[FARE GONE] Wickedly Low Biz Class Fare from YYZ to LCA (Cyprus) on AZ (Alitalia) [Archive] - Page 30

fluegelwesen

Jul 7, 06, 12:13 pm

Anybody who had been to LCA already can point me to an ATM at or near the exit of the baggage-claim? Need some pounds for the taxi to our hotel and would like to avoid getting those beforehand...

Greetings - Dirk

to the best of my memory, there is an atm at the baggage claim area, you can not miss it as it is a small airport and a smal baggae claim area. if this atm should not work, there is a second one in the check in hall which is also the arrival hall. as I said, small airport....

YVR Cockroach

Jul 7, 06, 12:35 pm

Anybody who had been to LCA already can point me to an ATM at or near the exit of the baggage-claim? Need some pounds for the taxi to our hotel and would like to avoid getting those beforehand...

There are 2 or 3 bank ATMs (different banks, I used Bank of Cyprus) in the baggage claim hall (on your left as you walk from immigration to customs), and IIRC, two outside (turn left as you exit customs).

djohannw

Jul 7, 06, 1:38 pm

Thanks for the ATM-information! So definetly no need for getting CY-Pounds before my trip there on monday...

Greetings - Dirk

angus1999

Jul 7, 06, 2:24 pm

PrivatePilot

Jul 7, 06, 2:30 pm

Just sent Nicolo a friendly message wishing Italy all the best for the World Cup final on Sunday.. He replied back with a big Thank You! Guess we know that he is a football fan :)

fluegelwesen

Jul 7, 06, 2:53 pm

Thanks for the ATM-information! So definetly no need for getting CY-Pounds before my trip there on monday...

Greetings - Dirk

.... absolutely not - use the atm or change money, you will find a money exchange in the baggage claim hall. used the money exchange at the airport last week and the atm at downtown larnaca.

enjoy your trip....

HomerJ

Jul 7, 06, 4:42 pm

Has anyone stayed in Limassol? Thoughts?
I am staying at Holiday Inn...
What is most economical way to get to Limassol from LCA Airport? Is there a bus?
We might drive - are there freeways or smaller roads to get there.
tks
...driving is quite safe its a 45 min. drive going about 110, I think a taxi is around 50CYP and public transportation is really not an option in cyprus. Limmissol is not very thrilling but rent a car and see the island, spend a day in the troodoos and another in pafos.

Heineken

Jul 7, 06, 8:25 pm

HeathrowGuy

Jul 7, 06, 9:18 pm

Paying the taxi with a credit card might be a better option.
Do LCA cabs even have credit card readers?

SEAUAKID

Jul 7, 06, 9:20 pm

No credit card readers in any taxis I ever saw.

YYZC2

Jul 7, 06, 9:23 pm

I've been in a few that were missing most of their dashboards.

Heineken

Jul 8, 06, 1:35 am

Do LCA cabs even have credit card readers?

Some of them do - according to this article (http://www.cyprus-mail.com/news/main.php?id=18279&cat_id=1) .

HeathrowGuy

Jul 8, 06, 1:53 am

"Tsigarides installed TaxiTronic into his cars nearly a year ago, but said he has so far been unable to use the credit card payment facility due to problems with the GSM modem, which is connected to the CyTA network."

rgm18

Jul 8, 06, 9:47 am

alitalia still hasnt loaded their schedules for late march...wondering whats goin on with that.

gleff

Jul 8, 06, 9:59 am

alitalia still hasnt loaded their schedules for late march...wondering whats goin on with that.
Very frustrating indeed, I check every day... MXP-YYZ is loaded through March 23 and I want to schedule one trip to return March 24...

HeathrowGuy

Jul 8, 06, 10:33 am

If not mentioned earlier, it is in fact possible to get seat assignments on Cyprus Airways prior to check-in. Here's the message I received from a CY agent in Italy:

"Dear Mr HeathrowGuy

Thank you very much for your reply, which explains why we have no access to your booking.

For your information we receive the passengers' namelists from Alitalia only three days before the departure of the flight. Preselection of seats in business class is indeed possible , at this stage through an Alitalia sales office. Should you have difficulties , kindly send us an email before your departure from the United States and we will notify our check-in counter directly.

I am sorry not to be of assistance at this time.

Kind regards

luciano neri"

ohcanada

Jul 8, 06, 7:54 pm

Has anyone stayed in Limassol? Thoughts?
I am staying at Holiday Inn...
What is most economical way to get to Limassol from LCA Airport? Is there a bus?
We might drive - are there freeways or smaller roads to get there.
tks

We just got back from Cyprus. We had two stays at the Le Meridien Limassol. We rented a car from AutoEurope and had no touble getting from LCA to Limassol - it's freeway all the way. Before we went on a cruise to Egypt, we called the rental company and they came and picked up the car. On the way back to LCA a few days later after our second stay we had the hotel get us a pre-paid taxi - 27 Cyprus pounds. Mercedes stretch taxi - on time, friendly and fast.

Jaimito Cartero

Jul 9, 06, 2:21 am

Very frustrating indeed, I check every day... MXP-YYZ is loaded through March 23 and I want to schedule one trip to return March 24...

There are some AZ flights on March 24th, but I don't see any FCO-YYZ or MXP-YYZ. I see MXP-BOS, MXP-IAD, MXP-MIA and MXP-ORD.

gleff

Jul 9, 06, 6:27 am

There are some AZ flights on March 24th, but I don't see any FCO-YYZ or MXP-YYZ. I see MXP-BOS, MXP-IAD, MXP-MIA and MXP-ORD.
And MXP-AMS/FRA/MUC/CDG...

But since I don't see any AZ flights at all come 3/25 I figured that not all the 3/24 schedule was loaded yet.

PrivatePilot

Jul 9, 06, 10:55 am

For those of you in MXP or FCO, you might be in for a big party if Italy wins tonight!! ^ ^ ^

Also, Nicolo is a big football fan.. so dont forget to congratulate him if his team wins!!

dhacker

Jul 9, 06, 11:17 am

For those of you in MXP or FCO, you might be in for a big party if Italy wins tonight!! ^ ^ ^

Also, Nicolo is a big football fan.. so dont forget to congratulate him if his team wins!!

We'd miss the party, but still rooting for Italy since we'll be in Rome next weekend.

lesenok

Jul 9, 06, 12:06 pm

For those of you in MXP or FCO, you might be in for a big party if Italy wins tonight!! ^ ^ ^

I had already a taste of the celebration when I was driving through Firenze right after Italy beat Germany. Its a sight to see flag waving and horns blaring throughout the city and roadways.

AVIZ

Jul 9, 06, 12:43 pm

I stayed in the Grand Duomo on Tuesday night- it was unreal!

gaugeguy

Jul 9, 06, 2:32 pm

Just thought I'd Ask....

Any one going to be at the Hilton Park Nicosia Aug. 5th, 9th, 12th, or 15th? If so, drop me a PM. I'd like to have a couple drinks with any FT'er. I will be back and forth to between the US and LCA about 4 times Aug 4th-17th. :D

fly co to see the yanks

Jul 9, 06, 3:05 pm

We had two stays at the Le Meridien Limassol.

what'd you think?

Starbucks

Jul 9, 06, 3:58 pm

Seems that Nicollo got rewarded tonight ? Might i suggest not calling him tomorrow morning... :-)

HeathrowGuy

Jul 9, 06, 4:26 pm

Seems that Nicollo got rewarded tonight ? Might i suggest not calling him tomorrow morning... :-)

FWIW, I tried calling Alitalia Reservations during the match itself - no dice.

Jaimito Cartero

Jul 9, 06, 6:23 pm

Any one going to be at the Hilton Park Nicosia Aug. 5th, 9th, 12th, or 15th? If so, drop me a PM. I'd like to have a couple drinks with any FT'er. I will be back and forth to between the US and LCA about 4 times Aug 4th-17th. :D

I think I'll be leaving this location on the 5th, to the other Hilton.

PrivatePilot

Jul 9, 06, 11:25 pm

Seems that Nicollo got rewarded tonight ? Might i suggest not calling him tomorrow morning... :-)

Never know.. he might be in such a good mood that he'll allow that extra stopover or date change.. that is, if he makes it to the office after all that partying tonight :D

ohcanada

Jul 10, 06, 10:23 am

what'd you think?

Le Meridien Limassol is a very nice property. It is well to the east of the Limassol tourist strip and easily accesible from the main highway. It has a huge property with several pools, a kid's water slide and a number of beach areas. There are also tennis courts, a very nice mini-soccer field, a beautiful spa (which we didn't use) and several restaurants. There is a terrific children's centre that will entertain kids at no charge all day (there is a charge for infants).

We were on a rock bottom SPG.com rate for the first stay and got upgraded to a top floor sea view room with a king bed. Our second stay was on points, and since the property was near empty we asked for and received the same room. Good bathroom facilities, although the room itself was not that large. The nicest rooms appear to be in an annex at the north end of the hotel (room numbers starting with 700), although we didn't get a good look at them.

No in-room Internet except on the TV. There is a free business centre on the ground floor past the spa entrance (you get a one-time use key from reception) and there is somewhat spotty Wi Fi on the lobby and bar available for a fee.

The food was not cheap, but it was plentiful and of good quality. As noted, lots of restaurant choices on site but a bit of a hike to get to town for other choices. There is a nice looking restaurant right outside the hotel entrance, but nobody ever seemed to be there so we didn't try it. Breakfast buffet is included.

