Why fly Chicago to Rome?
Chicago O'Hare to Rome Fiumicino is served by ITA Airways with seasonal direct service and by American Airlines routing via JFK or MIA hub. Rome makes an exceptional anchor for a Southern European multi-city itinerary starting from the US Midwest, with Italy's rail network making northward progression seamless.
Premium cabin options on ORD–FCO
ITA Airways' seasonal ORD–FCO service features Volare business class with lie-flat seating. For year-round service, American's hub connections via JFK or MIA offer Flagship Business with strong premium cabin consistency and AAdvantage miles accrual throughout the journey.
Planning tips for Chicago → Rome
For ORD–FCO via a US hub, positioning domestically to JFK or MIA the previous evening and connecting gives you more transatlantic departure options. For a multi-city Italy itinerary, consider routing via Rome first then using Italy's rail network northward to Florence, Bologna, Milan, and Venice before your return.