Possibly totally stupid question about flight connections.

[alserire]

As it appears to be impossible to book a through flight from Dublin to Palermo with less than two connections in the winter here's a question.


Let's say I book Aer Lingus to Rome or Milan. Then Alitalia from either to Palermo on a separate ticket. I collect my bag. Is there likely to be a transfer desk in FCO or LIN where I can check in for the second flight or would I have to depart secure area and then check in as normal for the second flight. It's never been an issue for me before as I've always been able to book through tickets but this is just a sticky one.


I don't actually mind if I have to check in and do security again. it beats a three flight trip via CDG and FCO but I'm just curious if you can do it as I have described above. FCO site not very helpful! Thanks

[IBMJunkman]

I was in LIN in May. In the baggage claim area I only saw the lost luggage counter. No recheck facilities. Exit the area and look to your right. You should see a stairway and elevator up to the departure desk area.

[PAXboy]

http://www.milanolinate-airport.com/en

Rome Airport, Fiumicino - Leonardo da Vinci airport (http://www.rome-airport.info/)

may give details, although I personally wouldn't bother remailing them to ask the question ...

[ExXB]

Have you tried booking directly (not online) with EI, or a travel agent? Both EI/AZ "interline" and you should be able to get a single e-ticket through either source.

[skerry]

Various online booking sites will do you a through booking with a single connection. Skyscanner.net for instance. The prices are exorbitant though, which may be a good reason to stick to your plan. Best of luck.

[west lakes]

How about Ryanair
Dublin - Stanstead - Palermo
Which operates on some days in winter

or
Aer Lingus or Ryanair then Easyjet or AirOne
Dublin - Gatwick - Palermo
again only on certain days

[fantom]

Don't go DUB-Stanstead though.

Stansted would be better.

[alserire]

Thanks for all the replies.


I won't use O'Leary. Just a personal thing.


The plan I had through FCO or LIN is ok with me and I reckoned it was probably the way to go. It's not actually all that expensive. And with EI and AZ it works any day and the times suit. Alitalia are decent enough if you book a good bit in advance. I was just trying to avoid the security thing twice in the one trip really!!


Thanks again for all the replies.

[Hartington]

There is a major (in my view) issue with the two ticket solution. Should your inbound be delayed and you miss the first connection the flight back to Rome is likely to be cancelled because you didn't take the flight from Rome. Not only that but you'll probably have to buy a new ticket. Yes, I'm hedging with probablys etc; airline staff don't always follow airline rules!

The general rule is get off the plane, clear immigration (if applicable), collect bag, clear customs (if applicable) find the departures area and check in for the 2nd ticket, clear security, find gate, board. Two hours could be OK but at Rome ????

[alserire]

Thanks. I'll try expedia.

Hartington I'd be giving myself at least three hours if not more. There are plenty of flights from FCO to PMO so I can give myself a good bit of time. You make a good point but that's just the chance I'll be taking if I go ahead with the two separate tickets option!!

Thanks again.

[ExXB]

Every passenger should read carefully (ya, boring I know) the conditions of carriage of the airline(s) before they travel.

When travelling on two tickets it is especially important that you understand both airlines' no-show, rebooking, rerouting and refund rules.

Note that some airlines will not cancel a return flight if you no-show the outbound but the onus is on you to tell them as soon as practicable.