This tale takes you on a journey with FlightReporters as they navigate the highs and lows of planning and experiencing a Parisian adventure.
Get ready to join me as I recount my recent trip to Paris and the unexpected twists and turns that came with it.
Booking Chaos: A Flight Odyssey
It was a whirlwind of deadlines and exams during my final year of Architecture. With a diploma on the horizon, I was craving a break from the stress. Summer offered the perfect escape, and my cousin’s house in Paris became my beacon of hope.
My cousin, kind soul that he is, usually leaves his house in Paris open for friends and family during the summer months. Having visited Paris briefly as a child, I jumped at the chance to experience the city again, this time as an adult. His house is located in the heart of Paris, in the chic 2e Arrondissement.
I planned to arrive in early August, as my cousin confirmed the house would be vacant until the 8th. The anticipation was building!
My travel plans quickly took a dramatic turn. The initial flight price was reasonable, but as I delayed my booking, the cost skyrocketed to a whopping 325 euros! I was determined to find a more wallet-friendly option.
With time ticking away, I explored various flight combinations and even considered a train journey. The train journey was appealing but would have taken a grueling 10 hours, including a transfer in Milan.
Finally, I found a glimmer of hope with ITA Airways. Their itinerary offered a stopover in Milan and a more affordable price. I was relieved to have found a solution!
A Smooth Milanese Stopover
The stopover in Milan was surprisingly smooth. With a short wait, I breezed through security and landed at the departure lounge. It felt like stepping into a winter wonderland, even though it was summer!
My gate had been changed from A8 to A19, but luckily, it was already ready for boarding.
I couldn’t help but admire the fleet of ITA Airways planes on the apron. The A320 that carried me to Paris, EI-IMG, was a sight to behold, and even though my scheduled flight was meant to be operated by another A320, I ended up boarding a newer model, a 14.7-year-old A320-200.
Touchdown in Rome: The Home Stretch
The flight from Milan to Rome was a pleasant one, filled with anticipation. The crew provided a swift beverage service, and I enjoyed a sugar-free coke while gazing out at the breathtaking landscapes below.
The Tuscan Archipelago, with its captivating islands, was a sight to behold. We flew past Monte Argentario, which holds a tragic history, as it was near Giglio Island where the Costa Concordia cruise ship sank in 2012.
The descent into Rome was magical, with the setting sun casting a warm glow on the sky. We landed smoothly and made our way to the baggage claim area.
Rome’s Warm Embrace: A Triumphant Return
Rome, my beloved hometown, welcomed me with open arms. As we disembarked, I was struck by how much the airport has grown and improved over the years. It’s a testament to the progress that Rome has made.
My bag appeared swiftly, and I reunited with my family at the kiss-and-ride area. The entire journey, from landing to reuniting with loved ones, was a seamless experience, even with two luggages to retrieve.
And with that, my Parisian adventure came to a close. Stay tuned for more travel tales and buon volo!
