Welcome aboard my trip report! CCS-MXP on AZ, Magnifica/Business Class.

As some of you might know, I like to write my reports while I’m on the flight, so I can provide all the details possible and make you able to live my experience as well as I have.

So, right now I’m seating on a magnificent Alitalia Boeing 767-300ER on a flight from my hometown Caracas to my beloved country (family) Italy. The main reason for this trip is the Holly Week vacation and a mission I have to complete: visit some universities in the old continent (In Pamplona, Universidad de Navarra).

As a result, I have a pretty nice schedule: CCS-MXP-BIO-MXP-FCO-CCS.

From these legs, I will write a report for the CCS-MXP and MXP-BIO-MXP, as both trips will be on Business Class.

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Day 1: March 28th, 2007. CCS-MXP.

Today is the day I have been waiting for at least three months. I’d like to say that Italy is the country of my heart. My family is from there and I simply love the place. Actually, I had the opportunity to live near there for a whole year (two years ago) in Lugano, Switzerland. This place is really close to Italy, so I had the opportunity to travel a lot inside the country and know a lot more of it. What a paradise.

Ok, to the point. This vacation is going to be very interesting. I am traveling on my own just because I have to visit a university in Pamplona, Spain. My parents will fly to Italy the next day (on the 29th, CCS-MXP-FCO), so I can meet them eventually. So, right now I’m flying to MXP to then, connect to BIO and go to Pamplona the next day with my very best friend, who lives in Bilbao.

So, today I had to go to classes and attend to an Economics test, which I probably flunked since my mind was on the trip! After that, I went home and got all the stuff needed. Then, I started my journey to the airport with a driver I’ve known for at least 11 years. This guy has gotten a bit older so he’s been driving pretty slowly lately. As a result, I got a bit stressed during my car trip to the airport.

For those of you that are unaware of the situation that has been going on in Caracas for the last few years, I’ll make a short summary so you get updated: the main bridge that connects Caracas and La Guaira (the place where CCS is) collapsed, and since then, a new one has been on construction. As a result, an alternate way was created to go through and this develops huge traffic formations and represents potential delays on many travelers. As a result, I left home at 12.50 to prevent a further situation.

Caracas is known for its traffic. Today wasn’t the exception. I got to the alternate way at 13.30, which is quite something for a day at noon.


Traffic was like hell, even though not as bad as it usually is. I stayed in the queue for 36 minutes and by 14.06 I was out of it, happily.

Here are some shots of the alternate way and the bridge under construction.






Right after that, we continued down the highway and arrived at the airport by 14.25; something like two hours and twenty minutes before my flight’s departure.



The airport was quite OK with the traffic. I got to the unload area without any problems, got my bags, said goodbye and went to the AZ area. This is the exciting part! Originally, I was flying with my parents. They always fly in first class as they have a new baby (my brother, of course!) and they want to be more comfortable. The thing is that, as I am flying alone, I didn’t know where I would fly. As a result, I ask the person in the beginning of the line where should I go through. He didn’t know, so he went to the desk and asked. I have never been so happy; my check-in area was in the Magnifica section, which is the Business class section! My face couldn’t hide the excitement. Oh, what a day it would be!

So, as there was no one in front of me, I was quickly attended by the lady on duty. She asked only for my passport and quickly handed me a boarding pass with a seat in Business BUT, no window seat. As ALL of you might now, we A.netters must get a window seat, or… I don’t know… well, I then demanded for a window seat and she gladly looked for one. My face color changed, then! It was 3A. I couldn’t believe it!

Right after that, she handed me an invitation to go to the SkyTeam VIP lounge located inside the terminal. There, I got even happier! However, there was still one more thing to do before entering my dream. I had to go through two more queues: tax/immigration form request and Immigration/Security Check point.

I quickly went to get all those forms filled and proceeded to go to the immigration lines, which were pretty long for my taste. Anyhow, I was too excited to get bothered by stupid lines that I face every time I travel in coach!

No pictures could be taken as there were National Guards all over the place and they can be scary sometimes. I didn’t want to ruin my day, so my apologies (for now!).

