Business Class Flight Deals from San Francisco to Rome from $1887

Planning Your Business Class Trip to Rome

Several airlines offer business class flights to Rome, like American Airlines, Air France, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, and United Airlines, so you will undoubtedly find one that fits your needs.

Travelers who want to spend less time in the air (12 hours, to be more exact) and more time exploring the Italian capital, can opt for nonstop flights from San Francisco that are operated by United Airlines. These round-trip flights usually cost between $5,800 and $9,200. If you don’t mind a flight with a connection, that will reduce your fare by up to 30%. Such flights take 14–16 hours. Regardless of whether you pick a shorter or a longer flight, the Polaris features that you can find on board, like lie-flat seats and elaborate dining service, will surely make your experience pleasant.

If you're flying out of the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), American Airlines offers round-trip flights with layovers in several cities. You can pick whether you want a stop in Philadelphia, Charlotte, Miami, London, Chicago, or Washington. These flights take approximately 15 hours, and they typically cost between $5,000 and $9,000. By choosing to fly with American Airlines, you will also receive access to their esteemed Admirals Club lounge.

Those who are departing from the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) can pick between several connecting flights that Delta offers. Most of the layovers are in East Coast cities (Boston, Atlanta, New York), but some are also in Europe (Amsterdam and Paris). Because of that, the duration of the flight can be anywhere from 13 to 18 hours, and sometimes even more. No worries, though. Those hours will fly by as you’re relaxing in the Delta One cabin, where everything from the lie-flat seats to the chef-curated meals was made with your comfort in mind. Round-trip tickets for this route cost, on average, between $5,600 and $8,700.

Some things to keep in mind
Have you ever tried booking tickets days before Christmas and realized prices are much higher than usual? This happens because ticket prices are not fixed. They fluctuate depending on the season, demand, day of the week, and how far in advance before your trip you buy the tickets.
If you are looking to save money, we suggest booking your tickets a few months in advance and also enrolling in airline loyalty programs. By doing so, you will accumulate miles with each flight you board, which you can then use to get tickets for free or at a reduced price.

Choosing the Best Airline For Your Trip

If you’re still on the fence about what airline to pick for your trip, we can help you here. We analyzed 3 major airlines that offer business-class flights to Rome so you could make a decision that is best for you.

American Airlines

• Seat Type & Cabin Layout: American Airlines' Flagship Business class has lie-flat seats that are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration. All of them have direct aisle access. If you’re traveling alone and want privacy, you could go for a single seat. Alternatively, if you’re traveling with someone else, the middle seats will allow you to easily talk to each other during the flight.
• Meal & Beverage Service: As the flight from San Francisco to Rome is a long-haul one, you will enjoy a three-course main meal, followed by a pre-arrival meal. American Airlines also offers travelers a selection of white and red wines, champagne, soft drinks, and liquor.
• Lounge Access: Business class travelers who depart from the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) have access to the Admirals Club lounge in Terminal 1, near Gate B13. There, you can enjoy regional dishes, grab-and-go snacks, and a variety of non-alcoholic drinks like freshly brewed coffee beverages and soft drinks. The lounge also has shower suites if you want to freshen up ahead of a long flight.
• Cost Range: Business class round-trip tickets for a connecting flight typically start at $5,165, but the prices might fluctuate. American Airlines doesn’t offer nonstop flights from San Francisco to Rome.
• Frequent Flyer Program: American Airlines’s frequent flyer program is called AAdvantage. If you enroll in it, you can accumulate miles every time you fly with American Airlines. More precisely, members who fly in business class can earn 5 base miles per $1 of their ticket. So, if you buy a business ticket that is worth $5,000, you will earn 25,000 base miles. You can use the collected miles to purchase a ticket. If you want a business class flight to Rome, it will cost you at least 75,000 miles.

American Airlines is suitable for travelers who need privacy and comfort on their flight and want to arrive at their destination well-rested.

