It was a simple lounge–warm natural light from the morning sun, plenty of seating, and lack of clutter. But most importantly: an Italian breakfast. And it did not even require passing thru a metal detector to reach.
I’m talking about the Alitalia Lounge in Terminal 1 of Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport.
It’s geared toward domestic and Schengen flights–
The ‘Alitalia lounge’, located into the check-in area of Terminal 1, will continue to be available for checking-in passengers flying to domestic and Schengen destinations.
And I love that concept. Not just a premium check-in area, but a place to enjoy a cup of coffee and croissant before heading off to the gate or the next lounge.
Indeed, the lounge featured a half dozen check-in counters through the main entrance and on the right.
I had already checked in earlier, but I don’t think it would have been a problem to check in here on an international itinerary.
A barista offered freshly-ground Lavazza coffee and the smell of fresh-baked croissants was too decadent to ignore. For the health-minded, apples and water were available.
Want more food? Visit one of the other Alitalia lounges: this lounge is just a simple breakfast. But if you like good coffee, this lounge has it!
freely-ground?
Don’t really see a point of such a lounge, unless it’s simply a commuter terminal (or TXL).
how fantastic! I love the direction. I think airlines haven’t spent enough time reverse engineering the check in/ waiting game process and some fresh croissants and italian coffee would certainly put me in a better mood before clearing security.
What a great concept! Sometimes less is indeed more, and this is no exception. As long as the coffee and pastries are of good quality, why would you want anything else? When in Rome, as they say…
Lack, it’s a very Italian thing to stand-up, drink coffee (quickly) and eat a roll. Espresso is medicine to Italians.
Hmm
I was in that lounge a couple of months ago, and thought quite differently. I thought how sad and small it was considering it is the main airport for the airline.
Breakfast offering was indeed croissants and coffee (typical Italian breakfast) plus scrambled egg but not much else