Overall we found the property good for what we were looking for - mainly a sun vacation in a comfortable spot. Weather on the south coast is beautiful - we had pretty much nothing but sun for 10 days, even when there was cloud and rain in the mountains and in Nicosia. The hotel is a bit of a hike from other areas of interest (an hour or more to each of Nicosia and Paphos, for example) so it may not be the best spot to act as a base if you want to travel around.

GUWonder

Jul 10, 06, 10:26 am

FWIW, I tried calling Alitalia Reservations during the match itself - no dice.

Any WC-related flight delays? :D

beaubo

Jul 10, 06, 10:39 am

July 10, 2006

Dear Flyer Talk members,

I would like to inform everyone that I will out of the office starting Friday, July 14th, 2006 and will return on Monday, July 31st, 2006. For any date changes contact me at 212-903-3571 before Friday, otherwise please wait upon my return date. Kindly do not send tickets to be reissued while I am absent. During my vacation period no office will be authorized to process date changes (AZ call center and/or Toronto Airport).

In case you need to postpone your travel date. Contact Internet Company you made reservation and cancel booking. Once canceled, you can send me an e-mail notifying me cancellation. Include in your e-mail:

Last / first name

Date of travel

Flight numbers

Please no record locators as many of you have an internet record locator not an AZ. No ticket numbers either. The above information is substantial. Please, DO NOT send e-mails requesting booking changes. All date changes must be done over the phone with me.

PS: For those of you who are in Italy now, it is a great time to celebrate the “World Cup” victory. Buon Divertimento! (Have Fun!)

Cordially,

Nicolo` Cimilluca

Tariffs Analyst

350 Fifth Avenue

Suite 3700

New York, NY 10118

Tel: 212-903-3571

PS- Mods might want to add this to page 1 updated info.

patrickATX

Jul 10, 06, 10:45 am

July 10, 2006

Dear Flyer Talk members,

I would like to inform everyone that I will out of the office starting Friday, July 14th, 2006 and will return on Monday, July 31st, 2006.

Hmmmm, guess when I was going to be there and was considering dealing with my tickets.

Oh well, luckily I can wait until he returns and just send them via fedex or something.

IluvSQ

Jul 10, 06, 11:52 am

We left on July 7 YYZ-FCO.
Had a bit of a hiccup on check-in - we were 3 people on 2 PNR's.
All had originally been July 7 YYZ-FCO, July 9 FCO-LCA.
All had been changed to July 11 FCO-LCA by Nicolo.

At check-in, only one PNR had been changed, for the other 2 people, they
wanted to send us to LCA on the 9th!

It took several panicked calls to Nic before he finally called back, straightened
it out, and said that " Orbitz had switched it back from Nicolo's changes".
The YYZ ticket people would not do a thing to help until Nicolo fixed the file.

If you have Orbitz changed files, check again and do not let them screw up
the reservations!!!

dhacker

Jul 10, 06, 12:27 pm

...
If you have Orbitz changed files, check again and do not let them screw up
the reservations!!!

Maybe Nicolo needs to have a talk witht he AZ YYZ staff before he leaves instructing them to honor the itineraries as printed on everyone's reissued tickets.

This worries me a bit, since he has had to fix a couple of Orbitz mistakes for us over the last few weeks and we are traveling while he's on vacation. I'll re-check it every day this week, then hope for the best, I guess. I have a printout from AZ at IAD the shows the correct itinerary that matches the reissued tickets. That better be good enough ...

beaubo

Jul 10, 06, 12:32 pm

Maybe Nicolo needs to have a talk witht he AZ YYZ staff before he leaves instructing them to honor the itineraries as printed on everyone's reissued tickets.

This worries me a bit, since he has had to fix a couple of Orbitz mistakes for us over the last few weeks and we are traveling while he's on vacation. I'll re-check it every day this week, then hope for the best, I guess. I have a printout from AZ at IAD the shows the correct itinerary that matches the reissued tickets. That better be good enough ...

Nicolo has been clear about contacting your online booking company once your revised itin has been confirmed by Nicolo. You should instruct the online booking company to delete all flights except those rebooked by Nicolo, from your itin...to avoid this very situation from happening.

dhacker

Jul 10, 06, 1:20 pm

Nicolo has been clear about contacting your online booking company once your revised itin has been confirmed by Nicolo. You should instruct the online booking company to delete all flights except those rebooked by Nicolo, from your itin...to avoid this very situation from happening.

Been there, done that, multiple times. And extra flight segments are not the problem with the exception of my BOS-YYZ, which Mr. P originally dropped. The record still gets screwed over again and again by Orbitz (or possibly AZ). Then I contact Nicolo, wash, rinse, repeat. Since 7/4, eveything has been OK, I think. But I've thought that in the past, only to have AZ reservations tell me different when I call for seat assignments or have new errors pop up on Orbitz, despite instructions I had them insert into the record.

I appreciate your trying to help, beaubo, but please resist the temptation to assume that I haven't been on top of this or haven't been following the recommended procedure as passed on from Nicolo through you. Thanks!

GUWonder

Jul 10, 06, 1:26 pm

dhacker

Jul 10, 06, 1:35 pm

Airlines don't make life easy for themselves, their employees or the customers when they decide not to honor the tickets before coming to their senses and honoring the tickets. Hopefully, AZ and other airlines have taken a lesson from this whole thing; but I wouldn't count on it. I'm still following some of the things going on with the "very cheap tickets to China" that were brought to our attention in the SAS forum a little over 11 months ago and SK has not made life for themselves, their employees, the travel agents and their customers as easy as it could have been if they had never gone down this road of cancelling ticketed reservations without customer authorization.

100% agreed. Nicolo gets frustrated with Orbitz, but his problems really started when AZ at first insisted upon cancelling these reservations. That started the cycle that has had the tendency to spin out of control because the travel agents get confused about what has or has not been reinstated or changed as authorized by Nicolo. Had AZ left it alone, they would have saved everyone a lot of time and money.

mlhall

Jul 10, 06, 1:59 pm

I'm currently in the Maple Leaf Lounge awaiting my flight to FCO. Most of the trip has proceeded smoothly with a few small hiccups. I haven't been able to get upgraded to business class on the FCO-LCA leg but will try to do so again in Rome. When arriving at the infield terminal at YYZ, I was directed upstairs by the security staff after asking "Is this the lounge?". After asking another staff member upstairs, my companion and I went back downstairs to access the Maple Leaf Lounge. Other than these minor inconveniences, everything has gone fine. I shall report again when able.

Azzuri numero uno!!

GUWonder

Jul 10, 06, 2:00 pm

And the irony of the situation is that most often:

a) those who created the mess are not the ones who have to fix it;
b) those who come to their senses and finally decide to honor ticketed reservations don't have to fix it themselves;
c) those who authorize the fixing of the mess don't necessarily manage well the process of fixing the mess (i.e., they don't keep abreast of the situation, they don't make available additional human/financial resources, etc.);
d) employees well down the decision-making chain and customers pay the price (in time/effort)
e) some of the customer goodwill generated by these deals being honored evaporates.

Before the AZ DEL-LHR deal and SK's OSL-PEK deal, I was in avoid AZ and avoid SK mode, only because I was comparing their old product/service to what I new was currently available on competitors. Now, after they both honored these deals, I know that some of the worst of what used to be said about the product/service of such airlines is not deserved and I'm willing (and do) pay good money (i.e., closer to the more normal going fare) to fly these airlines in premium cabins.

beaubo

Jul 10, 06, 2:48 pm

Been there, done that, multiple times. And extra flight segments are not the problem with the exception of my BOS-YYZ, which Mr. P originally dropped. The record still gets screwed over again and again by Orbitz (or possibly AZ). Then I contact Nicolo, wash, rinse, repeat. Since 7/4, eveything has been OK, I think. But I've thought that in the past, only to have AZ reservations tell me different when I call for seat assignments or have new errors pop up on Orbitz, despite instructions I had them insert into the record.

I appreciate your trying to help, beaubo, but please resist the temptation to assume that I haven't been on top of this or haven't been following the recommended procedure as passed on from Nicolo through you. Thanks!

Hi dkacker-

Didn't mean to come off sounding condescending. My apologies for sure.

Your situation is probably a good lesson for everyone here. Even if you've gone through 'proper' channels, it makes sense as a failsafe, to contact your online ticket agency a few days before your flight, just to make sure your itin is intact. And if its not, you still have enough leadtime to contact Nicolo for the fix.

That said, it appears that the vast majority of itins that have been flown so far., have been hassle-free, according to Nicolo. So, be optimistic, but continue to be careful!!!

angus1999

Jul 10, 06, 3:08 pm

SchmutzigMSP

Jul 10, 06, 3:13 pm

Anyone got the low down on the best fares and mode of transport from NY to YYZ in August. (16 or 17) retunring in Sept.
The lowest direct flights are running $350 plus (1 hr flight!) and mileage seems to be 25,000 each.
We could go Jet Blue to BUF and then on to Niagara or Toronto and overnight before flight.
Or, Amtrak to Toronto (12+ hours).
Anyone know of reduced mileage or promotions or fares or anything?
tks

I think AC has 15k mile awards for trips that are < 700 miles each way. NYC-YYZ should qualify. If you can find or trade 15k AC miles (maybe even find a CC signup?), that might be your best bet.

HeathrowGuy

Jul 10, 06, 5:07 pm

AA also has 17.5K awards to Toronto for the summer months if you have an AAdvantage Mastercard.

GUWonder

Jul 10, 06, 6:46 pm

AA also has 17.5K awards to Toronto for the summer months if you have an AAdvantage Mastercard.

