Actually, the original fare rules do allow stopvers:

http://www.patricks-place.com/ft/farerules.jpg

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5573900&postcount=88


I trust that this is helpful. :D

Yes, the fare rules allow stopoevers, but they needed to be booked when you first bought the ticket.

Consider if you were buying a normal DCA-IND ticket on NW that allows stopovers. If you originally book DCA-DTW-IND with no stopover in DTW, you would not expect that you could add one later for no fee.

You have the ticket you bought. If it has stopovers, then you can change their dates and increase the length of the stopovers. If your ticket doesn't include stopovers, you cannot add them without a reprice.

Just because the rules allow stopovers does not mean that you can add them anytime you want.

Yes, the fare rules allow stopoevers, but they needed to be booked when you first bought the ticket.

Consider if you were buying a normal DCA-IND ticket on NW that allows stopovers. If you originally book DCA-DTW-IND with no stopover in DTW, you would not expect that you could add one later for no fee.

You have the ticket you bought. If it has stopovers, then you can change their dates and increase the length of the stopovers. If your ticket doesn't include stopovers, you cannot add them without a reprice.

Just because the rules allow stopovers does not mean that you can add them anytime you want.

What he said!!!!!!!

Yes, the fare rules allow stopoevers, but they needed to be booked when you first bought the ticket.

Consider if you were buying a normal DCA-IND ticket on NW that allows stopovers. If you originally book DCA-DTW-IND with no stopover in DTW, you would not expect that you could add one later for no fee.

You have the ticket you bought. If it has stopovers, then you can change their dates and increase the length of the stopovers. If your ticket doesn't include stopovers, you cannot add them without a reprice.

Just because the rules allow stopovers does not mean that you can add them anytime you want.
oh well...off to LCA then...:(

Actually, the way the original fare rules read, if you do not change the routing (which does trigger a reprice), you should be able to change your dates (and this could add a stopover) without causing a reprice.

There is some debate over whether changing the date of coupon #1 should trigger a reprice. However, changing the dates of any subsequent coupons after #1 has been flown should not trigger a reprice. This is how (I believe) stopovers can be added, if desired.

Am I wrong?

oh well...off to LCA then...:(

Tough life!

I think it's hit and miss. Alitalia seems to have their own sort of GDS.

You are right.. viewtrip.com showed my revised itinerary and so did Cheaptickets… But when I called AZ to verify my seat assignments, they quoted me my original flights! So that’s good again (it was the revised flights a week ago) .. the only bad thing is that with all these changes, I keep loosing my seats assignments :)

So aircraft wise.. is ORD - MXP better or YYZ - MXP ? or YYZ - FCO?

Tough life!
Yes I know your heart bleeds for me. :)

As for Spiff's assertions, are you saying that we can theoritically add a stopover once we depart YYZ? and if we do not change the departing date, we should be able to add a stopover without a reprice?

That's still opposite to Beaubo and johnep1's assertions...

As for Spiff's assertions, are you saying that we can theoritically add a stopover once we depart YYZ? and if we do not change the departing date, we should be able to add a stopover without a reprice?

That's still opposite to Beaubo and johnep1's assertions...

That's my assertion. Perhaps I am incorrect. Would someone else care to comment?

I haven't spoken to Nicolo about date changes, if I just sent in my tickets and a letter listing the changes I wanted to make, would that be Ok? (we are traveling in June/July). What about a routing change on the inbound? Eg, changing LCA-MXP-EWR-YYZ to LCA-MXP-YYZ (but requiring an overnight in MXP).

Actually, the way the original fare rules read, if you do not change the routing (which does trigger a reprice), you should be able to change your dates (and this could add a stopover) without causing a reprice.

There is some debate over whether changing the date of coupon #1 should trigger a reprice. However, changing the dates of any subsequent coupons after #1 has been flown should not trigger a reprice. This is how (I believe) stopovers can be added, if desired.

Am I wrong?

Spiff, you know I'm a big defender here for FTer rights, and you know I've flown my share of glitch fares. There really is no debate about stopovers.

If you booked
Oct 3 YYZ-MXP arrives MXP at 725a
Oct 4 MXP-LCA leaves MXP 1230p

then your flexibility is to book a MXP-LCA sometime BEFORE 1230p on Oct 5, which of course there is no other flight option.

On the return, if you booked:
Oct 5 MXP-EWR-YYZ leaves MXP 315-555p, you can re-book an under 24 hr. connection by flying Oct 6 MXP-YYZ at 1040a, since it would have been a 'legal' misconnect requiring an overnight.


If you booked
Oct 3 YYZ-MXP arrives MXP at 725a
Oct 5 MXP-LCA leaves MXP at 1230p

there is clearly more than a 24 hr. window between connections, which establishes the definition of stopover. At that point, once you have a 'legal' stopover window, then you can expand or contract it.

That's my assertion. Perhaps I am incorrect. Would someone else care to comment?

I would bet that one can make dates changes, even if it means adding a stopover, after taking the first flight. However, the amount I'd be willing to bet is very small, and I certainly wouldn't stake my vacation on it.

So a workaround might be to change the dates of the entire trip so that the transatlantic flights are on the days you want, and then try adding the stopover once you're in MXP. If that doesn't work, then head to LCA and ask there if you can fly back to MXP early, while keeping your MXP-YYZ flight the same. Again, not something I would stake my vacation on.

What about a routing change on the inbound? Eg, changing LCA-MXP-EWR-YYZ to LCA-MXP-YYZ (but requiring an overnight in MXP).

YES, no problem!!! As it eliminates using a non-AZ carrier, they are willing to do the change and allow the overnight (since its technically not a stopover, since next morning flight at 1040a is less than 24 hrs. from inbound LCA-MXP flight arriving around 1145a.

I would bet that one can make dates changes, even if it means adding a stopover, after taking the first flight. However, the amount I'd be willing to bet is very small, and I certainly wouldn't stake my vacation on it.

So a workaround might be to change the dates of the entire trip so that the transatlantic flights are on the days you want, and then try adding the stopover once you're in MXP. If that doesn't work, then head to LCA and ask there if you can fly back to MXP early, while keeping your MXP-YYZ flight the same. Again, not something I would stake my vacation on.

Fair enough.

Nicolo called me this afternoon. I have not made any attempt to contact him so my name/tickets just came up in his normal course of rectifying everything. He informed me of the changes to my flights (non-stop YYZ-MXP instead of connecting), and asked that I send my tickets back to him with a return envelope, and he will send me the new tickets.

I did not ask him any additional questions...I thought about inquiring about the date change but I was actually half loopy/half asleep (read Benadryl induced coma) when he called. I figure I'll put a note with my tickets asking him to put the return flight 2 days later...but now realize it may take a month for him to actually get around to swapping my tickets and I need to sort out my tickets to YYZ. Ugh. Oh well.

As everyone has posted he was very professional and pleasant. I would also be happy to donate to a common fund if someone would let me know the details.

And on a lark I googled the number shown on my caller ID: the top two entries are this flyertalk post :)

johnep1 , nicely put. :) ^

they're also the most well-used (i.e., beat-up) planes in the Alitalia onghaul fleet.

:rolleyes:

enough about the "beat-up" $33 business class seats to europe, no? i mean, c'mon already. :rolleyes:

He informed me of the changes to my flights (non-stop YYZ-MXP instead of connecting), and asked that I send my tickets back to him with a return envelope, and he will send me the new tickets.
Note of caution you probably already know: get a legible photo copy of the tickets before sending them to Nic, send receipt required. He seems very professional, but why take any chances?

There is some debate over whether changing the date of coupon #1 should trigger a reprice.There is no debate. The fare rules have always to be read in conjunction with (and not instead of) the Contract of Carriage.

Unfortunately, the general rule in AZ's contract of carriage (not unlike most others) is that carriage is subject to the fares in effect on the date of the departure of the outbound sector (i.e. if the fare is higher, airline has the right to ask for the difference to be paid; if the fare is lower, you have the right to ask for the difference to be refunded). And then there are certain limited exceptions...

:rolleyes:

enough about the "beat-up" $33 business class seats to europe, no? i mean, c'mon already. :rolleyes:
Boy, your tolerance for anything on this thread is pretty low...

edit: can't spell

There is no debate. The fare rules have always to be read in conjunction with (and not instead of) the Contract of Carriage.

Unfortunately, the general rule in AZ's contract of carriage (not unlike most others) is that carriage is subject to the fares in effect on the date of the departure of the outbound sector (i.e. if the fare is higher, airline has the right to ask for the difference to be paid; if the fare is lower, you have the right to ask for the difference to be refunded). And then there are certain limited exceptions...
wait, I thought that they were allowing date changes...

Just not to the first coupon???

Boy, your tolerance for anything on this thread is pretty low...

edit: can't spell

Ditto.nuff said

So with the new rules, if you were originally scheduled to fly NYC/BOS-YYZ-MXP, or MXP/FCO-NYC/BOS-YYZ, are you now allowed to fly NYC/BOS-MXP or MXP-NYC/BOS directly if it is on AZ metal only?

So with the new rules, if you were originally scheduled to fly NYC/BOS-YYZ-MXP, or MXP/FCO-NYC/BOS-YYZ, are you now allowed to fly NYC/BOS-MXP or MXP-NYC/BOS directly if it is on AZ metal only?

You mean, YYZ-NYC/BOS-MXP,right?I guess trip must originate and end in YYZ.

Note of caution you probably already know: get a legible photo copy of the tickets before sending them to Nic, send receipt required. He seems very professional, but why take any chances?

But of course :D

wait, I thought that they were allowing date changes...

Just not to the first coupon???After having reviewed the actual AZ's contract of carriage, it appears that this 'price protection' clause (which I mentioned in some of my earlier postings) would only apply for ex-US departures...

