Or, if that particular flight is packed with FlyerTalkers:
"ladies and gents, we have to make an unscheduled landing
at Punta Raisi airport...." (in Palermo, Sicily) :eek:

AZ could have some of its disgruntled Palermo reservations staff greet us upon arrival...

Name changes are almost never pemitted by IATA carriers.
In my (couple years old) experience SAS permits name changes for $25 provided you sign a form saying the trip is not for business.

In my (couple years old) experience SAS permits name changes for $25 provided you sign a form saying the trip is not for business.

Does SAS allow this for longhaul travel, or is the rule limited to intra-Scandinavia/Europe only?

Just spoke with Nicollo (sp?) at AZ. He was very professional, was able to reinstate my itineraies, said change process was being determined and would not be available for at least two weeks as he worked his way through restoring all the rez.

In other words, same as what others have reported, which is comforting.

Completely agree. This ticket was only $33, but last year I paid $35 for a J ticket on SAS. I guess the 6% higher cost for the SAS ticket got me some more flexibility, but still, that's a lot of money. And don't get me started on the US F tickets I bought last year that cost 10x the Y price. Ten times! Can you believe it?

And of course I just spent ~$1000 on a one-way BA F ticket KEF-LGW//LHR-IAD with a one-month stop in LON. So great deals come in many sizes.
What was the 1000$ F ticket about?

What was the 1000$ F ticket about?

Post # 5753 (http://web2.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5691417&postcount=5753)

44,000 SPG points cost $1016 through working advantage. 55,000 CX miles gets a one-way ticket on any OW carrier for up to 5,000 flown miles. Those 44,000 SPG basically (you need to transfer multiples of 20k to get the bonus) become 55k CX. KEF-LON-IAD is just under 5000 miles, so I got the flights for $1016 + taxes on the award ticket. Seeing that both one-way tickets to the US and RT (throw away the return) ticket were running over $1000 in Y for the dates I needed, I think I got a steal.

To be honest I'm not sure why people are dropping the LCA segments? Look at the price to get to LCA from the US and getting to Italy isn't really all that hard to do even in the summer.

My attitude is the same as Blank Sheet's. I've been to Italy a few times before, and loved it. But I know I'll have ample opportunities to revisit Italy in the future for a reasonable price, as airline tickets to Italy aren't that much more than any other destination in Europe (of course, London, Paris, etc are cheaper destinations to fly to, but work with me here...)

Cyprus is one of those 'off the beaten track' destinations (for us N. America based people anyway) that is not cheap to get to, so I'm treating this as a vacation more so than a mileage run, and am looking forward to checking out that island for the first time!

OK If I understand correctly, some people got their ticket changed at the expense of forfeiting the unlimited changes for the original rules. But I have now read the article by the Italian newspaper and a lot of other post, but I am still wondering if we are still aiming to recover the full original set of rules? I want to change my dates and some seats that would be beneficial to me are available. But I do not want to forfeit the right to make changes later if I need to stay here longer due to work.
Any chance? My ticket only involves AZ and I am not asking to drop the FCO-LCA.

Does SAS allow this for longhaul travel, or is the rule limited to intra-Scandinavia/Europe only?
My experience is with long-haul, and even involved UA for the first segment (IAD-EWR-ARN IIRC).

Anyone who's feeling confident about their current departure/return dates and who will be travelling to YYZ from MSP or environs during May might want to check out NW fare KR7VNI/P. Appears to have recently loaded - I was able to price out roundtrip at $119++ for $170.24 all-in on a few all-May date combinations. Last travel date is May 31.

OK If I understand correctly, some people got their ticket changed at the expense of forfeiting the unlimited changes for the original rules. But I have now read the article by the Italian newspaper and a lot of other post, but I am still wondering if we are still aiming to recover the full original set of rules? I want to change my dates and some seats that would be beneficial to me are available. But I do not want to forfeit the right to make changes later if I need to stay here longer due to work.
Any chance? My ticket only involves AZ and I am not asking to drop the FCO-LCA.
Per Nicollo (sp?), the dropping of the LCA segments is no longer an option by mandate from AZ Italy. He was pushing hard that AZ's position is that any date change would be one time only, after all itins restored as ticketed first, and then the new rules go into affect. I did not ask if the one-time change would allow stopovers. My original stop-overs where restored.

I am personally happy to do a one-time change and then set-in-stone, there is a diminishing return on time-in-project v. value of the discount. I'm close to my threshold on this one. However, I would not begrudge (nor could I affect) those who would persue the original rules.

OK If I understand correctly, some people got their ticket changed at the expense of forfeiting the unlimited changes for the original rules. But I have now read the article by the Italian newspaper and a lot of other post, but I am still wondering if we are still aiming to recover the full original set of rules? I want to change my dates and some seats that would be beneficial to me are available. But I do not want to forfeit the right to make changes later if I need to stay here longer due to work.
Any chance? My ticket only involves AZ and I am not asking to drop the FCO-LCA.

You could aim to recover the initial set of rules, but depending on circumstances, many may be better off under the one-time change-date provision. For instance, changing the outbound date typically triggers a reprice of the booking - someone looking to change their outbound would thus prefer the new policy (which allows the avoidance of the reprice) to the old (which effectively only allows changes to the return or continuing segments).

WOO HOO. Ok so I guess my outbound change stuck. I got a friend to pull the reservation from AZ's system and it's there. I'm flying out of MIA today so I will go and have my tickets stickered and be done with this until Nov. The one thing though. The other day I was waitlisted for a seat from MXP-LCA now we aren't waistlisted and confirmed in D. But where did the seats come from because in SABRE it's been showing C0,D0

I am personally happy to do a one-time change and then set-in-stone, there is a diminishing return on time-in-project v. value of the discount. I'm close to my threshold on this one. However, I would not begrudge (nor could I affect) those who would persue the original rules.

Yep, me, too. Flying LCA to other airports nearby is simply a lot cheaper than flying MXP to there. In other words, if you want to go to the Middle East/Near East/North Africa, this would be an excellent opportunity to purchase additional flights. So I'm also fine with one-time date changes.

You could aim to recover the initial set of rules, but depending on circumstances, many may be better off under the one-time change-date provision. For instance, changing the outbound date typically triggers a reprice of the booking - someone looking to change their outbound would thus prefer the new policy (which allows the avoidance of the reprice) to the old (which effectively only allows changes to the return or continuing segments).

a big pardon!? what kind of re-pricing? i got confirmed the original rules, hence ulimited date changes with no other conditions. there is for sure no repricing thing, is there? it ONLY makes it with the new rules according to my knowledge.

Yep, me, too. Flying LCA to other airports nearby is simply a lot cheaper than flying MXP to there. In other words, if you want to go to the Middle East/Near East/North Africa, this would be an excellent opportunity to purchase additional flights. So I'm also fine with one-time date changes.
FWIW: I priced LCA-ATH-JTR with 3 days in Athens and 3 days on Santorini for $335. ATH-JTR alone is normally $225.

NYC - JTR, in coach, can run $1200-ish.

a big pardon!? what kind of re-pricing? i got confirmed the original rules, hence ulimited date changes with no other conditions. there is for sure no repricing thing, is there? it ONLY makes it with the new rules according to my knowledge.

For the 1000th time. Generally changes to the outbound cause a reprice of the ticket. It's not usually an issue because the ticket is the same price. This isn't the case.

WOO HOO. Ok so I guess my outbound change stuck. I got a friend to pull the reservation from AZ's system and it's there. I'm flying out of MIA today so I will go and have my tickets stickered and be done with this until Nov. The one thing though. The other day I was waitlisted for a seat from MXP-LCA now we aren't waistlisted and confirmed in D. But where did the seats come from because in SABRE it's been showing C0,D0
Have a great trip - Are you flying with CO Onepass for your FF? If so, please share back the EQM and RDM you earn once they post.

HA HA. I'm sure some others will have flown before Nov. who can tell you how they post. I'm just getting my tickets stickered today while at the airport.

HA HA. I'm sure some others will have flown before Nov. who can tell you how they post. I'm just getting my tickets stickered today while at the airport.
My bad - I read your note as you having at least two itin's, one tomorrow and one in Nov. HA HA

My bad - I read your note as you having at least two itin's, one tomorrow and one in Nov. HA HA


Tomorrow won't be possible.1st travel date is May 23

Yep, me, too. Flying LCA to other airports nearby is simply a lot cheaper than flying MXP to there. In other words, if you want to go to the Middle East/Near East/North Africa, this would be an excellent opportunity to purchase additional flights. So I'm also fine with one-time date changes.Right - for instance, LCA-TLV RT in J on CY is $460. Altogether makes for a pretty cheap business class trip to Israel.

Right - for instance, LCA-TLV RT in J on CY is $460. Altogether makes for a pretty cheap business class trip to Israel.

LCA-TLV has less than 1hr. flying time - I personally wouldn't recommend Business Class for that short of a haul...

LCA-TLV has less than 1hr. flying time - I personally wouldn't recommend Business Class for that short of a haul...

...no matter how nice the lounge in LCA is. Speaking of which, do we know anything about the LCA lounge? I poked around on the web, but couldn't find too much about it. Any recent visitors?

FWIW, I've been hearing nothing but negative comments about the AZ lounge at MXP and MXP in general. Sounds like we'll definitely escape that airport on our 6 hour layover on the way to LCA...

