<p>We bought a one-way ticket from JFK to Rome for my son’s trip in June because he wanted to go on a flight with friends, but wanted to spend some time in Italy after his class. It didn’t seem like a bad idea, since the one way was about half the round trip ($680). So now he knows when (8/7) and from where he’d like to return (Palermo) and it seems you just can’t get here from there - even if he goes back to Rome to depart - for anything close to that price.</p>
<p>After a couple of hours on the internet on my own, I had a Travelocity guy on the phone for over an hour yesterday trying to find something less than $2,000 for any nearby airports and/or dates and he couldn’t help. A round trip is actually cheaper, but not by much. I think I’m going to try a travel agent tomorrow, but I thought I’d ask for suggestions here.</p>
<p>I’ve learned an expensive lesson, I guess, but thanks in advance for any help.</p>
<p>I just did a one minute search on Expedia and see Aer Lingus at $907. It’s Rome->Dublin->JFK. There’s Aeroflot Rome->Moscow->JFK at $923 although I’d probably avoid that one.
Even British Airways is showing as $1,451.</p>
<p>One way, Aug. 7, Palermo to London, (South End), via Ryan Air = 33 Euro
Aug. 7 London, (South End), via Aer Lingus = $559 USD</p>
<p>Book each leg separately with each airline web site, he will have to clear customs in London and JFK, but well worth the savings in $. Best of luck.</p>
<p>Yes, this is where a good travel agent may be able to help. You’re stuck in high season. They may be able to get him one of the leftover seats on a charter or one of those package deal flights they represent. These are major airlines. The above Aer Lingus idea is good. It’s sweet to think of “stuck in Italy,” though I know this is stressful.</p>
<p>There is a oneway, non-stop from Palermo to JFK on Aug 7th for 470.42 euros, baggage fees not included, on Meridiana airlines. It’s a promotional fare. I’ve never heard of them before but might be worth a look if a non-stop flight is important to him. [Meridiana</a> fly Trova ed acquista il tuo volo](<a href=“http://www.meridiana.it%5DMeridiana”>http://www.meridiana.it)</p>
<p>Thanks so much for the suggestions. I found the Meridiana one - never heard of them, either, and I’d have to expect an extra $100, at least, because they have no baggage allowance, but it’s still cheaper than the others I’ve tried.</p>
<p>ECmotherx2, it looks like the Ryan Air flights go to London Stansted (STN) and the Aer Lingus flights leave from London South End (SEN). And the Ryan Air arrives at 12:30 and the Aer Lingus leaves at 12:56, so even if they’re close, it won’t work. But if I can get him out of Palermo on Ryan, maybe I can get him home on some other airline…can you let me know how you found those? Neither one came up on any search I’ve tried - but I’m obviously not too good at this.</p>
<p>FCO -> JFK is under $900 on Aer Lingus, Air Berlin, and Turkish Airlines, all one-stop.</p>
<p>The Meridiana flight looks like the obvious choice for low cost, leaving from where he will be, and no potential for missing the connection that one would have with a one-stop flight.</p>
<p>Update: No help from either of the travel agents I visited. Got my son on the Meridiana flight, which went up to $712 by the time I booked. He will ship his luggage home, which will be cheaper than the baggage fees. </p>
<p>Glad it worked out. I am interested in how your son is shipping his luggage – I have read about this and it sounds like a great idea, but how did you go about figuring out the details?</p>