By 15.15, I was out of those horrible lines and I was one step closer to my awesome trip. I then went to spot for a while and only got to see my AZ 763 landing; a Star Alliance A343 from LH; another A343 from AF and lastly, an A343 from IB. From within the terminal I got to see only the AZ, LH and AF planes.

Here are the shots of those birds! (Sorry for the quality, weather was awful!)

My baby!












After that short hop, I went to the VIP lounge to grab a bite and a drink, since I hadn’t had lunch by then. As I got inside, I got alarmed by the amount of people that were inside it. There were families with all their children playing around (skating!), using the computers to chat and goof around, eating all the sandwiches and, of course, drinking whisky (the parents!). I didn’t like that. VIP lounges are supposed to be for business people, not for children playing around.

Anyways, I ate some of the sandwiches with a diet Coke and then went outside to keep on spotting. I just decided to stand in front of my gate and wait for them to call for boarding.

Here you have some shots of the place. It does look crowded!





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Alitalia Flight 667 CCS-MXP
Boeing 767-33A/ER I-DEIC
March 28th, 2007.
Scheduled Departure: 16.45
Actual Departure: 17.58
Arrival: 08.55

View Large View Medium Photo © Marco Toso - SpotIT

View Large View Medium Photo © Enrico Pierobon SpotIT

At 16.02, they called for boarding. I was the very first one on the line, so they made me go through another security check point and then, waited for some 15 minutes inside the jet-bridge because the National Guards (Guardia Nacional) had to do some inspection of the plane.

After that, I went inside the amazing 763 (before the handicapped people) and took some shots of my way in through the brand new jet-bridges.





As you can see in the coming picture, the Magnifica class is pretty good. I must say I got impressed by how good it was. I was expecting something very worn and old, but no, I really like the colors and shape.

My seat for the next 9 hours!








Then, I sat down and saw all the (approximately, according to the in-flight magazine Ulisse) 214 people come inside the plane. I felt like the king of the world!

The plane was loaded fast, enough to depart on time. However, Mother Nature was playing us bad. Weather was awful outside and bag-loading got delayed. As a result, as soon as boarding was completed, the captain announced that as soon as the bags were all on the plane, we’d take-off. That waiting time wasn’t a joke; it took us 1 hour and 33 minutes to load the babe. By 17.35, we finally pushed back!

Push Back:




Fortunately, we weren’t the only delayed flight on the airport. LH D-AIGC, AF F-GNIH and TP CS-TEI were also delayed. For the first time on my knowledge, IB got out right on time. They had EC-GOK moving out punctually! What a surprise!

Here are some photos of the other European wide bodies.









Oh well, soon after our push back from gate 13, we turned our engines on and started moving at 17.40, 5 minutes before an hour of delay. As we moved, the flight attendant brought me a very nice glass of red orange juice (Something I fell in love with!)



After that refreshment, we stopped at the hold point of runway 10 for some 18 minutes. We were number 3 for take-off, after a VH DC-9 and LH A343. In the meantime, some other aircraft landed.

Finally, we were cleared for take-off at 17.58; an hour and twelve minutes behind schedule.

Here’s the first video of my beautiful experience!



Right after take-off, we turned left and headed towards the old continent. Climb was smooth; we flew over tons of cloud formations showing our great speed. We had loads of tail wind and turbulence was unknown at the moment!

On our way up, the crew started the service. Here’s the good part!

First, the very nice lady came and set a luxurious table in front of me, followed by the menu and the amenity kit especially designed for Alitalia.





The amenity kit:








Inside the menu, there was also a wine list, with all the necessary details to make a right choice from a vast selection of Italian wine from different regions.

Ok, I had flown with AZ on Magnifica class before. Food was superb, but what I ate on this flight will never be compared to anything I have eaten before on the air!

The menu was:

- Assorted nuts to enjoy with your favorite aperitif.

1st.
A choice of:
- Crepes with Ricotta Cheese and Rocket
- Sardinian Gnocchi in Pachino, cherry tomatoes and basil sauce.

