Upon landing we began the trek towards the “G” concourse, where Alitalia’s US-bound flights depart from. Believe it or not I had never transited Rome Airport before, so was quite looking forward to the “experience.”
Rome Airport transit
After walking through a seemingly endless series of hallways we arrived at the immigration checkpoint. I had an EU passport so could use the EU line, while my friend only had a US passport, so had to use the non-EU line.
In typical Italian fashion the queues were long and disorganized, and really the most shocking part was the number of people cutting the line. They’d just walk to the front of the line as if they didn’t notice all the people waiting, and when they were told there was a queue they’d just merge into the very front of it. Unbelievable.
Rome Airport immigration
Rome Airport terminal
Rome Airport terminal
Once through immigration I followed the signage to the “G” concourse, which required taking a train.
Rome Airport train to “G” concourse
Once in the “G” concourse I followed the signage to the lounge, which was in the middle of the concourse on the lower level.
Rome Airport terminal
The Alitalia Giotto Lounge and Le Anfore Priority Pass/contract lounge shared an entrance and were both on the lower level. At least there is an option for those with a credit card with lounge access!
Alitalia Giotto Lounge Rome Airport entrance
Alitalia Giotto Lounge Rome Airport entrance
I found the signage to be rather hilarious, I don’t quite know why.
Alitalia Giotto Lounge Rome Airport signage
Once inside the lounge I presented my boarding pass and was promptly admitted.
Alitalia Giotto Lounge Rome Airport entrance
Alitalia Giotto Lounge Rome Airport entrance
I had somewhat high expectations for what I figured would be Alitalia’s “flagship” lounge, though was sorely disappointed. The lounge was fairly small and crowded, the decor was ridiculously kitschy, and the food selection sucked.
Alitalia Giotto Lounge Rome Airport
There were several seating areas separated from one another by transparent orange panels.
Alitalia Giotto Lounge Rome Airport seating
Alitalia Giotto Lounge Rome Airport seating
Alitalia Giotto Lounge Rome Airport seating
Alitalia Giotto Lounge Rome Airport seating
Alitalia Giotto Lounge Rome Airport seating
Just about all the seats were taken, so we ended up having to sit in the business center, which were the only empty seats we could find.
Alitalia Giotto Lounge Rome Airport business center
The buffet area was in the center of the lounge.
Alitalia Giotto Lounge Rome Airport buffet
There was an espresso bar, and next to it some booze on a plate.
Alitalia Giotto Lounge Rome Airport booze
Then there was a fridge with a ton of bottled water, both still and sparkling.
Alitalia Giotto Lounge Rome Airport buffet
And then there were some small snacks in white plastic containers.
Alitalia Giotto Lounge Rome Airport snacks
Alitalia Giotto Lounge Rome Airport snacks
Alitalia Giotto Lounge Rome Airport snacks
There were also some finger sandwiches which didn’t look especially tasty.
Alitalia Giotto Lounge Rome Airport snacks
While I wasn’t hungry I decided to try the “small plates.” While they looked decent, they tasted like cardboard.
Alitalia Giotto Lounge Rome Airport snacks
As I took pictures of the lounge the espresso attendant started yelling at me in Italian. I don’t speak Italian, so just stood there as he yelled at me. When he was done I walked off. Not sure if they don’t allow pictures or what, but I’m happy he wasn’t able to effectively communicate that to me, or else I wouldn’t have any pictures to share. 😉
After being in the lounge for about 30 minutes we decided to check out the Le Anfore Lounge, which I’ll cover in the next installment.
At around 2:30PM we headed up to our departure gate, G11, for our flight to Boston.
Alitalia departure gate G11
Alitalia departure gate G11
At around 2:40PM they started boarding passengers that needed extra time to board, and at around 2:50PM they began business class boarding.
As far as I’m concerned Rome Airport is in the same category as London Heathrow or Paris Charles de Gaulle when it comes to clusterf*&$ery, and unlike those airports, there don’t seem to be any decent lounges either.
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