checked baggage AA-AZ at FCO; and standing by for earlier AZ flight
Jul 13, 2015, 10:52 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,632
checked baggage AA-AZ at FCO; and standing by for earlier AZ flight
(a) I have a 3-hour transfer from AA international to AZ domestic at FCO. Any reason to worry about checking baggage through?
(b) We can do carry-on only, which has the possible advantage that we could catch an earlier flight. An earlier flight exists, but with a 40-min connection time so we'd have to be lucky. If we manage to arrive at the gate before the door closes and there are empty seats, will they let us on the earlier flight? If there is a change fee, is it possible to determine how much? We don't want to run through the airport if there is zero chance of getting on or if the cost is unreasonable. I could not find the relevant rules on AZ's web pages.
Many thanks!
(b) We can do carry-on only, which has the possible advantage that we could catch an earlier flight. An earlier flight exists, but with a 40-min connection time so we'd have to be lucky. If we manage to arrive at the gate before the door closes and there are empty seats, will they let us on the earlier flight? If there is a change fee, is it possible to determine how much? We don't want to run through the airport if there is zero chance of getting on or if the cost is unreasonable. I could not find the relevant rules on AZ's web pages.
Many thanks!
Jul 14, 2015, 1:24 am
#2
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: ±38,000 feet
Programs: LH HON, BA GGL, AF Plat, EK Plat
Posts: 6,428
(a) I have a 3-hour transfer from AA international to AZ domestic at FCO. Any reason to worry about checking baggage through?
(b) We can do carry-on only, which has the possible advantage that we could catch an earlier flight. An earlier flight exists, but with a 40-min connection time so we'd have to be lucky. If we manage to arrive at the gate before the door closes and there are empty seats, will they let us on the earlier flight? If there is a change fee, is it possible to determine how much? We don't want to run through the airport if there is zero chance of getting on or if the cost is unreasonable. I could not find the relevant rules on AZ's web pages.
Many thanks!
(b) We can do carry-on only, which has the possible advantage that we could catch an earlier flight. An earlier flight exists, but with a 40-min connection time so we'd have to be lucky. If we manage to arrive at the gate before the door closes and there are empty seats, will they let us on the earlier flight? If there is a change fee, is it possible to determine how much? We don't want to run through the airport if there is zero chance of getting on or if the cost is unreasonable. I could not find the relevant rules on AZ's web pages.
Many thanks!
Jul 14, 2015, 4:32 am
#3
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Heraklion, Greece
Posts: 7,566
Assuming an on-time arrival, without checked luggage: Only if you're not bussed to the terminal, have sat right next to the plane exit, immigration desk is empty (0 min. wait), and just bump everybody who stands on your way when you run airside to T1. Chances are close, but not equal to zero! Say around 1% that you make it...
Jul 14, 2015, 8:43 pm
#5
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Heraklion, Greece
Posts: 7,566
1) Any reason to worry about checking baggage through?
Depends on how anxious a person you are. With many flights through Rome, I've never had a piece of luggage lost at FCO, although I know people who have, often with short connections. Everything one reads is, indeed, anecdotal (if a piece is lost at FCO, "typical", if lost at ZRH "bad luck"). Are there bona fide stats comparing FCO to other airports? There may be, but I wouldn't know where to find them.
2) ...will they let us on the earlier flight?
Impossible for anyone to say without knowing the details of your ticket.
3) If there is a change fee, is it possible to determine how much?
Same answer as above.
Statement: We don't want to run through the airport if there is zero chance of getting on
This is what we both commented on. If you know that, even if on time, it will be almost impossible to make it, why bother?
Last edited by KLouis; Jul 14, 2015 at 8:48 pm
Jul 15, 2015, 1:30 am
#6
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: ±38,000 feet
Programs: LH HON, BA GGL, AF Plat, EK Plat
Posts: 6,428
OK, then let's look at your questions:
1) Any reason to worry about checking baggage through?
Depends on how anxious a person you are. With many flights through Rome, I've never had a piece of luggage lost at FCO, although I know people who have, often with short connections. Everything one reads is, indeed, anecdotal (if a piece is lost at FCO, "typical", if lost at ZRH "bad luck"). Are there bona fide stats comparing FCO to other airports? There may be, but I wouldn't know where to find them.
2) ...will they let us on the earlier flight?
Impossible for anyone to say without knowing the details of your ticket.
3) If there is a change fee, is it possible to determine how much?
Same answer as above.
Statement: We don't want to run through the airport if there is zero chance of getting on
This is what we both commented on. If you know that, even if on time, it will be almost impossible to make it, why bother?
1) Any reason to worry about checking baggage through?
Depends on how anxious a person you are. With many flights through Rome, I've never had a piece of luggage lost at FCO, although I know people who have, often with short connections. Everything one reads is, indeed, anecdotal (if a piece is lost at FCO, "typical", if lost at ZRH "bad luck"). Are there bona fide stats comparing FCO to other airports? There may be, but I wouldn't know where to find them.
2) ...will they let us on the earlier flight?
Impossible for anyone to say without knowing the details of your ticket.
3) If there is a change fee, is it possible to determine how much?
Same answer as above.
Statement: We don't want to run through the airport if there is zero chance of getting on
This is what we both commented on. If you know that, even if on time, it will be almost impossible to make it, why bother?