I am interested in flying 20 people to Rome in the summer months from a major east-coast city, and I am trying to make the experience as smooth as possible. I am open to carriers and (domestic) airports that will smoothly get us to messy, hectic FCO (since, sadly, Ciampino doesn't fly to/from the US!). I would like to find the best overall option; here are some considerations:

1) Ease of airports (FCO is a zoo so at least our departing airport should be better!) - I'm guessing this leaves us with EWR, JFK, and IAD.

2) Best airlines/routes.

3) Best FF programs; I'm usually partial to OW or SA but I guess I'd be open to One Pass.

4) Any corporate or group travel rates and/or benefits?

5) Good connections to other US cities; i.e. its easy to get from smaller east coast cities to the airport which will get us to Rome.

Thanks everyone!