How to Book a Flight on Blu-express

The low-cost arm of Italy's Blue Panorama Airlines, Blu-express provides regional service from its hub in Rome to cities throughout Italy, along with a limited number of European destinations.

Things You'll Need

• Credit card
• Passport
• Telephone
• Computer with Internet access

Instructions

Book Your Flight

1. Book your flight at the Blu-express Web site (see Resources below). Click on the British flag at the right of the home page to access an English-language version. To make reservations by telephone, call the airline at 011 ([phone]. If dialing from outside the United States, check which international prefix to substitute.

2. Select your departure and arrival city.

3. Select your travel dates and the number of passengers.

4. Review the available flights and choose the one which best suits your needs. The site provides fare information as well as departure and arrival times.

5. Complete the passenger-data form before paying for your ticket.

6. Print the ticket confirmation. You will need this information if you want to access your itinerary online. Bring a copy of this information to airport, as you will need it at the ticket counter.

Know Rome's Leonardo Da Vinci Airport

1. Take the measure of Leonardo Da Vinci International Airport in Fiumicino, just outside of Rome. Also known as Fiumicino International, it is Italy's largest airport. The base of Blu-express, the airport is a true hub--all Blu-express flights lead to Rome.

2. Take the train to the plane. The airport is serviced by two rail lines: an express running directly to Rome's Termini Station and the regional FR1 line.

3. Catch the bus. While airport buses are numerous, they are not wheelchair accessible.

Know Your Destination

1. Fly up and down Italy. Among Blu-express' destinations are Bari in the Puglia region (near the heel of the "boot"), Bologna and Milan in the north.

2. Visit Europe. Blu-express flies to Munich in Germany, Vienna in Austria as well as Lyon and Nice in France.

3. Jet between Rome and Milan. There are typically three flights a day between the cities.

Tips & Warnings

• In telephone listings, all country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign; (+39) is the code for Italy.

• While business class is available on most Blu-express flights, the company prides itself in excellent overall service.

• Know the passport and visa requirements of any country you plan to visit.