:rolleyes:

enough about the "beat-up" $33 business class seats to europe, no? i mean, c'mon already. :rolleyes:

I'm fine with it - I just wanted to make clear what folks could expect once they step foot on the plane, that's all.

wait, I thought that they were allowing date changes...

Just not to the first coupon???

KVS is referring to the fare rules and its interpretation with respect to the AZ Contract of Carriage - in effect, the "legal" construct of the situation. The AZ one-change-only POLICY is a separate issue that relates to the amendment of the fare rules to the more restrictive language.

In other words, one-change-only is still in effect. ^

:rolleyes:

enough about the "beat-up" $33 business class seats to europe, no? i mean, c'mon already. :rolleyes:

I agree with you. People getting something for nothing and still want to complain.

After having reviewed the actual AZ's contract of carriage, it appears that this 'price protection' clause (which I mentioned in some of my earlier postings) would only apply for ex-US departures...

Which means for those of us departing from YYZ?

I agree with you. People getting something for nothing and still want to complain.

Whoa there, $33 is certainly not "nothing." If you think $33 is "nothing," please mail $33 to Happy Guy, 742 Evergreen Terrace.

Whoa there, $33 is certainly not "nothing." If you think $33 is "nothing," please mail $33 to Happy Guy, 742 Evergreen Terrace.

Plus I would add that no one paid only $33.Range was $170-230 I believe.Still cheap,but not $33.Anyway whichever seat is gonna be fine with me,not too picky when you are used to the back of the bus....

Whoa there, $33 is certainly not "nothing." If you think $33 is "nothing," please mail $33 to Happy Guy, 742 Evergreen Terrace.

How about $1 to "Sorry Dude", same address? ;)

Please understand that I am not complaining about the state of the 767 Magnifica Class - in fact, I celebrate the fact that I'm flying it for $33, because I believe that price accurately reflects the fair market value of the current product.

Which means for those of us departing from YYZ?Well, first of all, as per the original fare routing rules, everyone will be "departing from YYZ".

What it means is that AZ would likely have a right to ask for the fare difference at check-in...

Boy, your tolerance for anything on this thread is pretty low...

not at all. in fact, i have really made out on flyertalk mistake fares (i.e., venice, hawaii, iceland). but, i do think it is a bit...well...unseemly when people start to moan on and on about the quality of business class seats when they are already getting a steal. it just strikes me as unbecoming (to put it politely).

I agree with you. People getting something for nothing and still want to complain.

nail, head. although, it doesn't seem like "people." it's more like "person" (though i won't name names because it might be against flyertalk's TOS). ;)

Well, first of all, as per the original fare routing rules, everyone will be "departing from YYZ".

What it means is that AZ would likely have a right to ask for the fare difference at check-in...

Probably not - when AZ decided to mess with the fare rules, an issue of consideration arose, which is why Alitalia is allowing the gratis outbound changes.

nail, head. although, it doesn't seem like "people." it's more like "person" (though i won't name names because it might be against flyertalk's TOS). ;)

I do not believe in living or flying in ignorance, regardless of the circumstances - I did a bit of research into the Alitalia 767 Magnifica product and shared my findings and opinions in several posts within the thread. Considering that many of us have not flown Alitalia (and fewer still in Magnifica), I thought the information and commentary useful for others - a view that has been validated by an array of PMs and emails thanking me for the insights. The price paid for the itinerary has nothing to do with setting expectations or performing an analysis of the product offering relative to other products in the marketplace.

Probably not - when AZ decided to mess with the fare rules, an issue of consideration arose, which is why Alitalia is allowing the gratis outbound changes.The issue of add'l considiration would not arise, unless you get your tickets re-issued, making them subject to the new fare rules. Any "mess[ing] with the fare rules" on AZ's part would have no effect on the original bookings/tickets (which continue to be subject to the original fare rules), at least in theory...

The issue of add'l considiration would not arise, unless you get your tickets re-issued, making them subject to the new fare rules. Any "mess[ing] with the fare rules" on AZ's part would have no effect on the original bookings/tickets (which continue to be subject to the original fare rules), at least in theory...

Despite Orbitz assurances to the contrary, Alitalia continues to maintain that the newly-imposed fare rules govern the booking. I agree with your theory, but decided that I was better off "brokering" a deal to agree to the new rules rather than fighting for the old rules.

Despite Orbitz assurances to the contrary, Alitalia continues to maintain that the newly-imposed fare rules govern the booking.Well, I have communicated with a number of AZ figures in both Toronto and New York, and none of them would admit that the fare rules were [intentionally] changed by Alitalia.

From what I've read here, it appears that the assertion you mention only comes from AZ's outsourced res agents in Palermo, or their ATO staff (both of which don't have access to the info required, so they often resort to making stuff up) ...

While a very select few were able to change dates, routing, drop LCA, add stopovers, etc., the official AZ policy at this point is VERY straightforward...

* date changes OK
* no dropping LCA segments
* stopovers OK if on original ticket
* outbound routing changes OK if changing from YYZ-US connection-MXP to YYZ-MXP.
* no guarantees about clearing J seats on CY, but Y is no problem

I wish I were among the :-: select few :-: :rolleyes: (Call me bitter if you like, but 'luck' seems to play too much of a role in how all this is handled--this situation has been marked by too little honest communication from AZ and the online travel agencies and inconsistent handling of the tickets all of which were purchased under the same rules supposedly (notice how it is being said that this is the policy "At This Point")--yes it seems better now but the process is still painfully slow--now it is 'wait two weeks'. Well I'm leaving the country this Sat and refuse to deal with this mess while on vacation) .

As 'cheap' as it is, it's way too much hassle. And now I learn a new little tidbit....I was stupid and didn't understand the fare rules that stopovers must be done at ticketing.....
I thought you could change dates with the fare rules allowing date changes.

Am I the only one thinking of pushing the 'ask for refund' button? :eek: Realistically, the cost of a ticket to yyz from my home (which I knew from the start)...with the addition of the cost of the ticket (including the taxes)....well I'd almost just rather to buy a Y ticket to Europe...get the itin I want to the cities I want etc (earning star alliance miles :) ).... it might be a little bit more...but the hassle factor post purchase? I was at first excited by the prospect of going to Cyrpus but now I am none too excited as this whole process has left me discouraged and just plain weary of the hassle and the confusion. I don't think that I'll ever really believe that everything is all set until I am actually sitting on the plane! This is just how I feel, and i might be the minority...or the only one.

Am I the only one thinking of pushing the 'ask for refund' button? :eek: Realistically, the cost of a ticket to yyz from my home (which I knew from the start)...with the addition of the cost of the ticket (including the taxes)....well I'd almost just rather to buy a Y ticket to Europe...get the itin I want to the cities I want etc.... it might be a little bit more...but the hassle factor post purchase? This is just how I feel, and i might be the minority...or the only one.
You certainly won't be flying J though....unless you found another good deal and you are hiding it from the community! :D

You certainly won't be flying J though....unless you found another good deal and you are hiding it from the community! :D

Oh no...I'd be in Y....but the value of being in J is greatly diminished by the hassle this all is.

The next time I see a 'mistake fare', I'll be sure to think twice or thrice. If they're all like this nightmare, it is not worth it....

Oh no...I'd be in Y....but the value of being in J is greatly diminished by the hassle this all is.

The next time I see a 'mistake fare', I'll be sure to think twice or thrice. If they're all like this nightmare, it is not worth it....


Unfortunately,ususally,we don't have time to think:buy it right away!Only AZ keeps a D fare available to the world for 12+ hrs :D

Oh no...I'd be in Y....but the value of being in J is greatly diminished by the hassle this all is.

The next time I see a 'mistake fare', I'll be sure to think twice or thrice. If they're all like this nightmare, it is not worth it....
I think (aka hope) that the hassle is mostly done. You've come this far. I'd stick with it.

Oh no...I'd be in Y....but the value of being in J is greatly diminished by the hassle this all is.

The next time I see a 'mistake fare', I'll be sure to think twice or thrice. If they're all like this nightmare, it is not worth it....

it looks like it's almost all good, why not wait a bit more? you can probably refund later, I'm sure AZ would be thrilled, so unless you're planning a trip right now, not much to lose. these deals aren't for everybody, but if your a sucker for impulse travel they work out nicely :cool:

Oh no...I'd be in Y....but the value of being in J is greatly diminished by the hassle this all is.

The next time I see a 'mistake fare', I'll be sure to think twice or thrice. If they're all like this nightmare, it is not worth it....

we're in the same boat, but a bit more optimistic-
One set of tix in late July, since waiting for AZ to get their act together we had to commit to something that overlaps and likely cannot use these unless something changes with the rules
A second set for August, which is really prime beach weather for us here, and given the difficulty of getting to YYZ, we're questioning those too.
A third set for Thanksgiving, but now we're not sure LCA is all that nice that time of year, so we're questioning whether we'll actually travel on those.
Bottom line, in the month since these things were ticketed our plans have changed and we've realized I only have so much vacation time. Plus, we have loads of Skyteam and *alliance miles and really need to start redeeming those...
But we'll sit tight and see what comes of this

I wish I were among the :-: select few :-: :rolleyes: (Call me bitter if you like, but 'luck' seems to play too much of a role in how all this is handled--this situation has been marked by too little honest communication from AZ and the online travel agencies and inconsistent handling of the tickets all of which were purchased under the same rules supposedly (notice how it is being said that this is the policy "At This Point")--yes it seems better now but the process is still painfully slow) .


Look, there is unanimity of opinion about how poorly this whole situation was handled. Yes, they deserve our derision, suspicion, cynicism, which we have well-lavished upon them.

