American Airlines has become the second US airline to open up quarantine-free travel to leisure customers on flights to Italy. The airline is currently running two flights under COVID-tested procedures. Starting today, American can transport passengers going to Italy for nonessential purposes, including leisure and business travel. More quarantine-free flights are expected to come soon.
American’s quarantine-free flights open up
American Airlines has announced that all of its COVID-tested flights to Italy will be quarantine-free and open to leisure customers. The airline currently has two routes operating under this program. Both routes depart John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York. One goes to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), and another goes to Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) in Rome.
Passengers who take one of these flights will need to provide proof of the negative COVID-19 test result prior to travel. Passengers will need to show the result at the departure airport. Then, after arriving in either Milan or Rome, passengers will take a second rapid test at the airport. Once that test comes back negative, passengers are free to go and do not need to quarantine in Italy.
The quarantine-free flights to Italy
Currently, American Airlines is running two flights under the quarantine-free COVID-tested program. Flights from JFK to MXP are running daily. Flights from JFK to FCO are running three times per week. Both routes are currently running with Boeing 777 aircraft.
American is also running another four-times-per-week flight between Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to FCO. This route is currently not under the quarantine-free program, though the airline expects it to become quarantine-free and open to all travelers soon. Dallas to Rome is running onboard Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
For those passengers looking to book a quarantine-free flight to Italy, if you plan to book now, only book the flights out of New York. It is unclear when the Dallas-departing flight will fall under this program. Italy only allows passengers to bypass quarantine and arrive for leisure travel if they are on one of these COVID-tested flights.
International travel shows signs of a return
Following Greece, Iceland, and Croatia, Italy is also preparing to reopen for Americans. Delta Air Lines was the first carrier to announce its quarantine-free flights were open to all travelers. Regardless of vaccination status, passengers must abide by the testing protocols. As Italy makes progress on vaccinations, expect the country to loosen regulations for vaccinated travelers.
For now, after being battered by the virus, Italy is taking a cautious approach to reopening. On the bright side, those who have not received a vaccination can also travel to Italy. Tourism is a big part of Italy’s economy, and the country is hoping that this will lay the groundwork for a full reopening.
Airlines have promoted quarantine-free flights as a template for a broader reopening. Until Italy sorts out a system to handle proof of vaccination, something it will likely do alongside the EU, all passengers will need to be tested. This adds a layer of security for Italy while allowing families to be reunited and tourists to revitalize Italy’s economy.
The European Union is also looking at ways to reopen to Americans. France has also indicated the country would like to start welcoming tourists again. Those reopenings will largely be based on a passenger’s vaccination status.
Passengers who do book flights to Italy should note that there are local restrictions in effect. Make sure you do your research and stay up-to-date on local regulations before your trip.
Are you going to fly American Airlines to Italy for a vacation? Let us know in the comments!