Thank you all for the advice that you have given so far and I appreciate all of your comments. I have also searched the forum and I am aware of some of the info available. I have also spent time online as well as on the phone with several airlines(Continental, Delta, AA, Alitalia, and American Express (for a free companion ticket).

I have been told by CO, that the standard rewards have not been released from March going forward and Alitalia and CO recommended purchasing restricted tickets.

I presently do not have FF status but have American Express points to use.

I am looking to fly from the NY area; I prefer to fly from Newark and I am looking to go direct to either Rome, but will fly to any other city if the fares are good, ie.Milan.

I am planning a special trip, and usually not a flyer to Europe.

I would also vary the trip to fly through another city in Europe if the fares are good, using reward ticketing, ie. London, etc.

The dates would be mid July for two weeks....I could vary that as well, but would prefer the summer as compared to the spring.

Thanx