2nd.
A choice of:
- Chicken parcel with goat cheese and tarragon sauce served with runner beans and buttered carrots.
- Sea bream fillet with cherry tomatoes and Lampedusa capers served with crispy vegetables.

- Cheese board selection served with dried fruits and crudités

- Seasonal fresh fruit Basket

- Open bar with desserts and Espresso coffee.


So, as soon as I read the menu, the lady came with the drinks cart. She had nine different brands of wine, plus several aperitifs and regular drinks. I ordered a Tuscan wine called Eliseo Rosso, who accompanied me for the rest of the night! Then, the lady gave me a small plate full of different types of warm nuts.



This was enough to open my appetite. In a perfect timing, the cabin was filled with an incredible aroma. That was when all the flight attendants came out from the galley, all synchronized, to start serving the first dish. As I saw the cart, my mouth opened wide! They were serving the pasta as if they were on a Restaurant. Beautiful!

They came to me and asked for my plate. There, I chose the Gnocchi. She gently served them and asked if I wanted any Parmiggiano on it. I just couldn’t believe it. As I agreed, she handed back my plate and I was… nothing else than stunned. Oh, yes, my glass was filled again!



Well, I ate my first dish and was incredibly happy. The FAs where still serving behind me. On their way back to the galley, the cool guy asked me if I wanted more and I showed my teeth in the most excited way and he served me another amazing plate, and also full of Parmiggiano. Ahò!

Ok, as I finished, the lady retired my plate and went back to the galley. Some minutes later all the FAs came out of the galley synchronized again as if they had practiced it before. First, they offered different kinds of bread and then, they served the second dish. When she came to me, I asked for the chicken. As she served, she asked if I’d like some more wine. Hmm, ok!



The chicken was superb. Usually, airlines serve chicken falsely hot. This time seemed like it came right out of the pan, how? I don’t know!

My god, I was starting to feel quite full, but I couldn’t stop eating. As I finished both my chicken and wine, the lady came to take away my plate and re-fill my glass. This was very interesting!

As they retired all plates, the cheese came. There I got convinced that AZ crew works in a choreographic way. They do everything in perfect timing!



After I ate absolutely everything on my cheese plate, they took away the plates and silverware. Then, another cart came: dessert! When I saw the options I just couldn’t make up on my mind. I asked for two from the three options. Bingo! Incredible, speechless… the cart not only had dessert, it also had all kinds of Italian ‘digestivi’ of which I chose Limoncello. That was enough to bring me down and go into a deep relax.



I must confess that every time the FAs changed plates, I smiled to myself and said: I’m the happiest man alive! By the time I finished my Limoncello, I confirmed that feeling. I was at 38.000ft with my stomach full and extremely happy and comfortable. Oh man… too good to be true!

So, this is what I did after that amazing feast:

Time to go to sleep! The next day would be pretty tough so I must get some sleep, at least enough to have energy to walk!

I reclined my seat, lifted my legs, closed my eyes and I was flying high and fast. On the best place I could ever be. I love it!





Good night.

Day 2: March 29th, 2007. CCS-MXP & MXP-BIO.

Oh! Good morning!

I woke up when the FAs were giving hot towels and starting to serve breakfast. I realized I slept for some five hours! Way good!

So, breakfast time! The flight attendants came out, again, like a synchronized team. They showed up with a nice cart full of already-served plates with a selection of:

- Seasonal Fresh Fruit

- Selection of yoghurts

- Omelette with mushrooms, roast potatoes and grilled bacon

- Vanilla and chocolate sponge cake with fragrant cookies

- Selection of warm pastries and toasted bread, butter and jam

- DPO Lunigiana Tuscan Honey



After I ate the pastries and cake, which were the main configuration of the plates, the FAs came back to the cabin with another cart with the omelette and the yoghurt. I had to pass that since I wasn’t in the mood of eating much more. I was still pretty full from the previous feast!

Right after they finished serving breakfast, the lady came with some coffee, which I urgently needed. I asked for some without milk and the lady gladly served it to me. Right there is when I woke up; the coffee wasn’t that hot, but the taste was incredible.

