FCO airport - Breaking News

Thanks for the update Roberto!
It doesn't look good for all the summer travelers...

Whoa. That's huge. I'm glad we got out of there two weeks ago. It's just going to be a nightmare now.

Truthfully it was a mess two weeks ago when we flew out. So hopefully maybe this move will be better. Never thought I would see the day that I would have to climb steps to the top of a 777 with all my carry on luggage in tow. It is a little late for those who have had tickets for months to change. I know that I would not book another flight through FCO until this is all re done. Would be worth it to book through Milan. I know people may think I am whining, but it was a hard experience and there were a lot of much older travelers than us having to go through extensive security screening and go from buses to stairs to the Tarmac. At one point my husband and I were separated by him having to get pulled aside for a second random check, I ended up on a bus without him and just hoped we found each other at the other end. The bus I was on out on the Tarmac had to stop so a huge Air China jet taxied around us and I swear the wind barely crossed over the top of the bus. It was so crazy.

Judy, just a mention that the same experience can happen at other airports for any number of reasons. Our latest was with a delayed international flight in Munich a week ago, and my guess is that they didn't have an open gate so had to load from the tarmac. Yep, lots of stairs down, buses to the aircraft, and stairs into the plane. They did offer assistance to anyone who thought they needed it. Also happened to us in Denver last year because of a jetway problem.

Man this is rough, but it can't be worse than the SEVEN HOURS I sat IN THE PLANE on the tarmac at Heathrow last year, only to have them cancel the flight AND lose my fiance's bag. What a day that was...

I keep reading about the mess at FCO, but everything I read talks about 'departures'. Does this mean that the closing of Terminal 3 is not affecting arrivals? I am travelling in mid-September and arriving at FCO from the US on United. Fortunately, I am departing from Venice.
Any information would be greatly appreciated.

We arrived at FCO a couple of weeks ago on United from Chicago. The aircraft parked at the hardstand, we deplaned down the stairs to the ramp and were taken by bus to T5 for passport control. No significant delay.

We were on an open-jaw itinerary, so we did not get to sample the departure procedure at FCO.

I would give it a try and call and see if you can speak with a supervisor. But after what I just experienced in Rome I think it will be random as to what happens with all the airlines. You just have to prepare yourself for anything. I would suggest packing carefully in the idea that you may have to carry your luggage every where. Or just decide to check your bags. Security was also very random, you just had to wait and see what they wanted you to do. They seemed to choose different random things for everyone.

Pat, I wouldn't expect any compensation for a bad seat or less desirable route given that the airline is not at fault for the closure of the Rome terminal. I suspect your original flight to AMS was probably canceled and they are getting you on an alternate flight home. If so, you are pretty fortunate to be getting out on your original day of travel. I'd try to check in online as sometimes seats open up. You can ask when you arrive at the airport if there is anyway they can seat you together. Be as polite as possible to the agent when asking if there is any possibility that they can seat you together. It is my experience that being nice is far more likely to get you something better than yelling.

Personally, I wouldn't waste any of your precious vacation time stressing about this or calling the airline (unless you want to change your travel date).

In September, flying in and out of Rome,FCO on British Airways via Heathrow , reward travel sept 12 , any reccomendations , return on Sept 29

Pat

I cannot believe you are not able to see the extenuating circumstances and accept the situation for what it is.

Instead you want to complain about and screw money out of the airline.

Still, everything in life has to be someone else's fault doesn't it?