Originally Posted by
shainky84
My finace and I are planning our honeymoon next June - an Italy & Greek Isles cruise departing from and returning to Rome. Since airfare has just gone on sale in the last few days, we are doing research to see what's the best option for us.
We live in NYC, but closer to JFK than to Newark. We are flexible in timing on the outbound flight, but due to the disembarkation process from our ship (don't want to book a flight before 12pm) on the day we come home, we have less flexibility on the return flight.
Those parameters rule out American and United, and leave us with Delta or Alitalia. The reviews and comments I've read lead me to think that we'd be happier with the experience Delta. Therefore our leading contenders are Delta #444 JFK-FCO and Delta #245 FCO-JFK.
The current price on airfare for Delta is about $280 more than Alitalia. Is it worth spending the extra for the base fare? Should I wait a while (How long?) to see if the fare drops?
Economy Plus on Alitalia is far too expensive for us to consider, but on Delta Comfort+ its only $109 per flight. That's something I'd consider, but is it worth it? I enjoying flying and don't have many problems with legroom (I'm 5'6"), but my fiance is 5'10" and is not the best flyer and I want to be sure the experience is as comfortable for him. Will the upgrade to Comfort+ help to that end?
In either situation, regular Economy or Comfort+, I know that we'll be happier with AC or HJ seats (I get the window, he gets the aisle), but are there particular rows that are better or worse than others? Should we rule out Row 10 despite the fact that it's the bulkhead?
Thanks!
Economy Plus on Alitalia and Delta Comfort+ are quite different. The former is a separate cabin, with different seats (wider, similar to domestic first class seats) and different service. The latter is the same coach seat but with more legroom and a bit more recline. There are a few other little perks, like a small amenity kit with a toothbrush in it and getting to board earlier, but overall the experience is very similar to coach. Don't get your hopes up too high...
As for the exact seats, the bulkhead has the advantage of no one reclining in front of you, but you lose the ability to stretch your legs out under the seat in front of you.
Also, be aware that some Alitalia flights on that route are operated with 777 aircraft, on which Alitalia uses a narrower seat (10 seats across, vs. some airlines use 9 seats across on the same type of plane), so those are best avoided. The A330 on Delta or Alitalia will be more comfortable...though again...it's still coach, so don't expect anything amazing.
