I just flew TLV-FCO-CDG on Alitalia yesterday, not by choice but because it was the only way to use Skyteam miles for an award ticket.

I only hoped that both flights would be on time and that my bag would arrive with me, period. My hopes were met and surpassed, as both flights arrived early. As the mileage usage difference was insignificant, I booked a Business Class seat and I am glad I did. No luxury but pleasant crew, decent service, pasta, spumante wine and middle seat made into a tablet. Business "Cabin" was 2 1/2, then 1 1/2 row, all occupants but me being AZ crew members deadheading on both flights. There may have been ONE other non-AZ passenger between TLV and FCO.

All considered, not a bad experience and the extra 5,000 Delta miles well spent, even more so as it considerably shortened the security check wait in TLV.

Between TLV and FCO, I received an "Indagine di Satisfazzione" questionnaire (satisfaction survey) which served as IFE as it kept me busy for 15 minutes and I gave high marks, especially in comparison to my expectations. However, somebody has a sense of humor as one of the questions was "Do you consider Alitalia to be one of the great airlines in the world?". I did not reply "Yes".