Just returned home from Rome, if you are flying back on a U.S. Carrier you must go to Terminal 5 no matter what terminal you fly out of. It was very organized, but you get interviewed first, then check in with your airline and check your bags, then off to extensive security screening. It is very random so be prepared for anything, you go through passport control and on a bus to "G" terminal, which is a holding area that you then show passports again, and people get picked out for more extensive screening, then down three flights of stairs to a bus to your plane on the Tarmac of which you have to climb into the plane by stairs with all your bags. If you cannot handle all this with luggage I would check your bags. This was like flying in 1962! The same when we flew in on Lufthasa, had the plane park on the Tarmac and climb down stairs with luggage and on a bus. We never saw terminal 3. But just a warning for anyone who can't handle this much physical work either pack very light or check your bags.
Posted by
Phoenix AZ
635 posts
We arrived at Rome Tuesday morning on United from Chicago. The aircraft parked on the hardstand, we deplaned to the ramp and were bussed to T5. In contrast to the extensive departure screening Judy described, passport control for arrivals was cursory and quick.
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8371 posts
I found just getting to Terminal 5 difficult, as it's not well marked. When you come across a pedestrian bridge, you've got to turn left and go down an escalator to the buses that take you out to Terminal 5.
Getting through security and out to the plane wasn't that well organized--and inefficient.
Allow extra time--unless you're on one of those famous 6:00 a.m. flights to other European gateway airports where you'll spend the morning sitting.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15799 posts
Just guessing here, but could it be due to the extensive damage caused by last month's fire?
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16268 posts
I'm not exactly clear how this post provides any news update on anything.
This has been the process for departure on US based airlines since T5 was opened several years ago.
The multiple extra screening and security checks has been a feature for US bound passengers aboard those U.S. and Israeli airlines since the terrorist attack of December 1985 and even more so after 9/11.
The arrival away from the terminal jet bridges was probably due to the closure of portion of T3 because of the fire this month.
When were you all at the Rome airport last? In 1962?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23684 posts
That was my thought also. The fire has cause some disruption but there is no Terminal G. Maybe a G gate. T-5 is a processing terminal with no flights arriving or departing but our experience with t-5 last year was not as dire as described earlier but the fire has altered some procedures I am sure.
Posted by
OP
Grass Valley, California
506 posts
There has been a lot of confusion, yes I have been to the Rome airport before 1962, in fact it was 2008, I just wanted to make it clear because some people had said in the past if you did not check bags you could just go to T3. No "G" is not a terminal but it is a large building with many Gates, not just a gate. There is no explanation to why everyone and I mean thousands are bused out to the Tarmac. We were traveling with an older couple and we watched many older travelers really struggle with their bags. Sorry if I am some where back in time, but maybe it will help someone to prepare themselves. By 9 or 10 in the morning there are thousands of people trying to navigate this system.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15799 posts
Thanks, Roberto. I thought it was just El Al that did that.
Posted by
Massachusetts
715 posts
Normally you would take the air train from T3 to G gate area and board your planes there. From what I read the area where you walk that takes you from T3 to the air train is where the fire was, so it is logical that you would have to be bused to G.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16268 posts
Boarding area G is part of T3 but it is a satellite pier added later on in the middle of the Tarmac and connected to the original T3 via an automatic people mover. I haven't been to FCO since the fire but it is possible the area G is currently not accessible with the people mover and one needs to get there by bus. You can see the location of the G pier in relation to the rest of T3 in this map
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16268 posts
No Chani. Since the 1985 attack (when Palestinian terrorists attacked the check in areas of TWA, PanAm, El Al, using grenades and assault rifles killing or injuring over 100 people) all US airlines and El Al where moved to a different area of T3. First they were moved to the far left. To go to their check in counter you had to go through a first screening by Italian police and carabinieri. Then you would be allowed to enter that separate check-in hall. Later on, a few years ago, those U.S. Airlines and El Al (defined by the Italian authorities as "sensibili", I.e. Sensitive targets) were moved to T5.