Delta Air Lines

• Seat Type & Cabin Layout: Delta One cabins offer lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 configuration. This seat arrangement provides each passenger with direct aisle access. On some flights, you can use the full-height doors and space dividers for more privacy.
• Meal & Beverage Service: Delta provides chef-curated meals made with regionally sourced ingredients and a robust selection of fine wines and cocktails. You can pre-select your main courses on certain routes.
• Lounge Access: Before your flight departs from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), you can visit Delta Sky Club. This lounge can be found in Terminal 1, near gate C3. There you can enjoy seasonally inspired healthy meals, snacks, and beverages. If you’re looking for entertainment options, you can take advantage of the complimentary Wi-Fi or watch your favorite sports team on one of the TVs.
• Cost Range: Business class tickets for this route start at $5,600 for a round-trip connecting flight, but the prices are not fixed. Delta Air Lines doesn’t offer direct San Francisco–Rome flights.
• Frequent Flyer Program: SkyMiles is Delta Air Lines’ frequent flyer program. After becoming a member, you will start to earn miles for each time you fly with Delta Air Lines. More precisely, if you fly in business class, you earn 5 miles per $1 spent on Delta flights. Thus, if you purchase a $6,200 ticket, you will get 31,000 miles. You can use them later to purchase a ticket and add cash if you haven’t accumulated enough miles. For example, a business ticket to Rome would cost you around 510,000 miles and 70 extra dollars.

In 2024, The Wall Street Journal named Delta Air Lines the “Top US Airline” for the fourth consecutive year (Source). They ranked high in categories like “on-time arrivals” and “least canceled flights,” proving once again that they are the best choice if you want excellence, reliability, and efficient service.

United Airlines

• Seat Type & Cabin Layout: United's Polaris business class offers lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 configuration. The single seats have a privacy shield that you can lower to diminish the background noise, while the middle seats have a divider between them that you can also lower or raise. This design ensures that all passengers have privacy and direct aisle access.
• Meal & Beverage Service: Travelers can enjoy a main multi-course meal, midnight snacks, and a second dining service. All drinks, alcoholic and nonalcoholic, are free.
• Lounge Access: The United Polaris Lounge is located in International Terminal G of the San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Designed to comfortably fit 440 travelers, this lounge has something for everyone. You can grab a quick bite from the buffet or get made-to-order meals in the dining room. If you want to relax, you can head to the bar, the library-style seating area, or the nap rooms. The Polaris Lounge also offers spacious shower suites where you can freshen up before your flight. All of these luxury facilities are available to you as part of the United Airlines international business class experience.
• Cost Range: Business class tickets from San Francisco to Rome typically start at $5,400 for nonstop flights and at $4,800 for connecting flights. These prices can fluctuate depending on ticket demand, the time of the year when you buy them, and the number of seats available.
• Frequent Flyer Program: MileagePlus is United Airlines’ frequent flyer program. Travelers who sign up for it earn miles every time they fly with United Airlines. General members accumulate 5 miles per $1 of the ticket’s base cost (taxes not included). If you wanted to use your miles for a round-trip business ticket to Rome, that would cost at least 200,000 miles.

If you want every part of your trip, from check-in to boarding to flying and everything in between, to be at the highest possible level, United Airlines is perfect for you.

Arriving in Rome: What You Need to Know

One of the major perks that you get by flying in business class is saving time. Thus, you will be among the first passengers to leave the plane. Considering that you traveled to a different country, you will be required to go through immigration. This process usually takes around 40 minutes, and it is influenced by the time of the year and day you’re traveling, the airport’s size, and how popular your destination is. Depending on the airline you’re flying with, you might be eligible for expedited or Fast Track immigration. Going through the separate priority lane will significantly cut that waiting time.
Your baggage will also get VIP treatment from airlines — it will be loaded on the carousels first. Thus, you will be able to collect it minutes after you get to the baggage claim.

Navigating the Arrival Terminals of the Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO)

Most international flights predominantly arrive at Terminal 3 and sometimes at Terminal 1. You will have no issues navigating either terminal since there are handy multilingual signs posted everywhere.
There are also various ATMs there in case you need to withdraw money or exchange currency, which is very convenient. If you need assistance from airport workers, you can approach the closest information desk.