UA prices roundtrip award travel for non-stop UA trips that are 700 miles or less (calculated one-way) at 15k. So that would cover United flights (if any) from IAD/DCA or ORD to YYZ.

CO 1E

Jul 10, 06, 6:49 pm

L1011...N/StoHNL!

Jul 10, 06, 7:32 pm

UA prices roundtrip award travel for non-stop UA trips that are 700 miles or less (calculated one-way) at 15k. So that would cover United flights (if any) from IAD/DCA or ORD to YYZ.

Don't suppose this would extend to a UA trip using US miles? :(

UCSBCHRIS2002

Jul 10, 06, 11:43 pm

Jaimito Cartero

Jul 11, 06, 2:29 am

I received my reissued tickets from Nicolo about a month ago and I noticed on cheaptickets.com they are missing my FCO-LCA segment. When I go to look up my itinerary on viewtrip.com it shows my complete itinerary. Should I be worried?? I say that because I fly out on July 27th and Nicolo wont be in the office on that day if I have any problems. The segment that is missing is for August 31st so I dont think it will be a problem now but I just dont want cheaptickets to mess up my other segments. I have been following the thread and I thought alot of people just didn't bother with the online agencies because in my experience when I called them they said that they would not change anything on my itinerary. If anyone has any suggestions I would appreciate it. Thanks

I'd probably call Nicolo before he goes on vacation, and see what he has in his computer for your itin.

arfgoblue

Jul 11, 06, 9:41 am

are the 15k AC awards only until the end of the year like the united awards or is it indefinately?

I think AC has 15k mile awards for trips that are < 700 miles each way. NYC-YYZ should qualify. If you can find or trade 15k AC miles (maybe even find a CC signup?), that might be your best bet.

GUWonder

Jul 11, 06, 10:05 am

are the 15k AC awards only until the end of the year like the united awards or is it indefinately?

Let me let you in on something I learned last time when UA's 15k awards were to be phased out in the first quarter of this year. :o Travel dates could be changed without additional miles or travel date restrictions being mentioned. ;)

arfgoblue

Jul 11, 06, 11:23 am

thanks for the info :D

i am used to AA awards, which have a difference between "peak" and "non-peak" of a few thousand miles....and they are very stringent about not allowing any leeway.

Let me let you in on something I learned last time when UA's 15k awards were to be phased out in the first quarter of this year. :o Travel dates could be changed without additional miles or travel date restrictions being mentioned. ;)

HomerJ

Jul 11, 06, 12:08 pm

are the 15k AC awards only until the end of the year like the united awards or is it indefinately?
...indefinate...but thats based on availabilty...if you have to bump a revenue ticket it goes up to 22.5K I believe. You need to call AEROPLAN with your routing and sched to see if the classic (15K) is available. If not then its avenue (22.5K).

dhacker

Jul 11, 06, 12:25 pm

We are flying to BUF on SWA from BWI. There are some really low fares available right now ($44+ each way). We paid a bit more, but the biggest issue is the rental car. For one way rentals BUF-YYZ, all the companies charge a high daily rate rather than adding a one time drop charge. Since we want the car for about 30 hours, the total comes up to about $200!

The cheapie awards to YYZ won't work for us since we end the trip in BOS and the distances between WAS, BOS, and YYZ don't qualify as an open-jaw.

I found a possible solution, but may not have enough lead time to use it myself. If you are planning a similar route to YYZ, you may want to consider using AA's car rental awards to rent with Alamo. They have various options ranging from 8500 miles to 15000 miles (plus the $25 point.com fee :mad: ), depending on your needs and the day of the week. For us, the 2 weekday award for 8500 or the 3 weekend day award for 10k take the rental cost down to zero when I plug the coupon codes in online at Alamo.com. Not sure why the weekday coupon works, since our rental would be on a weekend. The main problem for me is it says Alamo snail-mails the certs within three weeks and I would need it in three days.

Hope this idea helps someone else out.

GUWonder

Jul 11, 06, 12:58 pm

thanks for the info :D

i am used to AA awards, which have a difference between "peak" and "non-peak" of a few thousand miles....and they are very stringent about not allowing any leeway.

Nothing of it. The UA "discounted" award flexibility beyond the stated promotional period was a pleasant discovery for me, a couple of times over. :D

With AA, I've been burned by being one or two days late on an attempted return when it comes to trying such things with "discounted" AA awards of the off-peak variety. :o But I guess there are some benefits to someone being a guinea pig or test bunny. :eek: :D

SchmutzigMSP

Jul 11, 06, 4:43 pm

brokeboy

Jul 11, 06, 10:19 pm

bigbrownboy

Jul 11, 06, 10:47 pm

Do not how to handle this one. perhaps the gurus can offer suggestions.

After changing the dates and confirming with Mr. Nicolo, the tickets were sent with delivery confirmation after making copies of all tickets to a family member near the NY office.

The delivery confirmation shows arrived, but the actual package of tickets has not been found in the building or local post office. No one knows where the tickets are despite the delivery confirm showing delivered.

One of the members on the trip called Mr. Nicolo and the best he could offer was a refund if tickets are not found.

The local post office is checking, but does not look promising. Any possible suggestions? Thanks for reading.

Looooong ago, I sent an email to Alitalia Internet Services and received an auto-reply with a bunch of files attached. One was a form and details on Lost Tickets. One of the forms says:

-The passenger will have to purchase a new ticket, at the current applicable available fare. *

-After a minimum of one year (if ticket has still not been located), passenger will receive a refund for the replacement ticket purchased, minus a USD 100.00 LTA processing fee, and a USD20.00 handling fee.

*Replacement tickets must be purchased in the same cabin class as the original ticket.

This would obviously be a costly endeavor as you'd have to buy a new D fare. Send me a PM with your email address and I'll forward you the PDF and DOC I have.

Edit to add: It looks like this form I have is only if you are leaving from a US gateway.

CheapTickets.com says:

If you lost your paper ticket, go to the airline check-in counter at the airport or nearest airline ticket office to fill out and pay for a Lost Ticket Affidavit (LTA). Bring a valid government issued photo ID with you. Expect to pay airline-imposed fees of about $100.00 per replacement ticket.

SAT Lawyer

Jul 11, 06, 10:56 pm

Has anyone been scuba diving there? If so, how much should we budget for a day of diving?

You'd be a fool to miss the Zenobia. I posted a report in the Trip Reports thread. A two tank dive, boat ride, and maybe roundtrip ground transportation (depending on the operator selected) will run you about 65 Cyprus pounds per person.

GumboCook

Jul 12, 06, 8:21 am

Since the issue is high daily rates, have you considered dropping off the 1 way rental within 24 hrs so you only pay the high one-way daily rate once, then pick up another car w/ hopefully a much reduced daily rate for the second day ? Not sure if your $200 costs already takes this into consideration or not.

Cheers,

We are flying to BUF on SWA from BWI. There are some really low fares available right now ($44+ each way). We paid a bit more, but the biggest issue is the rental car. For one way rentals BUF-YYZ, all the companies charge a high daily rate rather than adding a one time drop charge. Since we want the car for about 30 hours, the total comes up to about $200!

The cheapie awards to YYZ won't work for us since we end the trip in BOS and the distances between WAS, BOS, and YYZ don't qualify as an open-jaw.

I found a possible solution, but may not have enough lead time to use it myself. If you are planning a similar route to YYZ, you may want to consider using AA's car rental awards to rent with Alamo. They have various options ranging from 8500 miles to 15000 miles (plus the $25 point.com fee :mad: ), depending on your needs and the day of the week. For us, the 2 weekday award for 8500 or the 3 weekend day award for 10k take the rental cost down to zero when I plug the coupon codes in online at Alamo.com. Not sure why the weekday coupon works, since our rental would be on a weekend. The main problem for me is it says Alamo snail-mails the certs within three weeks and I would need it in three days.

Hope this idea helps someone else out.

dhacker

Jul 12, 06, 8:30 am

dhacker

Jul 12, 06, 8:34 am

You'd be a fool to miss the Zenobia. I posted a report in the Trip Reports thread. A two tank dive, boat ride, and maybe roundtrip ground transportation (depending on the operator selected) will run you about 65 Cyprus pounds per person.

I'm travelling with my 12 year old, who doesn't dive, and I'm not into wreck diving. I'd have to go out of my way to arrange a dive and something for him to do in the mean time. Is it that spectacular, even for those who usually prefer a nice tropical reef?

HomerJ

Jul 12, 06, 9:14 am

Could some people who have gone to Cyprus already help me budget for my trip?

My brother and I are heading out in early August and we're looking to spend 3-4 full days on the island before a brief 5-day-or-so tour of Italy. How much are meals costing on the island? How about car rental (including insurance)? How about budget lodging per room? We don't need much, but clean, safe, and preferably some A/C would be nice. How about activities? Are there any obvious sights to see with entrance fees? Has anyone been scuba diving there? If so, how much should we budget for a day of diving? We don't have much for hotel points or anything, so it will all be out of our pocket. Youth hostels/guesthouses are OK by us.

I know I could search the thread, but the numbers I've seen so far have been few and far between, and I'd like to start compiling some numbers so I can call Nicolo before Friday to get our dates finalized. Thanks everyone!
car will run you about $70/day, you have no choice but to take the prepaid gas option. Food was not too bad, most hotels include breakfast but i would say for dinner my wife and i were spending $60-100 (including drinks and tip).
Visiting sites is very cheap (nothing more than $5) and petrol is about $4.25/gallon if you use more than the full tank u purchased. So the only thing that was really expensive was hotels and i didnt pay for that. Hope this helps.

