Alitalia

Flew last week from Toronto to Brussels via Rome on a brand new A330 and on an A321. Both flights left on time and in Rome we landed 30 mins in advance. Flight attendants were very courteous in both flights and the meal on the intercontinental flight was absolutely of excellent quality abundant and any drink for free without limitation. The entertainment system on board is modern and varied to spend so many hours. In general the service was thus above the average of other European airlines and we have not encountered any problem during transit in Fiumicino.

Our experience with Alitalia was very poor. We paid extra for seats with more leg room only to find that because of the extra space passengers as well as the staff used this room as an aisle so we actually had to keep our feet tucked under our seats so that people weren't tripping over us. Then the overhead lighting didn't work nor did the audio equipment. We found some of the staff to be extremely unfriendly. Gate line ups were very chaotic. Would never fly with them again.

From Istanbul to Rome on June 29. Check in agent for Business Class refused to attend us though is clearly mentioned that they "welcome" passengers flying Classica Plus at this counter. Returned to the queue and once attended was informed that my suitcase was with extra kilos. So I had to explain and teach to the agent that as I was coming from Brazil I was allowed to carry 2 pieces of 32 kg each and not 23 kg as she was trying to convince me. They don't even want to have "the job" to read carefully the e-tkt before mention such a thing. Third trip with this airline and always with issues.

VIE-FCO-CTA-FCO-VIE. Avoid this airline at any cost. Non existent customer service - overcharged for a pet in the cabin (EUR 158 for 4kg dog). CTA check-in and through security big shambles. Although we were at check in 2 hrs prior almost missed the flight because of long queues. When I've asked the local staff to assist and check us in so we don't miss the flight the response was "I don't care"! No organisation at all - people jumping queues rude staff running from one plane to another as no stairs to disembark etc. Stress all around. Easyjet is like a bizjet service compare to these people.

A party of 9 family members flew from several locations around the US to Rome and Italy for a vacation. 4 of the members flew back from Rome to the US yesterday on Alitalia. The 4 who flew Alitalia were disappointed with the level of service on the plane. Meals were noticeably sub-par when compared to the service 2 weeks earlier on other carriers and the service provided by the carriers flown by other members of the family. Surprised at the announcement 4 hours before landing that "drinks and snacks are available at the rear of the plane." We also noticed that the staff made one sweep of the cabin collecting food containers. Anything after that was not picked up. As we deplaned the plane looked like a park after a rock concert: paper napkins cups and wrappers everywhere. The cloth seat covers were soiled and in poor condition. The only good thing I can say is that the pilots did an excellent job. Flight and landing were smooth.

Last Autumn we booked to fly from Malaga to Toronto via Rome. On arrival at Malaga we received our boarding passes for both flights the second flight showed a take off time of 1700 not the 1000 we had booked and had confirmed. When we arrived in Rome we had difficulty finding out what the problem was. After much haranguing of staff we eventually got a meal voucher (limited amount) and a phone call to our family at destination. The flight eventually took off at about 1800 an 8 hour delay.

Our flight from Rome to Toronto (FCO-YYZ) was a 9 hour flight and there was no inflight entertainment. For a 9 hour flight!

June 8th Rome to Genoa. Tried to check in through the machines available however all of them were unable to make the procedure due. Had to stay on the line for check in. Once at the gate passengers were informed that the flight was delay due to the late arrival of the aircraft in Rome. (No more information provided). Only on board captain informed us that due to an emergency landing of an another aircraft one of the two runway was closed. Due to this fact we had to wait around 1 hour with the doors closed awaiting the clearance for push back. Can't blame Alitalia for this but the ground staff procedure was unprofessional at least. Actually we stayed inside of the aircraft still on the ground for almost 2 hours. Once again at least I was expecting someone to advise me to buy some food before boarding the aircraft. For a flight of 40 minutes it took almost 5 hours.

LHR-FCO-FLR-FCO-LHR in a mixture of Business and Economy and a mixed experience overall. Check-in at LHR was a little confusing and I recommend looking out for the special check-in area (not signed) for business passengers. I found the food offerings on Business quite disappointing and the business lounges pretty poor. Nevertheless the service was pleasant and the short flight from Rome to Florence quite an exciting experience.

In June we went on vacation to Italy and as we had a multiple city itinerary only this airline could serve us without the hassle of connecting flights. Outbound flight from Sao Paulo to Rome was uneventful however the seat pitch of the Premium Economy definitely does not exist. It only goes a bit down and that's all. If you are lucky and get the first row then you'll have more legroom otherwise save your money and fly on economy. Prior to take off you got a travel kit and a glass of juice or sparkling wine. The main meal though better presented was mediocre. I pre ordered a vegetarian meal totally uninspiring. No taste no sauce. Arriving in Rome the baggage claim was delay because the ground staff could not open the compartment.