But clearly, AZ has turned the corner and are now TANGIBLY resolving the situation. Is it being resolved with excellent communication or with policy consistency or in a time-efficient manner? Of course not. But in their own hodge podge, ad hoc, impromptu way, AZ is getting things done, specifocally Nicolo, who has been EMPOWERED by AZ to deal with the YYZ-LCA situation. Considering one man has to figure out more than 500 ticket reinstatements/re-issues/date changes/routing changes/finding J seats on AZ and CY/etc/ad nauseum, can we reasonably expect more than what a 9 to 5 'fare analyst' can deliver?

AS one who only has 5 of his 8 tickets rebooked to my satisfaction (and within the original fare rules), I have just as much reason to continue to second-guess the process as anybody. However, at this point, there is more than enough anecdotal evidence on these threads to prove that Nicolo is a reliable point man for resolving our ticket issues.

I have no problem continuing to read about peoples' misgivings about AZ, for the sake of venting, but such venting is really relevant to past, not curent/future AZ Conduct.

* nicolo is processing YYZ-LCA tickets according to the following preferences:
1. reinstating tickets for May, June travel
2. rebooking tickets that require airline changes (ie-eliminating non-AZ carriers in the US) for all dates of travel
3. reinstating tickets for July travel and beyond
4. rebooking tickets that have date changes but no airline changes for July and beyond

Does anyone have any idea where he currently is in this process (1,2,3,or 4)?

I agree that Nicolo has done a SUPERB job in rectifying the messiest of situations. He is certainly up against a monster!

I think the rest of AZ, however, is infected with incompetence at every level. Case in point:

Last Saturday, I decided to join the MileMiglia program thinking that it might help me manage AZ itineraries, so I registered via the AZ website. At the end of the process, I am able to print a paper "card" with my new membership number, and am informed that I will receive a pin by e-mail. Thinking it will be there immediately, I check my e-mail, but no pin. Several hours pass, and still no pin. The thing should be automatically generated for pete's sake. So, I go back to the AZ website and use their "Request Pin" feature. I am informed that one will be e-mailed to me within 24 hours, and if not, I should contact an AZ agent for assistance. On Sunday afternoon, I still have not received an e-mail so I call the Palermo number. The agent gives me a US-based 888 number for the MileMiglia Service Center (supposedly) and tells me to call the next day. I finally called this morning, waited on hold, got a rude AZ agent who informed me that she had no way to look up my pin. I asked her how I access my account, and she says she doesn't know. I tell her that both the website and the Palermo agent told me to call her center, and she says it's probably to get a NY fax number that I can use to fax a written request to have a pin mailed to me! How ridiculous is that?! So, now I have an account I can't even use, and I'm really not interested in drafting a letter, faxing it, and waiting for the pin! Would I ever give these people real money? NO! Case closed.

In any event, I'm still left wondering: does a MileMiglia account enable you to access AZ reservations online (the Orbitz/Worldspan records are clearly not accurate any more). Oh well, I plan to earn DL Skymiles for these reservations anyway, but I thought this entire exercise was illustrative with respect to how this airline operates (as if we needed any more evidence...)

In any event, I'm still left wondering: does a MileMiglia account enable you to access AZ reservations online (the Orbitz/Worldspan records are clearly not accurate any more).No, it does not. In fact, you won't even be able to retrieve bookings made directly with AZ, unless they were made via their website.

Does anyone have any idea where he currently is in this process (1,2,3,or 4)?

1 and 2 are his prime focus for the next few days.

No, it does not. In fact, you won't even be able to retrieve bookings made directly with AZ, unless they were made via their website.

Thanks for this information. Well, now I don't feel so bad that I can't use my account since this was my only real reason for signing up.

I certainly plan to avail myself of ample wine/cocktails on the flights in exchange for all the frustration AZ has caused me on so many levels over the past month! What kind of champagne do they serve onboard anyway?

You mean, YYZ-NYC/BOS-MXP,right?I guess trip must originate and end in YYZ.

Yes, sorry, typo....

So how does that work for the YYZ-NYC/BOS-MXP people, or on the way back? Are they allowing direct NYC/BOS-MXP flights?

Are they allowing direct NYC/BOS-MXP flights?

The trip must originate and end in YYZ, as the fare is specific to YYZ.

The trip must originate and end in YYZ, as the fare is specific to YYZ.

Unless the AZ italy-yyz flight is already sold out in D class, then they're allowing you go to finish at whatever NA city your AZ flight ends at in your original reservation...as the don't want to pay another carrier??

Unless the AZ italy-yyz flight is already sold out in D class, then they're allowing you go to finish at whatever NA city your AZ flight ends at in your original reservation...as the don't want to pay another carrier??

While that is a logical assumption, as agreed by Nicolo, the reality is that the original fare rules do NOT allow inbound travel to end anywhere but YYZ, even if AZ has to pay another carrier. And if D Class is not available on a US carrier or Air Canada, you will be booked in Y class; just as if no D class is available bw MXP-LCA, you will be booked in Y Class.

On the outbound, AZ can eliminate the NA city connection because YYZ-MXP originates in YYZ, as per fare rules.

If you want to terminate in EWR/JFK.IAD/ORD/BOS and not continue on to the finall YYZ destination, that is at your discretion, but AZ will not eliminate the NA gateway city-YYZ segment from your itin.

While that is a logical assumption, as agreed by Nicolo, the reality is that the original fare rules do NOT allow inbound travel to end anywhere but YYZ, even if AZ has to pay another carrier. And if D Class is not available on a US carrier or Air Canada, you will be booked in Y class; just as if no D class is available bw MXP-LCA, you will be booked in Y Class.

On the outbound, AZ can eliminate the NA city connection because YYZ-MXP originates in YYZ, as per fare rules.

If you want to terminate in EWR/JFK.IAD/ORD/BOS and not continue on to the finall YYZ destination, that is at your discretion, but AZ will not eliminate the NA gateway city-YYZ segment from your itin.

Economy class is always supposed to be used on the intra-North America legs as per both the original and "new" fare rules.

While that is a logical assumption, as agreed by Nicolo

To be honest, AZ would probably rather have someone seek a refund than only fly to Italy.

Economy class is always supposed to be used on the intra-North America legs as per both the original and "new" fare rules.

If there is only one-class (ie- RJ) service, then IAD/EWR/JFK/BOS/ORD-YYZ or return would be in Y class. But I have J Class EWR-YYZ on AC and had ORD-YYZ before I changed it to ex-YYZ.

To be honest, AZ would probably rather have someone seek a refund than only fly to Italy.


No question, AZ would jump at the chance to offer anyone a refund for any reason.

By 'forcing' the MXP-LCA segments, I think is AZ's way of trying to generate some refunds. Clearly, there will be more people willing to keep the itin if they could just go to MXP/FCO. LCA could be a good disincentive to keep this itin for some....certainly not you and me however!!!!!

For those of you who want to spend signficant time in Italy and little or no time in Cyprus, there is a fairly easy solution: make a date change to your outbound and/or inbound plans (which is a-okay per Alitalia) and nest a LCA-XXX [your Italian city of choice] rountrip inside your itinerary.

Yeah, it may not be dirt cheap. Like $33, for example. ;) But the cost of your nested LCA-Italy jaunt plus your $33 transatlantic journey in business class will still be very miniscule for an Italian holiday, all things considered.

For those of you who want to spend signficant time in Italy and little or no time in Cyprus, there is a fairly easy solution: make a date change to your outbound and/or inbound plans (which is a-okay per Alitalia) and nest a LCA-XXX [your Italian city of choice] rountrip inside your itinerary.

Yeah, it may not be dirt cheap. Like $33, for example. ;) But the cost of your nested LCA-Italy jaunt plus your $33 transatlantic journey in business class will still be very miniscule for an Italian holiday, all things considered.

Your idea also works LCA-TLV/CAI/BEY/IST/ATH/Greek Islands/Eastern Europe/Central Europe/Western Europe

I'm booked on a MXP-YYZ flight that gets into YYZ around 2:00PM (AZ652) - I'm trying to book my award tickets to/fr WAS-YYZ. If I book a flight on US that leaves YYZ at 5PM, is that plenty of time to claim my bags at YYZ, clear customs, and recheck them with US & clear customs again? AZ said that they wouldn't be able to check my bags through to WAS on US or UA since it's a seperate PNR. There will be 3 of us traveling & we'll definitely have checked bags (we're bringing tents/camping stuff and won't be able to carry these things on board).

3 hrs. is more than sufficient! Unless you are travelling in winter where YYZ delays can be a factor.

Happy Trails!

Nope, we're traveling in August - thanks! I just tried putting tix on hold with US & for some reason their site won't let me put them on hold! :mad:

[QUOTE=beaubo]
routing changes in the usa

* that eliminate using a non-AZ carrier on the outbound will be permitted (ie- YYZ-ORD/IAD/BOS/JFK/EWR-MXP to YYZ-MXP).QUOTE]

If I have YYZ-JFK-MXP, can I keep that or are they going to change it no matter what??

[QUOTE=beaubo]
routing changes in the usa

* that eliminate using a non-AZ carrier on the outbound will be permitted (ie- YYZ-ORD/IAD/BOS/JFK/EWR-MXP to YYZ-MXP).QUOTE]

If I have YYZ-JFK-MXP, can I keep that or are they going to change it no matter what??

it is your choice!!!!

I think the rest of AZ, however, is infected with incompetence at every level. Case in point:

Last Saturday, I decided to join the MileMiglia program thinking that it might help me manage AZ itineraries, so I registered via the AZ website. At the end of the process, I am able to print a paper "card" with my new membership number, and am informed that I will receive a pin by e-mail. Thinking it will be there immediately, I check my e-mail, but no pin. Several hours pass, and still no pin. The thing should be automatically generated for pete's sake. So, I go back to the AZ website and use their "Request Pin" feature. I am informed that one will be e-mailed to me within 24 hours, and if not, I should contact an AZ agent for assistance. On Sunday afternoon, I still have not received an e-mail so I call the Palermo number. The agent gives me a US-based 888 number for the MileMiglia Service Center (supposedly) and tells me to call the next day. I finally called this morning, waited on hold, got a rude AZ agent who informed me that she had no way to look up my pin. I asked her how I access my account, and she says she doesn't know. I tell her that both the website and the Palermo agent told me to call her center, and she says it's probably to get a NY fax number that I can use to fax a written request to have a pin mailed to me! How ridiculous is that?! So, now I have an account I can't even use, and I'm really not interested in drafting a letter, faxing it, and waiting for the pin! Would I ever give these people real money? NO! Case closed.

