I am flying through Rome to Palermo and with the current, suggested itinerary would only have 1 hr 30 minutes to connect to the flight to Palermo. How long does it take once one arrives in Rome to clear immigration and get to the domestic terminal for a connecting flight? Is it better to overnight in Rome each way? This would be booked on a single ticket from Savannah, GA through Philadelphia, Rome and finally Palermo with no checked luggage. Same route on the return with the same issue. A missed flight would require an overnight somewhere. The computer generated itineraries fail to account for things like immigration and customs!
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
6924 posts
Are these flights on a single ticket? Are you arriving from a country outside the Schengen zone? Will you have checked luggage? Does the airline have flights to Palermo later in the day?
Posted by
Western Canada
3995 posts
I did that connection…both flights on one ticket….in 2023.
I only had 70 minutes and made it.
The trick is to have one ticket, not two separate ones, use the bathroom on board before landing, walk fast, go directly to the next gate without stopping and check each departure board as you pass them as your gate may change and it’s a huge airport to have to backtrack in!
If you miss the second flight because of a delay on the first, you’ll get put on the next available flight.
If you are really worried, then just book a hotel overnight and fly the next day to Sicily.
Posted by
Bend, OR
1793 posts
We can offer more advice if you answer CJean’s questions….
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
9911 posts
The time estimates you get here may not be accurate at this time due to the implementation of EES.
Here is a quote regarding the process.
" Travelers at FCO now use self-service kiosks to scan passports and provide facial images/fingerprints, a process designed to be efficient, though potentially slower during peak times as it's still being adapted. "
I don't know how much more time, if any, these steps will add to the process of clearing passport control, but it is worth keeping in mind that it could add more time than people experienced prior to Oct. 2025.
If your flight is on one ticket, then I just wouldn't stress about the connection time too much. If they are separate tickets, I would not consider this and your plan to stay the night in Rome is a good idea. I'm headed to Palermo in April and I chose to have two nights in Rome prior to going to Palermo because I do have two separate tickets. It was much less expensive to do it that way and who doesn't like an extra day in Rome?
Posted by
WestCentral MN
438 posts
Take into consideration whether the passport control authorities will be entering people into the EES system when you arrive (assuming you are arriving from the US). We got entered into the EES system when we boarded our cruise ship one day in Athens. It took about 5-7 minutes per person. They have to scan your passport, take a photo of your face, and take fingerprints. The line moved VERY slowly. If you can find the information, please check to see if you will need to go through this new procedure, and if so, allow plenty of extra time!