Originally Posted by
exwannabe
If you take the early morning flight there is a DL operated flight JFK->FCO leaving 7:30PM
SAN-JFK 7:00AM - 3:25PM
JFK-FCO 7:30PM - 10:30 AM
You could also connect via MSP
SAN-MSP 8:30AM - 2:10PM
MSP-JFK 2:51PM - 6:44PM
JFK-FCO 7:30PM - 10:30AM [Departs T4, so no TSA delay]
The JFK connection on that option is still tight (though no worse than your original plans as you avoid the 30 minutes to get to T1 and through TSA). With kids in tow, I would suck it up and wake up early.
DL can put you on any DL operated flight that they have room on (you can search for buying 4 tickets to see what is available).
DL can not put you on another AZ flight unless that happens to have 4 award tickets still available, which obviously is not that likely.
Pick what you think is the best option, then call and ask for that.
If there is availability, connecting in ATL would seem to be a straightforward option to depart slightly later in the morning than going via JFK, but without the need for a double connect. Only checked schedules, though, don't know what that looks like in terms of seats.
DL1375 SAN-ATL 8:10AM - 3:25PM
DL64 ATL-FCO 6:39PM - 10:20AM