After two flights and one long lounge stay on the same day, I can say that Alitalia is doing something right.
My mission was to get from Munich to Genoa in the best, most affordable fashion. The options were by train or plane. I chose the latter.
While I’ve been spoilt lately flying first and business class, there didn’t seem much sense in paying a premium price for a seat up the front end of what are essentially commuter flights — about an hour in the air in one case, and 45 minutes in the other.
I’m a big bloke, but the economy seats on both Alitalia Airbuses (A320 variants) were comfortable enough for me and the other two passengers sat three-abreast. Both planes were at capacity, which in the second case involved a kind of farce where passengers were warned at the terminal gate that they should only have one piece of carry on luggage, and that some of their bags may have to go in the hold.
Exactly how the people with two or three bags — many of them way over the maximum allowable size — got through checkin in the first place, I don’t know.
Cabin service seemed unnecessary on such short hops, but we got a snack and a drink with a smile on both legs any way, even though the crew had to rush to get it done in the time available.
As an Etihad Guest gold member, I had the opportunity to spend the three hours between the two flights in the Alitalia lounge, which certainly enhanced the experience.
I’d certainly do this again. In fact, I will, in reverse, when I return to Munich in a week’s time.
Related story: Fresh look for Alitalia
