thanks roberto99
you are correct I was referring to direct from a USA airport.
Trying not to connect in Europe.

Rome: How difficult/easy would it be to book, then try to upgrade to Business Class on USAir if I bought an economy ticket? This is where I have the most points OR can I use Star Alliance as a vehicle to use my USAir points to upgrade on another airline? I have never used points to upgrade before. Just wondering.

To be honest this sounds more like a USAir question than a Rome question, you might get a better response over in their forum:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/forum...ysprune=&f=612

I don't think you can use USAir points for a *A upgrade yet though.

US has the best AVOD going to FCO on a direct flight from the US. There's tons of movies, television, games, etc. for you to watch, rewind, stop, return to as you like. Nobody beats US IFE on the 330.

While the front of the Y cabin on the 330 isn't as roomy as UA E+, it is better than the back of the 330 and other non-E+ Y cabins. It's a good compromise. And the AVOD will keep you occupied for the entire flight if you can't sleep.

If you have *A status from US, you can access the Envoy departure lounge, which many/most would say is one of the best int'l departure lounges around.

Your opinion on this
 

What do you think $728
DCA-EWR-FCO (DIRECT FROM USA)

(EWR direct to FCO..which+hopefully no less of a chance for luggage woes).

I have seen some good reviews on Continetal's flights to FCO.

With this combo the last few weeks I have seen Continental's website fare go from $821 to $728. All other sites for the same DCA-EWR-FCO are higher.

Any comments on this fare.
Any comments on Continental?

The fare is good.