deals or discounted fares during certain times of the year.
Flexibility with travel dates is key; consider flying during the off-peak season or mid-week for cheaper options. Utilize fare comparison websites and apps to compare prices across different airlines. Signing up for airline newsletters or loyalty programs can also provide access to exclusive deals and discounts. Additionally, consider alternative airports near Rome for potentially lower fares.