After that nice taste, the cabin screens showed we were at 38.000ft traveling at 896km/h with a 32km/h tail wind. Soon after that, we started our descent towards MXP in a very gentle and smooth way at 8.25. I could barely feel it; actually I noticed it because of the information shown on the screens. Then, I started to prepare myself for arrival and checked for passport and tickets. I also kept writing data for the report:







Our descent was incredible. The Alps offered us some amazing sights, with barely any clouds above them. It was a nice contrast to see, when we took off, the tropical Caribbean and then, the European Alps.









Soon later, without noticing it, we started our approach procedures. Visibility was almost zero. By 8.45, the captain asked the crew to prepare the aircraft for landing. Approach was nothing else than a few turns inside dense fog in a very relaxed environment. Soon later, gear was deployed and we were seconds away from touching down on a typical MXP morning.



It was at 8.55 when our B763 touched down on Runway 35R, performing a rather quick stop.



Right after our landing, we exit the runway and quickly went to the Terminal. On our way to the gate, we didn’t see anything exciting, just the common AZ airplanes parked at the remote stands and another B763 I-DEID parked right next to our gate, B6, which was reached at 8.59, some 4 minutes after our arrival.

The best flight of my life was over. I felt very sad because this would be a moment too hard to see it coming again in a near time.





As I was seating in the third row, I was lucky to get out of the aircraft quickly, intended to rush to not miss my connection to BIO. As a matter of fact, I came out of the aircraft and then followed the signals to go to the transfer section of MXP, which was very populated. Among all the people I saw, Africans and Israelites were predominant.

After I passed the transfer section, I had to go through the usual security screening, which was very busy. I was through about 8 minutes later and headed up through the stairs that lead to the gates area. There, I realized I had to perform some sort of a jog since I was quite distant from gate A34. Then, with almost no time for nothing, I ran inside the crowded airport and got to the gate being the last person to board the jet. Woah!

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Conclutions on AZ667 CCS-MXP March 28th/29th, 2007.

In the first place I must say my expectations were all satisfied. Before I continue, I must say I’m an Alitalia fan since I was a little kid, and today, It is more than a certain that AZ is an amazing airline, for what I have lived so far.

Now, going to the facts:

• Staff in CCS were all very well mannered, prepared in all possible ways (language, etc.), helpful and eager to make everything right.
  
  
• CCS has been amazing for the last few years after it went through the main revamp. Facilities are OK even though there’s lack of space in some sectors; however, for what it was before, I give it a 7/10 qualification.
  
  
• The AZ boarding procedures were OK. Even though I was the very first person to board the plane, I saw that the procedure was done on time and with no further events. Passengers were placed correctly on their seats and the plane was ready for departure on time. However, I must say that the one-hour delay that we suffered was due to bad weather which led the bag boarding process to considerably slow down.
  
  
• On board, AZ crew was superb. All the services on-board were magnificent and the aspect of each of the crew members was impeccable. They were constantly looking around to check if we needed something and were always glad to do the job. Crew got a 10/10 qualification.
  
  
• The aircraft was in good shape, even though AZ 763s are famous for being extremely worn. My seat was comfortable and the cabin had a good temperature, lightning and entertainment system. Toilettes were good and clean. I’ll give the aircraft (overall) a 7/10 qualification.
  
  
• Services such as food and announcements were accurate. Food was amazing, drinks incredible and the announcements were made when really required. 9/10.
  

My trip Overall: 8.5/10

Personal Opinion:

For those who hate Alitalia, I am sorry to disappoint you. Today, I had the best flight of my life, where service was the protagonist and the environment was just superb. Alitalia has a lot to give. If they renew their long-haul fleet, they can be easily paired up with the big airlines of the world. All they need is someone who decides what its really needed and then, everything will be great, I assure it.

Grazie Alitalia, sei stata meravigliosa!

I hope this report was explicit enough to make you feel my experience as real as possible. I really enjoyed writing it for you guys.

