During the winter my family decided that we were all going to go on a vacation in the summer. We were looking at an island in the Caribbean, an Alaska Cruise or somewhere in Europe. After looking at all the different options we decided on Italy. Once we decided where we were going, we had to book our flights and plan the rest of the trip. We looked at all the different possibilities for flights. Flying into FCO was $1350. Flying into VCE was $1787 and flying into MXP was $1150. We looked at a few different dates and every date we looked at VCE was the highest. FCO depending on the day varied in price by a few hundred dollars. Flying into MXP was always the cheapest between $1120-$1150. Once we decided on MXP, we wanted to have a connection in New York City. There were going to be 12 of us going, 6 of them live in New York City so we wanted to have a connection where we could meet them and all go on the same flight. Flying to MXP and a connection at an NY airport, our options were UA dash 8 to EWR then a 777 to MXP. A B6 E190 to JFK then an EK A380 to MXP, or DL CRJ900 and an A330 to MXP. We eventually decided on DL.
Our flight was scheduled to depart at 11:12AM. We arrived at SYR at 9:30AM. Once we got checked in we met the rest of my family up at security. They got to the airport about 15 minutes before us. We got TSA PRE CHECK so we got through security before they did, and they were on line for 15 minutes before we got on line. The gate area was pretty busy since there was a flight to LGA, ATL and my flight to JFK.

DL check in at SYR

My plane pulling into gate 23 from JFK


Delta Connection “Endeavor” 3633
Syracuse, NY (SYR) - New York City, NY (JFK)
Bombardier CRJ900
N926XJ
Seat 16A
Scheduled Departure time- 1112am
Actual Departure time- 11:28am
Scheduled Arrival time- 12:14PM
Actual Arrival time- 12:09PM
Flight Time- 41 minutes
http://flightaware.com/live/flight/N...J/history/20150702/1512Z/KSYR/KJFK



Once everyone was onboard and the door was closed, the flight attendants began the safety demo. Pushback began a few minutes later. As soon as the engines were started, we began our taxi to runway 28. The only other plane taxing was to EWR, and he had to stop taxing and hold because he had a wheels up time to EWR. A few minutes later we were at the end of the runway, and ready to go. About 45 seconds later we were in the air. After takeoff we made a left turn and climbed to our cruising altitude of 27,000 feet for the short 41 minute flight down to JFK. The flight was too short for the flight attendants to do a service. They did say that if anyone needed anything to let them know.

Taxing to runway 28

Beginning our takeoff roll

Airborne

“Flagship 3633 turn left heading 150”

SYR



The flight went by fast. We descended over the water and landed on runway 31R at 12:09PM. We taxied for about 10-15 minutes, before we parked at terminal 4 gate B44

Descending


Touchdown

By the time we got off the plane it was 12:45, our flight to MXP was scheduled to depart at 6:46. We had plenty of time to kill. We walked around the terminal a little bit and got some lunch. Afterwards we headed to our gate to wait for the rest of our family to get there. Around 4:30, our plane arrived from FCO. An hour later the gate agent started to make announcements about how they would be boarding the A330 and that everyone needed their passports when they boarded. I was in seat 12J. It was an economy comfort seat. Economy comfort boards with zone 1. It took a while for everyone to get onboard. Before the door was closed flight attendants came through the cabin with a sleep kit (eye mask, earplugs, etc.) and headphones for the TV. Shortly after this, the cabin door was closed. A safety video was played on the PTV as we began our pushback.

N818NW arriving from FCO






Delta Airlines 418
New York City, NY (JFK) – Milan Malpensa (MXP)
Airbus A330
N818NW
Seat 12J (Economy Comfort)
Scheduled Departure time- 6:46PM
Actual Departure time- 7:38PM
Scheduled Arrival time- 7:51AM - July 3
Actual Arrival time- 8:47AM - July 3
Flight Time- 7 hours 9 minutes
http://flightaware.com/live/flight/N...W/history/20150702/2246Z/KJFK/LIMC

View out the window – N178DN at the next gate headed to BRU as flight 42

Once we were pushed back, the engines were started and a few minutes later we began the taxi for 13R behind an MS 777.


