Luxury in the Sky: ITA Airways Business Class Adventure
For this leg of my whirlwind trip over to Paris and Cairo, I found myself cosied up in ITA Airways’ Airbus A320neo business class on a brisk little 95-minute journey from Paris to Rome. Now, before you say ‘short haul, so what?’, let me confess: I am a total ITA fan. I’ve been swept off my feet on their long-haul jets, especially in their lush Airbus A350-900 and the sleek Airbus A330-900neo.
So, naturally, I was itching to see if their short-haul game held up to their long-haul charms. The verdict? A mixed bag. Big ups for the super friendly crew, but a clear ‘come on, really?’ for the missing Wi-Fi and power outlets on a brand new plane. And don’t get me started on the food… Italian airline, hello?
How I Snagged My ITA Airways Ticket
I splurged on a business class ticket from Paris to Rome and onwards to Cairo with ITA Airways. The damage was $907.09, plus another $107 for snagging the front row seat on the connecting flight. Here’s the plan:
- 11/10 AZ317 – Paris to Rome at 6:10AM, landing at 8:10AM
- 11/10 AZ896 – Rome to Cairo at 12:40PM, touching down at 4:55PM
Yes, I probably overpaid—there was a cheaper, albeit less flexible, option. But the real incentive was the Amex Offers deal dangling 17,500 bonus Membership Rewards points if I splashed at least $1,000 with ITA Airways. Given that, this choice was a no-brainer.
Also gave my mileage credit to Air France-KLM’s Flying Blue, inching me closer to Platinum status. Mind you, ITA is hopping ship from SkyTeam to Star Alliance, so everything is in flux.
Stowing Away in the ITA Airways Lounge & Boarding
After a cozy night at the Moxy Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport—because a 6:10AM flight is really just a cruel alarm clock—I hit Terminal 2D at the crack of dawn, 5AM to be exact. With online check-in sorted and security a breeze, I headed straight to the boarding gate. Usually, business class passengers get the nod to chill at the Extime Lounge, but its timing meant nothing to me since it opened at 6AM only—so off to Gate D50 I went!
Once the clock hit 5:30AM, boarding chaos commenced. Italians definitely rival Americans in the race for the gate, turning the art of queueing into a competitive sport. Fortunately, staff were on hand to impose some semblance of order.
Onboard: The ITA Airways A320neo Experience
Once aboard, the crew was a delight, with smiles brighter than the near-blinding cabin mood lighting. This jet, less than two years in the sky, felt brand new—registration EI-INA. It packs 180 seats in a neat 3-3 formation, with business class occupying a flexible section determined by a movable curtain. So fancy.
The business class deal? Economy seats gussied up with empty middle seats and extra perks. I staked my claim on seat 4A, enjoying the window view at the furthest edge of business class. The legroom? Mediocre, around 30 inches of ‘space’.
Color me surprised when I found no power plugs. Honestly, why skimp on such essentials, ITA? Sure, individual air nozzles and reading lights brought some respite, but seriously, even newer overhead bins couldn’t make up for the lack.
Entertainment & Wi-Fi (the Lack Thereof)
With high hopes, I tried connecting to the ‘Cabin-Wifi’, only to find it was just an elaborate practical joke—no actual network, no streaming entertainment. A tad disappointing, even on a short hop like this.
Departure from Paris: Smooth Yet Stylish
Before takeoff, I was pleasantly greeted with pre-departure drinks—orange juice or water served in, wait for it, real cups! Meanwhile, the crew pulled some magic, giving us a timely personal introduction. At 6AM, doors were sealed shut, but the PA crackled to life with a delay announcement—all thanks to moody weather.
However, the crew didn’t retract their graciousness. Refreshments kept coming, with an espresso and chocolate wafer teaming up to rescue my morning.
Snack Service in the Sky
Shortly post-takeoff, breakfast rolled down the aisle: fruity pairings of pear and pineapple paired with less inspiring pastries—a croissant and ham sandwich plus a bottled yogurt. Toss in coffee and pear juice and you’ve got breakfast on the fly.
Honestly, I was underwhelmed. For a country famed for culinary prowess, this snack was a bit meh. Long-haul is another story, though, where ITA rightfully boasts some of the best meals I’ve sampled.
The Lavatory Situation
As the flight wound down, I ventured into the business class lavatory up front. It ticked the ‘clean and functional’ boxes but wasn’t anything special. Still, credit to ITA for enforcing exclusive access.
Arrival in Rome: Wrapping It Up
After a rather picturesque flight, the captain announced our descent, with Rome’s stunning vistas spread out like a living postcard. Touchdown came shortly after 8AM with a hassle-free taxi and arrival next to an expecting Lufthansa A321, practically on time.
Finally, a glance at the A320neo that carried us—and yes, ITA’s livery looks better every time.
Bottom Line
While the A320neo business class feels like a compromise—no power, no Wi-Fi and a meh snack—this flight was exemplary thanks to the charismatic and outgoing lead flight attendant. To his credit, stellar service can overshadow a lackluster setup, and he nailed it.
What’s your take on ITA Airways’ A320neo business class? Let me know!
Meanwhile, if your travels take you to France, make sure to check out the Val Seny ski resort for an alpine adventure.