I just passed passport control and am at the boarding gate 2 hours ahead of time.Here are some tips to avoid stress if flying back from Milan Malpensa Airport (some of these are applicable to any international airport)
1. If possible stay at the Sheraton Hotel at Terminal 1 the night before. It is really nice and both United and Delta flights leave from that terminal so all you have to do is walk.
2. Currently the checkin counters do not open until 7 am so get there by 6:45. There was already a queue.
3. Have your paper version of your negative Covid results ready to show the agent at checkin
Posted by
OP
Chicago
7808 posts
4 Do not linger go straight to security try to set the example for those behind you and stick to social distancing clearly marked in red on the floors. There a lot of people that don't and will ride your heels possibly sneezing or coughing so have your rolling bag behind you if you don't want Covid.
Posted by
OP
Chicago
7808 posts
5 After you pass security do not linger go straight to Passport Control. It is further then you may think through a maze of Duty Free shops.
6 Once at passport control again even at 7:30 am there will be a queue with clearly marked for social distancing, continue to set the example by practicing it.
Posted by
OP
Chicago
7808 posts
7 At passport control take any hat off first and if possible have the passport open to page where you entered Schengen only if you have a lot of stamps.
8. Get some refreshments but remember be very careful (I am actually sitting at the boarding gate watching someone unaware with their mask down sticking their fingers in their mouth) and then stake out your spot next to a charger at the boarding gate and relax.
That's all
Posted by
Los Angeles
954 posts
Thank you Jazz & Travels!
We are flying United home but are still deciding between a 6:45 a.m. flight from Florence, or taking the train to Milan the night before and flying out of MXP.
Posted by
Davis CA
759 posts
Safe travels home!!! Thank you for taking the time to post your "on the ground' experience.
Posted by
OP
Chicago
7808 posts
Calimom
Milan airport is a much bigger airport than Florence and has direct flights to the USA. Florence does not have direct flights to the USA. So if you don't want to have to connect to another city in Europe to fly back home fly out of Milan or Rome or Venice.