Leggete che bella recensione viene fatta sulla Magnifica Alitalia.![]()
ALITALIA
FLIGHT REVIEW
Business Class : Miami to Milan
September 2002
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The staff at the Alitalia counter were friendly, pleasant, and efficient. I am quickly checked in at the Magnifica Class Check in line, where I am greeted by 3 agents, one to assist with my bags, one to chat while I'm getting my boarding cards, and the other to assist.
I am quickly given seat 3A which was pre-assigned and I am pointed to the security entrance to Concourse E, quite a hike from Alitalia's check in counter by the C gates.
As Alitalia do not have their own lounge in Miami, I am given an invitation to the Club America lounge, shared by many carriers.
Its large, packed and well stocked, but since its not exactly near the departure area, I opted to use my Star Alliance gold Card and go into the United Airlines Red Carpet lounge at the gates. In Miami, United have a very decent lounge, separate smoking area and nuts, cheeses, crackers, and light sweets available.
Its a complimentary self-serve Bar Miami is (the only US Club with open bar). There is a separate lounge for International First Class Travellers.
Boarding was a few minutes late due to late arrival of the aircraft from Milan, but was accomplished quickly.
We were welcomed at the door by the Chief Purser, and taken to my seat by a very friendly young lady with an American accent - she explained later her parents are Italian and she holds dual citizenship.
Champagne or juice was quickly served, and shortly thereafter, a male flight attendant rolled a trolley into the MD11 cabin with several international newspapers.
There was a tiny paper thin blanket wrapped in plastic on each seat, and a pillow - reminiscent of economy class.
Alitalia have no PVT on their MD11 aircraft, so video safety was on the main screen. Shortly amenities kits were passed out - an interesting tin box in a green felt shoe bag : bulky but supplied with all we needed.
The menus were actually dated with the origin/destination and included a card to select what breakfast and when you would like it served.
After take off, dual aisle bar service began, and shortly another member was around to take our dinner order.
Dinner
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Aperitif of your choice served with mixed nuts
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Smoked Norwegian salmon accompanied by grilled vegetables
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Cheese and radiccihio ravioli with butter and sage
or
Pennette in a fresh cherry tomato and basil sauce
this was offered more than once and was very popular
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Mediterranean style turkey medallions, accompanied with roast potatoes and green beans tossed in olive oil
or
Grilled fish brochette with steamed asparagus
and braised radicchio
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An assortment of cheeses with dried fruit and crudities
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Fresh seasonal fruit basket
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Pastries, tarts, and a chocolate espresso cake
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Italian Coffees, liqueurs and fine chocolates
The appetizer of smoked salmon and grilled vegetables was a nice start. Our tables had been set with linen, real (not plastic) salt/pepper shakers, a bread plate and a nice sized ceramic dish with butter .
Followed by a trolley with the Italian pasta starters in two kinds. The meal was served quickly and was hot - wine and drinks top offs were frequent. Followed by dessert and liqueurs from the trolley. Then it was lights out and movie on.
There wasn't anything interesting on the screen but the duty free cart distracted me long enough to purchase some Bulgari products.
The cabin was very dark. The crew had set up at both doors behind the business class cabin drinks trolleys. The problem with this serve yourself method, was that it was so dark you couldn't see what you were getting - in my case dirty glassware (apparently the trays of used glasses were put back in for storage).
About an hour and a half out of Milan, the lights were brought up and crew began laying tables for breakfast. I was so full from the dinner I opted out of the hot option and took the cold cuts and bread with a nice bracing cup of coffee.
The breakfast service offered a hot sweet choice or an omelette - as well as yoghurt and hot breads .
The hot selection was served an hour and a half prior to landing or you could have the Italian continental version as late as 45 minutes out. It had cold cuts , cheese, yogurt, and warmed breads
We landed in Milan 20 minutes early. All in all a very nice flight, and the crew couldn't have been nicer.
The downside was no personal video, and the tiny blankets in a freezing cabin. I have certainly had worse, and in the future, I'll be prepared with a book or two.
I would definitely fly Alitalia again.
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