I have read many conflicting reports so would appreciate clarification.... We arrive on an Alitalia flight to rome in terminal 3. Understand we go through passport check ( time depends on many variables). Then, we have a flight to Palermo 2 hrs later from terminal 1. We plan to have boarding pass for second flight and just carry on luggage.Some reports say we go outside and walk to terminal 1, others say you stay inside and don't need to redo security in terminal 1. What is the easiest and how long a walk?
Posted by
na
75 posts
Hi Alison
I have taken Alitalia through Rome and on to Palermo.
When you land in FCO and deboard the plane you will see signs that state 'to baggage' and to "connecting flights". Technically you are still on the secure side of the airport. Follow the signs for "connecting flights". You won't get lost because there will be lots of people walking in that direction too.
You will then go through 'security' there. Before walking through the metal detectors be sure to throw away any liquids that are more than 3oz because they will not let you take it through. I had a bottle of water and I had to throw that out.
After 'security' you follow the signs for your gate - but before you reach the gate there is another line. This line is for passport control. If I recall correctly from there we boarded a bus to take us to the next terminal.
I think if your flight arrives on time 2 hours is a good amount of time for the connection. The security and passport control lines were very long even early in the morning.
With any extra time you can get some coffee and browse the stores in the terminal.
When you arrive in Palermo you walk out the airport without any further security or passport checks.
By the way, if you are planning on going into the city of Palermo from the airport I recommend the airport bus. It was clean, comfortable, and fast. I think it only took about 30 minutes.
(At the airport purchase your ticket from the ticket kiosk next to the bus. If boarding from any point on the bus route you can purchase your ticket from the driver)