Hello Elitega,

Its Skyfly again (I was the 1st to reply to your thread). Anyway, as I stated in my 1st reponse to you, when you non-rev always expect the unexpected. As a non-rev you need to have a Plan B, Plan C, Plan D, etc. 2 years ago when I went to Greece, all the flights on Continental, Delta, and Olympic (Greek Airline) where oversold going to ATH from Anywhere, USA so I am ended up flying into AMS on NW; then non-reved on KLM to ATH from AMS. This is a common pratice among non-rev airlines employees. They fly into LHR, AMS, FRA, or CDG then get on the next non-rev flight from another airline to get to their final destination. Since your DL pass is only good for DL operated flights, that puts you at a disadvantage. My recommendation is to do your homework and research your alternatives before your trip. Just assume you cannot get on the flight to Rome, perhaps look into MXP (Milan) or Geneva (GVA)(--chances are, MXP/GVA are also going to hard places to non-rev also). Then take a train from Milan (or GVA) to your final destination in Italy. Also, consider flying to a destination where DL has more frequency of flights like Frankfurt (FRA) or Paris (CDG) or (AMS). Then take the Eurorail train to Italy. Since you say you have flexiblity with time then this would be a benefit to you. You also mentioned about taking a low-cost airline like Ryanair. I am not that familiar with European low-cost airlines to help you on this. However, I would not purchase any ticket from any European airline into you know if you can get on your transatlantic flight on Delta (as the ticket may not be refundable). Also walk-up fares may not be cheap. This is why you may want to consider using the Eurorail train. Well I hope this will help you somewhat.

My other suggestion especially if you really need to get to Italy, is purchasing a real ticket. Altalia has specials all the time from JFK. Usually about $400-$500 range. Check out their website. Maybe it would be worth is to purchase ticket knowing you will not have hassles or anxiety of whether you will get on the flight, etc. People who non-rev on guest passes often spend more money then they have anticipated either because they had to stay a night at a hotel, rent-car to drive to thier destinations, or use a train or ending up purchasing a real ticket. Maybe you can non-rev to JFK from your hometown, then have a confirmed seat on AZ. However, just allow yourself enough time to get to JFK if using DL on stand-by so you do not miss you Italy flight.