Background
Because of Delta's upcoming 2015 mileage program changes I have been trying to rack up as many miles before January 1. Fortunaltly for me, Alitalia had a recent major discount for their business class product from LAX-FCO-BCN for about $1300 and change. What a great way to experience one of the supposed best J-class products in skyteam and rack up a great amount of miles and Medallion Qualfying Miles!
Aiport
LAX has to be one of the worst major airports in the US and until recently was a nightmare to fly on any long haul international flights. With the recent renovations at the Bradley Terminal (TBIT), I have to say I am so impressed and really look forward to each time I get to visit. Alitalia along with all of the non DELTA joint venture airlines (KLM,AIRFRANCE) have moved from the nasty trenches of terminal 2, to TBIT.
CHECK IN
I arrived at LAX about 2.5 hours prior to our afternoon departure in order to enjoy the new Korean Air lounge at TBIT. Check in was brisk, and efficient, but no Sky Priority line was provided. This was odd because AF across the way had well marked SP lanes.
LOUNGE (KOREAN AIR)
Security is one thing TBIT has a major issue with and it took about 30 minutes of god-awful shuffling and madness to get though. Once in, however, you are welcomed into the new gorgeous Villaraigosa Pavilion, with HUGE LED wall screens that mesmerize.
The KE lounge is great with beautiful outdoor patio and a decent selection of snacks. I took a quick shower in the beautiful marble bathroom and had several (4) glasses of jack on the rocks. This was a bit of a disappointment as just a few months before, the lounge provided Johnny Walker Black as the self serve whiskey option.
BOARDING/DEPARTURE
This is one area that I knew would be a disaster as I had read other reviews on the subject. Unlike KE, who manages to board an A380 efficiently in about 30 minutes, AZ cannot and I repeat CANNOT manage to organize a 777.
As soon as boarding commenced, people were shuffling all around in disarray without any regulation or designation. Once the unruly mob of coach passengers had been boarded, we pushed back quickly and within a short taxi arrived at runway 24L for takeoff for our quick 11:38 hours flight across the United States and Atlantic Ocean. Our route would take us past Vegas then NE towards Chicago. We would begin out Atlantic crossing in Maine, then make landfall in France towards the Italian peninsula.
SEAT
Since AZ redesigned their seats on all long haul flights within the past several years, they have really been able to achieve one of the most comfortable in the SKYTEAM network. Their 777 aircraft is arranged in a great 1-2-1 configuration which allows all passengers aisle access and 180 degree lie flat seating. The bulkhead window seats offer an especially large amount of privacy and really give the pod effect and feel to the passenger. I found the seat extremely comfortable and the lush Italian leather a welcome sight and feel.
MEAL SERVICE
Based on previous reviews, and all of the awards AZ has received for meal service, I was excited beyond belief to start eating. AZ really sets the bar high for business class with hand plating each course in front of your eyes, giving the meal an elegant and individualized feel. Pre-departure beverage began with a choice of AZ's signature and delicious blood orange (arancia rossa) or prosecco. I chose both!
Shortly after take off, your table is beautifully set with linens and china giving the true feel of an Italian Restaurant. Menus are passed out and full of extensive choices. As any good Italian meal begins, an antipasti is served, followed by a selection of two pastas (again chose both) and mains (chose both). Dessert was simple and delicious. Limoncello and sweet wine provided to wash it all down. All the food was solid, especially the antipaste and pasta dishes, which were perfectly prepared and plated. After dinner, an in-flight self service bar was set up (not pictured). The bar included some Italian beers, juices, water and soda, along with some treats. About 6 hours into flight time, this bar was completely obliterated by the apparently ravenous J-class passengers. And when I say obliterated, I mean literally nothing was left!
While the first meal service on AZ was great, the second, was less than inspiring. They provided an "Italian breakfast", which essentially included bread, more bread, an extra side of bread and some fruit. How they don't offer another hot meal on a flight of over 11 hours is beyond me. Even Delta, would offer some type of heated breakfast sandwich in Economy on a flight of this length. FAIL.
FLIGHT CREW/SERVICE
Where Alitalia really excels is their fabulous seat and main meal service. This however, is eclipsed by their less than stellar flight crews. I'm not sure if it is a lack of English proficiency, or just a general lack of pride and care in providing the highest level of service to their best customers. On both my outbound and inbound flights the crew were generally disinterested, curt, and invisible. Unlike the majority of my J class experiences (on DELTA, AF, and Korean), where crews in my experience have made me feel welcome, the Alitalia crew generally seemed to be burdened by the passengers of the flight. The crew did provide what you wanted when asked, but they HAD to be asked....for more wine, water, bread... pretty much anything that would normally be taken care of by a good crew.
OVERALL
Generally, the flight was great. And for the price even better. Despite the flight crews, I would fly AZ again, for their great food, and seat!
