Thread: Non revving INTL with luggage to someplace unknown.

I concur with ispp regarding luggage. We (and BP riders) never check but that's the SOP.
I have some buddies in Italy right now. 3 chose to fly to AMS for a few days then Ryanair (paying for extra everything) and got to Rome for a few days. (yes, it was packed--they had to got to the Spanish steps at 7 am because they couldn't see anything for all the masses there.) Last one went from SEA to AMS, then Transavia flight (I think) to Trieste (I think) to meet the others. Getting them out is going to be the hard part, but they will be split in 7 more days and return separately. They plan to depart from Pisa.
When does the cruise depart? Do you have a plan if you can't get there in time? What BP DOH are they using? Are you NUTZ!?????
I wish you luck--you will need it. Feel free to ask for advice along the way (and on Friday if it looks bleak) I recommend lots of prayer.

PS--here's a little tidbit you might like:
Budget Travel Vacation Ideas: Insider Secrets of Rome | Travel Deals, Travel Tips, Travel Advice, Vacation Ideas | Budget Travel

Give some thought to flying to any hub city on the European mainland i.e. AMS CDG FRA MAD take to the rails (EURAIL) from that point. Trains run with a great deal more certainty than buddy passes! Plan to do this a few days in advance of your cruise sailing. Now as for return - the EURAIL pass is generally valid for a period longer than your cruise will be. So after your cruise use the rail pass to get to a hub city that offers the best potential for using the buddy pass crossing the pond. It used to be that you could do Europe on the cheap-side. But not anymore - plan - compute - and return to take another look. Plan your options to have options and as mrs767er noted you are going to need luck and whole great deal plenty lot of it !

Buddy passes to Europe in the summer to catch a cruise - ooooooh Cuda.
Cuda now is the time, time to prepare your troops for battle - (personally I channel my inner Patton)
Plan to operate as two separate groups having limited contact-they must be able to operate independently.
And as ISPPILOT and M7 said, try and get that luggage down, (BP’s always carry too much stuff) tell them “all that luggage” could make the difference in making the cruise, plus they will have to lug it up 2,000+ steps.


Good luck!

I don't think I'd buy Eurail pass, as they are not advantageou$ for 1-2 point to point trips. Better to look at individual train ops, like German, French rails, etc upon arrival, then book online. You may find airfares on their many LCCs more suitable for price. Also, some cities offer great bus service. The best advantage for any train is that you can find overnights.
Be prepared to spend several days trying to get back to the States. Try oddball options, like WOW Iceland and then DL from KEF to JFK (even tho that will likely be VERY heavily loaded)
I'm with Mig--cut back that luggage--nobody really cares how dressed up you are on a cruise--you have to sacrifice something to nonrev somethimes--ladies--6 prs of heels/matching handbags, hosiery, jewelry, makeup, toiletries, etc--all absurd! Guys--cut back all the jeans (too hot) a few pr light trou and some nice shorts--not cargo crap with heavy hiking shoes. Pretend the airline lost all your luggage and go with the flow! You can do it!! Think LIGHT....

Oh yeah--better to have your BPs go backwards (like DTW/MSP, etc) for $50-100 extra than sit ATL/JFK and not get on limited flights. So far, Italy is not your nonstop friend this weekend. Be mindful of the same thing returning--they may have to go the west coast to get to the US.

Does anybody know what happened here? Did Cuda and crew make it out of ATL? Did they pare down the luggage? Did anybody made it to "someplace"???

I vote for PM--I'll do the honors, as DL pass rider.
PM sent--tune in tomorrow or later...

Well, I'll be gobsmacked! Even the 2 BPs got on MXP biz--who knew? Right choice, obviously. On their way to Civatitiveccia for the cruise. Bon voyage, Cuda and company!