American Airlines Opens Quarantine-Free Travel Corridor from New York to Italy

American Airlines on Thursday announced that it would be operating quarantine-free flights from New York’s JFK Airport to Milan and Rome “in the coming days and weeks.”

American will offer the option by requiring flyers to provide proof of a “required negative COVID-19 test” upon arrival in Italy and then taking a second test at the airport that also shows a negative result. The flights were approved by the Italian Health Ministry three weeks ago, and while Italy's travel restrictions are still in place (the country remains in a state of emergency until at least April 30), the news is a sign of the industry's continued recovery from the pandemic. 

In its statement, American said nothing about how vaccinations, or vaccine passports, would impact this requirement. 

Once those requirements are fulfilled, travelers will be able to leave the airport and forgo post-travel quarantine requirements. “We’re proud to offer our customers additional options to ease travel as they begin planning their global trips once again,” said Alison Taylor, American’s Chief Customer Officer.

“We’ve worked closely with local authorities and testing providers to ensure we continue to provide world-class safety, confidence, and comfort, and we look forward to welcoming our customers on board soon.”

American resumes daily service to Milan on April 4 and three-times-weekly service to Rome on May 8 after being suspended for a year.