There was a long line ahead of us for 13R. We ended up having a 50 minute taxi. When it was finally our turn, we taxied onto runway 13R and began our takeoff roll. Once we were in the air, we made a right turn and climbed through multiple cloud layers until we finally broke out at 24,000 feet. As we reached our cruising altitude the flight attendants came through with drinks and pretzels. They did not offer biscoff and someone on the plane had a peanut allergy, so they only had pretzels. A short time later the flight attendants came through to collect any trash. Shortly after this the dinner service started as we entered Canadian airspace.


Departing JFK https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhcspuitHto

Delta 418 heavy, runway 13R line up and wait







PTV



For dinner options they had one cold meal and two hot meals. The cold meal was a chicken salad. The two hot options were chicken and rice or lasagna. Each meal came with a salad, 3 pieces of shrimp, bread, and a cookie.

Once everyone had their dinner, the flight attendants came through and collected the trays and trash. Then they turned off the lights as we headed out over the Atlantic. The majority of people on the plane fell asleep. There were the occasional reading lights on or people watching TV. The PTV had a lot of options on it. There were about 20-25 movies. They also had documentaries, comedies, and other TV shows. In addition to the TV and Movies they had games and music. Every 30-45 minutes flight attendants came through with water and before long the sky was starting to get lighter as we approached Europe.




Sunrise







An hour and a half prior to landing, the flight attendants came through with a small breakfast. It was coffee, tea, water or juice and a small breakfast sandwich. By the time they gave everyone their breakfast and came through to collect the trash, we were beginning our descent into MXP.







Landing in MXP https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_KOF3m6stM



D-AIST arriving from FRA

N39365 at the gate after a flight from MIA


After we got to the gate, I asked if I could see cockpit. After talking with the pilots for a few minutes, I met the rest of my family outside the gate and we headed down to customs. Customs consisted of waiting on a line for about 30 seconds to have your passport stamped then proceed to the baggage claim to get your bags. It took about 20 minutes for all of us to get our bags. Once we all had our bags we headed over to pick up our rental cars.

We were in Italy for 10 days. We started off in Siena, then went to Florence. After Florence we went to Venice and Lake Como. We also did a day trip to Rome, Cinque Terre and a tour of the Alps and St. Moritz in Switzerland.

Rome


The Colosseum



Cinque Terre





Venice







Switzerland




On the way to Italy, we all flew on the same flight. However, going home was different. Some of us were taking DL to JFK, DL to ATL and the rest were flying to Sicily for a few days. For the flight home, we got to MXP 3 hours before our scheduled departure time. Our flight to ATL was leaving at 10:55am. The JFK flight was departing at 10:45am. Check in consisted of waiting on line to have your passport scanned. After this you got into another line depending if you were going to JFK or ATL. Once we were checked in and our bags were tagged and put on the belt, we were given our boarding passes. Our boarding passes had us in seats 19A, 19B and 19C. When booked our flight we paid extra to sit in economy comfort. We were supposed to be seated in 14A, 14B and 14C. When I tried to explain to the agent that we purchased economy comfort, she said there was nothing we could do except to call Delta when we got home and have it refunded. The flight was full so she could not move us or do anything about it. Once we were checked in we had to go through security. Before you could go to the gate, you had to go through passport control. They scanned your passport, then you were free to go to the gate.. The gate had very little seating. The majority of people just stood on line for about 45 minutes before boarding. They boarded by zone. Once everyone was on the plane, the flight attendants came through the cabin with headsets and sleep kits. Shortly after this, the door was closed and the safety video was played. As the video was played we began our pushback and engine start. A few minutes later we began our taxi to runway 35L.

Arriving at MXP


DL check in







Security

N820NW to JFK

Gate B3

N153DL arriving


Delta Airlines 175
Milan Malpensa (MXP) – Atlanta, GA (ATL)
Boeing 767-300
N153DL
Seat 19A
Scheduled Departure time- 10:55AM
Actual Departure time- 11:40AM
Scheduled Arrival time- 3:04PM
Actual Arrival time- 3:48PM
Flight Time- 10 hours 8 minutes
http://flightaware.com/live/flight/N...L/history/20150713/0855Z/LIMC/KATL








