Help! We have a 6:00 a.m. flight out of Marco Polo Airport in Venice. I just contacted the hotel where we are staying (only 500 meters from the airport) and they said that their shuttle starts at 4:30 because the airport just doesn't open before then. I've looked everywhere, but can't find out how many hours in advance one should be at the airport in Venice. Can anyone give me some advice??? We just have too much luggage to "hoof it" over to the airport!
Posted by
OP
Hudson, Iowa
11 posts
Kate, We are traveling with KLM/Northwest. I was hoping that might be the case with the Marco Polo Airport - - that its size would mean checking in with 1.5 hours would be sufficient. Seeing you post that is a relief, but i may send a note to the airport as an inquiry just to be sure!
Posted by
OP
Hudson, Iowa
11 posts
Jarrod - - thanks for looking. I was getting the same feeling when i checked out the maps and the airport - - it seemed like every hotel, even though it was technically in walking distance, was hindered by the freeway - - in fact, i read about that freeway in someone's assessment of the hotel. Hopefully, Kate is correct and the shorter time won't be a problem.
Posted by
Carslbad, CA, USA
103 posts
I was in a bit of a panic til I found out Marco Polo doesn't even open it's doors til 4:30. They would not book such early flights out of there if they couldn't accomodate the travelers.. By all means double check if it will help you "piano" through your holiday. When are you going?
Posted by
White Bear Lake, MN, USA
479 posts
Yeah, pack less. That's only about two or three city blocks! If you're not having to walk on a freeway to get there, then two or three blocks should be nothing. If your luggage is preventing you from walking that far then you're bringing too much luggage.
Posted by
OP
Hudson, Iowa
11 posts
unfortunately, according to several people, it's a pretty major "freeway". We have 2 rolling suitcases and two carryons - - not a lot, but certainly NOT something i would want to be dragging along a highway with virtually no shoulder!
Posted by
White Bear Lake, MN, USA
479 posts
That's unfortunate about the freeway being between you and the airport. Google maps Hybrid version or Google Earth should be able to give you a better idea of exactly what you're getting yourself into.
Rule of thumb is 2 hours for any international flight, and another half hour if you're not exactly sure how long the check-in lines are going to be. If you're not flying an airline that is one of the major carriers for that airport (like NWA in Minneapolis or United in O'Hare) then another hour is a MUST. You could be standing in line 1-2 hours just to meet the check-in clerk. That happened to us in Frankfurt flying Iceland Air. Luckily our flight was delayed 4 hours, so we had the time to spare.
Posted by
White Bear Lake, MN, USA
479 posts
Cheryl, I just checked out Google Maps. There are quite a few hotels within 500m of the airport and none of them have walking paths to the airport. Bummer. You could walk across a farm field or two, looking at the map. But then you might have to jump a fence. I'm guessing you're not into covert ops. Ha ha ha.
Posted by
Carslbad, CA, USA
103 posts
Cheryl.. not to worry.. My husband and I caught that same 6:00 a.m. flight and took the 4:30 shuttle that our hotel offered.. We made it in plenty of time.. Marco Polo is a small airport and people are qued up for this first flight.. they won't leave without you.. What airline are you taking??
Posted by
OP
Hudson, Iowa
11 posts
We are flying into Rome on September 22, leaving from Venice on October 2nd. This is our first time to Italy, and it's for our 30th wedding anniversary. I'm VERY excited!
Posted by
Carslbad, CA, USA
103 posts
WOW!!! what an incredibly romantic way to celebrate 30 wonderful years!! CONGRATULATIONS and 30 more!!!