On the Ground: I left Philadelphia early to arrive at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) about two hours before my flight. It was my first time flying out of Dulles, and I was curious how busy it would be compared with other D.C. area travel on a Sunday morning.
The terminal was active but well organized. Check-in at the Alitalia counter was smooth: staff greeted passengers warmly, processed documents efficiently, and sent travelers toward security with time to spare.
Pre-Flight: Boarding revealed the Magnifica cabin layout, which made stowing carry-on bags straightforward and let passengers move down the aisle without congestion. I found my aisle seat and settled in for the nine-hour flight to Rome.
Alitalia’s Magnifica business-class seat — recognized for its design in reader-voted awards — felt spacious. At 6 feet 3 inches, I often have to compromise on legroom, but the seat allowed me to stretch out comfortably. Shortly after I sat down, a crew member welcomed me, offered a drink, handed a WiFi voucher, distributed nuts, and presented the standard Salvatore Ferragamo amenity kit.
In-Flight: Flight attendants, wearing uniforms by an Italian designer, began taking meal and beverage orders soon after takeoff. Alitalia has been repeatedly honored for its in-flight cuisine, and the menu on this flight reflected that reputation: diverse, thoughtfully composed, and easy to navigate. Since the flight left overnight, I skipped espresso and opted for a glass of red wine instead.
Meals arrived in well-paced courses, and the crew checked in regularly to ensure everything was satisfactory. The food, presentation, and service all impressed me; every course was well prepared and flavorful. After dining, I reclined the Magnifica seat to full lie-flat and watched a movie. With the seat extended and the cabin quiet, I managed several hours of solid sleep and woke refreshed shortly before landing.
Top Takeaways:
◆ The cabin crew demonstrated consistent attention to detail and prompt, attentive service.
◆ The Magnifica seat provided genuine comfort for long-haul rest and relaxation.
◆ The food and wine selection were excellent: varied, well executed, and enjoyable without being overwhelming.