The other day I was waitlisted for a seat from MXP-LCA now we aren't waistlisted and confirmed in D. But where did the seats come from because in SABRE it's been showing C0,D0


When I talked with Nicolo, he said that the flights were zeroed out (C,D) on the AZ codeshare and AZ was getting approval for each leg (MXP-LCA) to book into D. If you check the flight on most dates, MXP-LCA with Air Cyprus (no codeshare) they are usually C7,D7.

FWIW, I've been hearing nothing but negative comments about the AZ lounge at MXP and MXP in general. Sounds like we'll definitely escape that airport on our 6 hour layover on the way to LCA...

It's nothing terrific, but you can at least get a shower, a drink, comfy furniture and very light snacks there. Go out to the food court to eat and you'll be fine.

6 hours is a long time in any lounge. Well except the Wing or Pier.

6 hours is a long time in any lounge. Well except the Wing or Pier.
True enough. Though 3 hours was no problem a couple days back at TG's Royal Executive Lounge in BKK. Take a shower, have a massage, eat some food, and then pull out the laptop and use their complimentary high-speed wireless connection while zoning out in front of a big flat panel TV...

6 hours is a long time in any lounge. Well except the Wing or Pier.

6 hours in the BA FIRST lounge isn't too bad either, especially if one qualifies for the Molton Brown Spa treatment. Otherwise, sipping complimentary JW Blue isn't too bad a way to spend the day. ;)

It's nothing terrific, but you can at least get a shower, a drink, comfy furniture and very light snacks there. Go out to the food court to eat and you'll be fine.

I'm actually mulling spending 3 hrs. in Milan itself, provided my flight arrives in from YYZ on time.

Speaking of on time. I really hope my EWR-MXP is on time as we only have an hour in between flights on the way to LCA. And that will be a big mess considering it will be my Bday and my friends will be partying in LCA without me.

I'm hoping AZ changes their minds about the no-dropping-LCA thing. keep in mind that it could just be usualy corporate inertia and bureaucracy that's keeping AZ from making an official statement, maybe after a few more days they'll finally get it sorted out. I think allowing one change in exchange for accepting the new rules is a great move, so here's to hoping they offer it to all of us


I am so far behind u guys. I happened upon this forum yesterday and was scheduled to travel on 30 June. Can anyone give me Nicolo's direct number, because when I called AZ it says they can do nothing over the phone. Since my itineraries were cancelled I had planned to by my new tickets tomorrow, but if the debacle with AZ can be rectified, I would much rather go with it.

Please provide contact info for Nicolo or I think there was someone else named PEPE - Thanks, in advance, for your help

Speaking of on time. I really hope my EWR-MXP is on time as we only have an hour in between flights on the way to LCA. And that will be a big mess considering it will be my Bday and my friends will be partying in LCA without me.


A hour in MXP is pretty tight even if you are on time.Depending on the gates your flights are leaving from I guess you would have to run.Remember that you have to go through immigration and security again.you are lucky cuz you'll be sitting in J and you'll one of the first out of the plane.just hope there's no flight from S.America on the way....

Speaking of on time. I really hope my EWR-MXP is on time as we only have an hour in between flights on the way to LCA. And that will be a big mess considering it will be my Bday and my friends will be partying in LCA without me.

Same situation/concern as you (though not travelling on my birthday!). Just saw this thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=526607&highlight=mxp+transit) which makes things sound doable, though.

6 hours in the BA FIRST lounge isn't too bad either, especially if one qualifies for the Molton Brown Spa treatment. Otherwise, sipping complimentary JW Blue isn't too bad a way to spend the day. ;)

Too bad you can only get one spa treatment though.

A hour in MXP is pretty tight even if you are on time.Depending on the gates your flights are leaving from I guess you would have to run.Remember that you have to go through immigration and security again.you are lucky cuz you'll be sitting in J and you'll one of the first out of the plane.just hope there's no flight from S.America on the way....

Agreed.

The last time I connected at MXP, the flight connections line was insane. I mean it went all the way back into the arrivals tunnel and was at least 90+ minutes long, by my estimates.

I chose instead to enter Italy and then go through the normal security line. That took about 30 minutes.

There was a family who was on my arriving flight and were supposed to also be on my connecting flight. They chose to take their chances with flight connections. I did not see them on our connecting flight. :eek:

Just back from the Alitalia counter at IAD. I decided to try that option for reissue first (we had changes made by Mr. P Friday before they called the current timeout). Even though AZ has no flights from IAD on Thursdays, they open from 1-6 PM to handle ticketing issues. Apparently Mr. P. put clear notes in the record, because they handled it without hesitation and without proposing a reprice. The manager took my tickets back to the office and returned with the ticket agent so I could tell her what I wanted, she went back to office for a while then returned to the front with a printout of my record to verify the correct itinerary, then went back to the office again and returned to tell me the computer crashed, then went back a third time and completed the job. She printed completely new tickets rather than using stickers. The new tickets have the following restrictions - VALIID AZ ONLY/NONREF/NONENDO/NONTRANS/DATE CHG NOT PERMITTED. Took about 30 minutes total. Neither the manager nor the ticket agent had heard anything about this error prior to my telling them about it.

The new tickets have the following restrictions - VALIID AZ ONLY/NONREF/NONENDO/NONTRANS/DATE CHG NOT PERMITTED. Took about 30 minutes total. Neither the manager nor the ticket agent had heard anything about this error prior to my telling them about it.

WOW. I wonder if they are going to get in trouble about it, when AZ gets a hold of what they have done.

But lucky u.

WOW. I wonder if they are going to get in trouble about it, when AZ gets a hold of what they have done.

But lucky u.


Why would they get in trouble, dhacker went through the proper channels and went to the airport and got the tickets exchanged.

Why would they get in trouble, dhacker went through the proper channels and went to the airport and got the tickets exchanged.

Correct.

Details here:http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5665486&postcount=5223

I must caution that Nicolo did say yesterday that ALL changed tickets will have to be changed back before travel to original itineraries. Worth checking your tix I think just before travel.

I must caution that Nicolo did say yesterday that ALL changed tickets will have to be changed back before travel to original itineraries. Worth checking your tix I think just before travel.

Thanks, I'm aware that was posted and I will keep an eye on it.

However, I just noticed that the email Mr. P. sent me last Friday confirming the changes was also cc'd to Nicolo. So he and the Toronto General Manager are aware of the changes made and have let them stay in the system untouched. Think I'll Reply All right now to report all issues are resolved and that no further changes should be made by AZ.

Agreed.

The last time I connected at MXP, the flight connections line was insane. I mean it went all the way back into the arrivals tunnel and was at least 90+ minutes long, by my estimates.

I chose instead to enter Italy and then go through the normal security line. That took about 30 minutes.

There was a family who was on my arriving flight and were supposed to also be on my connecting flight. They chose to take their chances with flight connections. I did not see them on our connecting flight. :eek:

For arrivals from outside Schengen there are always two and sometimes three options to do a transfer for another non-Schengen flight (like these ones):

1. Do as Spiff did: clear immigration/customs to go landside, do the transfer yourself and reclear landside security and exit immigration control. (This is often much faster, but not always.)
2. Go through the main airside-airside transfer screening line like most do. (This is often the slowest line, but if there's no one there when you get there, take it.)
3. Go through the far smaller airside-airside transfer screening line (sort of around a corner) if open. (This second security screening transfer area has very limited operating hours and most people seem to think it is closed even when it is not or think it's not going to be of any use because no one else is in the line along the wall. (When it's open, it's usually the fastest option if there aren't a bunch of people there already.)

I've gone through all three and if it's not a peak travel date/time, I'll do either Option 1 or 3 (if Option 3 facility is open) unless Option 2 is more or less empty/short when I get there. One thing I must say is that even Option 2 -- the default for most all people -- usually moves pretty quickly even when the line goes all the way back toward the end of the moving walkways (which may or may not be working/on).

Agreed.

The last time I connected at MXP, the flight connections line was insane. I mean it went all the way back into the arrivals tunnel and was at least 90+ minutes long, by my estimates.

I chose instead to enter Italy and then go through the normal security line. That took about 30 minutes.

There was a family who was on my arriving flight and were supposed to also be on my connecting flight. They chose to take their chances with flight connections. I did not see them on our connecting flight. :eek:

Having flown via MXP twice in the past 2 weeks, I hope the info helps someone going via MXP.

I flew AZ via BOS, Lousy plane that 767 everything was kept together with Duck-tape, I asked if this 767 was the 1st one Boeing ever made thats how bad it was, returned into EWR on Tues on a 777. what a Pleasure so much so that in the future Id rather fly on the AZ 777 then any CO metal!

Ok transferring on arrival from BOS was a Total Nightmare, the lines BOTH for the passport Control or the Transfer area was backed up to BOS either way over 1/2 hr at a min was needed closer to 45 min. Seems most of the flights come in bet 7 & 8 am, so if you will be landing after that time frame you'll have an easier time. On my return flight on Tues we landed at 9:15 am and it took 2 secs to go the Transfer area or teh passport control.

Bare in mind that the line to reenter after going thru the passport Control at 8:45am took me well over 1/2 an hr, ( I wanted to see if I could get a bump I was able but the alternate flights werent worth taking them up on it). I guess most of their flights are leaving in the 10am time frame and it was twice as long as the Entry Control was. When I got back on Tues (I went into Milano as I had a 6 hr layover) there wasnt anyone on the line at ALL so it took me 15 secs to go thru, a good thing as I missed the train I wanted to take back and therefore arrived back at the MXP train station 40 mins before flight time and I still had to get my Carry-on I left in the Lounge.

