FCO- boarding an earlier connecting flight on Alitalia?

Posted by PeggyinMI (Michigan) on 04/23/19 08:58 PM

I am flying Air Canada to Rome and Alitalia to Palermo on one ticket. Alitalia has a flight from FCO to PMO that we could "possibly" make, but I chose the later flight as the connection was so tight. I'm wondering if the earlier Alitalia flight has availability, if it would be possible to get on that flight. Can anyone advise how we would best attempt this? Is there an Alitalia desk or rep available when we arrive in Terminal 3, that may be able to assist? The connecting flight would be out of Terminal 1. I did see a post about this, but cannot locate that post now.

Also, I would be interested in doing this only if we do not have to pay a change fee/fare increase.

Thanks for any insight or advice.

Posted by Frank

Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA

04/23/19 09:48 PM

23652 posts

The only thing you can do would be to go directly to the gate counter and beg !!! I would not go to the check-in counter at the airport. The people out front are interested in collecting money. The people at the gate counter are interested in getting the plane loaded and out of there.

Posted by Southam

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

04/23/19 09:54 PM

4093 posts

Air Canada and Alitalia are not part of the same airline alliances. However, Air Canada does show Alitalia as “interline” partner which means AC may sell the other airline's tickets for connections. Here is the list:
https://www.aircanada.com/content/aircanada/ca/en/aco/home/book/routes-and-partners/star-alliance-and-other-airline-partners.html

This should also mean you get your boarding passes for the flights together. There is the rub: You have a seat assignment, which doesn't apply to an earlier flight. And, probably, your checked luggage is en route for the later flight. So a lot of adjustments may have to be made at the interim airport.

I wouldn't bet on it but it could happen, if time for searching out the luggage is adequate. If not, be prepared for a pleasant interlude before the later flight, walking the corridors to work off fatigue, dining from a menu of your own choice, shopping, and most of all being on schedule and calm.

Posted by Philip

🏝️ Hobe Sound, FL⛱️

04/23/19 10:46 PM

3300 posts

I had that happen to me going to Sardinia. I went to the customer service counter (right next to the check-in counter) for Alitalia in Terminal 1 and it took less than 5 minutes. They switched me to an earlier flight with no hassles or fees saving me a 3 hour layover. Can’t say the same will happen to you but it’s worth a try. The worst that will happen is they say “No.” Then it’s time for a panini and an espresso.

Posted by PeggyinMI OP

Michigan

04/24/19 01:30 PM

21 posts

Thanks for the input, all.

We are only going to attempt the earlier flight if we carry on. If we check bags, they will be checked through to Sicily, and we will take the later flight.

Philip, in Terminal 1, did you need to leave the secured area to access the customer service desk? I'm wondering if there is a customer service desk in the Terminal where we do not need to leave the secured area?