JameyBano

Here is the deal:
My husband is 6'4". I have finally twisted his arm enough to get him to agree to fly to Italy. My question is this: Is it better to fly directly into Rome/Milan from the states (Chicago, Cincy, or Detroit) or "break it up" by using an European carrier? If we stop in Paris or Amsterdam do you have to go through customs during the layover?
Thanks for the advice, I have enjoyed reading everyone's posts.
GO CUBS

dncee11

Jamey, we are on the west coast so we like the flights that stop in the east (Philly or NYC) then continue on to Europe. The one direct flight we took LAX-LON was miserable! From where you are, mid-continent, I'm not sure it will make a difference but I am 5'11" and dont like it either.
GO DODGERS!!!

TopMan

Personally, I'd try to fly non-stop to Milan and get the flight over with.

If you stop in any interim place such as Paris or A-Dam you'll have to go through Immigration and your bags could be checked through if the arriving airline has a "luggage agreement" with the connecting carrier.

I see this latter strategy as an overall inconveniece which, for me, would do nothing to allay any discomforts of a long flight....rather, it would pose another hoop to jump through.

Pilchard

Hi.

I have flown to Europe a number of times from Chicago. There is no real benefit in breaking up your flight unless you have other compelling reasons to do so. Just resign yourself to the eight-hour flight and do as much as you can to be comfortable. Try to fly American for the extra leg room or pay extra for Economy Plus on United.

You could also try to score an exit row but don't count on it.

Most important: Buy a liter or two of bottled water for the trip. I guarantee you that being well-hydrated will improve your comfort level by about 15 percent. Narcotic analgesics are also very helpful.

B.V.

Gardyloo

Assuming you're conveniently located in the US, I would definitely shoot for the American Airlines nonstop to Rome from Chicago. No changes, way more legroom for taller folks in coach. No brainer. See seatguru.com for details on carriers' coach seating.

Clifton

Totally agree with TopMan on this. Given a choice, I'd almost always choose fewer segments. Less chance for missed connections.

I've been on some pretty long flights. When faced with a 15-16 hr segment from LA to Melbourne, at first I thought breaking up the flight by including a connection in New Zealand was a good idea. 12 hrs + 4 hrs. A chance to stretch your legs. Nooo. That second leg was miserable. 1st, you end up on a smaller, short-haul plane after already being sore and tired. 2nd, no way did I want to get back on another plane after tasting freedom. I'll take connections as the price of not living in a gateway city, but I won't add more layovers than I have to. Oh, and I prefer AA's space too, if it's an option.

Barbara

We always fly non-stop from LAX to London. My son is 6'3" and always sits on the aisle. AA does have more room, so that would be the better choice for you. Cifton brings up a valid point re the type of plane used on shorter flights. The whole journey is a pain,so I like to get it over with as soon as possible.

GO PADRES!

Kayb95

I find that direct flights are always better if you can get one. Layovers just add to the length of your journey and increases the chances of lost luggage.

GAC

NONSTOP NONSTOP NONSTOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ryan

Definately no reason once you're in Europe to intentionally change planes if a reasonably priced direct flight from home is available. Getting to your destination is DEFINATELY better then breaking up the trip.

BTw, there are numerous threads on here about the best ways to avoid/minimize jet lag. I'm sure if you type "JET LAG" in the box, you'll get some helpful tips.

jor

Fly direct and make sure you SLEEP while going east. A direct flight gives you more sleep and if you don't get enough you will end up a total zombie in Europe the first day. Been there, Done that (without sleep and payed for it)

suze

I would never break up a flight unless I had a compelling reason to do so. And just getting off the plane for a few hours, and adding an additional airport is not one of them! Non-stop is the way to go (I do overnight Seattle/London on BA in reasonable comfort).

Book early enough you make sure he has an aisle seat, possibly even exit row or bulkhead for maximum room at cheapest prices. If you can afford it upgrade slightly to the class between economy and business for larger seats and more space.

Your question on clearing customs depends if you have two flights booked by the same or partnered carriers (luggage can continue to the end destination), or if you book yourself two entirely separate tickets (you would likely need to claim it and therefore clear customs).

crefloors

I have to fly out of San Francisco..get a non-stop if you can. I have only flown into Heathrow but it's like 10 hours give or take, and flew out of Paris...about 11 hours on the return. You might try to get the exit row or the bulk head for your husband..don't know if you can get your seats prior to checking in...I did the last time I went because I wanted an isle seat for sure. Try to check in as early as possible if you can't get your seat assignments early. I did fly HOME from Rome a few years ago and we had a layover in London. By the time we got home I had been awake for over 26 hours. Just bite the bullet..get your flight over with. Be sure and get up and walk around frequently to stretch your legs, take some good reading material, get a neck pillow in case you nod off..won't get a crick in your neck, drink lots of water..some people like the eye shades also..I call it the flight from hell, but actually it's not THAT bad and to break it up you just prolong the "agony". I can't wait to do one of those 15 or 20 hour numbers...NOT!!!! LOL

Patty

While I also advise just getting the flight over with by taking a nonstop, another option is to look into flying premium economy on BA through Heathrow. You'll get about 6 more inches of legroom, a slightly wider seat and more recline. I checked hypothetical dates in October and the difference between premium and regular economy was about $300 per person. The LHR to FCO leg will be in regular economy however.

Patty

Forgot to add, if you're just transiting through Heathrow, you don't have to go through immigration and customs until you reach your destination in Italy. This is not the same if you transit through another Schengen country like France where you will go through immigration at your first point of entry.

suze

Recently in transit thru Heathrow I certainly did go thru some sort of a security check before transfering Terminal 4 to Terminal 2, what was that if not Immigration?

Gardyloo

It was just that - a security check.

Patty

suze,
Is it possible that you took the landside transfer from T4 to T1 rather than the airside bus? In that case, you would have had to go through immigration. To avoid going through immigration, you have to stay airside and follow the Flight Connections signs. Even if you used the airside transfer bus, you still have to go through a security check (nothing to do with immigration).

Kayb95

<i>&quot;Fly direct and make sure you SLEEP while going east.&quot;</i>

Much easier said than done. I can never sleep on a plane. I've tried everything and nothing works. So I just allow myself about a 45 minute nap once I check into the hotel. That, an adrenaline keeps me going that first day until bedtime.

suze

Quite honestly I am not sure exactly what I did -LOL- whatever seemed obvious... following along with everyone else who had gotten off my plane! We lined up for some sort of check and baggage x-ray, then following the connecting flight signs got on the bus for Terminal 1 &amp; 2. I'm guessing that first line up was only security rather than immigration, though I never thought about it until reading this post. There were never any obvious choices (where you could go wrong) about how to pass thru Heathrow in my experience.