On the Ground: I got on the road from Philadelphia early enough to arrive at IAD two hours prior to my flight. Having never flown out of Dulles International Airport before, I was interested to see how busy it is compared to the surrounding D.C. traffic on a Sunday morning.
I was pleasantly surprised to find the airport was busy but organized, making for smooth sailing at the Alitalia check-in counter. The Alitalia staff immediately greeted me with a smile, seamlessly completed the check-in process and allowed me to journey to my terminal with some time to spare.
Pre-Flight: Upon boarding I was immediately impressed with the Magnifica layout that allowed everyone to maneuver their carry-on bags quickly and efficiently into the overhead bins. After a few minutes I found my aisle seat and sat down to get ready for the nine-hour flight to Rome.
Alitalia won Best Business-Class Seat Design in our 2018 GT Tested Reader Survey awards, so I was naturally curious to experience the award-winning seats for myself. Being 6 feet, 3 inches tall, I sometimes have to squeeze into airline seats, but there was a perfect amount of space for me to extend my legs and relax a bit. Once I took my seat, a crewmember swiftly greeted me and provided drinks, a WiFi voucher, an assortment of nuts and the Magnifica standard Salvatore Ferragamo amenity kit.
In-Flight: Wearing sharp new uniforms designed by Italian designer Alberta Ferretti, flight attendants wasted no time taking everyone’s food and drink orders after take-off. In addition to Best Business-Class Seat Design, Alitalia has won Best Airline Cuisine for nine consecutive years in the GT Tested Reader Survey awards. I regrettably did not try the Alitalia Lavazza espresso (given the overnight flight), opting instead for a red wine. The wide-ranging menu gave me some great options, and after placing my order I reclined my seat to watch a movie.
My food arrived course by course with little wait time, and the crew took all steps to make sure I had everything I needed. Every part of the meal was excellent, and I can see why our readers love the Alitalia cuisine so much. With a movie on, a full stomach and my seat at 180 degrees, I got some quality sleep for the night and woke up in the morning just prior to landing.
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
◆ All crewmembers paid exceptional attention to detail and were always timely with service.
◆ The comfort of the Magnifica seat allowed me to fully relax during the long flight.
◆ The Alitalia food and wine exceeded my expectations, and the menu was expansive but not overwhelming.
Read This Next
Review: Air France
January/February 2023
Feb 27, 2023Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Mar 22, 2023Austrian Airlines to Bring Back Flying Chefs
Austrian Airlines plans to bring back its Flying Chefs program this summer, returning after a three-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In partnership with its caterer DO & CO, chefs employed by the catering company will offer a complete gourmet experience to passengers traveling in Austrian’s business class on long-haul flights.
Daily
Mar 22, 2023Bucket List Blooms: Best Places to Witness Spring Blooms
With spring on our doorstep, the world prepares to see bursts of color, from bold bluebells to vibrant cherry blossoms. While every destination welcomes spring, these places not only see beautiful flowers blossom but also celebrate these blooms with festivals and floral-themed offers from local hotels.
eFlyer Reviews
Mar 22, 2023Pendry Washington DC – The Wharf Review
Among the handful of hotels in the area, Pendry Washington DC – The Wharf is the newest. I was excited to check in for a little staycation — and even more excited when I checked into my room just in time to see the sun set over the boats docked in the Potomac River.
eFlyer News
Mar 22, 2023Meadow Homes, New Boutique Vacation Rental Platform in New England, Launches
A new upscale vacation rental platform invites travelers to enjoy boutique properties across New England. Meadow Homes debuts with more than 20 properties in the countryside of upstate New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Vermont, with a keen focus on large, private homes close to popular lake and ski destinations.
Daily
Mar 22, 2023Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese Offers Unique Photography, Romantic Proposal Experiences
Through tailored experiences, guests at Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese embark on a photo tour around Rome led by Ryan Neeven, the @DoorsofItaly founder, to not only see historical sites, culinary highlights and modern marvels, but also to learn how to professionally capture them.
Sponsored Content
Exclusive Savings: Cruise Along the Danube River with Global Traveler
Exclusive Sailing with Global Traveler
Daily
Mar 21, 2023Salem, Massachusetts, Announces 2023 Festival Schedule
The town of Salem, Massachusetts, may get a lot of attention come October and Halloween, but this year-round destination offers a full schedule of festivals perfect for any season.
ShareThis