In any event, I'm still left wondering: does a MileMiglia account enable you to access AZ reservations online (the Orbitz/Worldspan records are clearly not accurate any more). Oh well, I plan to earn DL Skymiles for these reservations anyway, but I thought this entire exercise was illustrative with respect to how this airline operates (as if we needed any more evidence...)

If it's any consolation, the London office is equally incompetent when it comes to getting MilleMiglia PINs. 3 weeks and still waiting.............

I signed up on line for Miglia tewo days ago,
pin came in e-mail in 20 minutes,
logged in online fine and changed pin to my liking.

No incompetence observed. :eek:

it is your choice!!!!

I wasn't given that choice, my flights were changed from YYZ-ORD-MXP to YYZ-MXP direct; cutting out United for the 1st segment. The folks at AZ did let me drop LCA and were quite accomodating in my date requests (but I booked a stopover initially).

Of the 2 tickets I have, I will only use 1. The second trip is now conflicting with some church stuff and that has to come first. Oh well, I can live with that :)

I wasn't given that choice, my flights were changed from YYZ-ORD-MXP to YYZ-MXP direct; cutting out United for the 1st segment. The folks at AZ did let me drop LCA and were quite accomodating in my date requests (but I booked a stopover initially):)


Since you dealt directly with AZ, it appears that you simply CHOSE NOT to request reinstatement of the YYZ-ORD-MXP. AZ didn't actively offer reinstatement of YYZ-MXP via US connections, because clearly the YYZ-MXP nonstop would intuitively be more desireable, convenient and time-efficient. So, if you really want your original YYZ-ORD-MXP routing, then you were entitled to ask for it and have it reinstated. Again, you chose not to exercise the initiative that you rightly were permitted to.

At this point, its your call if you want to plead your case to restore the YYZ-ORD-MXP.

No question, AZ would jump at the chance to offer anyone a refund for any reason.



I asked about a refund as I have other plans on my dates but they told me to contact CT. As I don´t want to pay the change fee I will just switch my dates.

On the outbound, AZ is replacing YYZ-MXP with US Connections with YYZ-MXP nonstops because of the obvious benefit to pax of a more streamlined itinerary and cost savings to AZ.

On the inbound, AZ is being much more careful with preemptively rebooking the MXP-YYZ nonstop, because it involves a forced overnight due to LCA-MXP misconnection. Pax with original MXP-YYZ via US itins are being maintained because they leave later in the day allowing for a same day connection back to North America. So, if you want an extra 22 hrs or so in MXP, you can request the MXP-YYZ nonstop. If you originally booked the MXP-YYZ nonstop, then you already knew you had the forced layover, and therefore AZ will not allow a routing change to MXP-YYZ via US connection on the same day.

I asked about a refund as I have other plans on my dates but they told me to contact CT. As I don´t want to pay the change fee I will just switch my dates.

I would contact Nicolo direct, because changes made via direct with AZ have not been subject to Orbitz or CT change fees. And I'm quite confident that refunds direct from AZ would not trigger any change fees. And if they do, you could probably suggest that AZ would save alot of money by simply paying your $30-$50 change fee versus not having to put your butt in a $3300 J class ticket!!!

sell the ticket on e-bay :D There has to be another MapleLeaf in this country!

I wasn't given that choice, my flights were changed from YYZ-ORD-MXP to YYZ-MXP direct; cutting out United for the 1st segment. The folks at AZ did let me drop LCA and were quite accomodating in my date requests (but I booked a stopover initially).

Of the 2 tickets I have, I will only use 1. The second trip is now conflicting with some church stuff and that has to come first. Oh well, I can live with that :)

am I the only one who still has 3 return trips on my itin? I got the impression that AZ is restoring original itins, but it sounds like people are making changes now? :confused:

am I the only one who still has 3 return trips on my itin? I got the impression that AZ is restoring original itins, but it sounds like people are making changes now? :confused:

Call AZ and find out what you have .. Orbitz, Cheaptickets, viewtrip.com, etc are all not completely accurate.

am I the only one who still has 3 return trips on my itin? I got the impression that AZ is restoring original itins, but it sounds like people are making changes now? :confused:

Did you check your current itinerary with AZ directly? You may not really have all segments you think you do. The itineraries showing on orbitz, CT, travelocity, mytripandmore and viewtrip are worthless in most cases.

Call AZ and find out what you have .. Orbitz, Cheaptickets, viewtrip.com, etc are all not completely accurate.

ah, will do that today. might mention dropping lca, though I'm guessing I'd need to speak with some sort of supervisor to even get consideration for that. though I'd hate to fly fco-lca then pay $400 to fly right back...lca-bud is looking like a good option though :)

I would contact Nicolo direct, because changes made via direct with AZ have not been subject to Orbitz or CT change fees. And I'm quite confident that refunds direct from AZ would not trigger any change fees. And if they do, you could probably suggest that AZ would save alot of money by simply paying your $30-$50 change fee versus not having to put your butt in a $3300 J class ticket!!!

He is the person I contacted. I will contact him again and ask if he would exchange the ticket against a travel voucher...

This is bull ... I check bags through with flights from different PNRs all the time. IIRC as long as the airlines have interline agreements with each other (and I think all IATA members do) you can insist that they check your bags through provided you can give them proof of your onward flights on the separate PNR. You just have to be a little more forceful as in my experience airlines have sometimes been reluctant to do this.

You might still have to take your bags to clear customs in YYZ (not familiar with how this works in Canada), however AZ (or CY if you originate in LCA) should be able to tag your bags through to WAS.

I'm booked on a MXP-YYZ flight that gets into YYZ around 2:00PM (AZ652) - I'm trying to book my award tickets to/fr WAS-YYZ. If I book a flight on US that leaves YYZ at 5PM, is that plenty of time to claim my bags at YYZ, clear customs, and recheck them with US & clear customs again? AZ said that they wouldn't be able to check my bags through to WAS on US or UA since it's a seperate PNR. There will be 3 of us traveling & we'll definitely have checked bags (we're bringing tents/camping stuff and won't be able to carry these things on board).

ah, will do that today. might mention dropping lca, though I'm guessing I'd need to speak with some sort of supervisor to even get consideration for that. though I'd hate to fly fco-lca then pay $400 to fly right back...lca-bud is looking like a good option though :)

Dropping LCA segments is not an option; please don't ask.
If you want to spend time in BUD, just change your MXP-LCA inbound and LCA-MXP outbound to be long enough to nest your LCA-BUD-LCA itin.

While that is a logical assumption, as agreed by Nicolo, the reality is that the original fare rules do NOT allow inbound travel to end anywhere but YYZ, even if AZ has to pay another carrier. And if D Class is not available on a US carrier or Air Canada, you will be booked in Y class; just as if no D class is available bw MXP-LCA, you will be booked in Y Class.

On the outbound, AZ can eliminate the NA city connection because YYZ-MXP originates in YYZ, as per fare rules.

If you want to terminate in EWR/JFK.IAD/ORD/BOS and not continue on to the finall YYZ destination, that is at your discretion, but AZ will not eliminate the NA gateway city-YYZ segment from your itin.

Okay...I am still a bit confused. On my return I bought lca-mxp-bos-yyz on Aug X with no overnight stopover in MXP. Of course the bos-yyz is not on AZ. I assume this will not fly. When they reinstated it the *first time*, they unilaterally changed the dates and with a forced overnight in MXP. Not that I am against staying a night in MXP...but it gets me back one day later...and it overlaps with something for work that I can't get out of...so that is a 'no go'. If I understand it correctly, they are going to restore my original dates per my original ticketing. That means leaving LCA a day earlier if I am to be in YYZ on Aug X. That is fine....but the AZ codeshare LCA-MXP is totally zeroed out in all biz and Y fare buckets on the day I'd need to return to MXP (Aug X-1) to do this.... well I don't know what will happen but it should be interesting.

This is bull ... I check bags through with flights from different PNRs all the time. IIRC as long as the airlines have interline agreements with each other (and I think all IATA members do) you can insist that they check your bags through provided you can give them proof of your onward flights on the separate PNR. You just have to be a little more forceful as in my experience airlines have sometimes been reluctant to do this.

You might still have to take your bags to clear customs in YYZ (not familiar with how this works in Canada), however AZ (or CY if you originate in LCA) should be able to tag your bags through to WAS.

Whether AZ checks bags through to YYZ or WAS, they have to be picked up at baggage claim and re-checked. AC has a re-check right outside of baggage claim, that can efficiently generate a new baggage tag YYZ-WAS, if AZ will only generate a MXP-YYZ baggage tag. Either option won't appreciably affect your connection time back to WAS.

Okay...I am still a bit confused. On my return I bought lca-mxp-bos-yyz on Aug X with no overnight stopover in MXP. Of course the bos-yyz is not on AZ. I assume this will not fly. When they reinstated it the *first time*, they unilaterally changed the dates and with a forced overnight in MXP. Not that I am against staying a night in MXP...but it gets me back one day later...and it overlaps with something for work that I can't get out of...so that is a 'no go'. If I understand it correctly, they are going to restore my original dates per my original ticketing. That means leaving LCA a day earlier if I am to be in YYZ on Aug X. That is fine....but the AZ codeshare LCA-MXP is totally zeroed out in all biz and Y fare buckets on the day I'd need to return to MXP to do this.... well I don't know what will happen but it should be interesting.

