Austrian vs Alitalia

[bp27]

Looking to book a one way ticket for my son going to learn in EY after Pesach using points. I have two options, Austrian via Vienna and Ilitalia via Rome. Which is a better airline and which airport is easier to navigate during a short stopover? Thanks.

[ad120]

Austrian.
AZ is notorious for losing bags.

[confu]

IME both airports about the same. Alitalia, has never managed to lose my bags, no matter how hard I try. take what's cheaper, or the alliance you would rather have miles with

[jose34]

IME both airports about the same. Alitalia, has never managed to lose my bags, no matter how hard I try. take what's cheaper, or the alliance you would rather have miles with

I guess your lucky; Alitalia is notorious for loosing bags.
Austrian through VIE - takes hardly anytime to transfer  with minimal walking; I can't talk about FCO ( in Rome) but most airlines when you transfer have to walk tons. 

[PlatinumGuy]

VIE is way better than FCO

[bp27]

Thank you all for the replies. Now I am torn. When I posted I didn't realize that there is a MR rewards promotion for a 25% bonus when transferring to Flying Blue. I am now debating in my mind if all of your recommendations are worth an extra 18,000 points. Guess I will have to decide.

Thanks again!

[ad120]

Thank you all for the replies. Now I am torn. When I posted I didn't realize that there is a MR rewards promotion for a 25% bonus when transferring to Flying Blue. I am now debating in my mind if all of your recommendations are worth an extra 18,000 points. Guess I will have to decide.

Thanks again!

definitely not worth the extra 18K
How many miles is the AZ ticket?

[ExGingi]

VIE is way better than FCO

I've never traveled via VIE but heard good things about it. I've connected at FCO and it wasn't a good experience.

[bp27]

definitely not worth the extra 18K
How many miles is the AZ ticket?

29,000 Miles, so with the 25% bonus would need to transfer 24k MR points. The Austiran flight is 42.5k United Miles.

[ad120]

29,000 Miles, so with the 25% bonus would need to transfer 24k MR points. The Austiran flight is 42.5k United Miles.

Honestly, I don't think the difference is Stark enough for you to spend the extra miles and fly OS. Keep in mind that it's very early and availability is likely to open up.

[confu]

VIE is way better than FCO

I was only in Vie once, but I thought FCO was much nicer. VIE was dirty and had at least as much if not more walking, though that depends on connecting gates.
Fly alitalia and use chase reserve to get lost luggage insurance

[confu]

I guess your lucky; Alitalia is notorious for loosing bags.
Austrian through VIE - takes hardly anytime to transfer  with minimal walking; I can't talk about FCO ( in Rome) but most airlines when you transfer have to walk tons.

Maybe it is just bec. I WANTED them to lose my bags 

[shimino1]

29,000 Miles, so with the 25% bonus would need to transfer 24k MR points. The Austiran flight is 42.5k United Miles.

How much are the taxes/fuel charges on each?

[Sam Finkelstein]

definitely not worth the extra 18K

+1

I’ve done this trip 3 times with AZ. Not as fun as a nonstop, but does the job.