As for the lounge It STINKS. yea it was better then having to sit on the floor!! good luck finding any type of a chair to sit on near the gates! But its rather small, As for the Restroom only Toilets and 3 of them the line was long and Not moving. Mainly Italian papers etc for Wall Street abridged European Edtion and the Herald Tribune. Food was a couple of bowls of chips etc that everyone before you had to touch as its poured in from a large bag. drinks must be served by the person behind the counter so it took 15 min to get an OJ as she was busy making Coffees as if it was a Starbucks and using very small cups at that. soda & water also served in glasses that she had to pour.

Hope somehow someone can benefit from this info

As for the lounge It STINKS. yea it was better then having to sit on the floor!! good luck finding any type of a chair to sit on near the gates! But its rather small, As for the Restroom only Toilets and 3 of them the line was long and Not moving. Mainly Italian papers etc for Wall Street abridged European Edtion and the Herald Tribune. Food was a couple of bowls of chips etc that everyone before you had to touch as its poured in from a large bag. drinks must be served by the person behind the counter so it took 15 min to get an OJ as she was busy making Coffees as if it was a Starbucks and using very small cups at that. soda & water also served in glasses that she had to pour.

Hope somehow someone can benefit from this info

Which lounge are you talking about?I've recently been in the Raffaello lounge.Nothing too fancy,but better than some AA AC or UA RCC.Kind of comfy chairs,sofas too.

Which lounge are you talking about?I've recently been in the Raffaello lounge.Nothing too fancy,but better than some AA AC or UA RCC.Kind of comfy chairs,sofas too.

I think I've been to the lounge the poster is talking about. It's near the food court in the non-Schengen area. The poster's description is pretty accurate, although he left out the tobacco haze that engulfed the place when I was there.

I think I've been to the lounge the poster is talking about. It's near the food court in the non-Schengen area. The poster's description is pretty accurate, although he left out the tobacco haze that engulfed the place when I was there.

You cannot smoke inside MXP.Not to my knowledge.Smoking in public places was banned at the beginning of 2005 and in airports wasn't allowed earlier than that.Can you guys remember the name of the lounge?

I flew AZ via BOS, Lousy plane that 767 everything was kept together with Duck-tape, I asked if this 767 was the 1st one Boeing ever made thats how bad it was, returned into EWR on Tues on a 777. what a Pleasure so much so that in the future Id rather fly on the AZ 777 then any CO metal!

Like BOS, YYZ-MXP most often receives the ex-Eurofly 763s, which were rather abused during their years of charter/leisure service, and are rumored to be the LAST planes scheduled to receive the Magnifica upgrades. At least they now feature the customary 767 Magnifica seats rather than the dreadful Coral Class though.

You cannot smoke inside MXP.Not to my knowledge.Smoking in public places was banned at the beginning of 2005 and in airports wasn't allowed earlier than that.Can you guys remember the name of the lounge?

I thought I saw a little smoking area in the back corner near the bar of the lounge located near the food court. However the smoke, if any, seemed to stay back there.

You cannot smoke inside MXP.Not to my knowledge.Smoking in public places was banned at the beginning of 2005 and in airports wasn't allowed earlier than that.Can you guys remember the name of the lounge?

I was last there in late 2004, and I definitely remember being taken aback by the odor in the lounge... but I can't be positive. The lounge was not airport-run... Alitalia logos were prominent everywhere and the front desk people were AZ staff. The "barmaids" were contractors. IIRC, you pass though immigration and proceed down a long wide, corridor with a multitude of shops which then opens into a food/retail court. At that point, if you turn right, you can go down another corridor with travelators to get to a gate area, or proceed across the court to get to the lounge. The lounge has sliding glass doors and the reception desk is on the left, with the lounge area on the right. I think there is also a BA lounge nearby (fuzzy on that detail as well).

I was last there in late 2004, and I definitely remember being taken aback by the odor in the lounge... but I can't be positive. The lounge was not airport-run... Alitalia logos were prominent everywhere and the front desk people were AZ staff. The "barmaids" were contractors. IIRC, you pass though immigration and proceed down a long wide, corridor with a multitude of shops which then opens into a food/retail court. At that point, if you turn right, you can go down another corridor with travelators to get to a gate area, or proceed across the court to get to the lounge. The lounge has sliding glass doors and the reception desk is on the left, with the lounge area on the right. I think there is also a BA lounge nearby (fuzzy on that detail as well).

That's the place I was in too. No odor when I was there.

I thought I saw a little smoking area in the back corner near the bar of the lounge located near the food court. However the smoke, if any, seemed to stay back there.

I didn't notice any;I would have left.But maybe it's not the same lounge.Wine, olives and small pizzas were good.

I was last there in late 2004, and I definitely remember being taken aback by the odor in the lounge... but I can't be positive. The lounge was not airport-run... Alitalia logos were prominent everywhere and the front desk people were AZ staff. The "barmaids" were contractors. IIRC, you pass though immigration and proceed down a long wide, corridor with a multitude of shops which then opens into a food/retail court. At that point, if you turn right, you can go down another corridor with travelators to get to a gate area, or proceed across the court to get to the lounge. The lounge has sliding glass doors and the reception desk is on the left, with the lounge area on the right. I think there is also a BA lounge nearby (fuzzy on that detail as well).

Sounds like it.from the food/retail court you can go to the AF lounge too IIRC

I thought I saw a little smoking area in the back corner near the bar of the lounge located near the food court. However the smoke, if any, seemed to stay back there.

Maybe I'm thinking about a different lounge (the one that's past the food coutry seating area after walking by the Bruno Magli store), but if that's the smoking area, it's not supposed to be as far as I know. It used to be the computer area before AZ removed them due to some nonsense Italian anti-terrorism legislation that AZ used as cover to pull them seemingly permanently.

Botticelli Lounge, right?

Sounds like it.from the food/retail court you can go to the AF lounge too IIRC

The BA lounge is "upstairs" when taking the escalator up by the food court seating area closest to the Bruno Magli store and AZ Botticelli Lounge. I use my BA Gold card to go there even when flying AZ. It's usually empty when I am there. The AZ lounge is more of a scene. :D

Maybe I'm thinking about a different lounge (the one that's past the food coutry seating area after walking by the Bruno Magli store), but if that's the smoking area, it's not supposed to be as far as I know. It used to be the computer area before AZ removed them due to some nonsense Italian anti-terrorism legislation that AZ used as cover to pull them seemingly permanently.

Botticelli Lounge, right?


Now you got me confused with artists!Botticelli or Raffaello?I guess the one I've been into is the Raffaello one.
I noticed that they removed the PCs in March...damn

I didn't notice any;I would have left.But maybe it's not the same lounge.Wine, olives and small pizzas were good.

Small pizzas in the lounge? Were you in a lounge on the Schengen side or non-Schengen side of the airport? I've never seen the small pizzas in the Alitalia Botticelli Lounge that is in the extra-Schengen area.

Small pizzas in the lounge? Were you in a lounge on the Schengen side or non-Schengen side of the airport? I've never seen the small pizzas in the Alitalia Botticelli Lounge that is in the extra-Schengen area.

Small bite-size round pizzas.this was back in AugustNo pizzas in march(I was flying (VCE-MXP-BRU in august and back in march).BTW, the lounge has showers so it's not the one someone was referring too.

MILAN MALPENSA

Caravaggio Lounge (boarding area Schengen A)
Opening hours: 06.00-23.00
Tel. + 39 02 74 86 52 33/4
Fax + 39 02 74 86 50 23

Botticelli Lounge (boarding area B - Extra-Shengen area)
Opening hours: 06.00-23.00
Tel. + 39 02 74 86 52 31/2
Fax + 39 02 74 86 50 21

In the extra-Schengen area I also know about the BA lounge and the "shared" lounge that a bunch of the non-SkyTeam airlines use.

Small bite-size round pizzas.this was back in AugustNo pizzas in march(I was flying (VCE-MXP-BRU in august and back in march).BTW, the lounge has showers so it's not the one someone was referring too.

Thanks for the info as it sounds like the Caravaggio Lounge (for intra-Schengen flights like your above itinerary) then has better offerings than the Botticelli Lounge (for extra-Schengen flights, such as YYZ, LCA, LHR, DEL, etc.) for at least part of the day. :)

Thanks for the info as it sounds like the Caravaggio Lounge (for intra-Schengen flights like your above itinerary) then has better offerings than the Botticelli Lounge (for extra-Schengen flights, such as YYZ, LCA, LHR, DEL, etc.) for at least part of the day. :)

I really got confused with painters!I was definitevely in the Caravaggio lounge!But I have been in a Raffaello lounge recently,can't remember where though.you are very welcome.

I really got confused with painters!I was definitevely in the Caravaggio lounge!But I have been in a Raffaello lounge recently,can't remember where though.you are very welcome.

There's a Raffaello Lounge in BRU, is that the one?

There's a Raffaello Lounge in BRU, is that the one?

Here we go!but I guess I was looking for it and I couldn't find it in BRU and only went to the shared lounge... :td:

(888) 378-9638
Ugh, this is going back to Manilla...does anyone have the US number with people that actually know whats going on? I need my tickets issued.

Ugh, this is going back to Manilla...does anyone have the US number with people that actually know whats going on? I need my tickets issued.

