Flying to Rome!! Question?

Question

This September I will be flying from Philadelphia, PA to Rome, Italy. I have never flown this far before (I'm not a fan) and am just curious about what to expect. What can you share about your transatlantic travels? What services can I expect? Will they serve a meal and beverages? I am flying coach because I didn't want to spend $6000 to fly first class. In your opinion would it have been worth the extra price? Is there really enough to do to keep me busy on an 11 hour flight?

Answer 1

Well, I've flown accross the Atlantic on Air Canada, Lufthansa, Austrian, and United. They will serve a hot meal after take off, followed by a small cold meal before landing (continental breakfast is common, sometimes a small pizza...). Snacks may be available inbetween. Planes are usuaally very full, but rome isn't exactly a "hub" so you might not get a very full flight. I am assuming its on US airways? Well, their planes are very old. Apparently, loud, but the plane, the 767, is the most common plane on trans atlantic flights. As for entertainment, it's mainscreen, so dont get to used to the idea of a mini tv! Also, be sure to get on quickly if you have a large carry on. For some reason, trans atlantic passengers love taking huge suitcases onto the plane, and whtn 50% of the people are onboard, all overhead bins are full! The flight is actually only about 8-9 hours...they always say they're longer so that they can be delayed departing, and still arrive on time (plus, winds accross the ocean help speed up planes heading eastbound). Crew are usually older, more senior. Some are great, and show their experience, some are tired, grouchy,and you can tell how miserable they are. Oh, and before landing, about 30 minutes before arrival, right before descent is began, everyone runs to the lavatories to freshen up for arrival. I reccomend going about 45 minutes out of rome, after breakfast is taken, to avoid congestion.