Alitalia
Apr 16th, 2009, 06:28 AM
#1
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Alitalia
Has anyone had a positive experience with Alitalia? We are doing the Go Ahead Sicily tour this fall. We don't seem to have much choice in flights from NY to Palermo. It seems Alitalia is the only airline with one connection to use without using two separate airlines. The airfare right now is quite good although the reviews are horrendous. I have flown Alitalia twice before and have been lucky with the exception of missing a close connection in Milan on one trip.
Any feedback is appreciated.
Any feedback is appreciated.
Apr 16th, 2009, 07:23 AM
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Alitalia is pretty bad, but they aren't that bad.
As for the other connections, as long as the flights are within the same alliance, I wouldn't worry too much about having to connect between separate airlines. For example, I see a Delta/Northwest flight to Rome, which connects to Alitalia. As they are both in SkyTeam, this should be a pretty much as seamless as an all-Alitalia connection.
As for the other connections, as long as the flights are within the same alliance, I wouldn't worry too much about having to connect between separate airlines. For example, I see a Delta/Northwest flight to Rome, which connects to Alitalia. As they are both in SkyTeam, this should be a pretty much as seamless as an all-Alitalia connection.
Apr 19th, 2009, 07:40 AM
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My husband and I just flew Alitalia from Boston to Rome, round trip.
Everything was fine......flight attendants were pleasant.
Food was just okay but wine was free!
I had read some pretty bad reviews before we left so I was pleasantly surprised on our flight.
Everything was fine......flight attendants were pleasant.
Food was just okay but wine was free!
I had read some pretty bad reviews before we left so I was pleasantly surprised on our flight.
Apr 19th, 2009, 07:44 PM
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<i>Not exactly a ringing endorsement!</i>
Wasn't meant to be. They occupy the lowest tier of major airlines across the Atlantic, with US Airways and KLM. The ever-present threat of schedule changes, strike-related delays, and general inefficiency probably makes them the worst. I was afraid, I must confess, that my statement came out as too flattering of Alitalia.
But, even considering how bad they are, you will probably get where you need to be without too much hassle, just as with most airlines. To those that get a good deal or really want to fly nonstop somewhere served best by Alitalia, then it might be worth a try, as long as you keep your expectations in check.
I flew them from Copenhagen to Cairo and back to Amsterdam (via Milan, both ways) a couple of years ago, for example. I'd flown them before, so had low expectations. Yes, the plane was dirty, staff was unfriendly, there was general disarray, and there was the constant threat of strike and bankruptcy, which necessitated travel insurance that I rarely buy. But, only one of our legs was late, and not even by that much. Given how much cheaper they were, and the fact that they offered the best routing for that itinerary, I was reasonably happy.
Wasn't meant to be. They occupy the lowest tier of major airlines across the Atlantic, with US Airways and KLM. The ever-present threat of schedule changes, strike-related delays, and general inefficiency probably makes them the worst. I was afraid, I must confess, that my statement came out as too flattering of Alitalia.
But, even considering how bad they are, you will probably get where you need to be without too much hassle, just as with most airlines. To those that get a good deal or really want to fly nonstop somewhere served best by Alitalia, then it might be worth a try, as long as you keep your expectations in check.
I flew them from Copenhagen to Cairo and back to Amsterdam (via Milan, both ways) a couple of years ago, for example. I'd flown them before, so had low expectations. Yes, the plane was dirty, staff was unfriendly, there was general disarray, and there was the constant threat of strike and bankruptcy, which necessitated travel insurance that I rarely buy. But, only one of our legs was late, and not even by that much. Given how much cheaper they were, and the fact that they offered the best routing for that itinerary, I was reasonably happy.
Apr 20th, 2009, 01:49 PM
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I agree with the final statement of travelgourmet. I try to avoid Alitalia for all subjects stated from the previous posters but I have to admit that the final quality of a flight is a mixed result of many various ordinary, lucky and unlucky events which might affect all airlines, from the top rate to the bottom of the list, either on the ground or on board.
Said that the first priority for me to choose one airline over another is the best fare and schedule from point A to B and back.
Said that the first priority for me to choose one airline over another is the best fare and schedule from point A to B and back.
Apr 22nd, 2009, 03:30 PM
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I appreciate all the responses. Eurofly does not have flights posted for November; however, I will continue to check. I have not yet decided what flights to take. If I decide on Alitalia, I'll just keep my fingers crossed! I did find an American Airlines flight connecting in Milan with Alitalia. I will be sure to leave at least two hours between connecting flights. Two years ago, when my flight from Rome was delayed, our connection in Milan was not held and a group of us had to stay overnight. However, they did hold the connection to Boston. Hopefully things will improve for Alitalia.
Apr 24th, 2009, 01:55 AM
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We have flown on Alitalia several times to Italy. Other than the time the flight attendant did not like how my sister packed up her food tray for return after a meal (since I was the one who handed her the tray, flight attendant decided to teach me - and everyone around me who could hear - how to pack it correctly), we have had decent flights. It can be a bit disorganized checking in and boarding the plane on the Italian end though. Everyone wanted to get on at the same time. Maybe this has changed.
Confirm your reservations several times before the trip. I just found out that there was a recent equipment change for our flight in a few months and we had to be re-assigned to seats. Of course, a seat assignment on Alitalia means little or nothing.
Does anyone know what kind of a plane is used by Alitalia (AirOne)for Boston to Rome flights? I have received varied info when I asked about this -from a Boeing 727 to a 767 to a 332 (whatever this is). Is it true that some planes do not have a row #17?
Confirm your reservations several times before the trip. I just found out that there was a recent equipment change for our flight in a few months and we had to be re-assigned to seats. Of course, a seat assignment on Alitalia means little or nothing.
Does anyone know what kind of a plane is used by Alitalia (AirOne)for Boston to Rome flights? I have received varied info when I asked about this -from a Boeing 727 to a 767 to a 332 (whatever this is). Is it true that some planes do not have a row #17?
Apr 24th, 2009, 12:38 PM
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Marianna. It seem the BOS-FCO flight operated by Airone/Alitalia is an Airbus A330-200.
I mainly fly with Lufthansa and they also do not have row #13 and #17. The reason is that 13 and 17 are considered "unlucky" numbers and the intention is to avoid disappointed passengers who might even refuse to seat there with the consequence of unpeasant discussion at check-in and gate etc etc.....
I mainly fly with Lufthansa and they also do not have row #13 and #17. The reason is that 13 and 17 are considered "unlucky" numbers and the intention is to avoid disappointed passengers who might even refuse to seat there with the consequence of unpeasant discussion at check-in and gate etc etc.....
Apr 24th, 2009, 01:50 PM
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The Alitalia rep told me that they do not have row 17(maybe even 13) just for the reason you mentioned! Thirteen is a lucky number for my family or a number that seems to connect with us for many reasons and in many ways. I did not know that 17 may be an unlucky number for some.
Fabio, thanks for your information.
Fabio, thanks for your information.
