We are taking our first family trip to Europe, with little experience flying internationally. We will be flying SLC to FCO, with one layover. Assuming cost is not an issue, which route makes the most sense?

SLC-JFK-FCO

SLC-ATL-FCO

SLC-AMS-FCO

SLC-CDG-FCO

Note that the U.S. options have us changing planes at about 9:00 pm home time, and arriving in Rome at what would be 3:00 AM back home. If we pick between the U.S. routes, is JFK or ATL better for layovers? Total flight times are nearly identical.

If we pick the Europe layovers, we are switching planes in what would be the middle of the night back home. But maybe that would help us start adjusting to local time?

The first three routes put us in Rome about mid-day. The last one puts us there at 5:00 pm local.

I am juggling the prospect of everyone adjusting to the new time, which airports are better for layovers, etc., and can’t decide which flight is best for a family.