Atalia or Delta to Rome?
 

We will be leaving for our honeymoon form Atlanta to Rome, and then Venice back to Atlanta. I would love to go business class but the fare difference is $3K per person! So our options are economy class on Delta (Airbus A330-300) or Alitalia (767-400 or A330-200). Would anyone recc one over the other? The Delta flight is $150 more.\

Thanks!

I would compare aircraft configurations on seatguru.com.

I made a vow a few years ago after a particularly bad experience never to fly Alitalia again, so $150 wouldn't even begin to tempt me. Then again, my flight from LAX is significantly longer, so there's more time to suffer.

Haha thanks Jean,
What couldve happened that is so bad that you will never fly with them again (if you dont mind me asking). I know all the carriers have their problems and lots of times it just comes down to the lfight crew on that specific plane or something like that. But it sounds like this is a different matter entirely?

Delta and Alitalia code share so if you book a Delta flight to Italy you're apt to get an Alitalia flight. You can't control the type of plane as it can change at any time to accommodate the number of passengers who booked.

From Atlanta, the only non-stops are on Delta planes. The Alitalia flights are likely codeshares on Delta. Not a huge difference between the A330s and the 767-400.

If you are looking for a bit more room that won't break the bank too badly, consider this:

http://www.delta.com/traveling_check...my_comfort.jsp

Either someone "forgot" to empty the toilets in the front section of coach or the toilets were malfunctioning, whatever, discovered about 90 minutes into the flight. Lines for the toilets in the rear section of coach were long the entire flight, and no access to toilets in business/first was permitted. The smell, in all fare classes (how very democratic!), was nauseating. People were actually crying from the smell.

There was a near mutiny, with people demanding the plane make an unscheduled stop somewhere on the East Coast. Nope. No apologies, no compensation.

What are your dates? I only see a 767 on Delta for some dates and no non-stops at all on other dates. If you aren't looking at non-stop, then Air France should be an option also with a connection at CDG.

Do you have any airlines status? Delta has the new economy comfort seats (they show up green when your selecting seats) starting this summer (can be purchased, but if you have status, you can get them free or discounted). Not biz, but better than economy.

I prefer the Airbus as I think the seats are more comfortable. I think I'm in the minority though.

You couldn't pay me to fly Alitalia. I won't go into my story as it's too long and complicated. But, had it not been for Delta, in Milan, I might still be stranded there. Happy Travels!

Alitalia is a very different airline now that they have reorganized. I have flown with them several times in the past two years, most recently in coach last week, and would fly with them again.

The new Alitalia is under different ownership than the old and is much better. I agree with ekscruncy. Our experience in November was fine. Better than any domestic US airline except JetBlue. Our seats were fairly roomy for economy, and it matters because I am 6'3" and 238 lbs.

I think it will get even better as labor contracts are renegotiated. The "legacy" flight attendants are former government employees and have something of a sense of entitlement.

<i>"Alitalia is a very different airline now that they have reorganized."</i>

Travel sources tell me the same thing. They say things have changed since the formation of Alitalia-CAI. With French shareholder power, one could expect a better run company. I've never flown Alitalia.

I have only minor complaints about Air France (my French is decent, even without all the nasal). I use them for trips to Paris but I stopped using them for other destinations when connections are through CDG. I really dislike connecting any flight through CDG. Dislike it immensely.

airlinequality.com

seatguru.com

might help you make your decision.

Personally prefer Delta

to Alitalia bankrupt old planes

Just did your journey ATL ROM RT on ba.com via Heathrow

RT Rome Premium Economy wonderful journey at good price.

Might check that out also airawards.com discount BIZ fares

50-75% off sometimes in tha past for me.

Usually find RT Milan(MXP) ATL to be cheapest though

kayak.com/buzz cheapoair.com

Trains are cheap from there especially regionals

save hundreds usually with RT over open jaw flights.

Happy Hunting,

cheapoair.com Biz class sales

ATL EWR MXP(Milan) RT

finding sales with discounts Biz class

on United $1400 each way $2800 all in

Great deal might play around over there.

$100 biz class discount right now.

Happy Hunting,

Oh, oh, NYCFoodSnob or others, What problems should I be aware of at CDG?
I'm flying AirFrance, Toronto to CDG & conecting 2 hours later to Alitalia (has a codeshare # with AF) to Rome on 31st April to catch a cruise. Can't miss my flight!

I go through CDG a lot and have never had a problem. The Delta/AF Lounge is generally crowded but aside from that no problems.

I was initially reluctant to fly Air France because there seems to be this love it/hate it thing, but I have only compliments for crew and service. Food leaves a lot to be desired but they certainly know how to pour the wine generously!

<i>Oh, oh, NYCFoodSnob or others, What problems should I be aware of at CDG? </i>

I think most of the complaints center around the fact that Air France operations are spread among several concourses in Terminal 2. Connecting between concourses (really almost separate terminals) can involve a lot of long walks and the signage can be a bit confusing. Personally, I think it has gotten a bit better, but it still isn't as user-friendly as other airports.

<i>The new Alitalia is under different ownership than the old and is much better.</i>

This is not the first time I've seen this. I would note, however, that a lot of the comments seem to suggest a big comfort difference between the newer A330s, which many people seem to like, and the older 767s and 777s, which seem to draw quite a few complaints. Also, service recovery (i.e. how they respond when something goes wrong), still seems to cause some complaints. I wouldn't necessarily avoid Alitalia now, but I'm not sure I'm eager to fly them either.

I'm happy to hear Alitalia has improved, but I still wouldn't roll the dice for a fare difference of only $150. For me, the flight's too long to take chances.

<i>"connecting 2 hours later"</i>

A 2 hr connection at CDG is safe as long as the connecting flight doesn't get canceled (been there, experienced that). AF is notorious for booking 30 minute connections at CDG even though it isn't permitted. I have never been able to get a straight or honest answer why they do that. At one point, foregoing the movie studio's travel agent and securing the ticket myself, I caught an AF rep trying to book a 30 minute connection and called her on it. She had the nerve to tell me they do it all the time with no problems. Oh yeah.

I don't wish to relive my horror stories with CDG. I'm embarrassed that I endured one too many upsets (the things you do for the perks). I know a few people who share my grief and we vented long ago. The bottom line is, I now avoid any connecting flight out of CDG. Hands down, I'm a much happier traveler now.

(Disclaimer: A one-time mishap is easily tolerated and, chances are, you'll never remember it after your trip is over. When you fly often, especially for work, irritations build up. There's no need to panic when you read my posts. Perspective matters. If you find yourself with a 30-50 minute connection at CDG, call your airline and try to change that, especially if you want your luggage to arrive at your final destination.)

I really appreciate the insights. My connecting flight is in the same Terminal 2F, so I'll keep my fingers crossed!

Thanks Guys, I checked Cheapoair and it looks like the prices are similar for Air France, KLM, and US Airways in addition to the Alitalia and Delta. Any comments on those, or should I just play it safe and go Delta? We are going in Sept and no we dont have any status with any airline.

Go with whichever offers you the best price and schedule. I use yapta, and track my fares -- if you go with only Delta flights, you will be alerted if they reduce their prices after you've bought your tickets, so you can ask for the lesser fare.