Intro
I took my parents for their very first business class trip to another continent. Although there are a few things ITA needs to work on, I am glad we chose them for this ride, especially as they are leaving SkyTeam and it won’t be convenient for me to fly with them anymore.
The Lounge
We had just a short connection in FCO, so we just stopped in Piazza di Spagna ITA Intercontinental lounge. This was inherited from Alitalia, unlike its brother in the Schengen area and really needs to grow. The space is small with insufficient seating space, toilets are crowded. Yes, they have a coffee bar and also the food area is great, but this is not enough for a major airline with so many long-haul planes leaving.
The Flight
Boarding was already in process as we arrived.
The cabin is very nice, but even after just a few years, it felt worn and dirty. ITA needs to clean its aircraft more properly, especially since this plane was standing on the ground for more than 15 hours. I do not know why this is not the priority for most airlines.
The menu and amenity kit sets were awaiting us. ITA also offers these little tubes with so many stuff like shower gel and shampoo (both used in Airbnb), hand butter and many others.
This photo really gets me! Love it!
The crew started their service immediately after takeoff. I always wonder why there are so many crew members on ITA long-haul planes, but this is the reason. They run a very impressive service extremely efficiently.
I started with Campari Spritz, one of the very signature things that are offered exclusively by ITA. Accompanied by nuts were served within minutes.
For antipasti, I went for Zucchina Fragnipane, which is in the menu described as stuffed zucchini filled with tuna sauce, raisins, pine nuts and amaretto biscuits. Delicious!
Primi piatti - Cannelloni al ragout vegetale
Secondi Piatti Herb crusted snapper with celery root puree and crunchy vegetable agretti
All courses are offered with special wines which pair perfectly with. The service was incredibly efficient, everyone got their choices, ITA is not like others who just run out of everything in the second row. Keep in mind that the first five rows are served from the front galley, the last four out of the second galley located between business and premium economy.
Finished with tea, limoncello and basil-scented strawberry ricotta dessert. What else can you wish for?
Most people closed their window shades but that was not forced by the crew. There was always somebody in the galley who is ready to help. In the end, there are always several people.
Time passed quickly, and as I wanted to try also cheeses and fruit off the menu, I asked two hours before the pre-arrival meal was served for it. Was promptly served. This is the level of service all carriers should offer.
The only downside according from my point of view, is the pre-arrival meal. Compare it to what you get eg. with Air France. This is really a basic meal in my opinion. But the pizza was of great quality, again ITA showed its face.
Landing in Brazil with the nicest view I know…
And GRU gave us the chance to see the plane in its full beauty. Lovely!
