Luxury Reviews

Luxury Reviews Says 8/10

• Born from the ashes of Alitalia, the new Italian flag carrier has a slick new image. But can it bring some Dolce Vita with it?

The Airline

After decades of financial strife and government bailouts, ITA Airways is the country’s answer to its aviation problem. The Italian government’s new airline has made a decisive break from the past, shedding its ties to SkyTeam for a new chapter under the Star Alliance, following an acquisition of a stake by the Lufthansa Group. The hope is that this new partnership will finally deliver a reliable, and profitable, national carrier.

The Vibe & Fellow Flyers

In welcome contrast to the fully-booked economy section just behind the curtain, the business class cabin had a calm, quiet atmosphere. With just 16 seats in the forward cabin, the passenger mix was weighted toward mature leisure travelers, with a mix of generations and a few business passengers also on the flight, creating a relaxed and understated feeling.

The First Impression 9/10

The ground experience was a positive start. At the dedicated business class check-in, a helpful and friendly agent was available with no queue. They efficiently advised me to use the Fast Track security and a third-party lounge. They then went a step further, confirming I could take my bags on board and advising that I could find a better seat once I boarded, since the business class cabin was not fully booked.

The Fast Track 10/10

Just a short walk from the check-in desk, the Fast Track security was quick and efficient with no queue. The process was friendly and ensured a perfectly smooth journey through security, earning a perfect score—a feat not often seen on this site.

The Lounge 5/10

The lounge experience was a definite letdown. The Plaza Premium Lounge at London Gatwick was chaotic, and with a large number of families and children, it lacked a sense of calm. While the food and coffee were a disappointment, it’s worth noting this is a third-party lounge and not under the airline’s direct control. In a small but appreciated touch, ITA Airways provided a voucher for a premium drink, which was a welcome bonus in an otherwise underwhelming setting. It’s a contrast to their lounges in Rome, which offer a proper Italian experience, as we noted in our A321neo review.

The Priority Boarding 5/10

While there may be an official policy, there was no visible signage or dedicated priority lane at the gate. The whole process felt like a Disney queue, with the gate area crowded. To its credit, however, business class was called first, which saved the score from a complete zero.

The Seat & Cabin 7/10

In typical European business class fashion, the cabin has a 3-3 layout of a standard economy seat with the middle seat blocked to provide extra space. It’s the design, however, that truly sets it apart, a nod to the Italian flair of its designer, Walter De Silva. With lighter-colored carpets, a clean seat logo, and tasteful flag detailing, it’s an aesthetically appealing and welcome departure from the often boring interiors of other airlines. Unfortunately, the style doesn’t extend to comfort. The seat is firm with very little cushioning, making for a somewhat uncomfortable ride.

The Amenities 7/10

The amenities are largely what you would expect from a modern cabin. The aircraft is equipped with two USB charging ports per seat. While Wi-Fi is an available option for a fee, it’s worth noting that it includes 30 minutes of complimentary messaging.

The Service 8/10

The onboard service was a two-person show, with a very nice junior crew member and a seasoned, senior colleague who seemed to be a veteran of the Alitalia days. The senior crew member was a bit of a character; he would theatrically swish the curtain back and forth as he took each passenger’s meal from the galley oven. His brand of service was abrupt—he simply shouted “BEEF OR PASTA” at passengers—but it was, dare I say, entertaining. This performance ultimately earned the experience a high score. No loyalty status was recognized, but with this kind of entertainment, who needs it?

The Dining 8/10

The onboard dining experience was fantastic, a well-deserved high score for a short-haul flight. The authentically Italian menu was beautifully presented on a large tray with nicely designed crockery, which was a nice touch. While the main course was tasty, the dessert was a definite highlight. As expected from an Italian airline, both the Italian wine and the coffee were good. The only disappointing aspect was not being given a meal choice, despite my loyalty status, but this was a small complaint in an otherwise great dining experience.

The Entertainment 

Given the nature of short-haul European flights, inflight entertainment isn’t a core part of the experience. Without any seat-back screens, Wi-Fi for a fee is the only real option for entertainment, assuming you hadn’t already pre-loaded your devices.

The Attention to Detail 9/10

The attention to detail from ITA Airways was a pleasant surprise. The Italian flair was evident from the start with pre-departure bottles of Frizzante water, which were very refreshing. The Italian-inspired menu and wines were also excellent, but the standout detail was the after-lunch Limoncello service. The senior crew member delivered it by hand directly from a full bottle, with a touch of theatrical flair. On the negative side, the lighter-colored seat materials and carpets showed marks and signs of wear and tear, and the hand wash in the lavatory was of poor quality for a business class cabin. These small flaws were the only things holding this section back from a perfect score.

The Good, Bad & Turbulent

Is it Worth It? Yes

Fly This For A priority ground experience of sorts, an eye-pleasing cabin design, and a very Italian dining experience delivered with some theatrical entertainment.

Don’t Fly This For An immaculate finish to that designer cabin or a truly polished service.