Ways to Get to Rome’s City Center

Your first stop after landing at the Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO) will most likely be Rome’s City Center. We broke down the most popular and convenient means of transportation for business travelers.

Leonardo Express Train
Travel Time: It takes 32 minutes to reach Rome's Center.
Cost: €14 ($14.43) per person
Frequency: The train leaves every 15 minutes, from 6.40 am to 11.40 pm.
Insider Tip: Purchase your tickets online through Tiqets to save time.
The Leonardo Express is perfect for travelers who want a quick, direct route to Termini Station.

Taxis
Travel Time: It takes 30–50 minutes to reach Rome’s Center, depending on traffic.
Cost: €55 ($56.70) flat rate to central Rome
Availability: 24/7
Insider Tip: If you are traveling with a group, keep in mind that the fixed fare is valid for up to four passengers and their suitcases. You should refuse to pay if the taxi driver charges you extra.
Taxis are great for business travelers who want a quiet, private trip after a long-haul flight.

Private Transfer
Travel Time: It takes 40–50 minutes to reach Rome's Center.
Cost: Starting from €60 ($62), depending on vehicle type
Insider Tip: To make your trip hassle-free, pre-book your private transfer vehicle on websites that offer such services.
Private transfers are an excellent choice for business travelers who are on a tight schedule and want the most carefree, reliable experience possible.

Shuttle Bus
Travel Time: It takes 45-55 minutes to reach Rome’s Center.
Cost: Starting from €7 ($7,35) per person
Frequency: The shuttle bus departs from the airport every 15-20 minutes, from 7:45 am to 01:15 am.
Insider Tip: The ticket you purchase is valid for the whole day, so even if you miss a bus or your plane arrives later than scheduled, you can still board the bus.
The shuttle bus is a good choice for travelers who don’t want the stress of navigating Rome’s public transportation system by themselves.

Travel Tips for Business Class Fliers

As traveling long distance can be stressful and requires a lot of planning, we will give you some tips that will make your trip easier.

• Choose the best booking window: Ticket prices vary depending on many factors, like how high the demand for tickets to a certain destination is, the time of the year and even of the week when you purchase them, and how far in advance before your trip you book the tickets. We advise purchasing the tickets you need approximately 2 to 6 months before your trip. That is usually when prices will be the lowest. Avoid waiting more than 6 months, though, as that’s when airlines hike the prices to get the most profit from corporate travelers.
• Travel during the off-season: You can save up to 20% by traveling to Rome from April to May and September to October. These periods are in between the high and low seasons, so airlines may offer tickets at lower prices in order to attract more travelers.
• Choose layover flights: Nonstop flights are fast and convenient but their costs are higher than those of layover flights. If you are ready to add a couple of hours to your trip, opt for a flight with 1 or 2 layovers. That will save you up to 30%.
• Use loyalty programs: Most airlines offer loyalty or frequent flyer programs. Passengers who enroll in these programs earn miles (or “points”) for each flight they embark on that is operated by the airline. You can use these miles to add more luggage to your ticket, upgrade your seats or cabin class, get lounge access and many other perks. Some frequent flyer programs are AAdvantage, SkyMiles, and MileagePlus.
• Consider also getting travel reward credit cards, such as the Platinum Card from American Express, Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card, and British Airways Visa Signature Card. These cards offer points that are transferable to airline miles.
• Take advantage of priceline’s money-saving features: You can find exclusive Express Deals for hotels and tickets up to 60% off on priceline.com. We also offer different bundles that allow you to save money on flights, hotels, and car rentals. If you want to track the prices for your itineraries, you can do that on our app with the help of the Price Watch feature.

Final Insights

Regardless of the airline you choose to fly with, one thing defines business class — comfort and efficiency at every step of the way. If you want to experience that for yourself, don't hesitate to book a business class ticket.
Keep in mind that to increase your chances of getting the best fares, book your tickets in advance. Consider traveling in the middle of the week and going for layover flights if you want to be more cost-efficient. Plus, take advantage of airline loyalty programs and credit card rewards — they can help you get ticket upgrades and exclusive perks that make your business class experience even better.
If you need help planning your trip to Rome, Priceline experts can give you all the information you need.