To TLV

G-EZAB taxing for departure to BDS airport




Pushing back to JFK

OY-KBK SAS A321 to CPH



Departure Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJTm427BkfE

Beginning our takeoff roll








After takeoff the flight attendants passed out hot towels. About 40 minutes later they came through with drinks and snacks, followed by a meal service and then another drink service. For lunch you could either get ravioli or chicken. It was a smooth ride for the first few hours. Before departing MXP, the captain made an announcement that there was the potential for some turbulence around 3 to 3 and a half hours into the flight. There was a little turbulence as the captain said but nothing too bad. I watched two movies during the flight. Once we were over Canada the Gogo wifi started to work. The flight went by fast and before long we were entering the United States over Maine. As we flew over New York, the flight attendants came through with calzones and a drink service. Following this we began our descent into the ATL area. The descent was a little bumpy, we flew around some pretty big clouds. Before long we were on final for runway 26R. We made a smooth touch down at 3:48PM. We taxied across runway 26L and taxied to gate E14. As we taxied to the gate, we saw the new A350 that was parked at the F gates.





Lunch






Descending into ATL


DL MD88 on final for 27L

Short final for 26R


Landing in ATL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQ-11neqtr4

A350

Arriving at the gate

Cockpit of N153DL


Once we got off the plane, we had to get into one of two lines, one for US citizens or one for non-citizens. Once you got to the front of the line, you went up to a kiosk and scanned your passport. The machine printed out the flight you came off of. After this you had to go into another line to have your passport stamped. Then if you had a connecting flight, you went to a separate baggage carousel to get your bags. Once you had your bags, you brought them to another carousel and they took your bags for your connecting flight. Then you waited on another line to give them your sticker with your flight information. After this you had to go through regular security, then you could go to your connecting flight. We had a 5 hour layover. We decided to get some dinner and then walk around before going to our gate.



N153DL at gate E14 after arriving from MXP and waiting to depart to BSB as flight 221 later on that night


US A319

N375NC DL 2236 to PHL

N946DL DL 2476 to MSY


The flight to SYR was scheduled to depart at 8:50pm. Boarding began at 8:20pm. The flight was booked full. Once everyone was on the plane we pushed back and taxied to runway 26L. Our taxi was really fast and there was only 2 planes in front of us in line to takeoff. We taxied onto runway 26L and took off at 8:59pm. We made a right turn after departure and climbed to 29,000 feet. As we climbed to our cruising altitude, the captain made an announcement about the beautiful sunset off to our left. The sky was a bright orange, with shades of blue and purple. As the sky got darker the flight attendants came through with drinks and snacks. After spending 10 hours on the first flight, this 1 hour and 46 minute flight went by very fast. Before long we were descending and the flight attendants came through to collect trash. We made a very hard touchdown with full reverse and heaving braking. We exited the runway and made a quick taxi to our gate. A few minutes later we deplaned and got our bags

Delta Airlines 2013
Atlanta, GA (ATL) – Syracuse, NY (SYR)
McDonnell Douglas MD-90
N926DH
Seat 30A
Scheduled Departure time- 8:50PM
Actual Departure time- 8:59PM
Scheduled Arrival time- 10:45PM
Actual Arrival time- 10:45PM
Flight Time- 1 hour 46 minutes
http://flightaware.com/live/flight/N...H/history/20150714/0050Z/KATL/KSYR





Out the window N994DL headed to CVG


Taxing to 26L



Departure from ATL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOo3l4FNBvg










Descending into SYR

Touchdown

N926DH after arrival


All of the flights on DL were really good, and so was the service. Besides the issue with the seats in MXP, the rest of the flights had no problems. I had a great trip to Italy. All of the places we saw were interesting. I would definitely consider choosing DL to travel to Europe again.

Nice trip report!
As an Alaskan who visited Milan this spring, I'm inclined to say you should have taken the Alaskan cruise option.... but I'm biased!
Fortunately, it looks like you spent minimal time in Milan, and more time in the more worthy Italian cities.

I agree- MXP has virtually nowhere to sit. The United gates are just as bad as Delta's.

Trivia: N820NW, which you spotted before departing MXP, is the plane that the underwear-bomber tried to destroy in flight several years ago.

I first went to Malpensa in 1958. Quite a change. I remember when one would just see one plane on the tarmac.