To read the report on my following flight to BIO, please click on the following link:

Thanks for reading!

Enrique (797)

[Edited 2007-04-16 04:18:40]

Nice trip report man! I have never flown with AZ but it seems that they have a very good service so i will think it twice the next time i'll go to europe!

Saludos

Excellent trip report!!!!! Thank you !!!

Hi excellent TR , I really enjoyed reading it . I love the AZ J class seats and the service looked really good.

Thanks

OA260

hi, nice report and great pictures...

So, AZ is offering in BIZ only main screens? no PTV's, no DVD-plyer? very disappointing in todays avition-industrie...

Amazing report as usual Enrique! Nonetheless, I think AZ's business product sucks. After flying Continental across the pond in two different aircraft (762 & 772) I can assure that their product is way better even in Coach.

Regarding IFE, both 762s and 777s have PTVs on coach and the 777 had Video on Demand with a choice of 150+ movies, 100+ series/documentals, 20 games and more than 200 Music Albums. In both planes there was a "navigation" channel where you could see your location on the map, tailwind, airspeed, altitude, time to destination, bla bla bla.

The food you show there resembles what I've got on Copa's and Santa Barbara's business class. In Santa Barbara it was a short 3-hour flight and I got an amenity kit which was a CD case with all those things you had in yours inside. Nowadays I still use the Santa Barbara CD Case to store my computer CDs.

Food in coach in continental tras-atlantic was very very good and huge portions also. Enrique, next time try to fly CO across the pond as you will also get your skyteam miles that you can later use to fly Alitalia.

Saludos desde Monterrey,
Luis

very good report, I enjoy all the details that you put into the report.

Quoting 797 (Thread starter): As some of you might know, I like to write my reports while I'm on the flight, so I can provide all the details possible and make you able to live my experience as well as I have.

you certainly accomplished this.

Hey Enrique, I just realized that we didn't take a pic of us in Roma   The first Venezuelan a.net meeting in Italy hehehe.

When you get online I have to tell you about my flight with Ryanair!

Saludos desde Monterrey,
Luis

Great TR, AZ biz-class seems quite ok as I recall!
I'm kind of jealous about the amount of 340's you get at CCS.
We only have CX operating the 343 HKG-AMS and that's it :S

Thanks for sharing!

Nice report and photo's, many thanks.

The cabin does look in pretty good condition, which suprises me, not quite sure why that is though.

Re the food, franky I was not impressed, in particular the chicken dish looked like an Economy meal, very unimpressive.

That said, glad you enjoyed your flight, that is the important thing.

Rgds

Mark

Very good trip report. Come and fly some of our airlines in Asia and I bet you will have some new favourites  . Great report.

797,

Your trip report is great!
The videos were awesome, aswell as the pics and description of the flight. I loved to hear the sound of the reversers while landing in MXP... just marvellous!

Congratulations!

TR763

Nice to see your report as people in general say that AZ is S***. But they have never tried it i suppose... I have done it and it has worked for me. The cabin crew could be a little "tired" but i can take care of myself.

Quoting 797 (Thread starter): VIP lounges are supposed to be for business people, not for children playing around.

so what did you do then there    

joke beside, your report was really great as asual my friend! anyway you should use next time AF or even better LH  

saludos
Avianca

Hey, 797 ! What a great report - as usual !
It is always very entertaining to read your reports. Thank you.

I also think AZ is way better than its image. But the C-Class is probably better at AF, LH and IB. It looks very much like TP. But I am sure the service was perfect !

I think a.net should award an trip report "Oscar" every year ! You had the best chances      

Enrique!!! Excellent Report, It was Interesting to read and see all the pictures.

Your reports are writen with such passion they are amazing to read and I feel like I was there as well.

Amazing trip report!
I think I'm another Alitalia fan after reading this trip report! I can't wait to fly on their 767 from MIA to MXP this summer!
Hope you write one on your return flight to CCS
AA300B

Great report, I enjoyed the pictures!!

I have never flown on Alitalia before, but have heard mixed review. Its always good to hear a report about a good experience!
~Cheers-
~~Kyle H.

