Been to this airport several times. I'm reviewing my experience for December 2025 as there's been a…read morelot of changes. Arrival: terminal 1 - a few steps from our Gate, several kiosks are available for all travelers to scan the passports and the attendants put stickers on the back of your passport which will determine which line at immigration you're supposed to go. My line was short and no questions from Immigration officer. The airport was very clean and organized. Signs for train, bus and taxis are very precise and understandable. Departure: we used the United Airlines area which was located in Terminal 1 Gate 5. Totally separate from other airlines. They have the Global Blue machine with CS helping out to process the tax refund. Lesser line for customs. Terminal 1 has all the high end stores and a variety of restaurants to choose from as well as Duty Free and most importantly Lounges. To get to the United Airlines departure gate for the US, you have to ride a train. One of the airports that I like. January 2026

At Fiumicino, even the food is a masterpiece -- Da Vinci would've sketched the pizza…read more Most airports are stress factories with bad coffee and sad sandwiches. But Fiumicino? This is Rome's way of saying, "Even on your way in or out, we're going to feed you properly." The food here is shockingly good -- actual espresso that doesn't taste like jet fuel, pizza that reminds you you're still in Italy, and pasta dishes that make you weep quietly into your boarding pass. Forget "airport food," this is your first or last bite of Rome. And yes, it's a high bar when your connecting flight is going to reward you with a cold bag of pretzels. History flex: the airport was named after Leonardo da Vinci back in 1961, which feels fitting -- the man designed flying machines on parchment, and now you're sipping cappuccino at Gate B while his name hangs over every departure board. I like to think he'd be proud... or at least impressed by the gelato kiosks. Is it chaotic? Of course -- it's still an Italian airport. Expect long lines, random gate changes, and the occasional opera of confused tourists. But even then, you'll be distracted by the fact you're eating fresh mozzarella in an airport. "This is how every airport should be -- food that reminds you where you are, and why you came." Bottom line: Leonardo da Vinci Airport isn't just your gateway to Rome -- it's your edible postcard, your culinary welcome mat, your last shot of espresso before reality.