SAT Lawyer

Jul 12, 06, 9:29 am

I'm travelling with my 12 year old, who doesn't dive, and I'm not into wreck diving. I'd have to go out of my way to arrange a dive and something for him to do in the mean time. Is it that spectacular, even for those who usually prefer a nice tropical reef?

I think so. But I like wreck diving in addition to reef diving, although in both cases I prefer warm tropical waters with great visibility. The Zenobia fits the bill. It is a cool wreck which was sunk accidentally (not an artificial wreck). It is also very large (560 feet). Its cargo is largely intact. And it is easy and safe to penetrate a few areas of the ship like the bridge and the dining quarters with no risk of a silt out and no loss of direct access to the surface. This is the type of dive that may actual pique your interest in wreck diving. Your dive operation may want to see at least an Advanced Open Water certification for you to do this dive, although mine didn't even bother looking at my c-card.

SAT Lawyer

Jul 12, 06, 9:34 am

car will run you about $70/day, you have no choice but to take the prepaid gas option.

I paid approximately 20 Cyprus pounds per day inclusive for an car with an automatic transmission from Thrifty Cyprus (factoring in the online discount given for booking through their website). I was not required to take the prepaid gas option; instead, Thrifty made me pay a deposit upfront that was refunded to me when I returned the car with a full tank of gas. I declined the supplemental insurance coverage because my own insurance provides coverage to me when driving passenger automobiles abroad.

YVR Cockroach

Jul 12, 06, 10:03 am

Looks like Beirut and Lebanon will probably be no-go areas for the indefinite future. israel is threatenting to bomb it back to the '80.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1107AP_Lebanon_Israel_Clash.html?source=mypi

eastcoastcan

Jul 12, 06, 11:05 am

Yes, this just put a kink in my plans.

Looks like Beirut and Lebanon will probably be no-go areas for the indefinite future. israel is threatenting to bomb it back to the '80.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1107AP_Lebanon_Israel_Clash.html?source=mypi

HeathrowGuy

Jul 12, 06, 11:57 am

ohcanada

Jul 12, 06, 12:44 pm

It looks as though the entire region is cycling back to a more dangerous place.

BTW, we were in Egypt last week on the 2 day Salamis cruise from Limassol. A convoy of 8 buses left Port Said in the morning for the trip to Cairo accompanied by army jeeps with armed soldiers. Amazingly, for the entire 200 kilometre, 2.5 hour trip, police and/or soldiers were standing at every one of the hundreds of intersections stopping traffic while we went by. If things really heat up, I expect those precautions will be multiplied.

TelevisionTdTina

Jul 12, 06, 12:57 pm

Yes, very interesting developments. As a part of my LCA, I had orginally planned on TLV. I have scrapped that, and put in CAI for my October trip. However, I am not buying any plane tickets just yet.

Good to hear about the extra group protection. As a single female, I am a little concerned. Not so concerned to postpone at this point, though. I know I can find plenty of people who don't let terrorism affect their travel habits.
Anyone going to be in Egypt in the first week in October?

beaubo

Jul 12, 06, 1:07 pm

beaubo

Jul 12, 06, 1:11 pm

Hell's bells! I have a 5-day trip to Beirut planned as part of the LCA ticket in early August!

I will keep track of developments over the next week and decide next Wednesday on whether to stick with BEY or else switch to ATH/AMM (IMHO, TLV would be just as risky as BEY, so that's out).

TLV and Israel are only risky if you watch too much CNN or BBC!!!!!! I'm taking my wife and 3 kids in early Oct. And we know at least a dozen families here in CLE doing the same.

Certainly, its important to use common sense and prudence, by not straying too close to Gaza or too deep into the West Bank. But Jerusalem, TLV, Haifa, Dead Sea area, Galilee are well worth the time and effort, IMHO!

TelevisionTdTina

Jul 12, 06, 1:12 pm

Heading to Israel in early October. Its a big holiday, so I think you'd enjoy being there during such revelry!

I was extremely excited, and I suppose there might still be a slight chance of getting there. You must admit, that along with current escalating conflicts, holidays usually bring out the terrorists. :td:

GUWonder

Jul 12, 06, 3:58 pm

I'm going to TLV and BEY -- including via AZ/CY -- a few times over these next couple of months. Not changing my plans unless closer to travel dates and something substantial changes in relation to the places I go.

PrivatePilot

Jul 12, 06, 4:13 pm

dhacker

Jul 12, 06, 4:28 pm

Just made reservations for 3 pointstretcher nights for next week at the Hilton Park Nicosia. Based on the driving directions, the hotel is just around the corner from some sort of UN headquarters. If this latest Middle East flare-up continues (and I absolutely hope it does not), it would seem this location could get very busy very fast with diplomats visiting the UN or journalists reporting from the relative safety of Nicosia as they have often done in the past.

GUWonder

Jul 12, 06, 4:49 pm

Shelling 10 miles from Beirut as Isreali cabinet authorizes "harsh response"

http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/07/12/D8IQKKG80.html

I think BEY proper will basically be ok in August. Probably will get to hear some loud noises once in a while, but it's not going to be the 1980s all over again before the summer ends. Especially not in BEY proper.

the_nomad

Jul 12, 06, 5:13 pm

Just got back yesterday from my excursion and a few things....

For communications back home I was surprised to find it only costs a few CY cents/minute for a direct dialed call (001-area code-xxx-xxxx) back to the US including mobile2mobile calls. I just got a local SIM card at a Vodafone shop in Lefkosia.

AutoEurope was great. They price matched the lower rate I found ($282 for one week including insurances and hotel collection) and the rez is always 100% refundable. I did have to put a CC deposit for the tank of gas but I left the tank full so it was never charged. Anyway, 46 CYP for a pre-paid tank of gas?! Who wouldn't take the time to fill the tank if he'd otherwise have to pay that price?

Sites that I found worth visiting: Curium, the mosaics at Paphos, crossing to Turkish side at Ledra - not only did I have no problem but noone on the Greek side bothered to stop me walking back (got to keep my TRNC visa stamped paper), Sanctuary of Apollo, Sanctuary of Aphrodite, the Archaeology museum in Lefkosia, Paphos castle, Kollosi castle et c.

Nice to meet OhCanada and his family on the day of departure and Zoe and Mark (who happened to notice my Flyertalk tag) at the baggage claim in YYZ.

Weirdly coincidental was watching CNN "Business Traveler" segment on mileage runs when I was in my hotel on Larnaca beach. Even had the host doing the AA AUS-DFW 30,000 bonus run with our own Randy P.! BTW, Randy... get a haircut! :D JK

By the luck of the draw I was in Rome for the World Cup final. What can I say about that? Absolute madness! Someone asked previously if there were any WC-associated delays. Yep. Our flight was delayed almost 1.5 hours due to the fact that there was only one person on duty the next day that was able to load the cargo pallets on board. The rest called in.

I really loved staying for 4 nights at a traditional village house in Kathikas (between Paphos and Polis). It was about 200 years old and the whole village was quaint as hell. I took a suggestion and booked it at Agrotourism Cyprus.

Jim

alamedaguy

Jul 12, 06, 5:21 pm

I really loved staying for 4 nights at a traditional village house in Kathikas (between Paphos and Polis). It was about 200 years old and the whole village was quaint as hell. I took a suggestion and booked it at Agrotourism Cyprus.

Jim

Sounds like you had a great trip! Thanks for the list of things you enjoyed and especially this tip.

dhacker

Jul 12, 06, 5:26 pm

... when I was in my hotel on Larnaca beach....

Which hotel was this? Would you recommend it to others?

HomerJ

Jul 12, 06, 5:40 pm

I paid approximately 20 Cyprus pounds per day inclusive for an car with an automatic transmission from Thrifty Cyprus (factoring in the online discount given for booking through their website). I was not required to take the prepaid gas option; instead, Thrifty made me pay a deposit upfront that was refunded to me when I returned the car with a full tank of gas. I declined the supplemental insurance coverage because my own insurance provides coverage to me when driving passenger automobiles abroad.
...but added in the gas cost as I pre-paid it+ 5 cyp airport fee = equalled 155 cyp or $70 CND/day

the_nomad

Jul 12, 06, 5:54 pm

Which hotel was this? Would you recommend it to others?

It was the Lordos Beach Hotel.

Yeah, I'd recommend it if someone was definitely looking to stay in that area specifically. If I'd known, I would have stayed in Agia Napa instead. More going on, more party-type people.

Larnaca beach is fine if all you're looking for is a little sunbathing (topless ^ ) sitting by the pool or on the beach. And I have to mention that everywhere I looked there were 1000's of cigarette butts on the beach (where's that puking emoticon?). Seems that not only is smoking allowed mostly everywhere, I think it's actually encouraged.

...and too many families with screaming infants and toddlers. :td:

the_nomad

Jul 12, 06, 6:04 pm

Sounds like you had a great trip!

It definitely was...

If anyone is interested I stayed at Michalis' Anoyia. Within close walking distance of two nice pubs and several tavernas. And easy to get to.

Also:

I have a Cyprus Travel Map (scale 1:250,000) by Globetrotter that I don't need anymore. Shows motorways, roads, places of interest - the best I was able to find. If anyone wants it, send me the first PM about it and a SASE (I'm too lazy) and it's yours. Folded, it measures 12.5 cm x 25 cm, so too big for a #10 envelope.

EDIT: Map has been claimed.

dhacker

Jul 12, 06, 6:15 pm

It was the Lordos Beach Hotel.