Excelente!!! What a great report! Never flown AZ and a little surprised to see the big screen in C class but I'm glad you enjoyed it and had a great trip!!

Excellent report, i couldn't get so enthusiastic about AZ, but never tried the Magnifica class. I find AZ to be reasonable in economy, however the cabin crew have an air of 'i don't give a damm' about that. Anyway, all in AZ is not the deamon many people think it is. I especially like Alitalia Express which is a little more classy than the green green airbuses and MDs. Its a shame Alitalia is in a bad way, it should be a world class airline. The worst thing about AZ is the fact that one has to land in MXP, without a doubt the worst major airport in Europe.

Regards, keep flying AZ!

Excellent report and great pics. Its very nice to hear good things about AZ as opposed to many slagging their service. Good stuff

Wow, thanks a lot for the superb report Enrique. I had great fun reading it! I will definitely look for more reports by you in the database and will look forward to new ones.

I am glad you had a great experience with AZ. I have never had the chance to fly with them but would very much like to do so. Who knows, hopefully in the near future an opportunity will come my way.

I notice that the Magnifica seats do not have PTV's, which seems like a competitive disadvantage in this era. I would not base my choice of airline on that alone, as I love to read, but I am sure it could be a deciding factor all other things (duration and price) being equal. Hopefully AZ will remedy this soon.

Quoting 797 (Thread starter): VIP lounges are supposed to be for business people, not for children playing around.

I am not sure how many lounges have this (definitely not CO's at EWR, DL's at ATL and RG's at JFK), but MX's lounge in MEX has a dedicated room for families with children, with a television running all the time showing kiddie channels, movies or whatever. Seems to me like a very nice and practical addition to lounges.

Hey guys!

Thanks for all those cool comments. I'm very glad to see that my work 'worked' here on the forums and some of you got the juice out of it. I love to transmit my experience on the best possible way so you guys can understand what I've been through!

Quoting OA260 (Reply 3): I love the AZ J class seats

Yes! Definitely.
However, I must say I got lucky on my first flight. That seat was fine, but the return flight... wasn't that good.
The return flight was on EI-CRL and it was pretty worn... That babe urgently needs some restoration.
I hope AZ gets its hands on these aircraft soon!

Quoting Debonair (Reply 4): So, AZ is offering in BIZ only main screens?

Yes. Pitty, since all major airlines offer incredible entertainment systems. However, I didn't need it as I was focused on my food, wine and the report!

I'm not sure if their 777s offer in J class any PTVs.

I had the chance of flying on their EI-DBM and EI-DDH and they were all fitted with PTVs back in coach... I bet they also have them on J.

Quoting Luisde8cd (Reply 5): I think AZ's business product sucks. After flying Continental across the pond in two different aircraft (762 & 772) I can assure that their product is way better even in Coach.

Well, this time I must disagree with you bud...

AZ's business product was incredible. The only thing I would have changed is the J class configuration. I bet you if they change those old-worn seats and install a modern entertainment system, they'll be able to kick some ass.

I insist... The food was just like going to a restaurant... perhaps the pictures don't show it as good as it really was... besides, you're comparing a top airline (CO) against an airline trying to emerge from a deep crisis...

Quoting DALCE (Reply 8): I'm kind of jealous about the amount of 340's you get at CCS

Oh no man!!! I'm fed up with'em! I'd like to see some 777s, since we don't get any from the time BA left...

A340s in CCS are like A320s in Europe!

Quoting BA319-131 (Reply 9): Re the food, franky I was not impressed, in particular the chicken dish looked like an Economy meal, very unimpressive.

No.

As I said on the report, the chicken was well cooked and properly heated... The flavor was consistent and it never bored me... The pasta was just superb. The cheese plate, just awesome.

Quoting Kiramakora (Reply 10): Come and fly some of our airlines in Asia and I bet you will have some new favourites

Well, I can send you my address so you can send me the tickets!! haha, just kidding.

I hope I can fly over there some time soon. I bet it must be marvelous.

