I know that one is supposed to check-in 2 hours before flight time for an international flight, but I keep hearing that the ticket counters don't open until 5:00 a.m. or so. What time should I have a cab pick us up from our hotel near Termini to make this flight? Thanks.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
46 posts
I'd recommend you double check with your hotel but we were safe arriving at FCO an hour before our 6:30 am flight. The recommended check-in 2 hours before is really about having enough time to get through check-in and security when there are crowds and there just aren't crowds that early in the morning.
Posted by
In the Mountains, USA
689 posts
Last year we had a 6:15 am flight out of FCO. Arrived at 4am and barely made the flight. The crowds ARE incredible even at that time of day.
Posted by
The Hague, NL (AMS)
2207 posts
Nancy I would just have to caution you that it depends on the airline, the flight, the connection, the day of the week, and what part of the season it is.
Having said all that, I'm always at FCO "AT LEAST 1 1/2 hours" before flight departure. Many airlines do not use the same "check-in" systems we're used to in the States and it often seems to take longer! In addition, often for the early flights there only ONE DESK open and the line can get pretty long!
If you're flying out of AA or A terminal that's primarily short commuters with fewer people. B terminal seems to take longer to check in... and of course C terminal is "the Big Daddy" with the direct flights to that States and I ALWAYS give myself three hours for the C terminal!!
Usually though the early 6 AM flights are connections. All I can say is you do not want to miss your connection to the States! Been there, done that... it wasn't pretty! Good Luck!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
A couple of issues -- first there is a 45 minute cut off for board. Our experience is that it is strictly enforced. Second, is the flight directly to the US or connecting to a US bound flight in Europe? Big difference -- in the terminal that you use. If it is an international departure from the international terminal, allow more time. An hour would not be enough.