Yeah, I'd recommend it if someone was definitely looking to stay in that area specifically. If I'd known, I would have stayed in Agia Napa instead. More going on, more party-type people.

Larnaca beach is fine if all you're looking for is a little sunbathing (topless ^ ) sitting by the pool or on the beach. And I have to mention that everywhere I looked there were 1000's of cigarette butts on the beach (where's that puking emoticon?). Seems that not only is smoking allowed mostly everywhere, I think it's actually encouraged.

...and too many families with screaming infants and toddlers. :td:

I made award reservations in Nicosia for me and my 12 year old son, but still wondered about the beach town nearest the airport. The plan is to tour by car and see as much of the island as possible in three days. Not really interested in the party or club scene, and the beach sounds uninticing (except for the dress-code from the pre-teen male perspective). Think I'll stick with what I have reserved, especially since it's free! Thanks.

SAT Lawyer

Jul 12, 06, 6:29 pm

Not really interested in the party or club scene, and the beach sounds uninticing (except for the dress-code from the pre-teen male perspective).

Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa is a world class beach and a very good place to take a child because of the shallow, crystal clear waters with little wave action provided that some toplessness is not of concern.

dhacker

Jul 12, 06, 6:35 pm

Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa is a world class beach and a very good place to take a child because of the shallow, crystal clear waters with little wave action provided that some toplessness is not of concern.

We'll make a point of at least visiting this beach one day. Isn't this near the dive operations that go to the Zenobia?

SAT Lawyer

Jul 12, 06, 7:03 pm

We'll make a point of at least visiting this beach one day. Isn't this near the dive operations that go to the Zenobia?

Not really.

Most of the dive operations that visit the Zenobia are stationed near Larnaca Harbor.

ohcanada

Jul 12, 06, 7:24 pm

Nice to meet OhCanada and his family on the day of departure ...
Jim
Good to meet you too Jim. Sorry we missed you in Limassol.

I concur about the mosaics in Paphos. The Tombs of the Kings north of Paphos are also very interesting, as is the Kourios site west of Limassol, with a spectacular amphitheatre and excavated house high on a ridge overlooking the ocean far below.

Coming out of LCA heading to the highway there are large salt flats. We were told that in January they are filled with shallow water and thousands of flamingos migrate there for a few weeks. That would be spectacular to see.

mdelaur

Jul 12, 06, 8:51 pm

Saw this yesterday just before boarding the plane LCA-MXP.

Apparently a vendetta for a prior UNDERWORLD hit a few years ago.

24 9mm shots thru the window.

Was Front page in the 7/12 CYPRUS MAIL newspaper

HeathrowGuy

Jul 12, 06, 9:13 pm

What kind of gangbanger s**tshow am I getting myself into!? Between this, and Beirut in Israel's crosshairs, I openly wonder if this airfare deal might be my last one... :eek:

mdelaur

Jul 12, 06, 9:18 pm

What kind of gangbanger s**tshow am I getting myself into!? Between this, and Beirut in Israel's crosshairs, I openly wonder if this airfare deal might be my last one... :eek:

I read that a hit was tried on this man and his father last year....just a couple of bullet wounds.

The pattern of bullet holes in the passenger window looked very professional.

Jaimito Cartero

Jul 12, 06, 9:46 pm

I read that a hit was tried on this man and his father last year.

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again? :(

soonerfanatic

Jul 12, 06, 10:04 pm

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again? :(

http://www.cyprus-mail.com/news/main.php?id=26820&cat_id=1

dhacker

Jul 12, 06, 10:58 pm

I think BEY proper will basically be ok in August. Probably will get to hear some loud noises once in a while, but it's not going to be the 1980s all over again before the summer ends. Especially not in BEY proper.

Latest report is that Israel is shelling BEY. Literally shelling the airport. :(

On CNN now.

MACH81

Jul 12, 06, 11:06 pm

This seems pretty bad..anyone travelling this week?

YVR Cockroach

Jul 13, 06, 1:26 am

Latest report is that Israel is shelling BEY. Literally shelling the airport. :(

On CNN now.

Too far. More like airstrikes.

I'd imagien ME is sending all its a/c away or they'll risk everything at BEY being destroyed again.

YVR Cockroach

Jul 13, 06, 1:45 am

BEY is closed at the 3 runways have been sufficiently damaged.

GUWonder

Jul 13, 06, 3:11 am

BEY is closed at the 3 runways have been sufficiently damaged.

I heard. This stinks.

GUWonder

Jul 13, 06, 3:13 am

I heard. This stinks.

By the way, flights to BEY were diverted to Cyprus.

dhacker

Jul 13, 06, 6:06 am

This seems pretty bad..anyone travelling this week?

Yeah, but not to BEY! FCO first, then LCA midweek as the final destination.

GUWonder

Jul 13, 06, 6:30 am

My plans to "vacation" around BEY have now been nixed by these latest developments, especially as flights to/from the airport are not operating.

Alpha Golf

Jul 13, 06, 9:53 am

My plans to "vacation" around BEY have now been nixed by these latest developments, especially as flights to/from the airport are not operating. TLV instead? :D

rgm18

Jul 13, 06, 10:10 am

i need to call in to do seat and meal requests.

im flying toronto to rome, any suggestions for seating?

my brother is flying a few days later from toronto to milan, what about seat requests for him?

we fly back together from rome to JFK on the 777...wat seats should i try for on that flight?

also, does anyone know about special meals in biz class? are they better than the coach meals?

do they generally offer a vegetarian meal at all on the biz class meal service? if so, maybe i shouldnt order the special meal....

if you order a special meal, can u still get the regular one if the special meal is bad?

thnx!
r

arfgoblue

Jul 13, 06, 10:13 am

hopefully you didn't buy a ticket/ make hotel reservations yet :eek:

My plans to "vacation" around BEY have now been nixed by these latest developments, especially as flights to/from the airport are not operating.

johnep1

Jul 13, 06, 10:34 am

hopefully you didn't buy a ticket/ make hotel reservations yet :eek:

I just cancelled my hotel reservations in BEY. I was looking forward to burning some SPG points there.

dhacker

Jul 13, 06, 10:44 am

I just cancelled my hotel reservations in BEY. I was looking forward to burning some SPG points there.

You and thousands of others, no doubt. So much for Lebanon's tourist industry.

YVR Cockroach

Jul 13, 06, 10:44 am

do they generally offer a vegetarian meal at all on the biz class meal service?

No

YVR Cockroach

Jul 13, 06, 10:49 am

You and thousands of others, no doubt. So much for Lebanon's tourist industry.

I'm wondering if Lebanon will slowly degenerate into civil war again.

Lech

Jul 13, 06, 10:55 am

Are the following changes allowed?

a)
Original: YYZ-MXP-LCA
New: YYZ-MXP-FCO-LCA

b)
Original: LCA-MXP-EWR-YYZ
New: LCA-FCO-EWR-YYZ

c)
Original: MXP-EWR-YYZ
New: MXP-EWR//LGA-YYZ

Some people wrote that they got their tickets re-issued/exchanged at ORD or MIA. Did those people do the whole change at the mentioned stations or did they call Nicolo for the change and then go to the airport offices?

CHANGE POLICIES:

OUTBOUND
* YYZ via a US connection to MXP or FCO: routing can be changed to YYZ-MXP or YYZ-FCO nonstop; date can be changed
* YYZ-MXP or FCO nonstop: routing cannot be changed, but date can be changed
* MXP-FCO-LCA segments can be changed to MXP-LCA, dates are changeable
* FCO-MXP-LCA segments can be changed to FCO-LCA; dates are changeable
* FCO or MXP-LCA segments cannot be dropped
* A stopover is permitted in MXP or FCO, whether it was part of original itinerary or not

INBOUND
* LCA-FCO-MXP segments can be changed to LCA-MXP, dates are changeable
* LCA-MXP-FCO segments can be changed to LCA-FCO; dates are changeable
* LCA-MXP or FCO segments cannot be dropped
* MXP or FCO via US connections to YYZ: routing can be changed to MXP or FCO-YYZ nonstop; date can be changed
* MXP or FCO-YYZ nonstop: routing cannot be changed, date can be changed
* A stopover is permitted in MXP or FCO, whether it was part of original itinerary or not

YVR Cockroach

Jul 13, 06, 11:01 am

Are the following changes allowed?

a)
Original: YYZ-MXP-LCA
New: YYZ-MXP-FCO-LCA

I got LCA-MXP-YYZ changd to LCA-MXP-FCO/FCO-YYZ so I don't see why not.

ohcanada

Jul 13, 06, 11:06 am

I read that a hit was tried on this man and his father last year....just a couple of bullet wounds.

The pattern of bullet holes in the passenger window looked very professional.
This sounds like a professional hit and the location at the Le Meridien sounds coincidental.

I can understand why they would choose this location. The entrance and exit doors are very slow to operate and often you have use the intercom to get them to operate it. There are a bunch of nearby places that someone could hide and wait.

I wouldn't worry about the Le Meridien as a property. I think we are likely to go back this fall. The rest of the Middle East is a different story.... :rolleyes:

YVR Cockroach

Jul 13, 06, 11:34 am

48 hours after you have spoken with Nicolo, confirming your changes, call the toll free customer service phone number of the online travel agency that originally booked your ticket.

Have the CSR CANCEL any flights and/or dates and/or routings that do NOT match what Nicolo booked for you over the phone.

I just spoked to a Travelocity.ca CSR and was told that once the airline modifies your file, Travelocity washes it hands of it so this step apparently isn't necessary if booked through them. Anyone care to confirm one way or the other?

