Neos Air Offers New Direct Flight to Milan
LGBTQ+ travelers planning a trip to Italy have a new flight option from New York City. Neos Air, the second-largest airline in Italy, now has a direct route from John F. Kennedy International Airport to the Milan-Malpensa Airport.
Approved by the US Department of Transportation, the twice-weekly ‘Covid-Tested’ flights depart JFK at 5:50 p.m. and arrive the next day in Milan-Malpensa at 7:20 a.m. Departures from Milan leave at 12:20 p.m. and arrive on the same day in New York at 2:50 p.m.
Just in case you didn’t know, Milan-Malpensa Airport is a 45-minute drive or 30-minute train ride to Milan’s busy city center for business, fashion, shopping, design, and architecture. Milan is also an ideal starting point if you want to explore the rest of Italy or other European Union countries.
Founded in 2002, Neos has the youngest airline fleet in Europe. The approval of the US Department of Transportation allowed Neos to expand its portfolio of routes. Neos operates scheduled service with more than 50 routes throughout Italy, as well as to Africa, the Caribbean, China, Egypt, Greece, Iceland, Israel, Jordan, the Maldives, Mexico, Oman, Spain, and Thailand.
The airline carrier started almost 20 years ago, but the National Civil Aviation Body (ENAC) issued Neos its Air Carrier Certificate on March 7, 2002. Long haul flights started in December 2004 with their six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. The new planes feature innovative HEPA filters that guarantee a continuous change of air every two minutes, eliminating virus and bacteria particles. But the coolest feature is all about giving shade passengers shade. Travelers can control the amount of light shining through the window with a manual ‘dimming’ feature.
In addition to the innovative Dreamliner features, the ticket prices are reasonable. Premium Freedom (Business Class) can start at $2,000 for a round-trip, 100% refundable ticket which includes a seat with a headrest and footrest, 2 checked bags, Fast Track (priority boarding), and access to the VIP Lounge. On the flip side, the lowest fare does not include checked luggage, but the price for an Economy Promo standard seat is approximately $575. Keep in mind that all prices mentioned are subject to change.
Italy’s COVID-19 Restrictions
Before you think about hopping on a plane to Italy, there are a few things you should know before you go. In September, Italy imposed stricter entry requirements for American travelers. Vaccinated American travelers are required to show proof of vaccination (digital or card) and they must also be able to show negative PCR or antigen test results in order to board the plane. To be clear, your COVID-19 PCR or antigen test should be taken 72 hours prior to your arrival time.
All travelers must also fill out a Passenger Locator Form before boarding the plane. I recommend completing it before your departure date and take a couple of printed copies with you to the airport. You’ll receive a QR code after you complete the form, too. It’ll be one thing you don’t have to worry about before you go.
If you’re an unvaccinated American traveler, add a few extra days to your time off from work. Currently, Italy’s Ministry of Health requires unvaccinated American travelers to quarantine for five days before getting tested for COVID-19. The new guidelines for both vaccinated and unvaccinated Americans are in effect through at least Oct. 25.
Be an informed traveler and do the research on what’s required as part of your regular trip-planning process. Keep in mind that COVID-19 restrictions vary from country to country, and in some cases, from city to city.
