Literally AND Figuratively stinks
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Just arrived into MIA for the first time. Struggling to find any redeeming qualities at the moment.
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For those who are ready to rep their local or favorite airports…
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Really dropping the ball by not including Dickinson, ND and Pensacola, FL as options.
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Just did a deep dive into this thread and am ecstatic about this. We will be flying into Calgary for our honeymoon in July and love hearing this. Does anyone have any experience with US customs screening in Canadian airports? I’ve never flown international and am looking for any advice someone can offer.
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Have your declarations form filled out legibly. At YYC, you pre-screen by putting that form into a machine that reads it. IIRC, it also scans your passport, biometrically scans your face, and then gives you a print out that you take to the actual customs officer. They will ask you the purpose of your trip or “what brings you to Canada?”, leisure/business or both. Politely tell them your purpose and when you’re leaving. As long as everything checks out, they’ll stamp your form and say “Welcome to Calgary” and you’ll be on your way. We were in customs for a total of about 10 minutes.
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Awesome! I know that I had seen some extra steps with COVID and potential quarantines, but I appreciate the info. We are also planning on going through the US Customs screening at the Calgary airport to try and expedite things on returning. Did you have any experience with that?
I have not done that at Calgary as we flew out of Vancouver on the return leg of that trip and cleared customs once we landed in the states. I have done pre-clearance at YEG before, though, and it’s usually very easy and straightforward, especially if you have a US Passport.
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I’m flying through Midway next week and just absolutely dreading every part about it.
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Anyone got any travel tips for getting to Florence, Italy in the summer?
Is it better to fly into Milan or Rome (or Pisa) and take the train?
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Florence is about a 2 hour train ride away from Rome. Pisa is closer, but you’re probably looking at an extra flight there, so Rome is probably a better choice.
I haven’t done Milan to Florence, so I don’t know how long it takes. Probably a little bit longer.
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We did a Rome and Florence trip several years ago. Direct flight into Rome and the train to Florence was super easy. Hour and a half maybe.
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Flew into Rome in 2018. Hung out there a few days and took the train from Roma Termini station to Firenze Santa Maria Novella station. The station is right downtown, short walk to the river. Super easy. Book online ahead of time.
When flying out of Rome, however, get there early.
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This times a million. Everything about flying out of Rome in 2016 was a mess for us. Taking Aer Lingus to Dublin we had a 10:45 AM flight. Get there super early due to early checkout and no traffic, no one is there to check us in for hours, plane is delayed for no reason, everyone giving us the “No speak English” when we ask for an explanation. Still in line at the gate for the buses to take us to the plane at 11:30 when the board finally switches over to tell us our flight will now be departing at 11:15 AM. It was a nice hint at just how disorganized Rome airport is.
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Had the exact same experience around the same time!
Got there hours before our flight and the Alitalia staff finally rolled up to the gate after our flight was supposed to take off. Luckily we didn’t have any connections to miss.
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I’m an early arriver when it comes to airports, but a level of panic set in when we saw the line out the door at FCO. But, like many other things in Italy, it all worked itself out.
@OffTheDole Enjoy the trip. If you’ve got time, check out the basilica of San Miniato al Monte. It’s a 1,000 year old church that has one of the best views of the city.
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As many have said, fly to Rome and take a train, just makes sure it’s not a local train. Some shady people and takes forrrever as it stops at all the tiny towns. Some great views, don’t get me wrong but just take the express
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Midway is legit a bottom 3 airport in the country - t’s and p’s
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It has been years since I’ve been there so I looked up to see if they added any lounges by now the only one they have is a USO that looks like this…
I have access to it and I think I’d rather just hang out at a Starbucks or whatever they have.
Yea USO is good intentions.
I usually just walk in, grab a soda and snack. Thank the volunteers.