Sorry for posting this here, but I don't think anyone would see it in the Alitalia forum -- not one post in the last year.

I'm thinking about flying Alitalia's Magnifica (i.e., business) class to Israel for an upcoming business trip because I can get a free companion ticket for my partner from the Amex. Platinum International Airline Program.

Can anyone comment on the service, seating, food, etc., especially in comparison to UA, AA, TW or JL's overseas business class products (all of which I've flown fairly recently)?

Thanks for the advice --

Charlie

The service is fine and very briefly I consider it slightly superior to all the carriers mentioned.

Alialia have spent alot of money on upgrading the service and it shows. But remember it is different, it has an Italian twist, don't expect Ben & Jerry's etc.

I wouldn't hesitate in choosing Alitalia It isn't one of the worlds greats, but neither are the other carriers you mentioned
Nick

" " " " and

you will get the experience of a "standing" ovation after (each) landing - and after thinking this over - why not admit the "relief" by applauding too?

If you're a non-smoker, be careful though (unless they've now banned smoking on their international legs)-- you could choke to death in a cloud of smoke (same on Iberia).

Flew them in December from ORD-MXP-BOM and the transatlantic portion was non-smoking on a 767 (really , really old) and the MXP-BOM (MD-11) was smoking in the last row 5 only. Not too bad. Their food is just OK. They had sort of a moving Buffet which was different. Hit or Miss. I expected much more. The in-seat video on the MD-11 was locked and unavailable because of the Swissair episode. The seat were okay. Comfy and all but nothing like the new business class seat on many carriers. On a scale of 1-10, they're a 6.

Their new Business Class seats are as good as the majority, the old ones are very dissapointing.

Give them a try, experience something different. You can't loose - if they are good (as I suspect they will be) you have a great flight. If they are poor you post a Trip Report here and get much kudos!
Nick

FYI: This is NOT an OMNI topic Chazas... It's about an AIRLINE not about my cat EDDIE putting a hole in my garment bag. So OMNI not needed.

Your trip report though would be appreciated.

Sorry, Cat, I guess that after months of participating I still don't have all the nuances to "OMNI" down. I know this topic is airline-related, but was worried someone would ding me for posting to "The Buzz" rather than the Alitalia folder.

Luckily, my cat Nero (whose name is not really Eddie but whom a cat-sitting friend calls Eddie because he reminds him of Eddie Haskell on the old Leave It To Beaver show) has no front claws, so he's unlikely to make his way through my garment bag.

Thanks all for the advice; I'm flying Alitalia (earning US miles) Magnifica class to Milan and then fake European business class on to Tel Aviv, with a free (well, $37 in taxes) companion ticket. I'll let you all know how it was when I get back in the Trip Reports folder . . .

Charlie

[This message has been edited by chazas (edited 04-06-99).]

Memories.....

Gee, I hope Alitalia still have the unique boarding process whereby everyone runs out of the terminal & races to the plane. Also fond memories of wanna-be fighter pilots putting the plane into a 90 degree climb for 5 minutes; then 90 degree right turn. Exciting stuff for a young lad on his first non-US flag flight.

Cheers,

'toad

'toad - I'd be careful about mixing references to the US, military pilots and Italy.

Last I recall, US military pilots made fools of themselves in Italy...