Arriving by Delta at 08:15 and need to connect to an ITA to Milan (including retrieve my luggage, customs, re-check luggage, etc). What's the minimum amount of time I need to budget for this; i.e., how early can I book the next leg that day? Thanks!
Posted by
San Diego, California
5099 posts
Are you feeling lucky? If your incoming flight is delayed or canceled, the conditions on the ground in Rome are inconsequential. I have had significant delays on two of four international flights. Since Covid, flight problems seem to have increased, as have labor disruptions/strikes.
It's always best if the flights are on the same ticket, if possible.
You could use Flight Aware to research the on-time history of your incoming flight, but there are no guarantees.
Good luck!
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
6586 posts
Welcome to the forum!
I would want at least a 2 hour connection time and that would probably still make me nervous. Flights are often delayed, passport control can take some time- no telling how much. Then going thru security again, finding your gate, arriving at gate usually 30-45 min required for check in. Really 3 hours might be safer.
Have you considered taking a train from Rome to Milan?
It’s a bit over a 3 hour fast train from Roma Termini and there are many trains all day long
You wouldn’t need to purchase your tix til you landed and know which train you can easily make
The train drops you right in Milan
Flying is probably more expensive and time consuming overall as MXP is well outside the center so you still have another hour long train to get there.
Take the Leonardo Express from FCO
Station names:
Roma Termini
Milano Centrale
Posted by
Illinois
172 posts
If you are retrieving and re-checking luggage at FCO, I am assuming you have 2 tickets, booked seperately. I connected in May on one ticket booked through United from Chicago to FCO then ITA to Bari. The United booking allowed only 1 hour 35 minutes connection in Rome-FCO. My flight was 1/2 hour delayed out of Chicago but we landed only about 7 minutes late in Rome. I was able to walk to the other FCO terminal and made my connecting flight with time to wait in line & use the ladies room near my connecting gate. My luggage was checked through to Bari. There were several later ITA flights to Bari if I had missed my connection at FCO. If you are delayed arriving at FCO and miss the connection, there are probably later ITA flights to Milan. You would have to purchase a new ITA ticket to Milan if your flights are not on one ticket.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23457 posts
I would not do it. There is risk that you cannot control or fully anticipate. Take the train and buy the ticket after you land. We have done what you are suggestion but we were willing to assume the risk. One time our original flight from the US as cancelled as we sat on the runway about to start the roll. So, the on-going ticket was lost. Another time flying into Rome the conveyer belt broke and it took over two hours to get the luggage. Lots of little things can go wrong. SO -- either have one ticket to Milan or take the train from Rome. Why haven't you booked a direct flight to Milan?