I have a friend arriving 2 hours before me at the Malpensa (Milan) airport. We are on different airlines: I'm British Air and she is Air France/Delta. Any suggestions for meeting up? We want to take the train from Malpensa together. Should she pick up her bag at baggage claim and we meet somewhere outside of Security or meet me at my gate and then get her bag? Is it a risk for a checked bag to be unclaimed for 2+ hours? Does Malpensa have a good spot to meet up at as a plan B, such as a cafe?
Thanks
Shawn
Posted by
5097 posts
I definitely would not leave my bag unclaimed for any period, no telling what could happen. Pick it up and store it if you don't want to lug it around.
The airport map should help you pick a place to met, but I would just text upon arrival and meet up then.
https://www.milanomalpensa-airport.com/en/shop-dine/our-piazze
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14822 posts
Where is she flying from? If it's from Heathrow she'll have to go through Immigration/Passport Control. If you have transited thru Paris on the way (that is an assumption) then you'll be domestic and will not go thru passport control. She will not be able to get to your gate.
I agree with her picking up her bag and meeting outside security but I've only been thru there once last Fall so no advice on where would be a good location. I also suggest both of you have hotel information and information on how to take the Malpensa Express in case there is a travel hiccup for one of you and your plane is delayed.
Will you both have data and the What'sApp app?
Posted by
OP
Seattle WA
3 posts
Thank you. I appreciate the information. I am flying from Seattle via Heathrow. She is flying directly from New York. Knowing she needs to pick up her bag is very useful.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14822 posts
If you are flying via Heathrow you will go thru immigration in Milan. If she has a direct flight from New York to Milan she, too, will go thru Immigration in Milan as well.
Posted by
Portland, OR
378 posts
We've used the Sheraton Hotel lobby as a meeting spot. Very close to where you need to catch the Malpensa Express and there is a small coffee shop just outside. Easy to find also.
Posted by
OP
Seattle WA
3 posts
Thank you all. We've set up What's App and will follow your recommendations!
Shawn
Posted by
16 posts
We just went through Milan. An easy meeting point would be in the area where you buy the tickets for the Malpensa Express. It's not too big and if you are using WhatsApp you'll know when she is coming.