New York London is arguably the busiest transatlantic route. However New York Milan doesn’t fall to far behind it. Competition is extremely fierce on the route connecting the big apple to Italy’s financial and fashion capital. So let’s find out what your options are when travelling on this route.
Which Airlines Fly Direct from New York to Milan?
7 airlines operate direct flight from either JFK or Newark Liberty airports in New York City to Milan. Specifically 3 American carriers, 2 Italian ones, 1 French and 1 middle eastern. Here’s which ones they are:
- Delta (SkyTeam)
- American Airlines (OneWorld)
- United Airlines (Star Alliance)
- ITA Airways (SkyTeam)
- La Compagnie
- Emirates
- Neos
All flight fly in and out of Milan Malpensa (MXP) airport.
All Three American Carriers Present
All three of the US’ major airlines operate direct flights from New York to Milan. Each of them represents a different airline alliance. Keep in mind that American and Delta flights depart from JFK airport while United flies out of Newark (EWR).
Looking at the equipment used by the 3 major US carriers on this route: American and United use their Boeing 777s while Delta uses its Airbus A330s.
ITA Airways For a Preview of Italy
The new Italian flag carrier, ITA Airways, also flies direct between New York’s JFK airport and Milan Malpensa (MXP). This is one of very few intercontinental flights the operator doesn’t fly out of it’s main hub of Rome Fiumicino.
At the moment, February 2023, ITA Airways is still operating the route with a quite dated Airbus A330 inherited from the old carrier Alitalia. What is lost in equipment the airline makes up on in service. You’ll be served Italian dishes and food on the flight giving you a preview of Italy while high among the clouds.
These older A330s should be on the way out as the airline is constantly receiving more modern airplanes.
Emirates With its A380 on the New York Milan Route
If you’re looking for the most comfortable passenger experience, and luxurious in premium cabins, probably Emirates is the way to go for the JFK-MXP route.
The Dubai based airline flies the transatlantic route from Italy to the US using its mighty Airbus A380s. A true favourite of passengers around the globe.
The MXP-JFK route is a continuation of a flight originating in Dubai that then flies onwards to the US. A flight similar to the the Athens to JFK one.
Neos The Budget Option
If you’re travelling on a budget your best option might be the other Italian carrier to fly the route: Neos. The airline offers low cost flights with affordable tickets even up to a few days before departure.
Neos operates the route with its Boeing 787s configured with an all economy class cabin.
La Compagnie the All Business Class Flight
The most peculiar New York Milan flight has to be the one flown by French operator La Compagnie. This service is on the opposite side of the spectrum from the Neos option.
La Compagnie operates all business class flights on it’s network which includes Milan and New York. However you will have to make some compromises.
First, La Compagnie does operate all business class flights, but it does it on narrow body Airbus A321neo. Which means that the layout is a 2-2 throughout the cabin.
Second, the French carrier, like United, flies in and out of Newark Liberty Airport (EWR). Although the flight offer only business class seats prices are often quite affordable.
