Flying out of Rome - when to arrive?

[amaroo]

Reading this thread - I'm very pleased we're arriving FCO (later this year) ... rather than departing.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Reading this thread - I'm very pleased we're arriving FCO (later this year) ... rather than departing.

It took well over an hour for luggage to start appearing on the carousel the last time we flew into FCO. I think the problem is it is unpredictable - could all flow beautifully or be a nightmare. After our stupidity in Johannesburg last year I don't want to miss another plane, which is why I am worrying!

 

[TheRealTMA]

Reading this thread - I'm very pleased we're arriving FCO (later this year) ... rather than departing.

If you arrive early, you'll find the lifts don't start until 7 and the car hire doesn't open until 8. molto divertente.

 

[TheRealTMA]

I've currently got an EK F booking for later this year departing FCO on the 10pmish flight. Is the security challenges just an early morning thing, a certain terminal thing, or a certain travel class thing? Or should I be keeping this in mind for determining the time to arrive at the airport even on EK F (although, it sounds like I'll want to allow enough time to experience the EK Lounge.... Benissimo!)

Night flights are less of an issue. We flew EK F in May and had no issues, although we did arrive early since we had nothing else to do after 6 pm. EK lounge is excellent, all the others are not.

 

[Flying mermaid]

We must have had a lucky day (need a bit of luck on this trip ). We stayed at the Hilton at the airport and checked out at around 4:50. We were sitting in the BA lounge by 5:20! It said it opened at 6:15 on the board outside but it opened shortly feet we arrived and was all set up with food and juice. There was quite a big queue for security, with a separate shorter fast track. Shortly after we checked in, more security things were opened and the queue quickly dissipated - people were going through as quickly as fast track was. Immigration was very quick as well. There is room for huge queues, with those snaky lines, but not that many people at 5am. The lounge is reasonably full now, so I assume it is getting busier outside as well.

We went into Rome after we left our luggage t the hotel, so went on the airport train 3 times. (We had an Eurail, so it was no cost for us). Around 1/2 hour each time. Didn't seem to stick to a scheduled time - just filled up and went and the departure times didn't seem to match the scheduled times.

Hilton was fine - very friendly staff. Nicer hotel than Rydges in Sydney, not as nice as Intercontinental in Joburg.

 

[DontGetMeStarted]

We must have had a lucky day (need a bit of luck on this trip ). We stayed at the Hilton at the airport and checked out at around 4:50. We were sitting in the BA lounge by 5:20! It said it opened at 6:15 on the board outside but it opened shortly feet we arrived and was all set up with food and juice. There was quite a big queue for security, with a separate shorter fast track. Shortly after we checked in, more security things were opened and the queue quickly dissipated - people were going through as quickly as fast track was. Immigration was very quick as well. There is room for huge queues, with those snaky lines, but not that many people at 5am. The lounge is reasonably full now, so I assume it is getting busier outside

thanks for this FM. Have been following your great TR. we are currently in La Spezia. And in a few weeks departing Rome at 8.10am. So also decided to book into Hilton at the airport so will be up early and hope we get through as quickly - we are flying BA in Y but as WP with Qantas not sure if we get access to the lounge ? If anyone knows pls advise

 

[Happy Trails]

We had a 13:30 departure last month and checked in at 11:00 fearing the worst, but got to the lounge in about 25 minutes.
Fast track certainly helped, but the normal queues didn't seem too bad.

 

[Flying mermaid]

thanks for this FM. Have been following your great TR. we are currently in La Spezia. And in a few weeks departing Rome at 8.10am. So also decided to book into Hilton at the airport so will be up early and hope we get through as quickly - we are flying BA in Y but as WP with Qantas not sure if we get access to the lounge ? If anyone knows pls advise

i would be quite sure you would - we got into the F lounge in both Gatwick and T5 when travelling J based on status.

 

[Mal]

If catching the train, be very careful with your luggage. Last time I was in rome, someone attempted a snatch and grab of a backpack. Bag was retrieved, thief ran off (happened just before the doors closed)