Three separate issues here:

* AZ rebooked your original LCA-MXP-BOS-YYZ SAME DAY routing to a LCA-MXP-YYZ FORCED OVERNIGHT routing. You definitely are entitled to having the LCA-MXP-BOS-YYZ itin reinstated, since it is indeed your original booking.

* Whether you fly MXP-YYZ or MXP-BOS-YYZ, you will still leave LCA on the same date that you originally booked.

* The fact that that there is NO D or Y seats on the dates of your original booking is more problematic. AZ should restore that itin for you and bump off the last person who made a booking on those dates, as it would seem that you should have priority. But, I'm not sure how this theory will translate into execution. This scenario will definitely require Nicolo's involvement, call him.

Three separate issues here:

* AZ rebooked your original LCA-MXP-BOS-YYZ SAME DAY routing to a LCA-MXP-YYZ FORCED OVERNIGHT routing. You definitely are entitled to having the LCA-MXP-BOS-YYZ itin reinstated, since it is indeed your original booking.

* Whether you fly MXP-YYZ or MXP-BOS-YYZ, you will still leave LCA on the same date that you originally booked.

* The fact that that there is NO D or Y seats on the dates of your original booking is more problematic. AZ should restore that itin for you and bump off the last person who made a booking on those dates, as it would seem that you should have priority. But, I'm not sure how this theory will translate into execution. This scenario will definitely require Nicolo's involvement, call him.

I might be wrong here but I thought that the reason everyone has forced overnights in MXP was that the MXP-YYZ on AZ leaves too early (10:30am ish)...it leaves before the LCA-MXP arrives in MXP (12:30pm ish)...hence the 22 hour layover in MXP.

I am more concerned with arriving in North America on Aug X as per the original booking versus when I leave LCA.

I might be wrong here but I thought that the reason everyone has forced overnights in MXP was that the MXP-YYZ on AZ leaves too early (10:30am ish)...it leaves before the LCA-MXP arrives in MXP (12:30pm ish)...hence the 22 hour layover in MXP.

Same thing happens routing through LCA-FCO-YYZ. That's why some of us originally routed through BOS. The 2:05 connection for LCA-FCO-BOS was perfect for me.

I might be wrong here but I thought that the reason everyone has forced overnights in MXP was that the MXP-YYZ on AZ leaves too early (10:30am ish)...it leaves before the LCA-MXP arrives in MXP (12:30pm ish)...hence the 22 hour layover in MXP.

That is correct. So, AZ had two options in booking the MXP-YYZ; they obviously picked dates arbitrarily without your input. At this point, you have the ability to give your input!!!

original date LCA-MXP
forced overnight
one day later than original date MXP-YYZ

OR

one day earlier than original date LCA-MXP
forced overnight
original date MXP-YYZ

OR

AZ restores your original itin, LCA-MXP-BOS-YYZ, all same day travel


To be clear, the issue you have with AZ simply D/Y availability on your
original date LCA-MXP-BOS-YYZ; there is no question that your right to restore your original dates and routing is within the fare rules. Basically, this is AZ's problem to solve if you choose not be flexible with your dates.


I had the same issue, successfully resolved. LCA-MXP-EWR-YYZ same day travel was rebooked as LCA-MXP-YYZ with a forced overnight. When I explained that I did not/could not make the forced overnight work, Nicolo happily reinstated the LCA-MXP-EWR-YYZ.

do we have a preferred contact now that nicolo is unreachable (to those of us without his # at least)? i.e., which AZ office is least clueless :rolleyes:

do we have a preferred contact now that nicolo is unreachable (to those of us without his # at least)? i.e., which AZ office is least clueless :rolleyes:

SEnd him your paper tickets with a note:
* requesting which dates of travel you'd prefer (original dates vs. changed dates)
* advising which rebooked routings (if any) are acceptable to you
* requesting stopover date chages, if part of your original itin
* your phone number
* your email address
* FedEx return receipt (filled out airbill and envelope)

Nicolo Cimilucca
c/o Alitalia
350 Fifth Ave. #3700
NY NY 10118

He will contact you either if he has any questions or to advise you when your ticket will be re-issued...there is a processing preference based on who is traveling earliest (May,June) and who needs to drop US connections from their itins.

Be patient.

Hope that helps!

Hope that helps!

yep, thanks ^

I'm booked on a MXP-YYZ flight that gets into YYZ around 2:00PM (AZ652) - I'm trying to book my award tickets to/fr WAS-YYZ. If I book a flight on US that leaves YYZ at 5PM, is that plenty of time to claim my bags at YYZ, clear customs, and recheck them with US & clear customs again? AZ said that they wouldn't be able to check my bags through to WAS on US or UA since it's a seperate PNR. There will be 3 of us traveling & we'll definitely have checked bags (we're bringing tents/camping stuff and won't be able to carry these things on board).

You have plenty of time.
--
13F

This is bull ... I check bags through with flights from different PNRs all the time. IIRC as long as the airlines have interline agreements with each other (and I think all IATA members do) you can insist that they check your bags through provided you can give them proof of your onward flights on the separate PNR. You just have to be a little more forceful as in my experience airlines have sometimes been reluctant to do this.

You might still have to take your bags to clear customs in YYZ (not familiar with how this works in Canada), however AZ (or CY if you originate in LCA) should be able to tag your bags through to WAS.
I agree. Through-checking of bags on different PNRs should not be a problem.

All bags need to be collected to exit the Customs Hall upon arrival in Canada. After that it differs depending on where you're going (domestic, transborder, etc.). Check the YYZ website (http://www.gtaa.com/).
--
13F

Whether AZ checks bags through to YYZ or WAS, they have to be picked up at baggage claim and re-checked. AC has a re-check right outside of baggage claim, that can efficiently generate a new baggage tag YYZ-WAS, if AZ will only generate a MXP-YYZ baggage tag. Either option won't appreciably affect your connection time back to WAS.

Look here for more help:
Transferring Flights with Checked Baggage at YYZ: a Guide (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=503784)

* The fact that that there is NO D or Y seats on the dates of your original booking is more problematic. AZ should restore that itin for you and bump off the last person who made a booking on those dates, as it would seem that you should have priority. But, I'm not sure how this theory will translate into execution. This scenario will definitely require Nicolo's involvement, call him.

Thanks beaubo for answering these questions. Do you, or any other FT'er, know if Biz class credit will be given if you wind up stuck in Y? I'm presuming that it should, regardless, but on my MXP-FCO, it's billed as Y, as well as to LCA. I'm not sure if I read that on this thread, even though I have been reading through from the beginning!

Thanks!

As a sidenote, has anyone asked if they could just get EQM credit/bonus for their flights instead of actually flying? (Please, no bashing... innocent question, not meant to stir anything up) :p

Economy class is always supposed to be used on the intra-North America legs as per both the original and "new" fare rules.

WAS airports were not included in the resriction. The fare rules only precluded F seating on flights between YYZ and BOS/CHI/NYC, but some here have reported getting F seats on some of these routes.

Thanks beaubo for answering these questions. Do you, or any other FT'er, know if Biz class credit will be given if you wind up stuck in Y? I'm presuming that it should, regardless, but on my MXP-FCO, it's billed as Y, as well as to LCA. I'm not sure if I read that on this thread, even though I have been reading through from the beginning!

Thanks!

As a sidenote, has anyone asked if they could just get EQM credit/bonus for their flights instead of actually flying? (Please, no bashing... innocent question, not meant to stir anything up) :p

You should get J class credit even if you are downgraded on Y, since you paid for a Business Class fare. However, each Skyteam program might handle the downgrade issue differently. Best bet is to get a letter from AZ (I know A PITA!!) that confirms that you are on a Business Class ticket with an involuntary downgrade.

I personally have not requested EQMs to posty without flying. It's worth a shot, if you are so inclined. I would be mighty surprised if they agreed to it. Keep us posted!

As a sidenote, has anyone asked if they could just get EQM credit/bonus for their flights instead of actually flying? (Please, no bashing... innocent question, not meant to stir anything up) :p

I've never heard of an airline allowing the FF crediting of completely unflown itineraries, and Alitalia won't be the first to start, I assure you.

I suggest that no one raise this or similar possibilities with AZ, lest we get yet another nasty surprise with these tickets (I'll leave it to individual powers of deduction to figure out what I'm getting at, and hope that no one even thinks to post out loud what I'm thinking in my head...)

I suggest that no one raise this or similar possibilities with AZ, lest we get yet another nasty surprise with these tickets (I'll leave it to individual powers of deduction to figure out what I'm getting at, and hope that no one even thinks to post out loud what I'm thinking in my head...)

Do you think I could receive credit for YYZ-TLV without flying? :p

[QUOTE=HeathrowGuy]I've never heard of an airline allowing the FF crediting of completely unflown itineraries, and Alitalia won't be the first to start, I assure you.

QUOTE]

AA offered this last year on their $0 LHR-CLE error. The deal was a 100% refund and all miles (EQM, RDM and bonuses) exactly as if flown. They were as good as their word, too with the miles posting a few days after the virtual mileage run.

[QUOTE=HeathrowGuy]I've never heard of an airline allowing the FF crediting of completely unflown itineraries, and Alitalia won't be the first to start, I assure you.

QUOTE]

AA offered this last year on their $0 LHR-CLE error. The deal was a 100% refund and all miles (EQM, RDM and bonuses) exactly as if flown. They were as good as their word, too with the miles posting a few days after the virtual mileage run.

Alitalia isn't organized enough to offer such a deal, and even proposing it will likely lead to us being collectively worse off than if no one had ever asked, if you catch my drift.

