Alitalia "codeshare"

Linda,

First of all, I'm a bit curious on why you're flying from Rome to Florence? That's an easy trip by train and with the "layover time", flying will probably take considerably longer!

Based on your description, it sounds like you'll be flying Delta to Rome and then Alitalia to Florence. On a codeshare flight, your luggage should follow you directly to Florence. However, given the Alitalia reputation for "misplacing" luggage, I wouldn't count on it.

My suggestion would be to go back to your travel agent and find a flight just to Rome. Travel from there to Florence by train, as it's very easy.

Good luck!

You will have to get your luggage in Rome where you will go through immigration and customs. Right after those two, Alitalia will have a check in desk/luggage drop off for the connecting flight.

Since Rome is where you enter Schengen and your final destination is in Italy, you will go through customs and immigration there. Rome to Florence is a domestic flight so there is no customs or immigration on arrival in Florence.

I wouldn't fly ANY Italian airline under ANY circumstances. OK, if the volcano was erupting and it was my only way out of town...... Their service is lousy, and they are always on strike. TOTALLY undependable. They always seem to be on the verge of bankruptcy, and I don't think any travel insurance will cover Alitalia. I would change airlines if you can, or better yet, take the train from Rome to Florence. See the countryside.

Frank, thanks for the immigration info-I had totally forgotten about that.

Changing airlines is not an option-this trip was a gift.