[dand99]

I booked a TLV-FCO-GOA return with Alitalia (via Orbitz).

On the return leg, I couldn't make the airport on time as a fire had closed down the main artery into Genoa - all traffic coming into Genoa from the west was gridlocked for 4 hours.

I called both Orbitz and Alitalia en route. On arriving at the counter the GAs (I think they were airport GAs manning the Alitalia desk, not Alitalia) told me they'd see what they could do - and some time later told me they had spoken with the Alitalia station manager and could do nothing for me - I was a no show, the ticket was dead and I would have to buy a new ticket.

I called Orbitz, who to their credit did try to go higher up the Alitalia ladder - with no results.

By the letter of the law, Alitalia is right. My ticket was a non-refundable, non-everything fare. HOWEVER these were exceptional circumstances - I did not get up late, or have a flat tire. Genoa airport was for all purposes unreachable from anywhere west for four hours - many people missed their flights.

I would have expected some consideration here - but instead Alitalia chose the short-sighted approach. No, I will not buy a new Alitalia one-way for $900. Zero for customer service. Congratulations Alitalia, I will NEVER board an Alitalia flight again.

D.