Because of Delta's upcoming 2015 mileage program changes I have been trying to rack up as many miles before January 1. Fortunaltly for me, Alitalia had a recent major discount for their business class product from LAX-FCO-BCN for about $1300 and change. What a great way to experience one of the supposed best J-class products in skyteam and rack up a great amount of miles and Medallion Qualfying Miles!
Aiport
LAX has to be one of the worst major airports in the US and until recently was a nightmare to fly on any long haul international flights. With the recent renovations at the Bradley Terminal (TBIT), I have to say I am so impressed and really look forward to each time I get to visit. Alitalia along with all of the non DELTA joint venture airlines (KLM,AIRFRANCE) have moved from the nasty trenches of terminal 2, to TBIT.
CHECK IN
I arrived at LAX about 2.5 hours prior to our afternoon departure in order to enjoy the new Korean Air lounge at TBIT. Check in was brisk, and efficient, but no Sky Priority line was provided. This was odd because AF across the way had well marked SP lanes.
LOUNGE (KOREAN AIR)
Security is one thing TBIT has a major issue with and it took about 30 minutes of god-awful shuffling and madness to get though. Once in, however, you are welcomed into the new gorgeous Villaraigosa Pavilion, with HUGE LED wall screens that mesmerize.
The KE lounge is great with beautiful outdoor patio and a decent selection of snacks. I took a quick shower in the beautiful marble bathroom and had several (4) glasses of jack on the rocks. This was a bit of a disappointment as just a few months before, the lounge provided Johnny Walker Black as the self serve whiskey option.
BOARDING/DEPARTURE
This is one area that I knew would be a disaster as I had read other reviews on the subject. Unlike KE, who manages to board an A380 efficiently in about 30 minutes, AZ cannot and I repeat CANNOT manage to organize a 777.
As soon as boarding commenced, people were shuffling all around in disarray without any regulation or designation. Once the unruly mob of coach passengers had been boarded, we pushed back quickly and within a short taxi arrived at runway 24L for takeoff for our quick 11:38 hours flight across the United States and Atlantic Ocean. Our route would take us past Vegas then NE towards Chicago. We would begin out Atlantic crossing in Maine, then make landfall in France towards the Italian peninsula.
SEAT
Since AZ redesigned their seats on all long haul flights within the past several years, they have really been able to achieve one of the most comfortable in the SKYTEAM network. Their 777 aircraft is arranged in a great 1-2-1 configuration which allows all passengers aisle access and 180 degree lie flat seating. The bulkhead window seats offer an especially large amount of privacy and really give the pod effect and feel to the passenger. I found the seat extremely comfortable and the lush Italian leather a welcome sight and feel.
MEAL SERVICE
Based on previous reviews, and all of the awards AZ has received for meal service, I was excited beyond belief to start eating. AZ really sets the bar high for business class with hand plating each course in front of your eyes, giving the meal an elegant and individualized feel. Pre-departure beverage began with a choice of AZ's signature and delicious blood orange (arancia rossa) or prosecco. I chose both!
Shortly after take off, your table is beautifully set with linens and china giving the true feel of an Italian Restaurant. Menus are passed out and full of extensive choices. As any good Italian meal begins, an antipasti is served, followed by a selection of two pastas (again chose both) and mains (chose both). Dessert was simple and delicious. Limoncello and sweet wine provided to wash it all down. All the food was solid, especially the antipaste and pasta dishes, which were perfectly prepared and plated. After dinner, an in-flight self service bar was set up (not pictured). The bar included some Italian beers, juices, water and soda, along with some treats. About 6 hours into flight time, this bar was completely obliterated by the apparently ravenous J-class passengers. And when I say obliterated, I mean literally nothing was left!
While the first meal service on AZ was great, the second, was less than inspiring. They provided an "Italian breakfast", which essentially included bread, more bread, an extra side of bread and some fruit. How they don't offer another hot meal on a flight of over 11 hours is beyond me. Even Delta, would offer some type of heated breakfast sandwich in Economy on a flight of this length. FAIL.
FLIGHT CREW/SERVICE
Where Alitalia really excels is their fabulous seat and main meal service. This however, is eclipsed by their less than stellar flight crews. I'm not sure if it is a lack of English proficiency, or just a general lack of pride and care in providing the highest level of service to their best customers. On both my outbound and inbound flights the crew were generally disinterested, curt, and invisible. Unlike the majority of my J class experiences (on DELTA, AF, and Korean), where crews in my experience have made me feel welcome, the Alitalia crew generally seemed to be burdened by the passengers of the flight. The crew did provide what you wanted when asked, but they HAD to be asked....for more wine, water, bread... pretty much anything that would normally be taken care of by a good crew.
OVERALL
Generally, the flight was great. And for the price even better. Despite the flight crews, I would fly AZ again, for their great food, and seat!
