I did LHR-FCO and return in '96. Wife had a free return as an extension of MEL-LHR-MEL (also a free LHR-CDG-LHR which, incidentally was on a recently introduced 777), for me it was a cheap way of getting on the same flight as the wife.

A number of things stand-out (IIRC):

1. Had to be at each airport about 2hrs prior to departure and "check-in" at the courier-desk
2. "Rules' stipulated no hand-luggage and had to be dressed smart-casual
3. Nothing to carry outbound
4. Had an awful time at FCO trying to locate the Courier Desk/Office, had been given directions at LHR but they weren't accurate and I don't speak Italian. Went from place-to-place including the BA Check-In counters and a freight office - no-one could identify the place I needed.
Finally, in desperation, I asked a Nun who was checking-in amongst a group whether she spoke English, she did and as I explained to her - and she interpreted to one of the airport staff - what I was looking for, a massive group formed around us, more airport staff, more Nuns etc etc.
My wife - stood over by the wall, thought this was hilarious and tried to take a photo - at which point she was approached by the airport police ... for some reason photography was "discouraged". I saw this, I also saw a courier come through a door, I ducked out of the scrum as the conversation amongst everyone else continued, asked the courier if he spoke English - he did - asked him if he usually brought stuff to the airport for BA - he did (or he didn't understand me!) - asked him if he had anything today - he didn't.

So I called it a day, went back to the BA desks, checked-in and we headed to the gates.

As far as I know, the Nuns are still discussing things with the airport staff.

Regards,

BD