Rome Airports
Rome has two airports:
Fiumicino(FCO)and Ciampino (CIA). Fiumicino is also known by its formal name, Leonardo da Vinci airport, and is used for most international flights. Domestic and low-cost intra-Europe flights use Ciampino. Most likely, you will fly into Fiumicino.
Dates
Assuming you're leaving and returning to San Diego and not staying any extra days before or after the seminar period, you should make your plane ticket as follows:
The reason for leaving on the 24th is that, given the flight time is 15-20 hrs and the time change is +9 hours, you will arrive in Rome on June 25th, which is the date you must be in Rome to move in to your apartment and get ready for classes. It is important that you arrange your departure so that you arrive some time during the morning on 6/25, as this is the only time during which someone will be there to pick you up. Make sure you follow this instruction! You'll need to vacate your apartment on July 31st, hence the reason for leaving on that date. (Note that if you decide to arrive earlier or stay later, you'll need to arrange your own lodging for the periods beyond the duration of the program.)
You are encouraged to coordinate taking the same flights out and back. Traveling together, in addition to having companionship during the long flights, can help as far as allowing groups to share any transportation costs upon arrival to and departure from Rome.
In summer 2009, students paid about $1600 for a ticket between San Diego and Rome (Fiumicino airport). The prices may be higher in summer 2010. Recent random checks of travel websites (such as Expedia, Kayak, STA Travel, Travelocity) have produced prices typically ranging between $1500 and $1700. Check them all (as well as any others you know of, including websites of specific airlines), as it is not uncommon to find a special deal on one that the others don't have.
Prices can change at any time; it is not unusual that within a day the prices can change significantly. Generally, prices go up as the flight date approaches, though sometimes they go down. So, the best approach is to research prices and keep watch, and be ready to grab a good deal when the opportunity arises. The price will also depend on a particular time you want to fly, and will also be affected by how long the trip is (more stops, and hence a longer flight, might be cheaper). We can help each other by posting good prices whenever we see them.
About the best you'll be able to do is 15 hours going, and 17 hours returning. Generally, the shorter the duration, the more expensive. Also, note that there will be at least one stop between San Diego and Rome.
Times to Arrive in and Depart from Rome
You must arrive in Rome during the morning of June 25th in Rome, as there will be a person from ISA who will be present at the Fiumicino airport to greet you during the morning time frame.
As for departing Rome on July 31st, you need to vacate your apartment prior to noon on that day, so a morning or afternoon flight would be good (any later and you'll have to wait at the airport).
Student Voices
"If you know you are for sure going on the trip, the sooner you purchase your ticket, the better (but wait until PAO gives you the go-ahead). I waited until almost May to purchase mine and paid $1800 for my ticket, where one of my classmates had the same flight and paid $1400. Also try to book the same flights as other students, or get them to book the same flight as you. It was really nice to be able to fly with someone to talk to, especially on the way back when you all know each other. Plus, when you get to the Italian airport, you feel more confident on where you're going when you're with someone." "Get some euros before you leave the states. I didn't because I was planning on getting some at the ATM machine at the airport, but they were broken." |  San Diego to Rome is roughly 6400 miles (or 10300 km), flight time is 15-2O hrs
 Rome is situated near the west coast in central Italy.  |
From the ProfStudent Voices |
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