Dukey1

Several years ago I found the "old" Trenitalia site "quirky" (as some people rather politely described it) and began using the Italiarail site instead.

Yes, I know they add a surcharge but it has been a lot easier to deal with.

So, now I've been back to the "improved" Trenitalia site which at least allows one to actually view a seatmap and am thinking I will use it to make several longer distance train reservations in the future.

I also thought about registering but that seams geared mainly toward Italian residents and I wondered if it is really necessary.

Any thoughts are appreciated and thank you.

raincitygirl

Dukey to me it looks like that is really for Italian residents. I must say the site is much improved.

I have had lots of success with using the competition: ItaloTreno, in case you want an alternative.

bilboburgler

i thought it might help, but no, the site has just got better. The whole spelling in Italian being perfect drives us English speakers a bit mad.

Dukey1

Thanks for these responses.
I actually tried to register on the site (as I have registered on the Bahn site and that has been a tremendous help) but there are simply some fields which are impossible to complete so I figured not worthwhile.

Does ItaloTreno allow you to pick seats from a map or does it automatically assign them?

Dukey1

Never mind the seatmap question as I just found the answer on the Seat61 site.

tom_mn

I posted about this last year and received no help from Fodorites. The impossible fields (I think) go away once you select "Stati Uniti" in the pulldowns.

Note that I think the only advantage is that it allows you to look up your PNR code which is also emailed to you, in case you have lost access to your email account.

If you are looking to reschedule last year's Brenner Pass trip note that it is a poor idea to book that Austrian train on trenitalia, even if your journey starts in Italy

raincitygirl

Yes ItaloTreno allows you to look at the seat map and choose for yourself. Have always been happy with my seats and the service from this company.

greg

I bought several Trenitalia tickets last year using Paypal. No registration necessary. Worked every time. I have a no foreign transaction fee U.S. CC linked to my paypal account.

Dukey1

All but ONE of those "required fields" greyed out when I tried to register and that one would not go away.

As to using ItaloTreno services: fine when they run on the route you plan to use; I understand there is no HOT food aboard or is that not true?

bvlenci

There have been reports on Tripadvisor about problems with US credit cards on Italo. I've never traveled with Italo, as they don't serve the area where I live.

You can retrieve your reservation on Trenitalia with your PNR, even if you're not registered.

http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/inde...008916f90aRCRD

Dukey1

I have yet to have a credit card problem with Italiarail and in most cases I was able to print out the ticket. Only once was I given a PNR which I had to use in a machine in Italy and that process was also easy.
When the time finally comes next year I think I will try using Trenitalia and see how that goes.

Once again, I appreciate everyone's input.

raincitygirl

Dukey I did not see hot food on Italo.

No problems with my Canadian credit card and printing off the tickets, in fact never any trouble using their site at all which wasn't the case in the past with Trenitalia,although now with the improvements to their site, might be different.

Dukey1

Yes, my big heartburn with the "old" Trenitalia had to do with attempting and always failing to get a credit card to work.

kybourbon

>>>I posted about this last year and received no help from Fodorites<<<

He received tons of help from me, bvlenci and others last year and we were rudely treated for our help so I quit helping as you can see on this thread.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ets-online.cfm

>>>I also thought about registering but that seams geared mainly toward Italian residents and I wondered if it is really necessary.<<<

The registration is geared towards Italians now and specifically for Italians wanting to get a CartaFreccia card and have it mailed to their home address. That means not all the sections would apply to someone not wanting a card. I registered under the old system so I'm not sure how far you can get with the Stati Uniti, but you shouldn't need to fill out sections about mailing, etc.

Registration allows you to make changes to tickets (if your ticket allows changes). I do think Trenitalia is starting to put more options about access without registration.

You might consider downloading Trenitalia's app which says it lets you buy tickets and make changes, report problems, etc.

http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en/Pu...bile-Ticketing

As for credit cards with Trenitalia (although I think Trenitalia has gotten past this) or Italo (Italo has an app also), it might be they want you to have a secure card (not those 3 digits on your card). Years ago, when shopping started on the internet (regular shopping in the US), many sites would not let you purchase unless you had a secure card (Mastercard or Visa). Not all Mastercard and Visas participate in the secure programs. It depends on your particular bank that issued your card. Sometime in the 90's (I think), I tried to make a purchase (US) and found out I had to secure my card. My credit union participated so I got the SecureCode for my MasterCard. Visa has a similar program (I don't recall the name and haven't secured my Visa). You will have to see if your bank participates and register them and get a code. You then should be able to purchase most places.

https://www.mastercard.us/en-us/cons...ecurecode.html

Unfortunately, Trenitalia still doesn't translate a lot of their purchase info into English (such as credit cards, etc.).

Since I know you are "of an age", you might find this discount beneficial. 1 adult is the default on Italo. Change it to 0, move down to the end of the line where it says senior and select your number of senior travelers (assuming you are both seniors).

http://www.italotreno.it/en/train-of...a#italo-senior

>>>I understand there is no HOT food aboard or is that not true?<<<

Vending machines on Italo with some drinks/food included in prima or club.

http://www.italotreno.it/en/the-train

raincitygirl

I've always booked prima seats and had snacks/coffee/prosecco/cold drinks etc included. No hot food.

jubilada

I have never used trenitalia until last month . It was a breeze. I did not register.

Dukey1

As I said once before (did ANYBODY READ it???) Italo only works IF you are traveling on one of their routes and since I am going to be based in Vernona it is not an option until I get elsewhere and I am not going to change at that elsewhere just to take another company's train.

Kybourbon, yes I READ what the Trenitalia site says about registration.

raincitygirl

Okay no need to get shouty about it. You did not say in your OP that you were going to be based in Verona.

tom_mn

Gad, Fodors has the worst/nastiest posters on it of any travel site.

I hope people DO read the thread linked as anyone will see I asked this same question and it was completely unanswered. And it is STILL unanswered-- not sure non-Italians can register even now without filling in false information in at least one field.

bvlenci

Dukey, Italo serves Verona!