ITA Airways review lounge Piazza Venezia at Rome Fiumicino
A little less than a month after it was opened, or perhaps it would be better to say reopened, we are [...]
ITA Airways
SkyTeam
FCO
A little less than a month after it was opened, or perhaps it would be better to say reopened, we were able to drop by Rome Fiumicino to try out ITA Airways' temporary lounge for ourselves. In Rome Fiumicino terminal 1.
Foreword
In this article:
We have written about theinauguration of the new terminal 1 occurred during the spring, an opening that restored flight destinations within Fiumicino's two terminals. At T1, also known as Pier A, domestic and Schengen flights. At T3, also known as Pier E, international non-Schengen and intercontinental flights.
Location
The new ITA lounge is the old Alitalia lounge, has also retained the name "Piazza Venezia" and is located in the 1/10 gate area. Unfortunately, it is therefore in the "worst" location to serve the vast majority of departing passengers, almost all movements in fact occur from the new area via finger or bus.
After passing through security, it is necessary to go through duty free.
When you reach the end of the small mall, you will have to turn left, following the many signs for both gates and lounges.
ITA has not skimped on signage:in addition to the official airport sign pointing to lounges, there are many banners at every intersection pointing the right way.
When you reach the escalators leading to the departure floor, you will need to go up one floor.
There will be another pair of escalators leading to the upper floor.
Impossible not to notice the blue gate of ITA Airways.
Access
You can only gain access if you travel AZ in business class, or superior, and/or have a status in the Volare loyalty program.
Unfortunately, at the moment, despite ITA's misleading signage, you still cannot enjoy the lounge if you have Skyteam Elite plus status, But you don't fly AZ. We are almost at the end of summer and the much-promised ITA integration with Skyteam Is still a mirage.
The lounge
As with the other lounges in Milan Linate and the Fiumicino Terminal 3, ITA has limited itself to a coat of stucco and painting of the entrance. She placed a few logo signs here and there, but otherwise it's good old Alitalia House.
For romance ITA did not even turn off the wi-fi hot spot, To which my mac immediately connected. Too bad, though, that it doesn't work and you have to connect on airport wi-fi.
It is good to remember that this is a temporary lounge and should have its days numbered since by the end of the year the brand new lounge should open right in the new part of the terminal.
The lounge is an open space divided into small lounges; it is not large and certainly cannot accommodate all the passengers who would be entitled to access it, but the off-center location certainly helps to reduce the number of accesses.
The seats are the dear old Alitalia armchairs, there is plenty of power outlets, and all in all it performs its function, but it is certain that ITA will have to do something better with the new hall.
Food & Beverage
Again the set-up is as before. Bar counter and small buffet. ITA Airways still has not restored full service as far as food is concerned.
The buffet is served and not self-service, and frankly I hope it stays that way. Less waste and more hygiene. Still lacking, however, is the hot offering, something that is now offered everywhere in the world.
Excellent as always the bar service and in general the attitude of the staff present in the room. Special mention for cleanliness, everything was neat and spotless, and the attendants kept coming by.
In conclusion
In Liguria we would call this lounge "un tapullo," that is, a patch to make up for a deficiency; now we wait for the new one that will surely be able to meet the needs of all passengers in ITA Airways' flagship hub.
Pro
- The staff
- Cleaning
Against
- The location