My sister will be flying first class to Italy from Tampa (probably thru New York). She would like to hear from people who have flown first class on Alitalia. How was the experience compared with other airlines that fly there. What about Virgin? has anyone flown themm 1st class to Italy? Please reply to:
[email protected]
Thanks

fist class? is this a flight where everyone punches each other?

I have never flown alitalia but some comments on this forum are not favorable. generally if you fly the upper classes the service is good.

I have never heard of Virgin flying to Italy unless their new express service does. You probably have to connect thru London. Should you decide not to use Alitalia, try Air Canada. They have a flight that goes thru Toronto (I think). Also, since you are in the south did you try Delta? Their fist class is suppose to be nearly perfect!

Thanks- looks like my spelling needs some work!

By the way, I looked on Orbitz.com and it looks like the shortest flights to Rome are-

Continental thru Newark
USAirways thru Philly
Delta thru JFK

All of these should give you a good flight and service.

I believe that Virgin has just 2 classes of service (not counting Premium Economy)and I have flown "Upper Class" from Chicago to London and it is very nice, particularly the on-board manicures and massages. Perhaps Alitalia is more like the other transatlantic carriers (BA, American, United) that have three classes of service, Economy, Business and First, in which case I would wholeheartedly recommend the First Class option.

LOL, is this when you have to fight for your seat

Alitalia only has "Magnifica" class which is basically business class. No complaints but it's not first class.

Flown Magnifica Class many times. It's always been very good--service, food, seats etc.

I will take mafnifica Class anytime!!
Unfortunately next month I must fly cattle class!!!

Oooopsss, I hope that the spelling police did not notice that I mispelled MAGNIFICA!!!!!

Just back last week: BOS to Milan/Rome then Naples to Milan to BOS. Great service, decent food, good wine and very comfortable seats. It's the only way to go.

We flew Magnifica class last spring and it was great. The planes were kind of old and they are supposed to get new ones this year. The staff was very friendly. We are going back to Europe this summer on Virgin. We go to Norway and then Italy and connect on Alitalia.
First or business class is more fun when it is free. Get with the mileage programs! Of course you need to pay off your balance on your credit cards monthly or the interest makes the miles
VERY EXPENSIVE!The only thing you have to worry about with European airlines is STRIKES! The national pastime!
Bon voyage.

Of course fist was a typo. We all make them, but they can be humorous.
Fist class reminds me of a train ride I once took from Innsbruck to Verona.

The time was Easter Sunday and I was travelling from Innsbruck to Verona. All was peaceful until we arrived in Verona. As the train pulled in, I prepared to get off to change trains for Venice. An unruly mob on the platform wanted on immediately, and quite a few people on-board wanted off.
The two groups met at the door. A shoving, shouting match was started by those outside wanting inside and vice versa. After a few dozen terms of endearment followed by affectionate pats on the jaw, nose, and cheek with both open and closed hands of friendship, the situation deteriorated into considerable buffeting with rolled up newspapers and umbrellas, which I presumed to be a decidedly unique Italian way of showing affection.

As the affray intensified, I decided that the only way out was through the window. I jumped out and another guy handed me our luggage. But, too late.
I missed my train to Venice.
Now that was a fist class ride. One had to punch one's way off the train.