Quoting Bofredrik (Reply 12): Nice to see your report as people in general say that AZ is S***. But they have never tried it i suppose... I have done it and it has worked for me.

Ditto! Thanks for that my friend!

Quoting Avianca (Reply 13): Quoting 797 (Thread starter): VIP lounges are supposed to be for business people, not for children playing around. so what did you do then there

Take pictures and write the report for you guys  

Quoting Chiguire (Reply 14): I think a.net should award an trip report "Oscar" every year !

I vote for that too... They should have some kind of RATING after it's been readed...

Quoting Luv2fly (Reply 16): Your reports are writen with such passion they are amazing to read and I feel like I was there as well.

Thanks man, I certainly enjoy writing this kind of stuff... especially for people who know about the subject.

Quoting AA300B (Reply 17): I think I'm another Alitalia fan after reading this trip report!

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

Thanks a lot guys! FLY AZ!

Quoting 797 (Reply 23): Take pictures and write the report for you guys

Enrique my friend... problem is that our company has the great rule that nearly nobody has the right to fly anything better than Eco... and the last time I flew Business (on Avianca 6 weeks ago CCS-BOG-CCS) I didnt found the VIP Lounge from Avianca... well it was 05:00 am and maybe I was still a littlb bit out of order  

anyway great report...  

An excellent report 797! Thanks for posting those pics as well, it definitely gave me a nice peek of CCS and what Magnifica Class has to offer. 

Quoting Avianca (Reply 24): problem is that our company has the great rule that nearly nobody has the right to fly anything better than Eco...

Ha! Well my friend, that's when you put the rest of the money to be in J! But I think it's sometimes not worth to pay that amount of money for short hops... Long-haul flights in J are simply priceless.

Quoting N751PR (Reply 25): it definitely gave me a nice peek of CCS and what Magnifica Class has to offer. Big grin

CCS is Ok, actually it's getting better. You should come sometime.

AZ is Ok too, but they're quite behind their competition.

My hope is that they come up with some BIG changes (administration, fleet, etc.) and throw out an order for some brand new babes (787s, 748s...) To dream, is for free!

Thanks!

Enrique, great trip report !
Although I have to admit, first when I looked for flights to CCS I had AZ on the top, but due to the facts that the difference to AF was only 50 EUR, when I dealed a bit with the return date, of course, I went for AF, especially, because everybody told me, that this is the much better choice  

Wait and see, will give you a short trip report on 18th of may in CCS  

Cheers & CU, Jumbolino.

Quoting 797 (Reply 26): Ha! Well my friend, that's when you put the rest of the money to be in J! But I think it's sometimes not worth to pay that amount of money for short hops... Long-haul flights in J are simply priceless

ha, pay the difference, then would only work for the upgrades  

Quoting Jumbolino (Reply 27): Wait and see, will give you a short trip report on 18th of may in CCS

the meeting will be just great!!!

Hi, very good trip report...I actually am studying at Pamplona and I have lived in CCS for 8 years, I hope you had a great time here and who knows, maybe we'll see at the University!!

See you

Quoting Jumbolino (Reply 27): Although I have to admit, first when I looked for flights to CCS I had AZ on the top, but due to the facts that the difference to AF was only 50 EUR, when I dealed a bit with the return date, of course, I went for AF, especially, because everybody told me, that this is the much better choice

Woah, you should have booked with AZ! But if it goes for easyness and comfortableness, then AF fits best to you just because of the connections they offer.

Quoting Avianca (Reply 28): the meeting will be just great!!!

WAS great! I'm finishing the videos and then I'll open an after meeting threaf.

Quoting Titiserra (Reply 29): I actually am studying at Pamplona and I have lived in CCS for 8 years

Nice, are you studying in Navarra University?

I decided not to go after all. I don't feel comfortable so far away from my people.

Where did you live in CCS?

Cheers!

Quoting 797 (Reply 30): WAS great! I'm finishing the videos and then I'll open an after meeting threaf.

yes very true, looking forward for the treat!

Just great!!!! I loved it as usual..
Man, your reports are so good.. congrats!!!