GUWonder

Jul 13, 06, 11:42 am

TLV instead? :D

I'm already doing TLV a few more times this year, but this was to be my only leisure trip to BEY. So much for that.

Fortunately I don't have any issue with hotel reservations in BEY and my tickets can be changed or cancelled without penalty. In any event I'm sure others have much bigger issues to worry about.

senoreit

Jul 13, 06, 12:13 pm

I just spoked to a Travelocity.ca CSR and was told that once the airline modifies your file, Travelocity washes it hands of it so this step apparently isn't necessary if booked through them. Anyone care to confirm one way or the other?
Well, at least a couple people in this thread reported that Orbitz told them the same thing, and you see how that's gone...

UCSBCHRIS2002

Jul 13, 06, 12:42 pm

I received my reissued tickets from Nicolo about a month ago and I noticed on cheaptickets.com they are missing my FCO-LCA segment. When I go to look up my itinerary on viewtrip.com it shows my complete itinerary. Should I be worried?? I say that because I fly out on July 27th and Nicolo wont be in the office on that day if I have any problems. The segment that is missing is for August 31st so I dont think it will be a problem now but I just dont want cheaptickets to mess up my other segments. I have been following the thread and I thought alot of people just didn't bother with the online agencies because in my experience when I called them they said that they would not change anything on my itinerary. If anyone has any suggestions I would appreciate it. Thanks

I spoke to Nicolo about an hour ago concerning this matter. He said that all my segments were showing up in his system but that he would contact CT about the missing segment. About one hour later, I received my complete itinerary from CT via email and I went to CT website and my complete itinerary shows up. I would have to say Im really am happy with how Nicolo has helped me and others throughout this process. :)

YYZC2

Jul 13, 06, 3:40 pm

Latest report is that Israel is shelling BEY. Literally shelling the airport. :(

On CNN now.

The Israelis have now launched a second strike on BEY. A fuel farm has been destroyed and is burning intensely. Don't know where the fuel is located with respect to the terminal but it looks bad...

I was planning on visiting BEY next month... :(

bigbrownboy

Jul 13, 06, 3:54 pm

Bummer to y'all who were planning on BEY. But ya don't wanna be all Star Jones about it. (http://www.gawker.com/news/culture/star-jones-miraculously-escapes-tsunami-by-one-month-28727.php) :)

rgm18

Jul 13, 06, 4:11 pm

how were you going to get into lebanon wit israeli stamps in your passport? i thought they dont let you....

I'm already doing TLV a few more times this year, but this was to be my only leisure trip to BEY. So much for that.

Fortunately I don't have any issue with hotel reservations in BEY and my tickets can be changed or cancelled without penalty. In any event I'm sure others have much bigger issues to worry about.

bostonbali

Jul 13, 06, 4:15 pm

Yeah, but not to BEY! FCO first, then LCA midweek as the final destination.

Have a good trip, dhacker! If you get a chance, could you please post your YYZ-FCO experience? AFAIK, while there have been a few YYZ-MXP reports, we haven't had a YYZ-FCO report yet.
Thanks!

YYZC2

Jul 13, 06, 4:18 pm

Have a good trip, dhacker! If you get a chance, could you please post your YYZ-FCO experience? AFAIK, while there have been a few YYZ-MXP reports, we haven't had a YYZ-FCO report yet.
Thanks!

I posted some quick thoughts a few posts back. Bottom line: vastly superior to the MXP experience, on board and on the ground in Italy.

dhacker

Jul 13, 06, 4:20 pm

Have a good trip, dhacker! If you get a chance, could you please post your YYZ-FCO experience? AFAIK, while there have been a few YYZ-MXP reports, we haven't had a YYZ-FCO report yet.
Thanks!

I'll try to post something at my earliest opportunity. There may have been something posted over in trip reports, though. Not bringing a laptop, but I'm sure I'll visit an Internet Cafe or two.

dhacker

Jul 13, 06, 4:25 pm

I posted some quick thoughts a few posts back. Bottom line: vastly superior to the MXP experience, on board and on the ground in Italy.

I found this:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6013929&postcount=7245

Is there another?

jpdx

Jul 13, 06, 4:29 pm

I just spoked to a Travelocity.ca CSR and was told that once the airline modifies your file, Travelocity washes it hands of it so this step apparently isn't necessary if booked through them. Anyone care to confirm one way or the other?

Slightly OT (but then again, nothing is really OT in this thread), which methods do TAs use to follow schedule changes? Do they keep track of PNRs, and check every day until departure? Are there sophisticated programs that monitor trips taken and changes made?

rgm18

Jul 13, 06, 4:31 pm

Though it is 17.5k with the AA mstercard, aa is now offering the flight from NY to Toronto, and any other flight below 750 miles on their planes, for 15000 miles RT.

Dates:
Travel between September 1, 2006 through February 28, 2007. Travel must be completed by February 28, 2007.

doesnt help me cause i needed to leave this summer and return in april, but thought it might be good for someone on this deal.

http://www.aa.com/apps/netSAAver/ViewPromotionsDetail.jhtml?repositoryId=16005402&repositoryName=PromotionContentRepository&itemDescriptor=PromotionContent

KVS

Jul 13, 06, 5:08 pm

Slightly OT (but then again, nothing is really OT in this thread), which methods do TAs use to follow schedule changes? Do they keep track of PNRs, and check every day until departure? Are there sophisticated programs that monitor trips taken and changes made?When the status of a segment changes, the TA gets an automatic notification to review the PNR, notify the PAX and the take the appropriate action (e.g. remove the invalid segments).

GUWonder

Jul 13, 06, 5:55 pm

how were you going to get into lebanon wit israeli stamps in your passport? i thought they dont let you....

The same as "usual": entering Lebanon without an Israeli stamp in the passport and going via a third country, Italy included. :o :D

rgm18

Jul 13, 06, 6:25 pm

do you have israel stamp in another piece of paper or something?

freaking rediculous lengths people have to go through...what a dumb policy for lebanon

The same as "usual": entering Lebanon without an Israeli stamp in the passport and going via a third country, Italy included. :o :D

brokeboy

Jul 13, 06, 11:08 pm

Lech

Jul 14, 06, 12:36 am

Can they not simply re-issue the ticket? I remember that I lost once a paper ticket (with BA?) and they replaced it against a hefty fee (of 100 USD?).

Mrp Alert

Jul 14, 06, 12:44 am

car will run you about $70/day, you have no choice but to take the prepaid gas option.

Hertz did not require me to take the prepaid gas option for my 1 day rental last month.

Lech

Jul 14, 06, 12:47 am

Which hotel was this? Would you recommend it to others?

If you are only for a short time in Larnaca and don't need a luxury hotel, you may want to stay in the San Remo Hotel (http://www.sanremo.com.cy/). @:-) Was anybody else there?

Jaimito Cartero

Jul 14, 06, 1:39 am

crap.

my tickets are lost in the mail. the airline policy is that they are never at fault for a lost ticket. unbelievable.

only recourse is to buy the ticket at full fare business class and in a minimum of 1 year, they will refund me.

this makes 3 packages in a row that have been lost or stolen.

If you've lost that many packages, then there is obviously a problem. I next day air'd my 3 tickets to Nicolo on Monday, he got on Tuesday. He sent them back in my prepaid letter package the same day, and I got them today.

I wouldn't risk sending them in the mail to save a few bucks, or have them delivered somewhere I'd be afraid they'd be ripped off.

HeathrowGuy

Jul 14, 06, 5:54 am

brokeboy

Jul 14, 06, 7:17 am

Did you send the tickets via Express Mail or at least certified return receipt?

tickets have a delivery confirm, but it hasn't been located in NYC yet. despite the delivered status.

Ive emailed orbitz, and another person has called Nicolo regarding the lost tickets.

Orbitz replied that I can go to a ticket counter and pay 100 bucks for Lost Ticket Affidavit. Alitalia says that they will issue a ticket only after buying a replacement ticket and waiting for a corporate refund. wonder which party is correct.

Guess I'll find out which is correct when I try later. hope its not the later

HeathrowGuy

Jul 14, 06, 7:20 am

tickets have a delivery confirm, but it hasn't been located in NYC yet. despite the delivered status.

Ive emailed orbitz, and another person has called Nicolo regarding the lost tickets.

Orbitz replied that I can go to a ticket counter and pay 100 bucks for Lost Ticket Affidavit. Alitalia says that they will issue a ticket only after buying a replacement ticket and waiting for a corporate refund. wonder which party is correct.

Guess I'll find out which is correct when I try later. hope its not the later

The rules of the issuing airline apply.

lesenok

Jul 14, 06, 12:25 pm

Lech

Jul 14, 06, 12:43 pm

How long are our tickets valid? Is it one year from date of issue (hence until April 5, 2007) or is there another date set by Alitalia?

beaubo

Jul 14, 06, 12:54 pm

How long are our tickets valid? Is it one year from date of issue (hence until April 5, 2007) or is there another date set by Alitalia?

1 yr. from date of issue....correct

MrHalliday

Jul 14, 06, 1:19 pm

Finishing up my first run, am in Milan overnight,
on arrival at Milan Central train station,
I realized there was a TAXI STRIKE on,
as another poster had warned happens occasionally.
So had to walk to Hotel Sempione. :td:

beaubo

Jul 14, 06, 1:26 pm

1. Unused tickets (round trip only) are refundable, whether reissued or not. Tickets are refundable within one year from the date of issuance of the original ticket.

2. Lost tickets are not refundable, (whether the ticket is lost prior to/ or after commencement of travel). In case passenger decides to purchase a new ticket to travel due to original ticket lost, no refund will apply on the new set of ticket. No need to file LTA with the airline.

