I just flew LAX->FCO (Alitalia 777-200) and then returned VCE->JFK->LAX (Delta 767-400's both legs). I had flown the new Alitalia before, last year (super-comfy, really really nice all around - definitely the new high water mark in biz class) and was excited to try the new Delta biz product coming back. The return flights were on the staggered-seating 180-degree lie-flats, not the pod-type angled seats. They're basically the smaller, less comfy version of the Alitalia seats.

I'm 6'2" and normal build. Gotta say, these were the most uncomfortable biz class seats I've ever been in. Hard as a board, when in lie-flat your feet are trapped/compressed and can't be crossed or moved, and when in upright position it hurts your back. I realize that complaining about biz class is kind of like "this chocolate is wonderful but it's not as good as the chocolate I once had in Paris" -- because anything is better than coach when you're 6'2" (which has officially become Lord-of-the-Flies) -- but the old 767-300ER seats were more comfortable than these new things. I feel like this was a big misstep on Delta's part. I imagine it has something to do with the size/dimensions of the plane. And I wonder if the new angled-type lie-flat seats are any more comfortable.

So if you have the chance to fly Alitalia/Air France/KLM over Delta in Biz Class -- even if it's the older seats on KLM or Air France -- I'd go with those. 14 hours in these new Delta seats and I need a trip to the chiropractor. Ouch.

Kirby