Flying ITA Airways BRAND NEW A321neo to Rome

Thanks to Sterling Pacific for sponsoring the video! Use the code WING for $300 off any purchase. www.sterlingpacific.com/WING
I flew ITA Airways's glorious new A321neo aircraft from London to Rome. This new aircraft has a fabulous 1-1 configuration reverse herringbone business class, as well as a premium economy (review to come!) and economy seats. What did I think? Well, watch to find out!
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0:00 Intro
1:12 Check in and lounge issues!
3:57 Arrival of our ITA Airways A321neo
4:46 Sponsored segment courtesy of Sterling Pacific
6:25 Boarding ITA Airways A321neo in business class
8:24 Taxi and takeoff
9:43 Seat overview
11:03 Food and drinks service onboard
12:42 Bed review
12:58 IFE details
13:47 Forward business class lavatory
14:15 Conclusions, arrival into FCO, and thank you!
My website: www.winginit.me
Date of Travel: 4 DEC 2023
Airline: ITA Airways
Livery: ITA Airways standard Savoy blue livery
Route: LHR-FCO
Aircraft: Airbus A3521neo
Flight Number: AZ 207
Miles: 897
Airborne time: 2h 11m
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[@Paul_Lucas]

Thanks to Sterling Pacific for sponsoring the video! Use the code WING for $300 off any purchase. www.sterlingpacific.com/WING I flew ITA Airways's glorious new A321neo aircraft from London to Rome. This new aircraft has a fabulous 1-1 configuration reverse herringbone business class, as well as a premium economy (review to come!) and economy seats. What did I think? Well, watch to find out! Follow me on Twitter: @paul_winginit ¦ twitter.com/paul_winginit Follow me on Instagram/Threads: paul_winginit ¦ instagram.com/paul_winginit Merch store: wingin-it.teemill.com/collection/all-products/

[@krismclean6527]

Got my hopes up there. Love the Sterling Pacific trolley bag. Went on to your link and even with the discount, still over $1200 for a travel bag 😔

[@kennyeverett3201]

Great vid Paul and I love love the carry-on. I see from manufacturer that it requires the owner to claim any damage against the airline and to have travel insurance that covers damage to the suitcase and offers to help you in the event of an unfortunate claims process, and will work diligently to find a satisfactory resolution to whatever problems you might experience with your Sterling Pacific travel case. Not sure what this actually means. The B&R warranty is very clear by comparison (I’m looking at one of their cases too). Would you recommend the case with this warranty? Genuinely interested in your view! Love the vids, keep them coming 👍🏻

[@john07973]

Nice case only USD 1195 after the 300 discount. Ordered 5 (4 to eBay) 😉

[@SuperDecdog]

@@krismclean6527 not only that, it was going to cost more than the discounted to have it shipped. Disgusting

[@sterlingpacific]

@@kennyeverett3201 Sorry about the unclear wording. It means that the warranty does cover functional damage caused by airlines. We ask you to also report it to the airline, and if they won't cover it, we will. We do not require you to have a travel insurance, but the airlines often have insurance that will help them cover these incidents. What we would typically do is to arrange a repair or send you a replacement unit immediately after receiving a report from you about the incident so you're not left hanging while waiting for the airline to make a decision. Hopefully this makes sense.

[@reaperx2657]

Superb video. I'm happy to see that not all Business/First Class in Europe isn't just a standard seat with the middle seat blocked out.

[@jonybeam21]

sadly they've now already ceased LHR flights as of 2 days ago.Having this kind of business class and premium economy however wonderful it is just won't cut it financially in European short haul travel these days

[@jamieopulence]

Completely agree regarding lounges being way too busy. I tend to avoid the lounge and find a quiet area in the terminal instead

[@DaringlyLDN]

I flew the route the other way around so I could experience the lounges at FCO. Flew early December and booked with Virgin Points when I heard about the plane being used on the London route. Surprised to see such a difference in the food offering though. Maybe it's because of the direction but starting from Rome, I had a very tasty prawn salad, hot veggie feta lasagna and cannoli. I was also offered Prosecco and Aperol Spritz alongside OJ as pre-departure drinks.

[@robaviation.7904]

May I ask how you booked with Virgin points please??

[@DaringlyLDN]

@@robaviation.7904 Sorry for the late response. It's usually quite a pain to book partner rewards with Virgin but ITA is one of the few airlines that are integrated into their online booking system so when there's availability the flights should just show up on Virgin's website when you search for reward flights.

[@DaringlyLDN]

@@robaviation.7904 I'm sorry I only saw this just now. If still relevant: Simply via Virgin's website. Surprisingly, ITA is one of the few fully integrated airlines that allow online bookings directly on Virgin's website.

[@tramcrazy]

I LOVE that tiny flight time countdown screen on the IFE remote! Such a nice touch

[@Kevin-qn6iv]

Looks like a fantastic hard product! Would be interested in seeing if ITA is able to step up their food offerings. Sure beats most short haul, first class travel in the USA tho

[@danielknott7447]

Love your videos paul, I hate flying but wish I didn't. I still do it for holidays but i always find myself watching videos about flying and being envious of those who enjoy it. keep up the good work

[@Paul_Lucas]

Thank you! Glad you're enjoying the videos :-D

[@leonredbon]

I had the pleasure of being on this aircraft last week. I too was blown away. The only problem was that most of the tray tables were broken because folks couldn’t figure out how to open it by pressing the button. I’d happily fly this configuration across the Atlantic.