Please contact me directly for any questions related to refunds/ date changes, etc…

Sincerely,

Nicolo` <last name removed>
Tariffs Analyst

350 Fifth Avenue

Suite 3700

New York, NY 10118

Tel: 212-903-3571

MOD- PLEASE ADD TO FIRST PAGE UPDATED INFO. THANKS.

beaubo

Jul 14, 06, 1:28 pm

[COLOR=Red]1. Unused tickets (round trip only) are refundable, whether reissued or not. Tickets are refundable within one year from the date of issuance of the original ticket.

2. Lost tickets are not refundable, (whether the ticket is lost prior to/ or after commencement of travel). In case passenger decides to purchase a new ticket to travel due to original ticket lost, no refund will apply on the new set of ticket. No need to file LTA with the airline.

Please contact me directly for any questions related to refunds/ date changes, etc….

I would strongly recommend that any future shipping to/from AZ be done via UPS or Fed Ex or DHL where there is miniscule risk of lost mail. Well worth the investment.

YVR Cockroach

Jul 14, 06, 3:05 pm

Well, at least a couple people in this thread reported that Orbitz told them the same thing, and you see how that's gone...

I called Travelocity.ca again (they seem to use reps based in country) who told me that there's a note on the records saying AZ has taken control and they don't modify it from there. Hope that remains true.

angus1999

Jul 14, 06, 3:13 pm

Dovster

Jul 14, 06, 4:05 pm

For those of you travelling to TLV/BEY region, might be interested in up to the minute news about what is happening there on the ground being given by a Flyertalker living right on the border with Lebanon and a Lebanese counterpart in Beirut.

FlyerTalk scoops the world with news report! (http://://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=563147&page=1&pp=40)

My own personal estimate of the situation: If you have plans to visit Beirut anytime this month, it would be best to cancel them. Right now the airport is closed so you couldn't visit even if you wanted to. I would also give the city at least two weeks after the fighting stops to make the minimal repairs necessary to its infrastructure before going there.

If you have plans to visit Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, you should face no problems. However, if you want to visit the north of the country (from Haifa up) I would suggest that you cancel them. As things stand right now, however, going there should be no problem as soon as the fighting stops.

jpdx

Jul 14, 06, 4:14 pm

brokeboy

Jul 14, 06, 4:21 pm

I would strongly recommend that any future shipping to/from AZ be done via UPS or Fed Ex or DHL where there is miniscule risk of lost mail. Well worth the investment.

agree. no more penny pinching. errr.....

GUWonder

Jul 14, 06, 5:11 pm

Is anyone who is in Cyprus right now finding any problems due to the war? We hear Cyprus is the dropping off point for all MEA flights rescheduled from BEY.
Is it likely that Cyprus will become a no go zone for travelers any time soon?
If so, I wonder if Nicolo will let us reschedule more than once due to the situation???

Cyprus will be fine as usual, but hotels and other things "visitor"-related will become busier than usual. It's not just MEA's workaround in play here potentially. The US government's evacuation plans include, amongst other routes, getting people over to Cyprus and on their way from there too. That may well mean a swelling in hotel bookings and flights from Cyprus to places beyond. As it is now, Damascus has gotten plenty busy as a result, but if past history is repeated, the next thing to get real busy would be Cyprus.

dhacker

Jul 14, 06, 5:55 pm

agree. no more penny pinching. errr.....

I'd leave DHL off that list. They recently lost a package on its way to my daughter and refused to lift a finger to contact the sender (Apple). They said they only respond to the shipper. It was a hassle that we had to to their work and get the shipper to contact DHL.

UCSBCHRIS2002

Jul 14, 06, 6:38 pm

I spoke to Nicolo about an hour ago concerning this matter. He said that all my segments were showing up in his system but that he would contact CT about the missing segment. About one hour later, I received my complete itinerary from CT via email and I went to CT website and my complete itinerary shows up. I would have to say Im really am happy with how Nicolo has helped me and others throughout this process. :)

Dear Ucsbchris2002,

Your CheapTickets flight reservation could not be confirmed by Alitalia and has
been cancelled. Your credit card will not be charged for this reservation.

What should I do. I fly out on the 27th and I spoke to Nicolo about this ticket yesterday???

dhacker

Jul 14, 06, 6:41 pm

Dear Ucsbchris2002,

Your CheapTickets flight reservation could not be confirmed by Alitalia and has
been cancelled. Your credit card will not be charged for this reservation.

What should I do. I fly out on the 27th and I spoke to Nicolo about this ticket yesterday???

First I'd call AZ and see if they still have the rez. Then I'd call Orbitz and insist they reinstate the record. Good luck -- you may need it.

UCSBCHRIS2002

Jul 14, 06, 7:00 pm

Dear Ucsbchris2002,

Your CheapTickets flight reservation could not be confirmed by Alitalia and has
been cancelled. Your credit card will not be charged for this reservation.

What should I do. I fly out on the 27th and I spoke to Nicolo about this ticket yesterday???

Called Alitalia and they show that CT canceled my ticket today. Im on the phone with CT and they are contacting Alitalia about it. Lets hope this works.

UCSBCHRIS2002

Jul 14, 06, 8:12 pm

Called Alitalia and they show that CT canceled my ticket today. Im on the phone with CT and they are contacting Alitalia about it. Lets hope this works.

Well, CT contacted Alitalia and the agent said that I have to wait until monday because the office that they need to speak to is already closed for the day. She said for me to call back on monday and that she referred this matter to a supervisor. What are my chances?? Do you think Nicolo will read his emails while on vacation?? Do you think he will check his voicemail? I really hope that this all clears up.

L1011...N/StoHNL!

Jul 14, 06, 10:00 pm

I'd leave DHL off that list. They recently lost a package on its way to my daughter and refused to lift a finger to contact the sender (Apple). They said they only respond to the shipper. It was a hassle that we had to to their work and get the shipper to contact DHL.

Funny (not) that something similar happened to us courtesy of DHL. My wife was expecting her iPod to be returned from Apple. The DHL delivery didn't come on the day promised. Online it said "held for customer pickup". Called DHL, they claimed it had been missed on the truck. They "attempted" delivery the next day, with the driver stopping in front of the house, and running up the driveway, apparently hoping no one was home. My wife opened the door, and the driver gave her the package and hurried back to the truck. My wife felt the package, and realized it was far too light for an iPod. Then she noticed it had been ripped open. She called after the driver, and started down the driveway to inquire about the pilfered package. The driver was ignorant ... or claimed ignorance. DHL did nothing to rectify. Apple said they had similar problems reported to them from the DC area!!

HeathrowGuy

Jul 14, 06, 10:08 pm

Well, CT contacted Alitalia and the agent said that I have to wait until monday because the office that they need to speak to is already closed for the day. She said for me to call back on monday and that she referred this matter to a supervisor. What are my chances?? Do you think Nicolo will read his emails while on vacation?? Do you think he will check his voicemail? I really hope that this all clears up.

Mr. Pepe in Toronto can help you on Monday if it's an absolute emergency. So can the YYZ ticket counter.

javabean

Jul 14, 06, 10:40 pm

a question, just to make sure, when you transfer from YYZ-MXP to MXP-LCA at MXP there is no passport control, you stay in the international zone, right?

YVR Cockroach

Jul 14, 06, 10:45 pm

a question, just to make sure, when you transfer from YYZ-MXP to MXP-LCA at MXP there is no passport control, you stay in the international zone, right?

yes, just go through transit security.

YYZC2

Jul 14, 06, 10:59 pm

Mr. Pepe in Toronto can help you on Monday if it's an absolute emergency. So can the YYZ ticket counter.

Are you sure about the YYZ option? I happen to know a few of the reps there, as well as having had to deal with others, and I get the feeling most of them are on tenterhooks regarding these tickets.

They will (reluctantly) sticker tickets to match current PNRs but I would not plan on getting someone at YYZ making material changes to any itinerary without getting clearance from above (way above).

dhacker

Jul 14, 06, 11:03 pm

YYZC2 you've got mail amd PM.

javabean

Jul 14, 06, 11:05 pm

yes, just go through transit security.
thanks!

HeathrowGuy

Jul 15, 06, 7:39 am

Are you sure about the YYZ option? I happen to know a few of the reps there, as well as having had to deal with others, and I get the feeling most of them are on tenterhooks regarding these tickets.

They will (reluctantly) sticker tickets to match current PNRs but I would not plan on getting someone at YYZ making material changes to any itinerary without getting clearance from above (way above).

That is likely correct - hence my assertion that it should only be used in an emergency if Nicolo or Mr. Pepe is not available.

DeltaFlyingProf

Jul 15, 06, 8:47 am

a question, just to make sure, when you transfer from YYZ-MXP to MXP-LCA at MXP there is no passport control, you stay in the international zone, right?

yes, just go through transit security.
Incorrect. There is passport control. You are entering the EU in MXP. Same as when you are transfering from outside US to a US flight. The difference is that you do not get custom control as, in Europe, baggage tags have green background if they were checked in inside the EU, allowing the custom agent in LCA to know you are not coming from the EU, since your tags from YYZ will be on purely white background.

senoreit

Jul 15, 06, 11:17 am

Question for those who have had their reservations changed/revised by Nicolo, is it normal for the itinerary to show "cancelled" on the TA (Orbitz/CT) website for a brief period of time after making the changes before becoming active again and the new flights popping in, or should the reservation stay "active" the whole time? Do the new flights generally show up on Orbitz quickly or does it take a day or two?

