Jaunted

For those passengers that routinely fly Alitalia's most popular route, Rome to Milan and back, an easy way to plan the price is a welcome change. Based whether or not you want lounge access, when you purchase the tickets and how flexible you are with your travel, the price can be as low as 99 euros for the least flexible or as expensive as 289 euros for the most flexible and last minute fare. Aptly named, the Easy and Comfort fares, eliminate a lot of confusion and tame some tempers.

On long-haul services, passengers can expect a basic two class service. Now, each big bird will have a Magnifica Class (business class), Classica Plus (premium economy) and Classica (economy). Even short and medium jaunts get the new Ottima Class. Magnifica will feature fully lie-flat seats with Frette pillows and Bulgari amenity kits.

Updates on the ground are also evident with a complete overhaul of the Rome's Freccia Alata Lounge. Rome will be the first in many upgrades to the lounge network for the airline. The airline has also developed an transport system, Alitalia Bus, to Roman city center for 'high-value' customers.

To get more people onto their new planes, they have even offered free domestic and international flights for bambinos under 12 and complimentary upgrades to Ottima for passengers over 65, throughout the summer travel season. Unfortunately, these deals have come and gone, but if it was successful, we can only hope that the deals happen again.

[Photo: Domenico Marchi]