I suggest that no one raise this or similar possibilities with AZ, lest we get yet another nasty surprise with these tickets (I'll leave it to individual powers of deduction to figure out what I'm getting at, and hope that no one even thinks to post out loud what I'm thinking in my head...)

I'll go out on a limb and say that Alitalia has already considered this.

Thanks to all for their tips & info regarding the connections.

Now, here's my second question - anyone have any idea how much of a time difference AZ will have when they publish their official summer schedules - or have they been published? My YYZ-MXP flight leaves around 5PM & my MXP-YYZ return flight arrives around 2PM. I'm currently booking US flights that arrive/depart the same date with a DCA-YYZ arrival around 11AM (6 hours in YYZ - checkin early, rent a car, have lunch in town, etc) and the return flight is at 5PM (3 hours time). Does AZ have a history of doing significant schedule changes?

This is bull ... I check bags through with flights from different PNRs all the time. IIRC as long as the airlines have interline agreements with each other (and I think all IATA members do) you can insist that they check your bags through provided you can give them proof of your onward flights on the separate PNR. You just have to be a little more forceful as in my experience airlines have sometimes been reluctant to do this.

You might still have to take your bags to clear customs in YYZ (not familiar with how this works in Canada), however AZ (or CY if you originate in LCA) should be able to tag your bags through to WAS.

The 'proof' you need is a receipt of your travel. Unfortunately, if you have e-tickets, a print-out will not work. You have to have a receipt on actual airline stock.... It was kind of a pain for me when I tried to check my bags all the way through using US and QF......

Do you think I could receive credit for YYZ-TLV without flying? :p

That would be LCA-TLV :D

Has anyone been able to make any changes to dates et al. with their paper tickets at the YYZ Alitalia ticket counter?
It seems the only option I'm hearing about is sending tickets to Nicolo and hoping for the best.
thanks

Has anyone been able to make any changes to dates et al. with their paper tickets at the YYZ Alitalia ticket counter?
It seems the only option I'm hearing about is sending tickets to Nicolo and hoping for the best.
thanks

I don't know if anyone has reported having had success at an AZ ticket counter without having the res changed by Nicolo first, but at least one person has reported NOT having had success at a ticket counter without first having spoken with Nicolo (was told something along the lines of it was a special fare).

Nicolo just called in response to an email I sent to Mr. Castiglioni in YYZ. He was very professional, as previously indicated. Once he pulled up my reservation, he asked how he could help. I pitched my revised itin to him departing 2 days early and adding a stopover in MXP. In under two minutes total, he confirmed my changes and didn't flinch about adding the desired stopover. So now I have 2 nights in LCA and 6 in MXP instead of 6 in LCA and 1 in MXP! Gee, I guess adding stopovers after ticketing IS permitted! ;)

He said I had a choice for reticketing: I could either show up at YYZ 4 hours early or send them to him. I asked if it would be permissible to complete the transaction at IAD. He said it certainly was, and that he would note the record. That's it. Entirely painless. (Neither he nor I ever mentioned fare rules, original or new.)

Good luck to all.

Got a call from Mr. Nicolo this afternoon.

We worked out changing my YYZ-ORD-MXP-FCO-LCA to a simpler YYZ-FCO-LCA.
He asked about the return but I liked my MXP-EWR-YYZ so he kept it.

Basically he said:

1. Travel each way must originate in YYZ and end in LCA (and vice versa). No dropping of segments.
2. They prefer to keep routings to AZ and AC segments only (he mentioned AC as well)
3. My stopover (since I booked it at the time of purchase) will be preserved.

My ticket will be re-issued tomorrow and I have an appointment to go see him personally.

He was very courteous and I would like to give him a token of my appreciation but I don’t know what he likes and I don’t want it to be seen as some sort of bribe, etc (also don’t know the AZ policy for accepting gifts).

He was very courteous and I would like to give him a token of my appreciation but I don’t know what he likes and I don’t want it to be seen as some sort of bribe, etc (also don’t know the AZ policy for accepting gifts)

If you've discerned that he's native Italian, perhaps a nice bottle of Tuscan Chianti.....to go with his fava beans ;) :D

Seriously, I don't think a nice bottle of wine would be perceived as anything less than appreciation and a compliment. Edited to add that it should be Italian ;)

Pat

He was very courteous and I would like to give him a token of my appreciation but I don’t know what he likes and I don’t want it to be seen as some sort of bribe, etc (also don’t know the AZ policy for accepting gifts).

How about a nice card? I don't necessarily agree with the idea of getting him a gift in the name of FT. It's a good and kind thought, and one that should be perhaps shared via mass "Thank You" letters and emails. ...but I'm just not sure a gift is the appropriate thing to do.

Nicolo just called in response to an email I sent to Mr. Castiglioni in YYZ. He was very professional, as previously indicated. Once he pulled up my reservation, he asked how he could help. I pitched my revised itin to him departing 2 days early and adding a stopover in MXP. In under two minutes total, he confirmed my changes and didn't flinch about adding the desired stopover. So now I have 2 nights in LCA and 6 in MXP instead of 6 in LCA and 1 in MXP! Gee, I guess adding stopovers after ticketing IS permitted! ;)

nice! now I wish I wrote down his phone # when it was first posted :mad:
I'm not traveling until august, so I'll sit tight and wait for a response to my letter, I'd rather confirm with him what my options are before I send in my precious tickets :)

He was very courteous and I would like to give him a token of my appreciation but I don’t know what he likes and I don’t want it to be seen as some sort of bribe, etc (also don’t know the AZ policy for accepting gifts).

maybe a charitable donation in his name? that would be easy and likely wouldn't violate any gifting rules (I would think)

I can't speak for Western Europe, but in the east it is quite common to bring a "gift" to a business meeting. Fill glass with "water", drink liberally, re-fill :D

Flowers are nice too, but western men seem to have issues with that ;)

Pat

So I guess the consensus is a bottle of wine / champagne for my meeting with Mr. Cimilluca tomorrow.

So I guess the consensus is a bottle of wine / champagne for my meeting with Mr. Cimilluca tomorrow.
Champagne? French wine for an Italian?
Lots of nice Prosecco out there if you want sparkling and you can still keep it Italian.
I am in NY this week, wish I had my tix with me, have to take my chances at the airport at YYZ.

So I guess the consensus is a bottle of wine / champagne for my meeting with Mr. Cimilluca tomorrow.


I would actually suggest bringing some nice chocolates or similar candies - we don't know if Mr. C drinks alcohol, plus it's generally "shareable" with the office - that lessens any appearance of impropriety. ;)

-----Original Message-----
From: Cimilluca Nicolo
Sent: Wednesday, May 03, 2006 4:30 PM
Subject: My contact and guidlines



Hello Steve,



I got your message and in reference to passengers requesting a date change, they have my authorization to call me and my number can be posted. Kindly advise the following



1. Date change is allowed

2. Passengers can contact me at 212-903-3571.

3. Date changes are FINAL and passengers should be kind and understanding enough given the very delicate situation to fly strictly Alitalia on outbound and inbound flights the moment they request date change. No connection via USA gateways.

4. Advise passengers that already have connecting flight with other carriers onto Alitalia gateways JFK/EWR/ORD/IAD/BOS/MIA, especially on the outbound to contact me asap so I can offer our direct non stop service from YYZ to MXP or YYZ to ROM connecting to LCA.

5. No e-mails.



Passengers that have already contacted me for date changes have been very polite to me and have accepted to fly Alitalia services only. Please inform passengers to have patience considering I will have many people calling me. It is already difficult for me answering the phone and receiving e-mails. As you know Steve, I am taking care of over 500 passengers and reissuing tickets. I appreciate everyone’s consideration. Thank You!



Nicolo` Cimilluca

Tariffs Analyst

350 Fifth Avenue

Suite 3700

New York, NY 10118

Tel: 212-903-3571

beaubo, you may want to remove your personal e-mail addresses from the post...

Thanks for sharing!

When I meet Nicolo tomorrow, should I even offer for him to drop the EWR-YYZ segment on AC? Or is that beating a dead horse? I want to save AZ some money and there is no way I am gonna travel that segment but it seems they are saying that travel must end at YYZ.

Perhaps I can offer to travel EWR-YYZ in Coach??

I'm finally set. I just spoke with Nicolo and he arranged all my date changes. Originally I was 10/30 yyz-mxp-fco-lca returning 11/14 lca-mxp-yyz. I was one of the lucky ones that got to remove the LCA segments. I am now on 9/24 YYZ-FCO 10/17 MXP-YYZ.

It's nice to see everything come together.

When I meet Nicolo tomorrow, should I even offer for him to drop the EWR-YYZ segment on AC? Or is that beating a dead horse? I want to save AZ some money and there is no way I am gonna travel that segment but it seems they are saying that travel must end at YYZ.

Perhaps I can offer to travel EWR-YYZ in Coach??

I suggest you simply say nothing or else find yourself rebooked on MXP/FCO-YYZ. You are supposed to be traveling in Y on EWR-YYZ anyways, BTW, as per the fare rules.

I was one of the lucky ones that got to remove the LCA segments. I am now on 9/24 YYZ-FCO 10/17 MXP-YYZ.

It's nice to see everything come together.

I thought that the official word was all of the new changes (i.e. the segment dropping) would be reverted back to the original schedule, even after Nicolo had changed them the first time.

So, I guess I'm ok to contact Nicolo since my dates are before yours? I guess people aren't waiting very long to talk with him, even though reports have been posted on here stating that he's busy doing other things right now.

I suggest you simply say nothing or else find yourself rebooked on MXP/FCO-YYZ. You are supposed to be traveling in Y on EWR-YYZ anyways, BTW, as per the fare rules.

I thought so too.. but my ticket says Air Canada Business Class (Seats 1A, 1C).. oh well...