If you never had ticket numbers issued, you are SOL.

If you never had ticket numbers issued, you are SOL.
I did. I just had the tickets recalled...AZ fixed everything on their end, now I just need CT to print the darn things.

I did. I just had the tickets recalled...AZ fixed everything on their end, now I just need CT to print the darn things.

So you never received your original tickets from CT? That's a tough one. If that's the case, I would try to get some ticket in your hand, even if for some altered routing or time period.

So you never received your original tickets from CT? That's a tough one. If that's the case, I would try to get some ticket in your hand, even if for some altered routing or time period.
Thats what I am trying to do. I talked to Nicco, and I am good to go with AZ. I just can't get ANYONE at CT to do ANYTHING. Nicco says that AZ has confirmed the reservations, and all CT needs to do now is print them...hence why I need a number of someone at CT who is NOT reading a script.

From what I remember there are 2 Lounges 1 in the "A" area and 1` in the "B" area. I was in the "B" area. which started with a B no glass doors, but they are electric sliding ones that open as you approach it.

From arriving and going via the transfer check, you pass the xray machine and take the Escalator up to the next level, then make a right and go to the end past a few stores. You need to pass whatgangway to get to B gates 1-12. I dont know if I could have gotten into the "A" area lounge from teh map of MXP it looked alot larger.In as much as I was flying out of the B 1-12 gates I didnt wonder on over.

For those who wish to run into the City after dropping off your carry-ons in the Club. You must go back to the escalator you took up and walk down the stairs then have one of their TSA guys use their card to open the glass doors so that you can get to the passport control area.

You can leave your carry-ons in a room in the Club but they arent responsible if its not there when you get back. Mine was, and she said as far as she knew there hasnt never been a theft from the Club../

again I wouldnt even think of heading into Milan if you are arriving early morning, unless your connection is mid afternoon.

From what I remember there are 2 Lounges 1 in the "A" area and 1` in the "B" area. I was in the "B" area. which started with a B no glass doors, but they are electric sliding ones that open as you approach it.

From arriving and going via the transfer check, you pass the xray machine and take the Escalator up to the next level, then make a right and go to the end past a few stores. You need to pass whatgangway to get to B gates 1-12. I dont know if I could have gotten into the "A" area lounge from teh map of MXP it looked alot larger.In as much as I was flying out of the B 1-12 gates I didnt wonder on over.

For AZ lounges, there is:

MILAN MALPENSA

Caravaggio Lounge (boarding area Schengen A)
Opening hours: 06.00-23.00

Botticelli Lounge (boarding area B - Extra-Shengen area)
Opening hours: 06.00-23.00

In the boarding area Schengen A, there is also the AF lounge.

Wandering from A to B (or vice versa) without a boarding pass if rather often frowned upon by the immigration authorities that man the airside checkpoint between the two. There is another way to try to wander between the two even if refused by the immigration authoroties, and that is to go landside and walk over to the other area's security checkpoint to enter there. If doing the landside attempt to wander between the two, it may be a case of YMMV (i.e., getting sent back the long landside way to clear security and enter the area indicated on your boarding pass).

Thats what I am trying to do. I talked to Nicco, and I am good to go with AZ. I just can't get ANYONE at CT to do ANYTHING. Nicco says that AZ has confirmed the reservations, and all CT needs to do now is print them...hence why I need a number of someone at CT who is NOT reading a script.

Call CT, and have a supervisor get the Ticketing Desk to send the tickets - don't even mention the changes done by Alitalia. If the ticket has the old dates, simply send it to AZ yourself.

again I wouldnt even think of heading into Milan if you are arriving early morning, unless your connection is mid afternoon.

Do you think a 6-hour layover is sufficient to head into town for 2-3 hours?

Call CT, and have a supervisor get the Ticketing Desk to send the tickets - don't even mention the changes done by Alitalia. If the ticket has the old dates, simply send it to AZ yourself.
The people who answer the phones now REFUSE to send you to anyone. They require that you go thru the entire process with them first...Its REALLY annoying. And believe me, I am from NY...when you demand a sup, they just put you on hold for over an hour...

The people who answer the phones now REFUSE to send you to anyone. They require that you go thru the entire process with them first...Its REALLY annoying. And believe me, I am from NY...when you demand a sup, they just put you on hold for over an hour...

Maybe getting past the outsourced peons to the supervisors is a Jersey boy skill. ;)

Do you think a 6-hour layover is sufficient to head into town for 2-3 hours?

With an on-time arrival, two hours is sufficient. At the three hour mark, that's pushing it (given all the other steps/time involved).

And I'd budget 75 minutes for the trip each way and 30 minutes to clear security when back at MXP.

With an on-time arrival, two hours is sufficient. At the three hour mark, that's pushing it (given all the other steps/time involved).

And I'd budget 75 minutes for the trip each way and 30 minutes to clear security when back at MXP.

Yuk - I'll probably just lounge hop instead - can I get into the AF lounge at MXP while I wait for CY?

Do you think a 6-hour layover is sufficient to head into town for 2-3 hours?
Downtown Milano has the Duomo, the Last Supper, La Scala, some great shopping and that's about it. Sorry my Milanese friends, but that's how I see it. You can get there and back, but won't have much time for seeing the sites.

As an alternative, how about heading over to Como?
--
13F

Downtown Milano has the Duomo, the Last Supper, La Scala, some great shopping and that's about it. Sorry my Milanese friends, but that's how I see it. You can get there and back, but won't have much time for seeing the sites.

As an alternative, how about heading over to Como?
--
13F

While the Milanese can be lovely, Milan itself is not all that charming compared to a lot of Europe. One of the things going for it is the food is great - that's what I'm looking forward to more than anything. I'll get some wine and maybe some olives and such prior to my last leg back to the New World. If you overnight there in MXP and find yourself at a restaurant, osso bucco is a culinary specialty - which is veal shank. A lot of pizzerias, too. ;)

If in Milan, definitely check out Oscar's restaurant.. the owner is quite a character!

http://www.economist.com/cities/displayobject.cfm?obj_id=1086729&city_id=MIL

Thats what I am trying to do. I talked to Nicco, and I am good to go with AZ. I just can't get ANYONE at CT to do ANYTHING. Nicco says that AZ has confirmed the reservations, and all CT needs to do now is print them...hence why I need a number of someone at CT who is NOT reading a script.

I'm in exactly the same boat. I was issued a ticket, but Orbitz never sent it out. AZ reinstated my itinerary about two weeks ago now. AZ tells me that I have confirmed reservations and that my ticket numbers are valid. I just can't get anyone at Orbitz to send me my ticket! Apparently, they need some additional information from Alitalia. I talked to someone at Sales Support at the Toronto office number, and she didn't know what else Orbitz could need. :confused:

boy this thread wanders. i am dizzy reading the last two pages.

i wish there was a way to keep the pizza/lounge and non-ticketing related fluff issues in another thread. (quite frankly, these issues are irrelevant since they don't have to do with the "Wickedly Low Biz Class Fare").

what i do care about is how we are going to handle issues should Alitalia decide not to honor the original fare rules. ;) i think that's a tad more relevant than lounges and pizza, no?

to summarize, i guess the nicolo/pepe team changed some tickets in return for a promise to not change anymore. but, apparently, rome but the kibosh on that arrangement and nicolo is changing everyone back to their original booking.

so.....where does that leave us? it seems as if we have gotten a bit unfocused, no?

boy this thread wanders. i am dizzy reading the last two pages.

i wish there was a way to keep the pizza/lounge and non-ticketing related fluff issues in another thread. (quite frankly, these issues are irrelevant since they don't have to do with the "Wickedly Low Biz Class Fare").

what i do care about is how we are going to handle issues should Alitalia decide not to honor the original fare rules. ;) i think that's a tad more relevant than lounges and pizza, no?

to summarize, i guess the nicolo/pepe team changed some tickets in return for a promise to not change anymore. but, apparently, rome but the kibosh on that arrangement and nicolo is changing everyone back to their original booking.

so.....where does that leave us? it seems as if we have gotten a bit unfocused, no?

I believe that those who got the changes before Rome changed its mind are ok.For the other is just a wait and see...Poor guy this Niccolo'...he thinks outside the box in a company that was well underway to be in a box... :D

i wouldn't mind waiting a week or two for pepe/nicolo to catch up....but, i would kind of like to request my summer vacation.

do we have a game plan if alitalia shuts down any and all changes and refuses to honor the fare rules?

when do we restart the email/PR campaign? if we let this die down too long, will the story become stale to the press?

A quick question, strictly related (!),what's the cheapest way to get to YYZ from the NY area?I guess BUF will be close enough, even though the 120 minutes check-in cut off makes it for a nice stressful day.B6?thanks

A quick question, strictly related (!),what's the cheapest way to get to YYZ from the NY area?

Jog, walk or hitchhike would be my guess.

...no matter how nice the lounge in LCA is. Speaking of which, do we know anything about the LCA lounge? I poked around on the web, but couldn't find too much about it. Any recent visitors?

FWIW, I've been hearing nothing but negative comments about the AZ lounge at MXP and MXP in general. Sounds like we'll definitely escape that airport on our 6 hour layover on the way to LCA...


I was in the Larnaca Lounge around two years ago. As far as I remeber, it was a nice place on the first floor of the airport. At that time I believe it was either airport or Air Cyprus operated. Internet and a wide range of drinks and food was available. I have only pleasant memories. ^

Do you think a 6-hour layover is sufficient to head into town for 2-3 hours?

