RedRobin

Hi all, new to this sub-forum (not to FT) as I never used ITA (or Alitalia) before...

Flying ZRH-FCO (AZ573) and onto FCO-GIG (AZ672) in late December, return early January ( AZ673 / AZ572 ). booked Premium economy.

Wondering what to expect/questions:

- check in: can I use premium desk, or just economy desk?
- security: can I use premium lane, or just economy lane?
- boarding: is there a separate call for PE?
- Is the "international" leg on a Airbus A330-200 (332) or a "NEO"...? and how "bad" will it be if its the older not the newer?
- Also for connection, super tight... 70min on outbound and 95 +/- on inbound... given its winter, de-icing, delays... am I "ok" or most likely will face stress/lost flights...? (i know.. no crystal ball.. but just wondering..)
- Last but not least... connection,... do I need to clear security check/xray again in FCO on one/both ways... or only passport control? is it "speedy" with a EU passport?

Thanks in advance for any input/suggestions...

RedRobin

bump.. anyone? thanks in advance...

TATLTAIL

So much is up in the air about ITA and their procedures (pun somewhat intended), with fluctuating hard and soft product offerings. Your equipment is probably to change 2-3x before your actual departure date. If you are on an 330-200, there is a dedicated Premium Eco cabin: it is tired, as is that fleet, but in theory matches other W class offerings. If you end up on a 350, there is no W (PE); the 339 has a newer W (PE). Regardless, the PE soft product is variable, having been calqued from AZ/Alitalia.
- check in, security: yes (in theory) on using SkyPrority, at least at FCO. Your ZRH-FCO flight will be in economy, so it depends on how it was ticketed: always worth attempting.
- boarding: it depends. From ZHR-FCO, as above - if your BP says "SkyPriority", you'll be on in the first pack. From FCO, it's hit-or-miss depending upon the boarding personnel. A smile and friendliness will take you far.
- connecting in FCO is relatively easy if all is on time. From inter-Schengen you'll need to make your way to the E gates, re-screen and go through pass control. Reverse process on arrival to FCO. I've done it all in 20 minutes, multiple times, connecting from LAX, LHR, JFK, TLV to domestic flights, which are functionally the same as internal Schengen ones: I have an EU passport and my partner doesn't - he's usually through faster than me, but never had a problem.

RedRobin

Thanks for the nice answer/info. This above is the only "scary" part... what happens with PE passengers who paid for PE ticket if they go onto plane with no PE? C? Y? scary.... ;-) thanks...