When I meet Nicolo tomorrow, should I even offer for him to drop the EWR-YYZ segment on AC? Or is that beating a dead horse? I want to save AZ some money and there is no way I am gonna travel that segment but it seems they are saying that travel must end at YYZ.

Perhaps I can offer to travel EWR-YYZ in Coach??

I offered to drop EWR-YYZ too, knowing I wouldn't fly it, but the fare tariff is YYZ-LCA-YYZ, so Nicolo has to keep it in, even if it costs az money.

-----Original Message-----
From: <last name removed> Nicolo
Sent: Wednesday, May 03, 2006 4:30 PM
Subject: My contact and guidlines


Awesome! Thanks for posting!

I thought so too.. but my ticket says Air Canada Business Class (Seats 1A, 1C).. oh well...

Umm, have you EVER flown AC business class, esp short haul? I wouldn't worry about whether or not it's Y or J on that segment!

Beaubo, thanks for posting the update and contact info - very very useful.

thanks
ckc

The 'proof' you need is a receipt of your travel. Unfortunately, if you have e-tickets, a print-out will not work. You have to have a receipt on actual airline stock.... It was kind of a pain for me when I tried to check my bags all the way through using US and QF......
I've never had a problem interlining bags without anything printed on airline stock, the originating carrier hasn't ever had a problem 'seeing' my onward connections once I've given them the flight details.

Checked in with QF and my bags went all the way to SEA on AS even though separate tickets, I just showed them the trip itinerary I had made in Word...

3. Date changes are FINAL and passengers should be kind and understanding enough given the very delicate situation to fly strictly Alitalia on outbound and inbound flights the moment they request date change. No connection via USA gateways.

So if you want a date change, you can only fly AZ metal to/from NA? My tickets cost about $70 more per person so that we could route back through IAD.

So if you want a date change, you can only fly AZ metal to/from NA? My tickets cost about $70 more per person so that we could route back through IAD.

His wording is a bit perplexing. At this point, you can obviously call him for clarification. But, I believe if your original itin has IAD routing, then you should be able to retain that routing, if you so choose.

I think AZ is more concerned about eliminating US conections on the outbound, since YYZ-MXP has natural, same day connections to LCA.

But on the inbound, where the MXP-YYZ requires a forced overnight, AZ is being more flexible about letting us keep the MXP-US gateway-YYZ routing since it has same day connection.

So, I think reasonable middle ground in your case, John, would be to accept YYZ-MXP on the outbound, but keep your MXP-IAD-YYZ on the inbound. You are helping AZ cut costs on the outbound by eliminating US carrier or AC.

Hello Steve,
...

Nicolo` <last name removed>


thanks for sharing

Is it ok to contact him now with the date changes or he's still working on reinstating? No emails? What does this mean? :) He prefers phone calls?

Has anyone been able to make any changes to dates et al. with their paper tickets at the YYZ Alitalia ticket counter?
It seems the only option I'm hearing about is sending tickets to Nicolo and hoping for the best.
thanks
...i changed my LCA to milan dates so i shortened my stay in LCA and lengthened my milan, however only one stopover is permitted as i have to fly through rome-milan and wanted to lengthen rome but they said i could choose one layover not two. Now in order to shorten my stay in LCA I had to take Y from LCA to milan in that no J was available, so I have to fly J standby but i dont care cuz the dates are better...office hours in YYZ are 12:30 -4:30 for ticketing, go to pillar G in terminal 1. Hope this helps!

I thought that the official word was all of the new changes (i.e. the segment dropping) would be reverted back to the original schedule, even after Nicolo had changed them the first time.

So, I guess I'm ok to contact Nicolo since my dates are before yours? I guess people aren't waiting very long to talk with him, even though reports have been posted on here stating that he's busy doing other things right now.

As far as segment dropping, I was lucky. I was the 2nd person that spoke with him several weeks ago before the word came down that everyone must go to LCA. If yours were dropped then you are golden.

...i changed my LCA to milan dates so i shortened my stay in LCA and lengthened my milan, however only one stopover is permitted as i have to fly through rome-milan and wanted to lengthen rome but they said i could choose one layover not two. Now in order to shorten my stay in LCA I had to take Y from LCA to milan in that no J was available, so I have to fly J standby but i dont care cuz the dates are better...office hours in YYZ are 12:30 -4:30 for ticketing, go to pillar G in terminal 1. Hope this helps!

HomerJ, were you able to get your dates changed and tickets reprinted at YYZ without calling Nicolo in NYC? If that is possible, I may head down to Toronto next week to get it all sorted.

Also, I have resurrected the thread about which FFP to credit the AZ mileage, Re: NWA Worldperks and Cheaptickets.com, and am curious to see what the consensus is.

http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=545569

His wording is a bit perplexing. At this point, you can obviously call him for clarification. But, I believe if your original itin has IAD routing, then you should be able to retain that routing, if you so choose.

I think AZ is more concerned about eliminating US conections on the outbound, since YYZ-MXP has natural, same day connections to LCA.

But on the inbound, where the MXP-YYZ requires a forced overnight, AZ is being more flexible about letting us keep the MXP-US gateway-YYZ routing since it has same day connection.

So, I think reasonable middle ground in your case, John, would be to accept YYZ-MXP on the outbound, but keep your MXP-IAD-YYZ on the inbound. You are helping AZ cut costs on the outbound by eliminating US carrier or AC.

Sorry I didn't mention my routing. I originally ticketed YYZ-MXP-LCA-MXP-IAD-YYZ, so I only have an IAD stop on the return. I also booked originally with an overnight in MXP both times.

Right now I'll stick with what I have, but I am considering asking to fly YYZ-MXP a few days earlier than am currently booked (my flights never appear to have been messed with by anyone). Hopefully, flying YYZ-MXP a few days early will not force me to eliminate the IAD stop on the return.

HomerJ, were you able to get your dates changed and tickets reprinted at YYZ without calling Nicolo in NYC? If that is possible, I may head down to Toronto next week to get it all sorted.

Also, I have resurrected the thread about which FFP to credit the AZ mileage, Re: NWA Worldperks and Cheaptickets.com, and am curious to see what the consensus is.

http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=545569


Contact Mr. Pepe in the Alitalia Toronto office - he's Nicolo's Canadian counterpart and is charged with handling the issue for Canadian residents. Under no circumstances should one attempt to actually request the changes via the travel agency, at the airport or with Alitalia Reservations.

Contact Mr. Pepe in the Alitalia Toronto office - he's Nicolo's Canadian counterpart and is charged with handling the issue for Canadian residents. Under no circumstances should one attempt to actually request the changes via the travel agency, at the airport or with Alitalia Reservations.

Mr. Pepe is actually charged with handling the issue for people who purchased their tickets through Canadian sites, not Canadian residents.

I've never had a problem interlining bags without anything printed on airline stock, the originating carrier hasn't ever had a problem 'seeing' my onward connections once I've given them the flight details.

Checked in with QF and my bags went all the way to SEA on AS even though separate tickets, I just showed them the trip itinerary I had made in Word...

Come to think of it that was the only time I had trouble (from US to QF). My other times with non-one world airlines were ok. It must have been an ignorant/overzealous agent (at a very, very small airport).

About a misconnect for my flight yyz-jfk-mxp-lca and them wanting to put me on a direct flight. I do not wish for this. Are there any options?>

About a misconnect for my flight yyz-jfk-mxp-lca and them wanting to put me on a direct flight. I do not wish for this. Are there any options?>

I'm guessing it's your connection in JFK that is causing the "misconnect"? (I think the JFK flights get into Milan with plenty of time to connect to LCA, at least)

I've never had a problem interlining bags without anything printed on airline stock, the originating carrier hasn't ever had a problem 'seeing' my onward connections once I've given them the flight details.

Checked in with QF and my bags went all the way to SEA on AS even though separate tickets, I just showed them the trip itinerary I had made in Word...

Usually this methodology works, but you know the FT way is to be prepared. All you have to do is ask any GA/TA for a print out of your itinerary aka itinerary receipt. This will print on company ticket stock and prevent you from most issues with checked bags.

Additionally, be advised that some airlines can only handle x number of connections on their bag tags. I discovered this when CO could only handle 3 connections on my itinerary CO EWR-MEM, NW MEM-LAS, UA LAS-ORD, UA ORD-CLT, US CLT-FLL. Thankfully the RCC folks in ORD got a hold of baggage services and my suitcase actually beat me to FLL. If my bags had not made it to FLL, it would have been US responsibility to get them to me as they were the last airline that I flew.

I recently neglected to have all my print outs in hand checkin in for UA LAS-IAD-CDG connecting to BMI CDG-LHR. I had to retrieve my bags in CDG only to wait 3 hours for BMI to open checkin for my flight.

On another note, I also struck out dealing with AZ via phone. I will reach out to Nicolo tomorrow to change dates on my itinerary and hopefully have MIA reissue my new tix tomorrow evening.

I was reading this thread and I'm confused :confused: :) , can anybody clarify this please:

1. Are routing changes allowed, for example can LCA-FCO-MXP-YYZ be changed to LCA-MXP-YYZ?

2. One week ago Nicolo asked everybody to not call for date changes until he reinstates and fixes all not yet reinstated or reinstated incorrectly itins (2 weeks were mentioned). Some FTakers now saying that they called him and he was able to change their dates. So is it ok to call for the date changes already?

I was reading this thread and I'm confused :confused: :) , can anybody clarify this please:

1. Are routing changes allowed, for example can LCA-FCO-MXP-YYZ be changed to LCA-MXP-YYZ?

2. One week ago Nicolo asked everybody to not call for date changes until he reinstates and fixes all not yet reinstated or reinstated incorrectly itins (2 weeks were mentioned). Some FTakers now saying that they called him and he was able to change their dates. So is it ok to call for the date changes already?

