Rome - Airline Shenanigans

27 October, 2024

We were completely packed and watching some football on television, planning to leave the house at 18:30 for our 20:40 flight that would put is in Rome the next evening at 18:00. We had a two hour layover to make our connection to London, then on to Rome. Two hours is just long enough to connect comfortably through KCLT without being excessively long. Travel clothes were ready and a reminder was set to hit the shower at 17:30.

At 14:18 I received an email.

Our flight was delayed until 21:11 with a projected arrival in KCLT at 22:22. Thirty minutes shaved off, still a manageable connection.

About 15 minutes later another alert - delayed an additional 15 minutes. Not good, but still manageable.

10 minutes later another 15 minute delay.

This isn't looking good.

Check the American Airlines app to see what our options are. There's a flight at 18:15. It's now 14:45. I can't change it in the app. Call reservations – 1 hour hold time. Damn.

It's now 15:15. Change in plans – head to the airport ASAP to see if we can take the earlier flight. Quick showers, dressed, and out the door. Arrive at the airport at 16:30. Get to the counter – no seats available and our original flight is now delayed until 22:15. It's not looking good for our connection to London, but the agent offers encouragement and offers that the flight from CLT to LHR is often 20-30 minutes delayed since it's the last of the day. We complete check-in and headed back home for a couple of hours. No need to sit at the gate when we can sit at home.

At 20:30 we're back at the airport and at the gate. I watch the display as we sit and entertain ourselves. The projected departure time is now 22:30. Might be able to squeak by with that, given our position on the assistance list in Charlotte and the decreased crowds this time of night, but I'm far from relaxed.

Sigh of releif

Then the departure time backs up ten minutes to 22:20. By 21:30 it has gained back ten more minutes and sits at 22:10. At least it's progress. At 21:35 the doors open and the passengers pour into the gate. The gate agent asks everyone to prepare for expedited boarding.

By 10:00 we are in our seats, the doors are secured, and we're pushing back from the gate. The captain announces that we should arrive at the gate in Charlotte by 22:50, thanks to the lack of traffic at this hour. He delivers on his promise and by 23:00 we're moving briskly through the concourse, headed to the D gates, where our plane is being prepared for departure. Our group is called for boarding at 23:25 and we're soon in our seats, getting organized for the long overnight flight to London.

Headed to London

I keep a close eye on the American app for our luggage status. Each bag changes in turn from "unloaded in Charlotte" to "loaded in Charlotte" and I settle back in my seat; the chaos is gone. Flight attendants come by to introduce themselves and ask for our drink and dinner orders. Carry-ons are stowed, seat and entertainment controls are studied, and noise-cancelling headphones are activated.

As predicted, we're about 20 minutes late pushing back, a "catering issue" is the offered excuse. The captain says tailwinds are forecast to be more favorable than planned, so we should arrive a few minutes early. With an original layover of 2:30 for our flight to Rome we're in excellent shape. Dinner service begins as soon as we reach altitude, and by 02:00 it's time for sleep. I manage several hours of decent rest in hour-long chunks before the aroma of breakfast gets my attention. Per usual, the breakfast is "useful." The ham and eggs were decent, accompanied by a fairly nice croissant and a bit of under-ripe fruit.

28 October, 2024

British Air Photo

Arrival at Heathrow was uneventful and we changed terminals via bus, remaining "airside." After mandatory stops for Cadbury chocolates and other necessities, we make it to our gate in plenty of time for our British Airways flight to Rome. I purchased business class tickets and was disappointed to discover that the BA "Club Europe" configuration consists of 3x3 seats with the middle seats occupied by an oversized armrest. You don't get extra seat width, and whomever is in the window seat is forced to squeeze past this immovable obstacle, which then wedges them against the window. The service and food are significantly upgraded from the economy class experience, but the seating would be much better if they just left the center seat vacant instead of giving the space away to a barrier. The flight attendants were among the best I've encountered in over 40 years of air travel, unfortunately they can't compensate for the physical discomfort of this seating configuration. It's bad enough that it will discourage me from booking this level of service in the future.

Dome of St. Peter's

Despite the lack of physical comfort (economy seats labeled as business class hardly deliver a business class experience) the flight to Rome wasn't a disaster.  Our luggage arrived, there were no delays, and the arrival process in Rome was seamless. We gathered our bags from the carousel, met the driver we booked through Transfeero, and zipped through the twilight to our hotel, jet-lagged but excited about exploring a new city. As we pulled up in front of our hotel I was absolutely stunned by the view. I've seen countless photos of St Peter's Bassillica over the years, but nothing prepared me for seeing it with my own eyes. After sixteen hours of travel this really drove home that we were in Rome. Checking in to Starhotels Michelangelo was trouble-free and handled quickly by their polite and efficient staff. We were delighted to find out we were the beneficiaries of a complimentary upgrade to a suite! A bellman assisted with our luggage and presented the features of our room and all the controls. The Nespresso machine was certain to get a healthy workout. I found myself short on change, with only €50 notes in my wallet. I went down to the bar and ordered a beer to get some change while my wife showered off the residue of travel. I was thrilled to discover they were pouring Moretti LaRossa, as red beers are some of my favorites for their deep caramelized malt flavors. After finishing my beer I located the bellman who assisted us and extended my thanks before retreating to the room for a shower before collapsing into bed.

Moretti LaRossa - deliziosa!