Italo trains---policies on changing a reservation

Lola,

Unfortunately, I don't have a definite answer to your question as I'm still "learning" how Italo works. I imagine you've seen their website section describing ticket terms....

http://www.italotreno.it/EN/contacts-info/FAQ/Pages/Ticketsandprices.aspx

One thing that may apply to your situation is the question, "Can I board a different Italo train than the one I booked." The answer states, "Yes, only if you travel earlier on the same route. You will be asked to pay the difference between the price of the ticket in your possession and the applicable Bordo ticket price."

I suspect that a change will involve both a supplement to cover the cost of changing, as well as an adjustment in price to whatever the lowest class of ticket is that they have available at the time (whether it's Base fare or other). In the same situation, the method I might use is to go to an Italo booth at the nearest station as soon as possible after arriving in Italy and well in advance of the rail trips you've booked. As I recall, the staff speak English so you should be able to resolve the situation on-the-spot (rather than dealing with it over the phone, at great cost).

Good luck!

Thanks, Ken. It is all very interesting. I see that FAQ page says that the fee to change an Economy ticket is 10% of the ticket price ---yet the section I found (I didn't copy the link but it is in the section describing the fare structure, specifically Economy fares) says 20%. I suppose it is a work in progress.

But you link seems to suggest that if we wait to make the change ( in October) we will be bumped up to the lowest fare class existing at that time. I assume the Economy tickets will be gone, or at least some of them. We need five. So if that is the case, we would be better off with the expensive phone call now versus a greater change fee for five tickets later.

Standard practice across most train companies is that they refund the first ticket, less 20% fee, and allow or facilitate your purchase of a new ticket at whatever fare is currently available. "Bordo" rate sounds to me like a higher rate for paying onboard or on the platform, higher than Base fare.

And the answer is . . . Drum roll.... Changes can be made online, easily. Cost was 20% and we got the same class of service, no extra charge. Nice.

So does that mean you can see the Bernini sculptures without worrying now?

It does---provided I can get to them before my view is blocked by taller people. Maybe I should wear my track shoes and sprint? But I suppose that running in the galleries is frowned upon.

I've been to the Borghese a number of times and loved it every time. Generally when the starting gun is fired everybody makes a beeline (why is it called that? Bees travel in anything but a straight line!!) for the Bernini sculptures, stay there a while and then move on to other rooms and upstairs. We usually go in the opposite direction and then circle around to the two or three favourites after the crowd thins.

By the way, my wife is 5'11" and has really enjoyed every visit there...