On my Inbound to EWR on Tues I had 6 hrs from Arrival time to departure time and ended up spending 2 1/2 hrs in the City. I enjoyed simply walking around and seeing the buildings, a couple of parks and riding the Old wooden Trams.

On way outbound 2 weeks ago I had 3 hrs down and stayed in Term, barely survived that.

No question if you can get into town its definitely worth running in, But if you arent on a train heading in at least 4 hrs before your connecting flight Im not sure if its worth it. It cost 14.50 Euro r/t same day, 17.50 if purchased on the train. Its a 15 min walk to the Duomo, if you know where youre going, I didnt and didnt even know about it, or simply go out the Exit to your right after the train ends , cross the street , turn right , walk around the corner and get on the #19 Tram heading to your left it will take you right there. (dont know how much it is as I didnt pay I think it was free on Tues which was Liberation Day, well at least I watched as people got on and didnt pay so I didnt either).

After doing the 3 hrs in Term the other week no way was I gonna try and pass 6 hrs being there.

Hi everybody. I've created a new thread, which you can find here (http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=552755) in the ST forum for discussion of lounges and such. I suppose it could also be used to facilitate discussion about whether or not a 6 hour layover in MXP is enough time to see the city (it's not really worth it IMHO), etc., although that sort of discussion could be a new thread on the Travel Buzz! forum. Thanks for your consideration.

- Andy

On my Inbound to EWR on Tues I had 6 hrs from Arrival time to departure time and ended up spending 2 1/2 hrs in the City. I enjoyed simply walking around and seeing the buildings, a couple of parks and riding the Old wooden Trams.

On way outbound 2 weeks ago I had 3 hrs down and stayed in Term, barely survived that.

No question if you can get into town its definitely worth running in, But if you arent on a train heading in at least 4 hrs before your connecting flight Im not sure if its worth it. It cost 14.50 Euro r/t same day, 17.50 if purchased on the train. Its a 15 min walk to the Duomo, if you know where youre going, I didnt and didnt even know about it, or simply go out the Exit to your right after the train ends , cross the street , turn right , walk around the corner and get on the #19 Tram heading to your left it will take you right there. (dont know how much it is as I didnt pay I think it was free on Tues which was Liberation Day, well at least I watched as people got on and didnt pay so I didnt either).

After doing the 3 hrs in Term the other week no way was I gonna try and pass 6 hrs being there.

The bus from MXP is a straight shot to/from the central train station near the LeMeridien Gallia (or whatever it is called) hotel in downtown Milan; and the bus costs €4.50 euros (or is it even less???) and generally takes no more than 10-15 minutes longer than the train route from MXP into the city.

Edit: coolw12, didn't catch your post until posting. Good idea.

What do people think about the idea of asking the TAs for a refund, for those of us who got date changes through AZ, particularly when they were completely and totally unhelpful. TLC.ca wasn't too bad, IMHO, but CT/Orbitz were just atrocious. I wouldn't mind getting a refund from CT for "service fees" and "paper ticket issue" fees. Of course, they probably wouldn't consent to it, but I think that we'd have a pretty good chance of disputing with the CC companies. My only concern with this is that it risks, somehow, the chance of itins. being cancelled, but AZ seems to wield all the power in these matters. Just putting that out there.

- Andy

What do people think about the idea of asking the TAs for a refund, for those of us who got date changes through AZ, particularly when they were completely and totally unhelpful. TLC.ca wasn't too bad, IMHO, but CT/Orbitz were just atrocious. I wouldn't mind getting a refund from CT for "service fees" and "paper ticket issue" fees. Of course, they probably wouldn't consent to it, but I think that we'd have a pretty good chance of disputing with the CC companies. My only concern with this is that it risks, somehow, the chance of itins. being cancelled, but AZ seems to wield all the power in these matters. Just putting that out there.

- Andy

Better to fly first.

I personally think that Orbitz did some things at the beginning that deserves some recognition. After that, the ball really was in AZ's court for the better part of the last 3 weeks. (That is not to say that the Orbitz/CT/etc. are fault-free; after all, the communications from their end were anything but systematic.)

Credit where credit is due. Orbitz earned its fees on this one. It and its lawyers might be responsible for the tickets being honored. Orbitz has earned my business. Travelocity can look elsewhere.

to summarize, i guess the nicolo/pepe team changed some tickets in return for a promise to not change anymore. but, apparently, rome but the kibosh on that arrangement and nicolo is changing everyone back to their original booking.

No not quite, some of those itineraries changed before Rome stepped in are being honoured. That would include mine :)

Credit where credit is due. Orbitz earned its fees on this one.

I beg to differ and actually got a refund on all shipping and service fees - IME, Orbitz TLC generally proved cumbersome and worthless in post-ticketing follow-up.

A quick question, strictly related (!),what's the cheapest way to get to YYZ from the NY area?I guess BUF will be close enough, even though the 120 minutes check-in cut off makes it for a nice stressful day.B6?thanks

15K miles on Air Canada.

No not quite, some of those itineraries changed before Rome stepped in are being honoured. That would include mine :)

Mine as well (at least according to the AZ agent that confirmed my seating). This is one situation where it appears the queers come out ahead. :p

- Andy

What do people think about the idea of asking the TAs for a refund, for those of us who got date changes through AZ, particularly when they were completely and totally unhelpful. TLC.ca wasn't too bad, IMHO, but CT/Orbitz were just atrocious. I wouldn't mind getting a refund from CT for "service fees" and "paper ticket issue" fees. Of course, they probably wouldn't consent to it, but I think that we'd have a pretty good chance of disputing with the CC companies. My only concern with this is that it risks, somehow, the chance of itins. being cancelled, but AZ seems to wield all the power in these matters. Just putting that out there.

- Andy


i support your idea. could a native english speaker prepare a mail for the comunity?

A quick question, strictly related (!),what's the cheapest way to get to YYZ from the NY area?and for others around the nation...
if u have the AA Citi Business card
you can get straight to YYZ ^ for 17,500 miles
using the reduced miles awards, valid to Jun30.

Doesn't work for me, though,
as I am returning in July. :eek:

and for others around the nation...
if u have the AA Citi Business card
you can get straight to YYZ ^ for 17,500 miles
using the reduced miles awards, valid to Jun30.

Doesn't work for me, though,
as I am returning in July. :eek:

Doesn't work for my either...Nov return.

And 15k AC miles won't work either...I don't have them!

Doesn't work for my either...Nov return.

And 15k AC miles won't work either...I don't have them!

Use Amex Membership Rewards, if you have them. They are a partner with the MR program.

And 15k AC miles won't work either...I don't have them!

Amazingly enough, AC has PLENTY of options for my travel dates for 15k RT. Too bad I don't have any of their miles either. Besides Amex MR, any other ways to funnel 15k into the AC program? Looks like the AC MBNA card will get you 5k, but still need another 10k to get the ticket..
Oh, and sorry for straying off-topic again... :D

someone suggested coupon connection...

So on the basis of "what I don't know won't aggravate me" I hadn't looked at my Orbitz res for several days. Not traveling until February, by which time this thread will be at 25,000 posts and a few million views, so I figured it'd be best to let you all do the fulminating and heavy lifting while lazy Me waits like a hyena.

Soooo.... imagine my delight when I now see my choice of three (3) different confirmed flights to Italy on my travel date.

1. DL 5108 YYZ-JFK, then AZ 7615 (Op DL) JFK-FCO; Dep 14:15 arr 08:25 (original itin.)
2. AZ 653 YYZ-MXP, then AZ 1015 MXP-FCO; Dep 19:05 arr 09:50 (added around 20 April, original itin not deleted.)
3. AZ 611 JFK-FCO (I presume taking the original DL connector) thus Dep 14:15 arr 11:20 (added sometime in the last 72 hours, previous itins not deleted.)

...all connecting to LCA at 12:30 pm. (Is 11:20 - 12:30 legal?)

Return hasn't changed - LCA-FCO-JFK-YYZ (AA).

Choices, choices...

How do you say FUBAR in Italian?

Doesn't work for my either...Nov return.

And 15k AC miles won't work either...I don't have them!

EWR to YYZ on CO 20,000 miles. Great times too for my flights in Sept; plenty of time between the AZ flights and direct

Have we established yet or ever! who is the first person to travel on these tickets?
I am not til Aug so def not me.
We will no doubt get full report from our first traveler.

Have we established yet or ever! who is the first person to travel on these tickets?So far we have travelfool departing on 30 May, plus a few other unidentified individuals departing 23/25 May: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?p=5685292&highlight=database#post5685292

Then we have a number of June departures:

DRTCA9 Online Database: http://kvs.unrealnetwork.com/DRTCA9

So on the basis of "what I don't know won't aggravate me" I hadn't looked at my Orbitz res for several days. Not traveling until February, by which time this thread will be at 25,000 posts and a few million views, so I figured it'd be best to let you all do the fulminating and heavy lifting while lazy Me waits like a hyena.

Soooo.... imagine my delight when I now see my choice of three (3) different confirmed flights to Italy on my travel date.