1) It depends. For that kind of routing change, the answer is a definite yes. However, if you're trying to change your flights to originate anywhere else than YYZ, then no. It may be possible to do on the return flight, as the fare rules do allow for one open jaw on either the departure or arrival.

2) I don't know about Nicolo. I've been dealing with Messr. Pepe on this matter. I would imagine that since someone posted what appears to be a message from Nicolo along with his number, then yes, it is OK to call him.

1) It depends. For that kind of routing change, the answer is a definite yes. However, if you're trying to change your flights to originate anywhere else than YYZ, then no. It may be possible to do on the return flight, as the fare rules do allow for one open jaw on either the departure or arrival.

2) I don't know about Nicolo. I've been dealing with Messr. Pepe on this matter. I would imagine that since someone posted what appears to be a message from Nicolo along with his number, then yes, it is OK to call him.
Thanks!

Are date changes for outbound flights (YYZ--LCA) also allowed?

I'm guessing it's your connection in JFK that is causing the "misconnect"? (I think the JFK flights get into Milan with plenty of time to connect to LCA, at least)
They say it's a misconnect in JFK.

They say it's a misconnect in JFK.

I had the same problem with only 1:50 between the DL fight into JFK and the AZ flight to MXP. When I first got the tickets, I tried to get seat assignments and the AZ computer would not let the RA enter anything because it said it didn't meet the MCT.

But FTI looked up the MCT on Apollo for DL/AZ at JFK and it shows it is 1:15 for Domestic to International (which is what YYZ-JFK is due to clearing Customs and Immigrations at YYZ) and 2:00 for International to International.

FTI's post (http://web2.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5610824&postcount=3552) on the subject.

Thanks!

Are date changes for outbound flights (YYZ--LCA) also allowed?

Absolutely -in my mind, that's the "consideration" being provided by Alitalia in exchange for accession to the new and restrictive DRTCA9 rules.

Does anyone think we should edit the Wikipedia page:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alitalia

They are honoring it after all and are getting their act together.. I think its the least we can do.. considering other travel sites like Travelocity that totally refused to honor their mistakes in spite of the guarantee, Alitalia is honoring the price (if not the complete fare rules), so perhaps we can give them a little bit of slack...

Can anyone edit this entry or only the person who posted it?

The nature of Wikipedia is that anyone in the world can write anything s/he wants in any entry -- that's why it is not necessarily a reliable souce for good information.

In this case, editing seems completely appropriate -- I say go for it.

On the date change issue, has anyone taken a ticket originally for say August and had it moved to September? In other words are we going to be able to move both departure and return dates, and by more than a trivial # of days? I'm happy to go to LCA, take a more direct routing to save AZ on paying other airlines, etc., it's just our original dates are starting to be a problem.

On the date change issue, has anyone taken a ticket originally for say August and had it moved to September? In other words are we going to be able to move both departure and return dates, and by more than a trivial # of days? Yes, this is not a problem.

On the date change issue, has anyone taken a ticket originally for say August and had it moved to September? In other words are we going to be able to move both departure and return dates, and by more than a trivial # of days? I'm happy to go to LCA, take a more direct routing to save AZ on paying other airlines, etc., it's just our original dates are starting to be a problem.

I just spoke with Nicollo who was very accommodating and helpful. He allowed me to make my "ultimate changes". That is, I changed dates, length of trip, added a multi day stopover in FCO.
As a Canadian resident he advised I must see his friends at Alitalia in YYZ to have the tickets reissued and that all changes are final.
More than I could have hoped for and I thanked him profusely!

On the date change issue, has anyone taken a ticket originally for say August and had it moved to September? In other words are we going to be able to move both departure and return dates, and by more than a trivial # of days? I'm happy to go to LCA, take a more direct routing to save AZ on paying other airlines, etc., it's just our original dates are starting to be a problem.

yes, departure and return dates are changeable; anytime between mid-may and april 1, 2007; so plenty of flexibility.

HomerJ, were you able to get your dates changed and tickets reprinted at YYZ without calling Nicolo in NYC? If that is possible, I may head down to Toronto next week to get it all sorted.



Nicolo told me earlier today that he must make all the changes, but as a Canadian, the Toronto ticket office must reissue the paper ticket.
As I understand it, US citizens must deal with a US based AZ office to have tix reissued.

I have been trying to call Nicolo since 9AM at his posted number but all I get is his voice mail telling me I can't leave a message as the box is full. Should I be doing anything different or just keep trying? Thanks.

Nicolo told me earlier today that he must make all the changes, but as a Canadian, the Toronto ticket office must reissue the paper ticket.
As I understand it, US citizens must deal with a US based AZ office to have tix reissued.

And Europeans...?

I have been trying to call Nicolo since 9AM at his posted number but all I get is his voice mail telling me I can't leave a message as the box is full. Should I be doing anything different or just keep trying? Thanks.

Now that his phone number is in the public domain, I'm sure that his voicemail box will be filling up early each day for the next couple of days. Hang in there, Nicolo's not going anywhere!!

According to these threads:

http://www.airliners.net/discussions/general_aviation/read.main/2668334/

http://www.airliners.net/discussions/general_aviation/read.main/2500975/

AZ has 4 different configurations for their 767 aircraft

Alitalia uses to call its 767 fleet in different ways ("767" ; "762" ; "763" ; "764") to indicate different configurations on aboard, but all the 767 AZ are only 767-300ER aircrafts.

767 stands for standard configuration
762 stands for ex Eurofly aircrafts
763 stands for ex Air Canada aircrafts
764 stands for new configuration


No one defines "new configuration," is it safe to say the "new configuration" has the new J seats?


For those interested in seat configs...

I feel so sorry for Nicolo... he must be so overworked. We should bring him back something from Larnaca! :D

I have been trying to call Nicolo since 9AM at his posted number but all I get is his voice mail telling me I can't leave a message as the box is full. Should I be doing anything different or just keep trying? Thanks.
Just talked to Nicolo.

I left him a message about an hour ago and he called me.

Everything is fine, but can someone ask to see if since the ticket is a reissue would be on alitalia's agent number be added rather than cheaptickets/orbitz/etc so that I can earn WP miles?

Thanks.
pb

ok got tix sorted out. nice guy...seems a little impatient but i guess this is starting to grate on him. nice guy though. very accomodating. wanted to shorten LCA stay, he was fine with it and gave me what i wanted...now in Y for those short legs but I don't care at this point.

Asked me where i wanted to reissue the tix, as he knows i live in Asia, and I said I'll be in Europe this weekend. He said that these tickets cannot be reissued there or anywhere but in N America as they would not accept it. So I told him I'll reissue at YYZ before the flight...he said no worries and he'll annotate accordingly.

does deserve something giftwise but i am also afraid of it being inappropriate.

So how many people are just flying what they booked orginally as we are doing? Just wondering if those without changes are the silent majority?

Maybe it's time for a Flyertalk poll ;)

Just came back from the Alitalia office and met with Nicolo (Nic as he is called : ) ) Great guy! I was expecting to see an older guy dressed in a suit or something.. but he was young, wearing a T-shirt and jeans and a really nice guy!

While he was getting my tickets issued, I was talking to the guy at the reception. He asked me if I was here for the Canada ticket. I was surprised that he knew about that and he said the whole office knew about that. He said Nic literally spent nights at the office trying to get everything sorted out. He was away on business the first couple of days and the whole office was in confusion about what to do with the $33 fare. After a few days when things settled down and Nic was put in charge of this, he spent all his time and energy on this. I got him a box of Godiva chocolates and he was thrilled. The guy at the reception said he likes snacks and sweets so that was good.

I even spoke with Nic for a while and he told me that its been crazy for him and he wont have peace until the last person finishes their journey (which is end of Feb). But he wasn't complaining - just stating the workload. He talked to me a little about Milan and Rome and how many days is good for each city, etc. He was ready to add stopovers but I had to tell him there and then. He said afterwards there would be no changes due to the delicacy of the issue and if I couldn't travel, I would get my money back.

The tickets were re-issued and say "Issued by Alitalia" not cheaptickets. He said cheaptickets is out of the loop and he is the only guy (AZ or not) that is to deal with the tickets in the US. So any issues, he's the man.

Overall, great experience and job well done! ^ ^


On a side note, this is my 1000th post! I was in the early 900's when this thread started! Great place to be posted a milestone like this and as a four figure poster, I look forward to joining the FT secret societies! :D

So how many people are just flying what they booked orginally as we are doing? Just wondering if those without changes are the silent majority?

Maybe it's time for a Flyertalk poll ;)


I think only the handful of FTers still following this thread are even aware they can make changes :p

The tickets were re-issued and say "Issued by Alitalia" not cheaptickets. He said cheaptickets is out of the loop and he is the only guy (AZ or not) that is to deal with the tickets in the US. So any issues, he's the man.

Overall, great experience and job well done! ^ ^


On a side note, this is my 1000th post! I was in the early 900's when this thread started! Great place to be posted a milestone like this and as a four figure poster, I look forward to joining the FT secret societies! :D

OH SWEET!!! ^ That means the ARC code doesn't show then? Did you originally get your itinerary cancelled or just jumbled up before getting it fixed today?

Thanks so much for being the scout going in to the lion's den and getting that figured out.

If there has been any resolution/decision made on if or how to send Nic a thank you present from all of us, can someone please post ^

EDIT: Congrats on the 1,000th post... a goal I would like to achieve one day... connected wirelessly while on the beach on a vacation primarily funded by mistake rates :D One can dream... right?

Finally I got to leave a message and Nicolo called within 5 min. Pleasant surprise. As others have said nice guy. Changed my JFK 777 flight to direct from YYZ albiet a day later than my original on June 28. Was able to leave LCA 3 days earlier to spend time in MXP. Got on a direct flight from MXP to YYZ. So, I guess I missed 777 both ways. Small price to pay. Now how to get to YYZ from WAS on the cheap? Thanks party_boy.