minimum time between flight to hub and overseas flight?
 

I'm trying to book a flight from Pittsburgh to Rome (FCO) online with USAirways, and must get to Philadelphia for the overseas leg of the trip. Each time I try to check out an itinerary, I get a PIT-PHL flight that lands at 5pm, and a PHL-CO flight that departs at 6pm. Every time I try to use the "replace a flight" option on their website, it won't let me switch out just that first leg. <BR> <BR>My question is: is this enough time to get from one plane to the next? or should I call the airline directly and see if I can match the online fare with an earlier first leg?

Christine: <BR> <BR>You will be checking in for your entire trip in Pittsburgh, so by the time you reach PHL, you will already be checked in for your overseas flight. <BR> <BR>I'd be more concerned about the return trip. How much time are they alloting you in PHL before you have to take your PIT flight? I'd feel comfortable with 2 hrs. Any less, and you might be cutting it close, since you have to go through customs. <BR> <BR>Also, since you're using the same carrier for all flights, you (hopefully!) won't have to walk far to change planes. <BR> <BR>So, keep this in mind. Have fun!

Thanks RT - <BR>I have 2.5 hours on the return trip, so hopefully I should be okay there. <BR> <BR>The two legs of the first trip are listed with 2 separate flight numbers, and they both list "check in at airport" on their reservation information forms - do you think that still means I'll check in for the whole trip at the Pittsburgh point? (I'm really not this stupid, but I've never flown internationally before and am not aware of the "ways things are done" for international trips - is this still just a simple connecting flight?) <BR> <BR>Thank you!

The "check in at airport" probably refers to your seats, which they will assign once you check-in in PIT (or you can usually call the airline for seats after you purchase on-line). <BR> <BR>Your international connection in PHL will be very simple. You will get both boarding passes in PIT (and your luggage will be checked to the final destination), so when you reach PHL just get off one plane and walk a few gates (hopefully) and get on the next. Customs and immigration will all be done when you arrive in the other country. <BR> <BR>Like RT said, it will be different on the RETURN, you will have to clear customs and get your luggage in PHL before boarding your next flight. There will be lots of people & signs telling you exactly what you need to do. <BR> <BR>Don't worry and have a wonderful first international trip.

You DON'T just walk a few gates when flying international. You land at one terminal and take off from another. One hour should be ok since you are going to be checked in to Rome from PIT. Hope and pray your original flight isn't delayed for any reason.

Check out the USAir flight schedules from PIT to PHL. Once you get your ticket, change to an earlier PHL flight. May cost more $ but will relieve anxiety. Ask USAir if you indeed are able to check bags from PIT to FCO. If you have to reclaim bags in Phila that is a whole different proposition.