1. DL 5108 YYZ-JFK, then AZ 7615 (Op DL) JFK-FCO; Dep 14:15 arr 08:25 (original itin.)
2. AZ 653 YYZ-MXP, then AZ 1015 MXP-FCO; Dep 19:05 arr 09:50 (added around 20 April, original itin not deleted.)
3. AZ 611 JFK-FCO (I presume taking the original DL connector) thus Dep 14:15 arr 11:20 (added sometime in the last 72 hours, previous itins not deleted.)

...all connecting to LCA at 12:30 pm. (Is 11:20 - 12:30 legal?)

Return hasn't changed - LCA-FCO-JFK-YYZ (AA).

Choices, choices...

How do you say FUBAR in Italian?

A 70 minute connection at MXP has been legal for my extra-Schengen to extra-Schengen flights through there.

EWR to YYZ on CO 20,000 miles. Great times too for my flights in Sept; plenty of time between the AZ flights and direct
Hmmm, using miles to get to the starting point of a a mileage run. Seems a bit un-natural.

Am I the only one who booked one and two day turn-arounds just to snag miles? (well, there is the nice 10-day one in January ;) ...)

If anyone knows, will the MXP-LCA legs net redeamable miles on CO, if not EQMs?

Hmmm, using miles to get to the starting point of a a mileage run. Seems a bit un-natural.

Am I the only one who booked one and two day turn-arounds just to snag miles? (well, there is the nice 10-day one in January ;) ...)

If anyone knows, will the MXP-LCA legs net redeamable miles on CO, if not EQMs?

Yeah, not really a MR for us...it is an anniversary for 10 days.
I checked into the MXP-LCA legs and the consensus was no CO EQM on these legs

A 70 minute connection at MXP has been legal for my extra-Schengen to extra-Schengen flights through there.

I have an 60 min to connect in MXP from my flight from EWR to the one to LCA. Interesting enough yesterday I asked for a printout at the AZ counter of my reservation since I had forgotten my tickets. They printed out my correct Itin. Then the nice lady went on to say that the EWR-MXP flight is one of their most delayed flights from the US-MXP.

I thought oh boy great just what I wanted to hear.

I have an 60 min to connect in MXP from my flight from EWR to the one to LCA. Interesting enough yesterday I asked for a printout at the AZ counter of my reservation since I had forgotten my tickets. They printed out my correct Itin. Then the nice lady went on to say that the EWR-MXP flight is one of their most delayed flights from the US-MXP.

I thought oh boy great just what I wanted to hear.

Just looked up AZ 607 on FlightAware (http://flightaware.com/live/flight/AZA607). Looks like it is indeed a little slow out the gate on the regular.

Hmmm, using miles to get to the starting point of a a mileage run. Seems a bit un-natural.

Am I the only one who booked one and two day turn-arounds just to snag miles? (well, there is the nice 10-day one in January ;) ...)

If anyone knows, will the MXP-LCA legs net redeamable miles on CO, if not EQMs?

No CO EQMs or RDMs. CY is not a CO or Skyteam partner, and you can only get CO EQMs and RDMs on AZ metal, even if it is an AZ codeshare with AZ flight number. You can accrue miles in AZ's program with CY.

http://www.continental.com/onepass/earn/airline/alitalia.asp

No CO EQMs or RDMs. CY is not a CO or Skyteam partner, and you can only get CO EQMs and RDMs on AZ metal, even if it is an AZ codeshare with AZ flight number. You can accrue miles in AZ's program with CY.

http://www.continental.com/onepass/earn/airline/alitalia.asp
Thanks - missed the "All Alitalia- and Alitalia Express-operated flights systemwide" part on CO when read the first time. (emphasis added)

I have an 60 min to connect in MXP from my flight from EWR to the one to LCA. Interesting enough yesterday I asked for a printout at the AZ counter of my reservation since I had forgotten my tickets. They printed out my correct Itin. Then the nice lady went on to say that the EWR-MXP flight is one of their most delayed flights from the US-MXP.

I thought oh boy great just what I wanted to hear.

It seems that way to me too. It seems to be mostly because it leaves MXP late because equipment is either late to arrive or people don't know how to board properly.

I couldn't resist...over 3 hrs without a post!Anyway a friend of mine(FT'er) was on that flight less than 3 weeks ago and it was on time.

How about dropping only one of the MXP-LCA or LCA-MXP flights? We want to visit Greece as well, and could save backtracking to LCA.

eg. YYZ-MXP-LCA/MXP-YYZ
then buy LCA-ATH-MXP separately.

How about dropping only one of the MXP-LCA or LCA-MXP flights? We want to visit Greece as well, and could save backtracking to LCA.

eg. YYZ-MXP-LCA/MXP-YYZ
then buy LCA-ATH-MXP separately.

It is reported on here that no dropping of Italy-LCA (or vice versa) will be allowed by AZ

Wow, I have been away too long. I got in on this deal before I left for vacation/business trip, and now look what has happened. What a nightmare. I guess that I am okay since I have paper tickets in hand. :)


Dave.

Wow, I have been away too long. I got in on this deal before I left for vacation/business trip, and now look what has happened. What a nightmare. I guess that I am okay since I have paper tickets in hand. :)


Dave.

You've been away for the perfect amount of time. It's now almost in order. :D

You've been away for the perfect amount of time. It's now almost in order. :D
Wow, it's been HOURS since the last post. I wonder if new members can get their CC status by simply participating here!

I guess the slowdown here is the holding pattern we're all in, until original itineraries are recreated and they begin (hopefully) offering changes.

Once that period passes we'll have a flurry of activity
* everyone reporting on their conversations with Niccolo.
* everyone reporting their new itineraries
* discussion, again, of the specific aircraft everyone is booked on as well as lounges
* some kvetching about an inability to change departure points to the US from YYZ or drop LCA segments

And good heavens if after a couple weeks date changes or stopovers aren't permitted! Then we get back to
* email campaigns
* class action lawsuits
* disputed credit card charges

etc. etc. etc.

So this thread WILL have some life left in it, crossing 6000 posts is still assured... :D

Is the sky falling? 4 1/2 hurs without a post.

THIS thread must be a FT record, correct? Rosj, see what you started? ;)

Well, now that it looks like we're all going:
Can anyone direct me to any threads they've created or seen elsewhere (with good information) on FT regarding, but not limited to:
Recommended hotels and restaurants in Cyprus?
Side trips to BEY, ATH and/or Greece, CAI for 4-5 days?
Recommended sightseeing on Cyprus--"don't miss" stuff?

Thanks!

WOW !! Now even longer than 4.5 hours without a post.

So I've been busy the last few days so haven't been able to read the last few pages.

I was out at IAD today to exchange my tickets. It went very smoothly and I was told I was the eighth person in the last 2-3 days.

So for now I'm sitting tight, decently happy...

this thread has more pages than even the most famous threads have posts!

i've tried to keep up but to no avail, and i'm not going so my curiousity is mostly passing.

but anyone care to summarize the sequence of events in concise, bullet point fashion?

1. ROSJ posts ridiculously cheap fare, $39 CAD+ YYZ-LCA on AZ in biz
2. FTers buy fare before it is pulled
3. fare is pulled
???

this thread has more pages than even the most famous threads have posts!

i've tried to keep up but to no avail, and i'm not going so my curiousity is mostly passing.

but anyone care to summarize the sequence of events in concise, bullet point fashion?

1. ROSJ posts ridiculously cheap fare, $39 CAD+ YYZ-LCA on AZ in biz
2. FTers buy fare before it is pulled
3. fare is pulled
???

I think a more interesting question is why exactly does this thread have about ten times the number of posts for a typical mistake fare (including the business class ones)?

Has FT grown that much recently? Are mods allowed to tell us this? Surely they can tell by looking at the rate at which new memberships are created.

I think a more interesting question is why exactly does this thread have about ten times the number of posts for a typical mistake fare (including the business class ones)?

Has FT grown that much recently? Are mods allowed to tell us this? Surely they can tell by looking at the rate at which new memberships are created.


The reason is that this fare was available for a much longer time than most. More people were able to take advantage and keep posting and checking for updates.

So I've been busy the last few days so haven't been able to read the last few pages.

I was out at IAD today to exchange my tickets. It went very smoothly and I was told I was the eighth person in the last 2-3 days.

So for now I'm sitting tight, decently happy...

When you say Exchange do you mean the one change allowed by Nicolo or something else?

When you say Exchange do you mean the one change allowed by Nicolo or something else?


Apparently, yes - while Mr. Nicolo asked for two weeks, some ATOs are doing the exchanges now...

BTW, for those looking to stopover in Milan, do realize that you can fly into LIN instead of MXP if you're flying on the LCA-FCO CY flight and connecting onto AZ...

Apparently, yes - while Mr. Nicolo asked for two weeks, some ATOs are doing the exchanges now...

To clarify...
Are you saying you no longer need Nicolo to make the changes and ATO folks are making changes?
Also - what kind of changes are now being done at ATOs?
tks

To clarify...
Are you saying you no longer need Nicolo to make the changes and ATO folks are making changes?
Also - what kind of changes are now being done at ATOs?
tks

No, I'm saying that the ATOs are processing the ticket exchanges for bookings that Nicolo has already changed, despite Nicolo's earlier comments that we needed to wait two weeks in order to allow Az to restore the bookings. AFAIK, the ATO are still not doing any changes themselves - only printing off the flight coupons for changed itineraries.

It's all moot for me, though - I sent my ticket to Nicolo immediately after he made the changes to my PNR (and before any talk of waiting two weeks).

