Travel Challenges : Summer 2022 Trip to Florence & Milan, Italy

Part 1

My trip this year was a bit topsy-turvy, complete with travel issues and a sprinkling of lovely moments! The time for enjoyable moments were cut short due to horrendous flight situations that I never experienced before during my seven years of international travel.

It started with a flight delay in London Heathrow airport on my way to Milan. My original plan was to take a train to my rented apartment in Florence from Mila. Unfortunately, choosing a flight that was cheaper with a short layover did not work out. When I chose this flight back in December 2021 I knew it was risky but I went by the advice of other travelers who experienced short layovers in London. This gave me the confidence to purchase a cheaper ticket . Unfortunately, I soon discovered that this year was the year for airline troubles!

After I arrived in Heathrow airport in London, I scanned my ticket at the machine to enter customs and suddenly a large bright X appeared on the screen. An airport employee looked at my ticket and directed me to Iberia customer service (My arriving airplane was the Iberia company run by British Airways, which was a bit confusing to me.) After waiting in line for at least a half hour, I was told by an Iberia customer service representative at the counter that I was in the wrong line and to go to British Airways customer service instead. My heart sank as I looked over at the terribly long line.

After waiting in line for at least a half hour, I was told by an Iberia airline employee that I needed to go to British Airways customer service instead. My heart sunk as I looked over at the terribly long line. But, I had no other choice at the moment!

Another half hour passed and my legs ached from standing. When I reached the counter, I was told that I had to switch my morning flight to 8:40 p.m. at a different airport in Milan. I pleaded my case in desperation saying that this flight change would cost me the first day in my apartment and more money to rent a hotel in Milan at 11:30 p.m. The customer service rep at the counter said that the alternative was to risk being a “stand by” for 12:10 p.m. with no guarantees my luggage would be at Malpensa airport (My original airport in Milan was Linate.). I wanted to cry! As I approached customs, a security official told me to take all fluids out of my purse, even though they were within TSA limits, including mascara! That situation seemed to set the precedence for the rest of the day.

I had trouble even finding a hotel in Milan for that night as the flight was due to arrive at 11:30 p.m. I searched the internet for what seemed forever before finally finding a nice hotel that had a shuttle. While waiting for an entire day at Heathrow airport, I chose a restaurant to get a bite to eat but the choices were not part of my new healthy eating plan. So, I settled for something that seemed a bit healthy. A plate of eggs, avocado, mushrooms, and a type of sausage. It looked good but after consuming only part of the meal my stomach felt heavy. Even the ice tea was too sweet for me. However, talking with the waitress, who was very friendly, made up for it! She told me she loved Florence, Italy!

I tried to think positive since I was able to at least get an overnight stay in Milan and my dear friend and language tutor would meet me at the Milan Central train station before I went to Florence the next day. But waiting for hours in an airport is not the most fun, especially when you are traveling alone. However, I did manage to meet a lovely young lady from Texas and her 4 year old daughter. We talked for at least two hours!

It was difficult to find a hotel room for the evening in Milan. My original airport was Linate, but the changed flight put me at Malpensa airport, which is farther away from Milan Central train station. Luckily, I did find a hotel through Booking.com and after several phone calls I was able to secure a shuttle to and from the hotel. At least that was a relief. Unfortunately, this hotel did not have a late night place to get food and I had to settle for something small out of a vending machine for the evening. Again, I felt so hungry! The next morning, I was able to take the hotel shuttle to Malpensa airport to get a bus to the train station. When I arrived at the train station Michel Altieri, met me! It was such a great feeling to see my friend again! He even bought food for me and surprised me with beautiful gifts!

Next! Part 2- a quick tour through Milan, Italy with Michele!