Last year I flew to Milan for a bike tour. Because of all the stuff I needed to bring, I had to have luggage in both directions,

It was not a bad price, $488.00 from Miami, non stop. I spent about $60 for better seating so I could get off the plane quickly, and that was worth it.

 

This year my wife and I are traveling light, carry on only,

 

Basically the same flight with out the extras.  I purchased these tickets on Sept 20, and $389.00 Non Stop Round Trip from Miami is excellent. 

 

Today that same ticket is $$$610.14.  That is a $120 increase, still not a bad price to Italy during the shoulder season.

Plan ahead and shop early when you see a good fare.   Use Google Flights, or Google Flight Matrix from ITA. Here is the link http://matrix.itasoftware.com

Keep track of prices and when you see a reasonable price, grab it.  In 2016 we flew to Florence vis Dusseldorf on Air Berlin (now defunct) and tickets were $900 each. Air Italy offers many deisitnations and origins. Miami, New York, San Fransico, Los Angeles. Check it out.  Keep in mind there are VERY low fares in Italy to other cities.  Alitalia is offering €39 one way fares from Milan to Catania, and €46 from Milan to Rome.  Compare a cost of $747 on Air Italy direct vs the $483 plus about $90 for the Milan to Palermo/Catania flights. 

 

Air Italy and Miami Inewrnational

 

 

Duomo, Milano