It's all moot for me, though - I sent my ticket to Nicolo immediately after he made the changes to my PNR (and before any talk of waiting two weeks).


me too!

WOW !! Now even longer than 4.5 hours without a post.

Its the weekend.. everyone is off from work. Wait till Monday: Work and the internet awaits!

It's all moot for me, though - I sent my ticket to Nicolo immediately after he made the changes to my PNR (and before any talk of waiting two weeks).

Hate to clog up the thread, but I'm missed the last hundred posts or so. Are we still using Nicolo as the point of contact or is he no longer dealing with this mess? Thanks.

4 orbitz itins and 1 Cheap tix itin that Nicolo manually rebooked on Tuesday, are now officially showing up in 'My Trips'. These rebooked itins will have new paper tickets next week, as I FedExed the existing paper tickets directly to Nicolo yesterday.

2 other Orbitz and 1 other Cheap Tickets itins have since been reinstated to their original itins...just waiting until things quiet down to rebook date changes.


FWIW, anyone interested in onward travel to TLV....;)

* approx. $250 RT on Cyprus or El Al.
* 20K QF miles on El Al

The reason is that this fare was available for a much longer time than most. More people were able to take advantage and keep posting and checking for updates.

Yes. And the twists and turns -- due to AZ's (mis)handling -- added to the "excitement" too, in the form of post counts and views.

Its the weekend.. everyone is off from work. Wait till Monday: Work and the internet awaits!

At least AZ's HQ will be closed (for the most part) on Monday. I hope that means no new AZ-sponsored "twists and turns" for at least one day. :D

Hate to clog up the thread, but I'm missed the last hundred posts or so. Are we still using Nicolo as the point of contact or is he no longer dealing with this mess? Thanks.

He's still a point of contact (and dealing with this mess). :)

THIS thread must be a FT record, correct? Rosj, see what you started? ;)
I think Rosj must have given up trying to follow what he started! Soon this thread will have 6000 posts! And I am helping it along :)

Now if I just could know if I should hope to be able to keep the total change flexibility on my ticket....

[QUOTE=beaubo]4 orbitz itins and 1 Cheap tix itin that Nicolo manually rebooked on Tuesday, are now officially showing up in 'My Trips'.

My Orbitz record is still showing the mangled rebooking, not the one that Nicolo reinstated for me. And AZ7603 ie..DL84 is not showing up under my Delta confirmation number either. Checked the worldspan record as well and it still shows the mangled rebooking, not the reinstated one.

[QUOTE=beaubo]4 orbitz itins and 1 Cheap tix itin that Nicolo manually rebooked on Tuesday, are now officially showing up in 'My Trips'.

My Orbitz record is still showing the mangled rebooking, not the one that Nicolo reinstated for me. And AZ7603 ie..DL84 is not showing up under my Delta confirmation number either. Checked the worldspan record as well and it still shows the mangled rebooking, not the reinstated one.

It'll take a call to AZ to figure out what is the real itinerary. (The US toll-free number is still answered even at this time.)

[QUOTE=crimguy1976]

It'll take a call to AZ to figure out what is the real itinerary. (The US toll-free number is still answered even at this time.)

Err I believe I was responding to another poster regarding Orbitz bookings, and not requesting advice.

Its the weekend.. everyone is off from work. Wait till Monday: Work and the internet awaits!

Monday??

You must be joking!

It's May Day!

Another holiday!

This time one that most Europeans share.

Hooray!

Monday??

You must be joking!

It's May Day!

Another holiday!

This time one that most Europeans share.

Hooray!

Holiday? Yes ..... except for firms that put an event abroad on the long weekend but don't invite families. :eek:

My original itin is restored!!! The only difference is I am now non-stop from YYZ-MXP and MXP-YYZ, which is fine with me (actually preferred!). My original 4 day stopover in Milan is restored and CT shows things almost perfect...my original YYZ-IAD flight still shows in addition to the YYZ-MXP nonstop, but it's much cleaner than it was a few days ago.

Since this is what I booked, I am now happy! I *may* try to extend the trip another day or two in Milan...but for now, if nothing else, I have what I booked and a workable itinerary.

I didn't contact Niccolo, so I guess nature just took it's course:) Nice to see they are following though on this and something is finally getting done. YAY!

[QUOTE=beaubo]4 orbitz itins and 1 Cheap tix itin that Nicolo manually rebooked on Tuesday, are now officially showing up in 'My Trips'.

My Orbitz record is still showing the mangled rebooking, not the one that Nicolo reinstated for me. And AZ7603 ie..DL84 is not showing up under my Delta confirmation number either. Checked the worldspan record as well and it still shows the mangled rebooking, not the reinstated one.


Make sure you scroll all the way down the itin.

In some instances, the mangled itins are still showing and the reinstated/rebooked itins are just added below.

Make sure you scroll all the way down the itin.

In some instances, the mangled itins are still showing and the reinstated/rebooked itins are just added below.
Yup, that's what I see on a couple of mine...

[QUOTE=crimguy1976]


Make sure you scroll all the way down the itin.

In some instances, the mangled itins are still showing and the reinstated/rebooked itins are just added below.

My Worldspan and Orbitz PNRs show my new outbound flights, the old outbound flights, and the old return flights (no sign of the new ones). The Alitalia PNR, OTOH, shows only the new flights (and since is the one that counts, it's fine by me). Once the ticket is reissued, the old flights should drop off altogether.

My PNR is showing up on viewtrip.com and CT with both MXP-EWR-YYZ (original itin) and a MXP-YYZ (departing the next day) segments. I'm still wanting to extend our return trip out another two weeks, either via EWR or the nonstop if possible.

Another WSJ Article..

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB114615930975337795.html?mod=hps_us_editors_picks

Another WSJ Article..

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB114615930975337795.html?mod=hps_us_editors_picks

Subscription Required

Another WSJ Article..

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB114615930975337795.html?mod=hps_us_editors_picks

Is there any way for non-subscriber to see the article?

Is there any way for non-subscriber to see the article?
Or for someone to summarize/paraphrase w/o violating copyright?
--
13F

Or for someone to summarize/paraphrase w/o violating copyright?
--
13FI believe the TOS allows limited citations - incomplete (enough) to preserve copyright.

As it is, the article is a total softball - airline pricing is constantly moving, fuel prices up, act quick or be sorry... etc. No mention of the AZ goof; just a reference to his (Scott McCartney's) previous column.


When is a "guaranteed price" not guaranteed? When travel is involved...

...many readers pointed out our spelling goof of "Cypress" instead of Cyprus. We did run a correction. Unfortunately, it took several people at The Wall Street Journal to make that mistake...

...Even if airlines aren't always rational or even fair in their pricing, consumers need to go about buying travel with a level head. If a deal is too good to be true, you may not get it. That doesn't mean you can't occasionally land a bargain and routinely get a good price if you hunt hard enough...

Or for someone to summarize/paraphrase w/o violating copyright?
--
13F

The article refered to the Travelocity Hotel error, the Mariott error and a brief touch at the Cyprus deal... here's a little bit of the article. If anyone wants to read the whole article, PM me as I can e-mail the article to others as a part of my subscription...

"When is a "guaranteed price" not guaranteed? When travel is involved.

Some readers were upset with the response from companies that didn't honor prices, mistaken or not. Wil Woo said the Travelocity yen-conversion problem has happened before -- and Travelocity has honored reservations. (As always, letters have been edited.)

"When a company has been negligent, it cannot claim that it simply made an error," Mr. Woo said. "It should be held accountable."

George McDowell noted that if Marriott expects customers to realize that a $24.90 rate for a Manhattan hotel was a mistake, shouldn't the hotel chain expect the employee who entered it to also realize it's a mistake? We don't know, of course, exactly how the mistake was made. But his point is a good one: Hotels and other travel companies put the onus on customers, and sometimes don't honor written confirmations because of "mistakes" or over-booking. "

The article refered to the Travelocity Hotel error, the Mariott error and a brief touch at the Cyprus deal... here's a little bit of the article. If anyone wants to read the whole article, PM me as I can e-mail the article to others as a part of my subscription...

"When is a "guaranteed price" not guaranteed? When travel is involved.

Some readers were upset with the response from companies that didn't honor prices, mistaken or not. Wil Woo said the Travelocity yen-conversion problem has happened before -- and Travelocity has honored reservations. (As always, letters have been edited.)

"When a company has been negligent, it cannot claim that it simply made an error," Mr. Woo said. "It should be held accountable."

George McDowell noted that if Marriott expects customers to realize that a $24.90 rate for a Manhattan hotel was a mistake, shouldn't the hotel chain expect the employee who entered it to also realize it's a mistake? We don't know, of course, exactly how the mistake was made. But his point is a good one: Hotels and other travel companies put the onus on customers, and sometimes don't honor written confirmations because of "mistakes" or over-booking. "

^
I'll try and get a copy of the WSJ tomorrow, but I like what I'm reading, even if it has no real effect on the industry, our voices have been heard :)

Also...important point...

""How many other industries make their customers their quality-control department, and when the customer discovers a quality-control problem, reward the customer with a sharp stick in the eye?" Mr. McDowell asked. "How successful are those other industries?"

Also...important point...

""How many other industries make their customers their quality-control department, and when the customer discovers a quality-control problem, reward the customer with a sharp stick in the eye?" Mr. McDowell asked. "How successful are those other industries?"
I'll gladly volunteer to become their QC department if they compensate me properly.

