Trip Report – Delta BusinessElite JFK – Rome & Comparing to Alitalia

by Adam

Who wins? I’ve already reviewed Alitalia’s service to Rome from the US on both their A330 and their newly updated B777-200ER, but what about Delta’s own service to Italy? This report covers my recent JFK – Rome (FCO) flight aboard a B767-300.

This is the first part of an eight part trip report from my travels to Rome and Siracusa, Sicily:

Before my flight I visited the Delta JFK T4 Sky Club & Sky Deck, see my review of the club here. I also used the secret security check which continues to be far better than SkyPriority access at the normal checkpoint. If you are at T4 and not using this security check YOU SHOULD BE. See this post – Secret Security Check @ JFK – Still Kicking @ T4 w/ No Waiting

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Waters and pumpkins at SkyPriority Check-In T4 JFK

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The new standard welcome snack

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Menu

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Westin Heavenly pillow and duvet

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Tumi amenity kit and noise canceling headphones

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Blog LHR-JFK 767-400ER16  Blog LHR-JFK 767-400ER19  Blog LHR-JFK 767-400ER17

IFE

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USB charging, power, and the seat fully reclined.

DL Delta JFK-PRG03  DL Delta JFK-PRG42 DL Delta JFK-PRG41  DL Delta JFK-PRG39

The new wine and water carts, stocked with the wine selections from the menu as well as San Pellegrino and SmartWater (these became standard between Oct – Nov depending on route)

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I thought the shrimp, salad, tomato basil soup, and chicken were all quite nice, no complaints at all. I also tried the vanilla french toast for the first time which was also very good.

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Like my last Delta 767-300 (JFK-PRG), this one had the updated bathroom with touchless sink / toilet and updated lighting!

DL Delta JFK-PRG33 DL Delta JFK-PRG36 DL Delta JFK-PRG35  Delta JFK Rome FCO Trip Report B767-30025

OK so how does Delta’s service compare to Alitalia’s?

Service – Well, I truly think that Delta has the best service of all the legacy carriers and it was excellent on this flight as well. Perhaps a touch friendlier and more attentive than my first Alitalia flight but equal to the great service I received on my more recent Alitalia B777-200ER flight.

Amenity kit – I like Alitalia’s Bulgari amenity kit over Delta’s

TV/IFE – Alitalia has a larger TV on the B777-200ER than Delta’s BusinessElite screens, however Delta has a much larger movie collection.

Bed/Seat – I didn’t find one lie-flat to be more comfortable than the other. Delta wins with their larger pillow and duvet though.

Food – My favorite part of flying Alitalia Magnifica Business is the food. We are talking fresh pasta with Parmesan cheese lightly spooned on top, great fish and chicken entrees, and awesome desserts and wine. I also like the cart service and how the flight attendants work together to prepare your plate. Some extra olive oil on top…yes please! That said, Delta’s food and wine service were excellent on this flight as well, much better than I receive on United. However, I have to go with Italian!

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5 comments

Garrett December 23, 2013 - 10:54 am

These are all angled lie flat, correct? I can’t stand that, so just wondering if it’s worth it to keep my current trip to AMS on Delta or switch it over to KLM. Their new World Business is outstanding.

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adam December 23, 2013 - 11:07 am

@Garrett – These are all actual lie-flat, not angled…though yes, KLM WBC is fantastic as well!

Reply
No Fly Zone January 9, 2014 - 10:26 am

Just found this. Frankly, I’m surprised. It looks like one of the best hard and soft offerings by a U.S. carrier that I’ve seen in ages. The food looks like some of the best that Delta has every produced (not saying much there!) but in Business Class? Great review.

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Garrett January 9, 2014 - 10:44 am

A friend just flew Delta JFK-MXP and told me the seats were angled lie-flat. I know it sounds like a silly thing to complain about, but when it comes down to having to actually sleep, I’ve found it really surprisingly difficult. I’m 5’8″ and spend the whole time trying to “climb” my way back up the seat. Not really, but you do slide. And it’s amazing how your body notices the angle…

I think I’ll give it a try LAX-NRT/HND. Not an important flight (i.e. no meetings to get to at the destination)–if I can’t sleep it’s no big deal.

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