Alitalia MilleMiglia - Xfer to Alitalia @ FCO

I will be flying in to FCO on USAir in October. I've been to FCO several times, but have never xferred to another airline. This time, we will be catching a flight to Venice (Marco Polo) after we arrive.

We will be arriving around 9:00 a.m.; Venice flight doesn't depart until 1:00 p.m.

We will be carrying on to our USAirways flight (small roller and one backpack each).

I'm looking at the FCO website and trying to figure out how to get from termial to terminal, and understand what everything will look like for us.

I know we'll go through customs when we arrive at Terminal 3 and that we will need to get to Terminal 1.

I see this posted on the FCO website, and it is a bit confusing to me:
"For passengers connecting within the Schengen Countries (from and to Terminals 1 and 3) security checks are not required. However, those who are coming from an Italian or Non-Schengen departure point (Terminals 1 - 3) and are departing for an intercontinental or Non-Schengen Country destination (Terminal 3, Boarding Areas G and H) and vice versa, must undergo a passport check by the Border Police. Customs checks are conducted at the discretion of Customs Officers. There is also a required security check for transfer passengers from Non-Schengen Countries to all destinations."

I assume we will go through security when we get ready to go to Venice, correct?

The Alitalia website is also a bit confusing to me with respect to what I can carry on, what can be checked and the fees for both. It looks like I'll end up checking our roller bags due to carry on restrictions; is that correct?

I hope these aren't (too) dumb of questions...trying to figure it all out.

From what I understand you will need to go through Customs and undergo a security check. The security check will be the typical Shengen one - a simple check for liquids and sharp objects.

Don't worry though. You will have plénty of time to transfer and enjoy yourself at FCO. Four hours is enough to also take it easy for a while in the lounge (In case you fly business or hold an Elite+ membership).

Thanks.

I have a USAirways Club membership as does my wife. I am a top tier on US, but that is Star Alliance and I don't know that does much for me in FCO.

I'll have to try to figure out the lounges; that would be a great way to kill time as opposed to sitting around the boarding area.

I assume we will go through security when we get ready to go to Venice, correct?

Security and then immigration.


The Alitalia website is also a bit confusing to me with respect to what I can carry on, what can be checked and the fees for both. It looks like I'll end up checking our roller bags due to carry on restrictions; is that correct?


Carry on: 1 piece 35*25*55 (max 8kg) + 1 additional small item, eg. small handbag, pc, pc bag etc. If your backpack is small, that's fine, otherwise they may check them in.

I'll have to try to figure out the lounges; that would be a great way to kill time as opposed to sitting around the boarding area.

If these flights are ticketed as AZ segments (=Alitalia) I give little chances for free lounge entrance without a Skyteam Elite+ card. However you could consider paid access - I read that this would be 25 euro in FCO. On the other hand, 25 euro is a lot for coffee and a few crisps..

A US origin flight will almost always arrive at the remote "Area G" (FCO now has seperate and inconsistent designations for the boarding areas and the terminal buildings). You take the people-mover to "Terminal 3", disembark, take the escalator downstairs and follow the signs for "Transit", which will require you and your luggage to pass through security. You will then be in the Departure area of T3, with a lot of shopping and food facilities. Follow the signs for "Terminals 1&2" until you come to Passport Control (foreign nationals stay to the left). Once through, locate your flight and the appropriate Boarding area. The last time I flew to VCE, it departed from T2, Area D -- ahead and to the left, but it could also leave from T1, Area B or C --to the right. Note that, if departing from Area C, there is also a lower level waiting area with more gates. You can move freely from one area to the other if you want to shop or get a bite to eat. Hope that helps.

...T2, Area D -- ...ahead and to the left, but it could also leave from T1, Area B or C --to the right...

Actually
T1 > Boarding areas (A) B
T2 > Boarding area C
T3 > Boarding areas D, (E, F), G, H

And it's not really inconsistent:
E & F are being built and it's the new councourse you can see from the T3 windows, between T3-D and T3-G.
A is a planned new concourse right of B.

So, in order not to change numbers and names again, and to keep a sort of right-to-left numbering, the airport company has put the numbers as the airport will be in future.

To the OP:
take a look at the picture on the top-right:
http://www.adr.it/en/c/document_library/get_file?uuid=7710ecf3-21ec-4e13-a72c-fc7c3014bdc9&groupId=18345

Right = T1-B
Left = T3-H

Transfers at FCO are beyond easy!

You'll arrive at T3. From there you'll walk through the terminal to the tram. You'll take it to the first stop which will be T1 and the B gates which is more than likely were your connecting flight will depart from. There will be a small security station here that you'll go through. Very quick and easy. From there you'll head through T1 to the B gates. This can be a little confusing, but just keep an eye for the signs and you'll be fine.

About halfway through (or at least that's how it felt to me) you'll come to passport control. They'll take a quick look at your passport and BP and you'll be on your way. From there it is a short walk to the gates. Don't stress it - easiest transfer of my life!

everything happens air side. You won't have to leave the terminals etc. As long as you follow the signs, it will be a piece of cake. I managed to do and I had 30 mins to catch my connecting flight.

Great info! Thank you!

Following up after our trip.

We had to get through passport control and customs, and then head out of the airport. We walked from Terminal 3 to Terminal 2, where Alitalia operates domestic flights. The terminal was almost eerily empty at 10:00 a.m. There was no one in the ticket line or the security line. By the time our flight left at 1:30 the pace was buzzing more, but man...we thought we were in the wrong spot. Security was a complete piece of cake. We did have to check one bag but it was free so no problem there. We had carried on to USAir forr TA flight so just know, you can't do gate checks or take two bags on to the Alitalia flights.

Glad your itinerary worked.:)

Indeed airports can be full or empty at unexpected times. For AZ at FCO the particularly busy times at check-in are usually more or less 7-9am and 7-9pm. The emptiest hours are mid-morning (9.30-11.30am) and early evening (5-7pm).