Or for someone to summarize/paraphrase w/o violating copyright?
--
13F
Not much to see. Close the window and click the link again. 2-3 tries and it pops up for me.

Paper tickets in hand along with a copy of the original fare rules, I am headed down to AZ MIA ticket office this morning. I never had a stopover - all I am requesting is a date change without re-rate. I do not mind if they allow no further changes to my ticket. I will report my results.

Can anyone update me on this? The last time i read this thread was when AZ were refusing to honour this fare! Have they agreed now? How?

Don't really fancy reading through the thousnads of posts. ^

Can anyone update me on this? Try Page #1, Post #4. A great effort has been made by many to consolidate info there. Good luck. :)

Try Page #1, Post #4. A great effort has been made by many to consolidate info there. Good luck. :)
Perfect! Thanks ^

BTW, for those looking to stopover in Milan, do realize that you can fly into LIN instead of MXP if you're flying on the LCA-FCO CY flight and connecting onto AZ...

I wouldn't recommend this during the fall/winter months though - only for the summertime crowd.

Alitalia still seems to be messing around with availability buckets on the YYZ-MXP route; last night it was showing availability in all classes on 06/30, today it's showing C0/Y0/etc across the board. :( A friend of ours is wanting to join us on our trip, but doesn't mind flying along in coach.

WOW !! Now even longer than 4.5 hours without a post.
any way to eliminate these pointless observations?

the first one or two times it was funny.....not anymore. :rolleyes:

any way to eliminate these pointless observations?

the first one or two times it was funny.....not anymore. :rolleyes:

what about yours?it doesn't add any value either...just tak it easy guys,we are all going to travel...I guess we just want to reach 6k posts! :D

any way to eliminate these pointless observations?

the first one or two times it was funny.....not anymore. :rolleyes:

maybe they are just trying to pad up their post count ;)

maybe they are just trying to pad up their post count ;)
maybe i was a bit harsh, but i only read this thread every few hours-days and posts sometime stack up.

it would be much nicer/easier/more efficient to go through the thread when simply value added comments are posted as opposed to looking at the "wow, 20 minutes and no post" drivel.

maybe i was a bit harsh, but i only read this thread every few hours-days and posts sometime stack up.

it would be much nicer/easier/more efficient to go through the thread when simply value added comments are posted as opposed to looking at the "wow, 20 minutes and no post" drivel.
So now there's a total of 5 useless posts on your anti-useless post rant. Which is equal to or more than the total of those no posts posts. :D

and if you respond to this...

Those of you booked YYZ-FCO this summer are lucky - y'all are scheduled to get the new 767 Magnifica seat. Those os us who chose MXP get, well, the same old same old...:(

Those of you booked YYZ-FCO this summer are lucky - y'all are scheduled to get the new 767 Magnifica seat. Those os us who chose MXP get, well, the same old same old...:(

Nice to hear about the YYZ-FCO seats. I'm mostly YYZ-MXP. :o

Those of you booked YYZ-FCO this summer are lucky - y'all are scheduled to get the new 767 Magnifica seat. Those os us who chose MXP get, well, the same old same old...:(

i'm sure that people in the old BUSINESS CLASS seats will survive...particularly on $33 US.

Those of you booked YYZ-FCO this summer are lucky - y'all are scheduled to get the new 767 Magnifica seat. Those os us who chose MXP get, well, the same old same old...:(

I kind of knew this when I booked, but nice to hear it confirmed. :)

I kind of knew this when I booked, but nice to hear it confirmed. :)

Any word on the timing of the YYZ-MXP Magnifica upgrade? Is there a chance it will still happen in 2006 (I know it has been postponed/delayed a few times already...)?

Those of you booked YYZ-FCO this summer are lucky - y'all are scheduled to get the new 767 Magnifica seat. Those os us who chose MXP get, well, the same old same old...:(

Do you have a link to this information?

Any idea which seats for FCO-BOS in July?

Do you have a link to this information?

Any idea which seats for FCO-BOS in July?


The 767 seat maps can be viewed here - http://www.alitalia777.it/767_en.html. The seat map for YYZ-FCO corresponds to the seat map for Amerigo Vespucci, the 1st 763 to be reconfigured with the new Magnifica seats (I believe that all are supposed to receive the new seats within a year or so). The trick is to look for flights coded with 764 equipment, featuring 20 seats in the Magnifica cabin.

It makes perfect sense for YYZ-FCO to feature the new seats - the airline is competing against Air Canada. BOS-MXP will feature an ex-Eurofly 24-seat configuration this summer, as will YYZ-MXP. The other 767 routes will see the standard 25-seat configuration, though some more 764s might begin to creep into the schedules as the refurbishings continue.

i'm sure that people in the old BUSINESS CLASS seats will survive...particularly on $33 US.

Sure - I'm just glad I didn't pay a penny more than that, otherwise I would've overpaid for Magnifica...

Any word on the timing of the YYZ-MXP Magnifica upgrade? Is there a chance it will still happen in 2006 (I know it has been postponed/delayed a few times already...)?

From what I understand, Toronto-Milan will probably be the last North America route to receive the Magnifica upgrade - ORD, EWR, and MIA are up next (not necessarily in that order).

CAn someone update me as to what the latest is regarding dropping the LCA segment.
I would really prefer to spend the few days in Italy and visit Cyprus another time...
Thanks

as of now, I think we're all just waiting for word from nicolo. my understanding is AZ is working to restor our original itineraries, at which point we'll find out offer to let us drop the LCA segments

i was informed again by nicollo today by email that dropping lca would not be possible...
oh well, cant complain.

Those of you booked YYZ-FCO this summer are lucky - y'all are scheduled to get the new 767 Magnifica seat. Those os us who chose MXP get, well, the same old same old...:(
When this summer? I have one YYZ-MXP and one FCO-YYZ in July. Hope it will be nice :)
Too bad I get the worse seat for the night flight :(

Paper tickets in hand along with a copy of the original fare rules, I am headed down to AZ MIA ticket office this morning. I never had a stopover - all I am requesting is a date change without re-rate. I do not mind if they allow no further changes to my ticket. I will report my results.
Well I got nowhere at MIA. After 3 employees huddling around the computer muttering words in Italiano, one of them decided that I was on a contract fare and they can't touch it. I would have to call Orbitz. I called Orbitz to verify availability for the revised dates I want to travel and it is there. They want me to send my tickets in and then they will reissue me, but they want to recalculate the fare. I will be calling AZ res tomorrow before heading down to MIA again.

Today's excuse for an airport run was to eat lunch at the awesome Cuban restaurant by the C terminal and refer a few newbies to FT - tomorrow I have to turn in my National Car and switch into Enterprise for 2 more days. I will update tomorrow with whatever progress I make.

Well I got nowhere at MIA. After 3 employees huddling around the computer muttering words in Italiano, one of them decided that I was on a contract fare and they can't touch it. I would have to call Orbitz. I called Orbitz to verify availability for the revised dates I want to travel and it is there. They want me to send my tickets in and then they will reissue me, but they want to recalculate the fare. I will be calling AZ res tomorrow before heading down to MIA again.

Today's excuse for an airport run was to eat lunch at the awesome Cuban restaurant by the C terminal and refer a few newbies to FT - tomorrow I have to turn in my National Car and switch into Enterprise for 2 more days. I will update tomorrow with whatever progress I make.

The line that ticketing people default to when not wanting to touch something and get in trouble for it is: "contract", "special", "promotional", and the like. Hopefully your experience on Monday doesn't mean anything besides that. Best of luck on the phone and then at the airport today.

The line that ticketing people default to when not wanting to touch something and get in trouble for it is: "contract", "special", "promotional", and the like. Hopefully your experience on Monday doesn't mean anything besides that. Best of luck on the phone and then at the airport today.
I'd love to know what the special notation in all of our fares is, since there must be something interesting: normally, any Ticket Agent could easily change a D class fare, even with some restrictions, but there must be some strict talk in the notations from Palermo? Interesting!

I'd love to know what the special notation in all of our fares is, since there must be something interesting: normally, any Ticket Agent could easily change a D class fare, even with some restrictions, but there must be some strict talk in the notations from Palermo? Interesting!
Nicolo warned me that no one else in Alitalia would touch my rez unless he annotated it first. Maybe they attached a small video of Justic Scalia using hand jestures to say hello.

Well I got nowhere at MIA. After 3 employees huddling around the computer muttering words in Italiano, one of them decided that I was on a contract fare and they can't touch it. I would have to call Orbitz. I called Orbitz to verify availability for the revised dates I want to travel and it is there. They want me to send my tickets in and then they will reissue me, but they want to recalculate the fare. I will be calling AZ res tomorrow before heading down to MIA again.

Today's excuse for an airport run was to eat lunch at the awesome Cuban restaurant by the C terminal and refer a few newbies to FT - tomorrow I have to turn in my National Car and switch into Enterprise for 2 more days. I will update tomorrow with whatever progress I make.

You're speaking to the wrong people to get the reissue done. Neither Orbitz nor Alitalia Reservations can assist you with this booking - you need to get in contact with either Mr. Nicolo in the AZ NYC office or Mr. Pepe in the YYZ office, who can make the changes you want and add documentation to your PNR that will allow the ATOs to exchange your tickets.

sorry I was just overwhelmed but the excitement of travel

So i need some advice. I called Nicolo last Tuesday and he was able to change my dates to July/August and remove the Cyprus leg o