transatlantic · 9h 30m · 7,600 km
Chicago to Rome
2 airlines · 2 aircraft ranked
In business class, United's Polaris (787-10) leads the field with a 6.5/10.In premium economy, United's Premium Plus (787-10) edges out the field with a 4.5/10.
Quick pick
Fly United. It has 3 more inches of legroom.
If fares are comparable, this is the better cabin.
Fly United. It scores higher across seat comfort and amenities.
If fares are comparable, this is the better cabin.
Fly American. It scores higher across seat comfort and amenities.
If prices are similar, go with this one.
Select two airlines to compare head-to-head
Data verified June 2026
Find your flight
New routes and airlines added regularly. One short email when we do.
Airlines on this route
Route insights
- In business class, United's Polaris (787-10) leads the field with a 6.5/10.
- In premium economy, United's Premium Plus (787-10) edges out the field with a 4.5/10.
- In economy, American's Economy (777-200ER) edges out the field with a 3.6/10.
Frequently asked
Which is better in business: United or American on ORD-FCO?
Polaris (United Airlines, 787-10) edges out Flagship Business (American Airlines, 777-200ER) in business, scoring 6.5/10 vs 5.9. The deciding factor: mattress pad vs duvet. American Airlines fights back on seat width.
Which is better in premium economy: United or American on ORD-FCO?
Premium Plus (United Airlines, 787-10) and Premium Economy (American Airlines, 777-200ER) score virtually the same in premium economy: 4.5 vs 4.5/10. The biggest gap is seat type — recliner vs recliner — but neither carrier pulls ahead overall.
Which is better in economy: United or American on ORD-FCO?
Economy (United Airlines, 787-10) and Economy (American Airlines, 777-200ER) score virtually the same in economy: 3.4 vs 3.6/10. The biggest gap is power — USB-A only vs no power — but neither carrier pulls ahead overall.
What are the best seats in United Polaris on ORD-FCO?
Best: Window seats in odd rows (1A, 3A) are closer to the window with more privacy. Avoid: Even-row window seats are closer to the aisle. Same Safran Optima Polaris seat as 787-9 and 777-200ER. 16-inch IFE. Panasonic Ku-band wifi (paid). Saks Fifth Avenue bedding with mattress pad on request.
What are the best seats in United Premium Plus on ORD-FCO?
Best: Window pairs (2 across) avoid the center middle seat. Avoid: Center middle seat in the 3-section. 2-3-2 premium economy (smaller cabin than 777). 13.3-inch IFE with Bluetooth. Enhanced plated meals with alcohol.
What are the best seats in United Economy on ORD-FCO?
Best: Economy Plus rows offer 34-inch pitch vs standard 31-inch. Avoid: Last few rows near lavatories. 3-3-3 economy. 9-inch IFE. Economy Plus available for extra legroom. Panasonic Ku-band wifi (paid).
What are the best seats in American Flagship Business on ORD-FCO?
Best: True window seats in odd rows for best privacy. Avoid: Even-row window seats face the aisle. Concept D herringbone — direct aisle access but no door. Pre-retrofit; Flagship Suite upgrade scheduled 2027+. 18-inch IFE is larger than 787 variant.
What are the best seats in American Premium Economy on ORD-FCO?
Best: Window pairs for 2-across privacy. Avoid: Inner center seats. 2-4-2 layout. 12-inch IFE. Enhanced meals with alcohol.
What are the best seats in American Economy on ORD-FCO?
Best: Main Cabin Extra rows for extra pitch. Avoid: Last rows near lavatories. 3-4-3 economy. 10.6-inch IFE. Main Cabin Extra available for additional legroom.