We're going to Italy later this year, and will be taking Delta due to their convenient non-stops from NYC (flying into Rome and home from Venice). On the outbound flight, one flight is operated by Delta, and the other is a codeshare operated by Alitalia. I've heard some bad things about Alitalia. Delta flight is a couple of hours earlier and a bit less convenient, but not much. Should I go with Delta rather than Alitalia, or does it really not matter. Thanks for any input.

Hi al,

Check what equipment they are using and look it up on www.seatguru.com.

I took Alitalia to Italy 3 years ago, and the flight was fine. Unmemorable, because we were in coach, but pretty much the same as every other airline.

Karen

Is NYC your final destination? If so, landing at either Delta or International Arrivals terminal will be fine. If you're going further on a domestic Delta flight landing at the Delta terminal will be faster/more convenient.

It's not all that long a flight--I'd take the most convenient one and not worry about which cattle car might be marginally better or worse.

To me, it's a toss of the coin. Either way, you'll get the frequent flier mileage. I would choose the more convenient, based on scheduled departure time. Some people prefer Alitalia's new 777-200 with individual TV monitors. Others prefer Delta's (as well as Alitalia's) older 767-300s without the TV monitors, but with 1/3 fewer passengers.

Thanks all. NYC is my final destination, and I had already looked up the equipment, as someone said it's the 767-300 on Delta and the 777 on Alitalia. I know that Delta's 777's had the TV monitors at each seat, wasn't sure if Alitalia did. I had just read some really nasty comments recently about Alitalia, people complaining about rude service, etc. But, it sounds fine, so I'm not too concerned. Thanks again.

The sauce is free on Alitalia. That tilts it for me.

I'm with DJ. We Betty Ford candidates hate to pay for our pick-me-ups. Take Alitalia and say, "hello, darling" to the drinks cart.