If possible, I suggest you avoid Alitalia. Here are few of my experiences. We were kept waiting for our flight for 1:20 , no reason given. Then delayed again for 20 more. Crabby gate attendants. Flight was to Chicago from Rome. Gate attendant spoke poor english. When lady with baby finally boarded the passengers cheered. Toilets on plane were dirty. My seat arm soiled underneath. Pretzels and drink handed out after 2 hours into flight, then 20 minutes later a meal came. Drinks were long gone. One flight movie at a time, in italian. No english dubbing. Attendants closed off an area and went to sleep. (not all of them). Passengers ringing for attendant, none available. Much more... just a gloss over of the circus of clowns. So you know.
Posted by
Chico, California, US
59 posts
An Alitalia flight some years ago was the only time I've seen passengers break into applause following a routine landing. It was definitely sigh-of-relief applause, not appreciation for the attendants.
Posted by
The Hague, NL (AMS)
2207 posts
Bob, as a frequent traveler in Euro-Airlines in and out of Rome, applause upon landing occurs often. Italians often applaud to congratulate the pilot(s) on a job well-done and a safe landing. So do many other countries - for us, we've experienced this on Russian, Czech, Polish, and Hungarian airliners. At the same time, I've been on many Alitalia flights and would share your perspective that I'm glad to be getting off this flight soon! I flew from CDG to FCO on an Alitalia plane that I think was older than I am - and that's saying something. But I have to admit my last BOS-FCO flight on Alitalia was actually quite good. Of course, on two separate ATL-MXP flights they did lose my luggage for three and four days.
Posted by
Utah
455 posts
Den I was on that rome to chicago flight with you. we actually waited over 2 hours to board. the lady with the baby was standing behind me in line. we missed our connecting flight from chicago to SLC because of alitalias delay. would maybe understand a bit better if they had offered any explanation at all. at the first of our trip 2 of 3 couples had alitalia lose their luggage. one couple didnt get theirs back for 8 days and then only because we had a delta pilot friend call a contact to get in touch with alitalia.
I will never book another flight with them.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
there is a site totally devoted to flying,, and on it I had read alot of negative stuff about Atilalia,, I know you get what you pay for sometimes, so I can accept less then steller food and in cabin service, but unreliabilty and general "don't care" atmosphere makes me nervous about safety.
Posted by
OP
Madison, Wi, USA
107 posts
Carolyn from Utah. Glad I was not imagining things. That was one strange flight. After standing all that time, as soon as we took off and leveled off, my wife made a bee-line to the bathroom. She came back and said it was dirty. So, I wonder if they cleaned after the previous flight? When I went, there were no napkins to dry hands with and waste receptacle was full. One thing I learned was to take a DVD player along. It sounds petty to complain about the movie situation but boy, book boredom sets in after 6 or 7 hours flying time. My favorite was showing p-port and B-pass to get back into the sitting area, then showing them again to pass thru the gate, then taking 4 steps and showing them again to go down the ramp! And.. I think we showed them again when getting on the plane. A bit of overkill. The good news is we made it home and went straight to McD for a big Mac. :) As I said, I will most definately "avoid" Alitalia when I can,, but who knows there may be a situation when I have to? Hopefuly not. To others... Beware.
Posted by
kildeer, il, uss
5 posts
Well, sadly, my sister and I are flying out of chicago non-stop to Rome wednesday! I am so upset to be reading all these posts. Too late now, doubt whether any changes can be made. What aircraft were you on?
Andi
Posted by
OP
Madison, Wi, USA
107 posts
Andi,, I think it was Flight 628 FCO to ORD. Who knows,, you may get a 'good' flight? I am sure there are those who have had no problem with them. Good experiences. Maybe that will be your case? Be aware too of their seats.. they recline a bit more than usual,, if person in front gives no warning.. and you have food or liquid on the tray... it will end up in your lap. So, might ask person to give you a heads up in they decide to recline. The good news is, we had a great stay. One thing to be aware of when eating,,, most all restaurants 'sell' water. No longer provided with meal.
You get one of the plastic bottles at E2.0 which amounts to about $2.90 each. Adds up. Forego that or just get one to share. Or none. Just go with the wine.
Posted by
Portland
8 posts
We just spent some time with a native Italian friend who lives in Padua. He recommended avoiding Alitalia. He said it is heavily government subsidized and that is the only way they stay in business.
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
203 posts
I flew Alitalia out of the US on October 1. It was the newer A-330 (I've read that their older planes look bad) and I upgraded to the Classica Plus (premium economy). Worth every penny!!! I flew direct JFK-MXP and then home direct FCO-JFK. Only downside was that you had to use the lavatory in the economy cabin. Don't check a bag if you can help it. They didn't weigh any carry on bags, and I also took a very large "purse"/tote bag to put under the seat. I had plenty to get through 10 days. I could have stretched it to 20 days if I just washed it all. So, try to go without checked luggage. If you don't check it, they can't lose it. My only complaint was that the attendants weren't very 'attentive' and were rather aloof. It that is the treatment you get in seats that cost $1700/each, how do the people in economy get treated????