As always, thanks!

UCSBCHRIS2002

Jul 15, 06, 11:50 am

DeltaFlyingProf

Jul 15, 06, 12:12 pm

SanDiego1K

Jul 15, 06, 12:26 pm

Lech

Jul 15, 06, 1:05 pm

After Nicolo changed mine, Orbitz never showed the correct flights but I was told not to worry and in fact everything went fine.

Same situation here. I got my tickets changed but the Cheaptickets website still shows the old journey.

hauteboy

Jul 15, 06, 1:20 pm

A heads up for those in Cyprus or about to go to Cyprus: CNN is reporting that the US is negotiating with Israel to allow them to rebuild one runway at the Beirut Airport to get evacuees out. The plans are for them to be flown to Cyprus and then take regularly scheduled flights out. Be careful to arrive in time for your flights, as you might have difficulty in getting any rescheduled.

Also good mentioning is this is high season in Cyprus and the airport can get VERY busy esp. on weekends, so allow for plenty of time if flying to another destination. Most of the zoo is due to charter flights, but it can still cause delays at security/immigration.

We're currently back in Cyprus for a few days after spending two weeks in Greece.

YVR Cockroach

Jul 15, 06, 1:34 pm

Incorrect. There is passport control. You are entering the EU in MXP. Same as when you are transfering from outside US to a US flight. The difference is that you do not get custom control as, in Europe, baggage tags have green background if they were checked in inside the EU, allowing the custom agent in LCA to know you are not coming from the EU, since your tags from YYZ will be on purely white background.

It's you who are wrong unless Cyprus implemented Schengen within the past month. You'd be correct IF your destination (and further intermediate points) are Treaty of Schengen treaty nations. Flying into Italy and going directly to Cyprus, you may have landed in the E.U. but you are not flying into a Schengen treaty nation (none of the 10 new members + U.K. & Ireland are in Schengen) so flights between Canada and Cyprus are flights between non-Schengen nations. Flights to Cyprus are thus from non-Schengen gates. No immigration into Italy unless you choose to go out landside (or to the Schengen gates).

You'll notice that if you fly from the U.K. to a E.U. member country in Schengen or v-v you have to go through passport controls at either end.

Another point to mention (it's been hashed a few times earlier on FT) is that not all Schengen treaty nations are members of the E.U. (those being Iceland and Norway) and not all E.U. member countries have signed on to and implemented Schengen (namely U.K. and Ireland).

fly co to see the yanks

Jul 15, 06, 2:11 pm

tenterhooks

great word choice. :)

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/tenterhooks

senoreit

Jul 15, 06, 2:24 pm

Well, sure enough, my Orbitz itinerary just popped back in with the correct, revised flights. One last question (hopefully - okay, who am I kidding, this probably won't be my last question): I don't have much experience when it comes to dealing with dubious Italian airline agents...when I go to the airport to try to have my tickets reissued, what is the most effective way to ask for what I want? Do I just say that my itinerary has changed and ask them if I can exchange my old tickets for tickets for my new itinerary? I want to try to avoid saying anything more than is necessary as I'm quite confident that I will turn into a stammering idiot. I know the whole thing probably looks like a mess when they pull up these records, are they likely to ask me who authorized these changes, and if so, what do I tell them? If worse comes to worst and they refuse to do it for me, I know I can always just send them to Nicolo...

ohioflyer

Jul 15, 06, 3:13 pm

At MIA last month, all I needed to do was smile and say that I had tickets that needed to be reissued. Nicolo had noted in my record that I would be appearing at the MIA ticket counter for this purpose, and everything went smoothly. (And when they printed up an itinerary summary in addition to new tickets, I got to read all of the notes in the PNR. It was actually less of a mess than I thought it might be. :) )

Well, sure enough, my Orbitz itinerary just popped back in with the correct, revised flights. One last question (hopefully - okay, who am I kidding, this probably won't be my last question): I don't have much experience when it comes to dealing with dubious Italian airline agents...when I go to the airport to try to have my tickets reissued, what is the most effective way to ask for what I want? Do I just say that my itinerary has changed and ask them if I can exchange my old tickets for tickets for my new itinerary? I want to try to avoid saying anything more than is necessary as I'm quite confident that I will turn into a stammering idiot. I know the whole thing probably looks like a mess when they pull up these records, are they likely to ask me who authorized these changes, and if so, what do I tell them? If worse comes to worst and they refuse to do it for me, I know I can always just send them to Nicolo...

DeltaFlyingProf

Jul 15, 06, 11:46 pm

It's you who are wrong unless Cyprus implemented Schengen within the past month. You'd be correct IF your destination (and further intermediate points) are Treaty of Schengen treaty nations. Flying into Italy and going directly to Cyprus, you may have landed in the E.U. but you are not flying into a Schengen treaty nation (none of the 10 new members + U.K. & Ireland are in Schengen) so flights between Canada and Cyprus are flights between non-Schengen nations. Flights to Cyprus are thus from non-Schengen gates. No immigration into Italy unless you choose to go out landside (or to the Schengen gates).

You'll notice that if you fly from the U.K. to a E.U. member country in Schengen or v-v you have to go through passport controls at either end.

Another point to mention (it's been hashed a few times earlier on FT) is that not all Schengen treaty nations are members of the E.U. (those being Iceland and Norway) and not all E.U. member countries have signed on to and implemented Schengen (namely U.K. and Ireland).
Yes, you are right on that, I guess I did not think about Schengen, yet my reply was driven by experience because I went through MXP to go to LCA less than a month ago and had to go through passport control. I took another flight ex-FCO 5 days later to a Schengen country and yet it had a non schengen gate. So do not count on it. It seems in FCO Schengen or non Schengen is meaningless....

And in any case, try in BRU and even if you arrive from Schengen countries, I have always had passport control.

formentura

Jul 16, 06, 12:25 am

Everyone ok? With the war going on in Lebanon.....

Does AZ have a biz class lounge at YYZ, or do they offer the KL one instead?

YYZC2

Jul 16, 06, 12:26 am

Everyone ok? With the war going on in Lebanon.....

Does AZ have a biz class lounge at YYZ, or do they offer the KL one instead?

Neither. They contract the Air Canada lounge.

phoney

Jul 16, 06, 9:51 am

Everyone ok? With the war going on in Lebanon.....

I am scheduled to be in Cyprus from Mon, Jul 24, 2006 to Thu, Aug 3, 2006. Based on news reports it looks like there is going to be evacuations happening through Cyprus during this time period. Do you think it is going to be a zoo? I can't imagine Cyprus would be used to handling this type of heavy traffic. Do you think there will be any safety concerns from the war or is it far enough away? We were looking forward to getting away for a relatively quiet trip but it does not look like that will be the case. Is anyone else traveling soon? I actually really want to go to Cyprus, but with all of this going on do you think they may let the Cyprus section drop if it is that overcrowded? Bad time for Niccolo to be out of town. I actually booked the dates and routing that I really wanted so I have not needed him before but getting a little unsure now. Would love to hear from people there or people going soon.

formentura

Jul 16, 06, 10:03 am

is the runway at lca long enough to handle intercontinental flights?

HeathrowGuy

Jul 16, 06, 10:07 am

I am scheduled to be in Cyprus from Mon, Jul 24, 2006 to Thu, Aug 3, 2006. Based on news reports it looks like there is going to be evacuations happening through Cyprus during this time period. Do you think it is going to be a zoo? I can't imagine Cyprus would be used to handling this type of heavy traffic. Do you think there will be any safety concerns from the war or is it far enough away? We were looking forward to getting away for a relatively quiet trip but it does not look like that will be the case. Is anyone else traveling soon? I actually really want to go to Cyprus, but with all of this going on do you think they may let the Cyprus section drop if it is that overcrowded? Bad time for Niccolo to be out of town. I actually booked the dates and routing that I really wanted so I have not needed him before but getting a little unsure now. Would love to hear from people there or people going soon.

FWIW, I've gotten the impression that those who get their ticket changes performed via Toronto directly continue to have the opportunity to drop the LCA segments altogether, whereas those who go through the USA offices are stuck with flying to LCA.

HeathrowGuy

Jul 16, 06, 10:09 am

is the runway at lca long enough to handle intercontinental flights?

Yes.

bostonbali

Jul 16, 06, 10:16 am

I am scheduled to be in Cyprus from Mon, Jul 24, 2006 to Thu, Aug 3, 2006. Based on news reports it looks like there is going to be evacuations happening through Cyprus during this time period. Do you think it is going to be a zoo? I can't imagine Cyprus would be used to handling this type of heavy traffic. Do you think there will be any safety concerns from the war or is it far enough away? We were looking forward to getting away for a relatively quiet trip but it does not look like that will be the case. Is anyone else traveling soon? I actually really want to go to Cyprus, but with all of this going on do you think they may let the Cyprus section drop if it is that overcrowded? Bad time for Niccolo to be out of town. I actually booked the dates and routing that I really wanted so I have not needed him before but getting a little unsure now. Would love to hear from people there or people going soon.

I wouldn't be overly concerned about the situation in Lebanon right now, Cyprus is far enough (relative to European distances) both geographically and in terms of the conflict. At most you may see more traffice at the airport, but I don't think the resorts will become overbooked. We're not talking about emptying out Israel and Lebanon to Cyprus, most likely large corporations will send away their delegates, etc. Most citizens of the affected countries will stay behind, and will try to live a normal life.
Take your vacation and enjoy it! It would be a shame to change your plans (especially since they're exactly what you wanted) because of this.