Hey, I didn't know you had the Italian citizenship also.. hey, me too!! Fratello mio!! lol

Awesome man, I can't wait for the next one....>>

Quoting 797 (Reply 30): WAS great! I'm finishing the videos and then I'll open an after meeting threaf.

Knowing your posts I know that it will definately be a highlight ! I am looking forward to it !

Quoting RICARIZA (Reply 32): Just great!!!! I loved it as usual.. Man, your reports are so good.. congrats!!!

Thanks bro! I wish I could write more reports, but my travelling is too limited hehe!

Quoting Chiguire (Reply 33): Knowing your posts I know that it will definately be a highlight ! I am looking forward to it !

Damn, my computer got a severe virus and had to send it to the repair shop. Now the video has gotten delayed, it'll take another week. I'm so pissed off!

Cheers and thanks for the comments!

797

Amazing and rare TR on AZ Magnifica Class!! I am very happy to hear that AZ offers a very decent product up front.
And btw. great pics.
As for your TR i am very glad that AZ is a Skyteam Member. But they need to upgrade their Magnifica seats!!!!!!!

greetz from Switzerland: DALelite

Great trip report, beautiful pictures and videos, your words make me proud about "our" airline, too sad if this month the AZ situation will change as it seems... once again great work!

Lollo

Hi 797, excellent trip report! It brought back some memories of Caracas, which I visited in 1988 on a school trip to gain exposure to the Spanish language. The pictures of the main bridge being rebuilt reminded me of travelling across the old one way back then, initially in the middle of the night from CCS to the city and then in the daytime when returning to the airport. The views of the coast during take-off were also nostalgic. Where in the Caribbean did the flight pass - in other words, which islands did it overfly? Are these flights routed over POS, BGI, ANU or SJU?

AZ seems to be a great airline, your service appeared to be excellent. First and Business Class travel always has its rewards, it must be said.

Cool notebook too for taking down your notes! I myself carry a notepad - although not liveried with this website - for taking details of my flights.

Thanks again.

TrinToCan.

'Amazing' and 'Alitalia' are rarely words used in a single sentence based on the majority of AZ customer experiences, except perhaps for references to 'amazingly poor' ,'amazingly late' or 'amazingly complacent'.

Glad you enjoyed your flights with them. Thanks for your T/R.

Quoting 797 (Thread starter): The best flight of my life was over. I felt very sad because this would be a moment too hard to see it coming again in a near time.

Haha. I know that feeling and it really sucks.  

Excellent trip report. I've flown AZ only once within Europe and in Y, so I can't compare. I suppose I should give them a try - that pasta looks delicious.

Saludos,
Marambio

Thanks for reading guys,

Quoting Lollomz (Reply 36): Great trip report, beautiful pictures and videos, your words make me proud about "our" airline, too sad if this month the AZ situation will change as it seems... once again great work!

Thank you very much, speriamo il meglio!

Quoting Trintocan (Reply 37): Where in the Caribbean did the flight pass - in other words, which islands did it overfly? Are these flights routed over POS, BGI, ANU or SJU?

I'm not sure my friend. As you saw, I was pretty busy eating and enjoying every single detail that was featured on the flight! But I'm sure we did not go over POS as right after our take-off we turned left and headed north for a while.

Quoting Trintocan (Reply 37): Cool notebook too for taking down your notes! I myself carry a notepad - although not liveried with this website - for taking details of my flights.

Haha, yes! You seem to be the first person to notice! I bought it especially for my trip reports or anything related to aviation. It works just fine for me, as it is small and doesn't bother to be carried.

Quoting Palmjet (Reply 38): 'Amazing' and 'Alitalia' are rarely words used in a single sentence based on the majority of AZ customer experiences, except perhaps for references to 'amazingly poor' ,'amazingly late' or 'amazingly complacent'.

That's why I thought about sharing my experience with you all. Alitalia has always given me satisfying moments. They have never let me down, allthough I've hear loads of people who've had awful experiences with them.

Thanks for your comments guys, I really appreciate it.

Cheers