On the Ground: I was eager to experience Alitalia’s Magnifica Class. I easily found the Alitalia business check-in counter in Terminal 1 of New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport; I was happy I didn’t have to wait in line, and the friendly staff quickly priority-checked my bag and directed me to security. I made it through in 15 minutes.

Pre-Flight: I made my way to the Alitalia Michelangelo Lounge near Gate 3. The lounge is bright and airy with a self-service bar, armchairs, multiple TV areas, a business corner with computers and a printer and two meeting rooms. I was delighted the lounge had a full bar plus snacks and cold plates (pasta, wraps, salads). I found a quiet area to set up shop and accessed the free WiFi while munching some Italian snacks. As I made my way to the gate for my 5:25 p.m. departure, I noticed a crowd starting to gather around the business-class boarding lane. The staff was organized during the boarding process, and I waited with the crowd in line for about 20 minutes prior to taking my seat.

In-Flight: The flight attendants warmly greeted me once I was on board the Boeing 777 aircraft. The plane has a 1-2-1 seat layout, and I was impressed with Alitalia’s new business-class seat. Magnifica Class features new leather seats which extend into a fully flat bed position and include a massage function. The 15.4-inch PTV screen has an individual privacy device that allows viewing only by the passenger occupying the seat. The entertainment system offers 12 audio channels and more than 40 films in up to eight languages. I could download multimedia content with a USB device. I also really enjoyed the noise reduction headset! The amenity kit was wonderful; produced by Bvlgari, the well-being set included the regular items such as eyeshades, earplugs, toothbrush and socks as well as a shaving kit. I enjoyed using the perfume, lotion and several of the skincare products. The case itself looked chic.

As the cabin began to fill with the intoxicating smell of pasta, I was eager to taste the award-winning menu. From the selection of fine Italian wines to the English and Italian translations of the menu, Alitalia did not disappoint. The recipes were influenced by the cuisines of the Campania and Emilia Romagna regions. My favorite dinner items included the focaccia bread, pasta, cheese and fruit. As I curled up in the new seat, I was warm and comfy thanks to the soft duvet and Frette pillow. I selected a movie from the touch-screen TV and drifted off to sleep. Prior to landing in Rome, the staff served breakfast, and the fruit and coffee were definitely refreshing. The landing was smooth; we were wished farewell and off the plane in no time.

The Experience: I couldn’t have been more impressed with the flight from New York to Rome. We landed on time and didn’t experience any hiccups along the way. The two highlights of the trip were the food and the amenity kit. The crew was attentive and friendly; and my journey, which I hope to take again one day, was a comfortable one.

GT Checklist

• Less than 10 minutes for check-in
• Friendly and helpful agents
• Priority tagged bags
• Airport lounge
• Complimentary in-lounge food
• Priority boarding
• Helpful and courteous flight attendants
• Pre-flight beverage service
• Pre-flight newspapers and magazines
• Extensive video on-demand menu
• Self-serve in-flight pantry
• Amenity kits
• Slippers
• Lie-flat seat/bed
• Mattress and comforter
• In-flight menu with three entrée choices
• Top-shelf wines and liquors