It seems that DELTA do give cheese? However the deserts look pathetic. A measly cookie if I am correct?
However the 3 shrimps do impress me for a US airline.

My friend who travels to Italy 2 x a year only flys Alitalia.

In fact Alitalia are advertising New York to Rome end of August for $850 R/T which surprised me.

I used to fly a lot on this route in the 1970s on TWA Boeing 707s.

If you go to Sicily, Taormina is really worth a trip. It's gorgeous.

Thanks for a great report.

Quoting lychemsa (Reply 4): I agree- MXP has virtually nowhere to sit. The United gates are just as bad as Delta's.

Did you fly UA to MXP?

Quoting lychemsa (Reply 4): In fact Alitalia are advertising New York to Rome end of August for $850 R/T which surprised me.

Wow! We paid around $1100 and a few of us a little more, because the flight home was through ATL.

Thank you for sharing your trip with us! Did you prefer the A330 or the 763? Obviously there is some bias due to Y and Y+

Have I been on UA to Malpensa?

LOL

The last time I flew to MXP was in 1976 on a TWA 707.

Quoting nate1879 (Reply 7): Did you prefer the A330 or the 763

The A330 was ok, the seat was better since it was economy comfort. For the flight home i got switched to row 19. It was in the middle of the wing. The window was far forward so it was hard to look out. I would of rather been more forward or aft of the wing. As far as the 767 it was a nice plane and the flight went by really fast! It felt like a 2 hour flight. So the seat was not bad. Both of the planes were good. I think i liked the 767 a little bit better. It would of been even better though if i had my original seat.

Hi there, nice trip report! Enjoyed the pics you posted of Italy.
Nice to see you had long layovers even on the outbound. T4 at JFK is just great, there's a nice buffalo wings place right near the B gates, maybe that's where you stopped for dinner?

Quoting directorguy (Reply 10): T4 at JFK is just great, there's a nice buffalo wings place right near the B gates, maybe that's where you stopped for dinner?

Terminal 4 was very impressive! We passed the place you were talking about. I forget the name of the place we ate at, but they had windows and you got a good of view of 13R departures.

Thank you for your nice TR. I was at Milan flying CX from HK in June. I kind of like that airport. It has a deep shade of green on the arrival hall - very Italian!
The lounge for CX was quite good. I guess I was upgraded so I had a good impression of Milan airport. The CX ground staff at Milan were excellent - one of the better experience I had with out-stationed CX destination in terms of ground crew.

Hi jetblue01, nice TR. Nice to hear a US airline offers a decent int'l Y product. I was in Italy in 2013 and Switzerland in 2012, so your pics brought back some nice memories. Also those sunset pics are gorgeous!

Thanks for sharing,
- Ytraveller

Nice report! As someone who is planning to fly with DL A333's I was glad to see they replaced their screens, but not glad to see the ads on there. Oh well, they're not thát annoying, are they?   

Quoting celestar (Reply 12): one of the better experience I had with out-stationed CX destination in terms of ground crew.

The DL ground crew at MXP for the most part was good as well.

Quoting Ytraveller (Reply 13): Nice to hear a US airline offers a decent int'l Y product.

I would definitely fly DL again intl, all the flights were great!

Quoting tbloemink (Reply 14): Oh well, they're not thát annoying, are they?

The PTV's were good, nothing to bad!

Nice trip report...glad to hear you had a great trip to Italy.

Quoting jetblue01 (Thread starter): The PTV had a lot of options on it. There were about 20-25 movies.

FYI, there are actually over 250 movies. You may have been only on the New Releases view (it defaults to that when it first comes on) which may have 20-25 movies. However, if you choose the "Movies A-Z" view, you will see all the movies available, and that's over 250+ different titles...It's the same system on the 767 as well as the A333.

Quoting tbloemink (Reply 14): but not glad to see the ads on there.

The ads are static and displayed when the PTV is not on. When you start a movie, there may be one ad (usually from Delta itself), but that's it...

Quoting panamair (Reply 18): FYI, there are actually over 250 movies. You may have been only on the New Releases view (it defaults to that when it first comes on) which may have 20-25 movies. However, if you choose the "Movies A-Z" view, you will see all the movies available, and that's over 250+ different titles...It's the same system on the 767 as well as the A333.

That may be. I did not look through everything.