Alitalia.....How bad?
 

Dear Fellow Travelers, <BR>I am planning a dream trip to Italy from San Francisco later this year, and the only cheap tickets I could get are on Alitalia. I have heard nothing but horror stories traveling on Alitalia. Is there any truth to my fear? I hate to have my vacation ruined on the plane before I even get to Italy. <BR>Thanks!

Alfred, <BR> <BR>I have been to Italy via Alitalia several times and my in-laws travel to Italy via Alitalia yearly for the past 20+ years. Yes, the service, etc. has declined but I would not consider these things to be "horror stories." The trip is simply unremarkable; nothing extraordinary yet not terrible either. I would travel to Italy on Alitalia in a second - especially if I got cheap tickets!! Enjoy your trip. Italy is a marvelous country and I wouldn't worry a bit about Alitalia. <BR> <BR>Mary

I too have heard stories. Anyone? For example, is it true that people smoke in spite of no-smoking regulations?

Our experience with Alitalia was accidental (not as in kaboom but as in circumstances): when AA had its non-strike last winter, our flight to Milan was cancelled and we were re-booked on Alitalia. They did everything they could to accommodate the four of us (1 out of SFO, the other 3 flying from another city) at the last minute. AA personnel were the beasts from hell; Alitalia personnel were saviours. I just wish people smoked on the plane; I could have used a couple after the AA horror, but, sadly, no smoking. <BR>The service wasn't exemplary, but it was no worse than other airlines mentioned more than once on this forum. <BR>AND the Loon traveling from SFO got to sit in the midst of an Italian soccer team - ok, it might not happen on every flight, and it probably had a different impact on her than it would Alfred, but still and all, it's something to think about...

Elvira, were any of those soccer players related to ailing members of the aristocracy?

My husband and I flew AlItalia round trip from Toronto to Italy last fall and had no complaints. The flight over was actually on one of the Canadian partner airlines. I felt the return trip on the AlItalia plane was much better in terms of seat room and service(coach class) than the trip out on the Canadian airline.

Alfred, <BR> <BR>we took a trip recently on Alitalia from SF to Rome and the only mishap was that my luggage was broken into and the lock smashed. Since I never travel with valuables, the thieves were thwarted. Take nothing valuable with you!

Hi, Alfred: <BR> We've flown Alitalia twice (N.Y. to Rome) & it was no worse than any other airline. <BR> The last time, however, we were seated right behind 1st class (with only a curtain separating us) & were subjected to a lot of cigarette smoke (we were in a no smoking section). <BR> Also, my husband ordered vegetarian, which turned out to be mostly burned green beans. <BR>

Yes, though Newgirl 2 was happy with a bunch of young Italian men (oh lordy does that sound good), I personally am looking for a tour group "Old Sickly Wealthy Aristocracy With One Foot in the Grave". Do you think Globus would be interested in my suggestion to put this tour together?

We flew Alitalia in May, and had absolutely no problems. I had also heard that even non-smoking flights would be filled with smokers, but we found the flight to be completely non-smoking.

I have only flown them inside Italy, but found them to be professional and safe. There was a technical glitch with a door not closing and they kept us fully informed of progress (in Italian and English). If they offered a competitive airfare I would definitely consider them.

A lone loon, young Italian soccer players, and over 1 mile high... the mind boggles:))). Alfred, I've flown Alitalia twice from Boston-Rome mainly because they were the only non-stop flight and the leg room is *great* on their 767-300ER which are my top priorities. The food really was the worst (and I'm a truckdriver/construction worker who eats in greasy diners and from mobile food trucks:) and drink service (well an other priority:) was a one-shot deal but if you walk back to them they'll set you up:). They're a safe airline IMO and I'll fly them again if they bring back non-stop service from Boston in a heartbeat. Regards, Walter <BR>

My last experience on Alitalia was not great - there were people smoking all over the plane, my vegetarian meal was nowhere to be found, and no other provisions were made to find me any other food. Most concerning of all (to me) was the way they allowed passengers keep luggage, shopping bags, handbags, blankets, pillows (crated farm animals?) piled in the aisles and the walkways the entire flight, including takeoff and landing. Also, if you are seated in the exit row on some planes, there is no "seat in front of you" under which you can put your bags, so all your stuff goes into an overhead bin somewhere (or else you just pile them in the aisles and prop your feet on them!!!).

I flew Alitalia to Milan, and while I don't remember the food or the flight itself being anything but normal, they sent our luggage to Rome. Thank goodness we always carry three days in a carryon. They were very unhelpful in getting our luggage to us in Venice. They finally told us that our "file was closed"! A helpful Italian managed to make the calls to get it to us. It was sitting in the airport in Venice the whole time. Also, I was not crazy about those animals on board, and there were several. I like pets fine, but I would not have been happy to have one in a crate on the lap of the person beside me.

...but, if it is cheap enough, take it. It is just for a few hours, and barring lack of safety, I will put up with anything for a really cheap flight!!