I thought I would give an update on my trip for anyone planning anything similar.

I was quoted a ridiculous amount by BA to change my flights from MXP-LCY to FCO-LHR I have forgotten how much exactly but >£1k so I had to politely decline and stick to my original plan.

My outbound flight LCY-FCO on AP was very good. Great seats and edible food in economy. There is no way it would ever be worth paying £200 pp extra on AP to fly in C just for a few alcoholic drinks.

Stayed at Cavalieri Hilton for 2 nights which we thought was OK, but outrageously expensive for what it is (if paying rather than redeeming points), especially contrasted with the (IMHO) better Lapa Palace in Lisbon.

We took a flight from FCO which seems much improved from my last visit some time ago to LIN (rather than MXP where the flights were £110 pp more expensive). AZ delivered my luggage 3 minutes after I landed in LIN and we were met by our driver (Airport-Shuttle) for the 40 minute €90 (inclusive) drive to MXP. This saved a great deal on the AZ flight and IMHO was pretty good value compared to arsing about with trains and buses.

At MXP (2.5 hours before departure) no check in desk was open, so I decided to take my chances and use SSCI and take my bag as hand luggage (no problem in the end). The only complimentary thing I can say about MXP is that the BA lounge is rather nice, certainly much nicer than the drab lounge in LIN.

Our return flight to LCY left on time, although we both felt that our C seats (1D and F) were much less comfortable than the the AP equivalents in Y (the RJ-70 has a 3-2 config thoughout the aircraft with AP). The food was also pretty poor and the drinks exactly the same (+ Monopole Blue Top) as my flight in Y to MAD ex LCY last week.

In conclusion I would definitely recommend Airport-Shuttle if you need to travel between LIN and MXP or vice versa, and would strongly recommend AP over BA for flights between LCY and MIL.