[@Calebs_Aviation]

Great video Paul! Italy’s new airline ITA 🇮🇹 looks SUPERB! 🤩 WOW! 😮 I cannot wait to try ITA someday hopefully in that FABULOUS A321neo transatlantic like JFK-MXP or FCO! We will see what the future holds! Overall great news for Italian Aviation and ITA! Woo Hoo! 🙌 😅

[@dovfriedman921]

great video as always. One correction, Elal is not a dry airline, not at all. They have plenty of wine and drinks on board and all their lounges and partner lounges serve alchohol.

[@ciudad-del-mar]

I was very confused by him saying this having experienced an El Al beverage service on more than one occasion!

[@HampshireHooker]

Kosher vodka?

[@americanbobtail1]

​@@HampshireHooker- Tons of Vodka is Kosher.

[@honoluluharry7664]

Manischewitz wine

[@rohithamruthur]

Thank you for pointing this out, this confused the hell out of me too.

[@blossomct]

Been missing your trips, great to see you again!! This looks like a great airline that I'm going to have to check out!!

[@lawrenceakini4981]

Happy New Year! Fly and stay healthy! Cheers

[@eastwest-ci7ru]

A great video mate. This is definitely the best European Business class seat, finally! Well done ITA Airways 🎉

[@PapaVanTwee5]

Paul: A drink, "not seen on any other airline." Me: "Irn-Bru? ... Oh, yeah, lemoncello makes sense."

[@mikefleming8675]

$1,495 for a suitcase ? LOL. That's the most hilarious thing I've seen in years.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Happy New Year! Here’s to many more adventures! 👏🏽

[@internationAL21]

Absolutely phenomenal- a joy to watch and listen to.

[@jfenemer]

Superb video as always Paul! Are these only running on select routes between Rome and London or all the time? Might need a bit of winter sun!😉

[@Paul_Lucas]

They’re on a variety of routes at the moment, to London Paris and Cairo I’ve seen so far.

[@trainlagged]

@@Paul_Lucasthey even appear on domestic routes like Palermo

[@jfenemer]

@@Paul_Lucascheers, thanks for taking a moment to reply,, class act👍

[@ryanfrisby7389]

Absolutely fantastic trip report Paul!!!

[@JettTyler17]

Looks pretty impressive if you can fly an A321neo on the LHR-FCO service! Great video Paul, really enjoyed this one!

[@8348938]

I like pausing the TV when you board planes😂, and yes, I'll travel more

[@trevorhoughton863]

Superb video, Thank you Paul!

[@jamesrobinson9194]

I agree on lounges. They're supposed to be a quiet haven away from the hustle and bustle of the terminal.

[@gunvaldsandhaland7757]

I Love The Livery,WOW What A Cabin For A Airlines In Europe.Great Video

[@831_aero_guru2]

Just discovered your channel, love it and there very informative

[@JohnDoe-hb2ge]

I knew that suitcase had to be a sponsor! What a fantastic case!

[@christinehodge3608]

Interesting video, plane looked quite comfy, l haven't flown for years, l like the Tunnel, 😊

[@aboutplanes]

I personally love the seats, gives such a nice, comfy and calm vibe! Definitely would like to take an opportunity to fly with ITA in business :)

[@santinomamone2674]

Bravo Paul !!!! I flew Ital air last June from London city to Milan on German Airways then on ital air from Milan to Calabria and Calabria to Roma

[@GunvaldSandhåland]

Love the livery. Great video ❤

[@robaviation.7904]

I have been wanting to try Business class for a while and I do have a couple of trips in mind for April this year.. maybe this will make it on to my itinerary! Thank you for amazing videos Paul!

[@sabinelandau2330]

What, no alcohol in the Blush Lounge? Life sucks sometimes, doesn't it. Poor thing 😄At least you got some on the plane 🥰

[@pedrito77]

Great video!

[@spinback66]

ELAL isn't a dry airline. They have always served alcohol

[@luuk777w]

You should really try a flight with Aegean in Business class from Thessaloniki once! I think they are the best European airline, and offer the best business class within Europe on short haul configured aircraft. And, in Thessaloniki you board the plane right from the lounge! It's amazing!

[@jacopomainoldi9025]

Let's be honest. The service and crew may be stunning, the seats are nothing else than roomier economy. Ita is another planet.

[@luuk777w]

@@jacopomainoldi9025 Yes, but what I said: short haul configured aircraft. And, in Thessaloniki you board the plane right from the lounge. You don't have to go the gate. I have not seen that anywhere else, and when I was there it was a great experience!

[@jacopomainoldi9025]

@@luuk777w I mean, Ita is using them on London - Italy fly that's why it is similar and can be compared to Aegean. I like Aegean, it's a great regional airline with a very solid product, but they lack some features on their longer flights as Ita could have "discovered" a solution. I don't think this Business style seats are that necessary in European daily flights, but once they start flying onvernight this all changes.

[@c898dba]

$300 off!? I had to look up the full price. Even if I won the lottery I could not ever justify paying about $1500 for a small suitcase. I didn’t really take in the rest of the video, I was still in shock!

[@SnappyTravels]

Wait til you spot the delivery charge to the UK is $249!

[@dpaudits]

And WING code wasn't valid

[@jonybeam21]

total rip off

[@samklein8404]

Hey Paul... Just a pointer on Elal, they're not a dry airline 🍷

[@Notourtube]

The only issue with a321 medium/long haul flights is the lack of bathrooms, they should add an extra bathroom to the front

[@anonymepizza7515]

Hey Paul, just a Info EL AL Airline is not a dry airline

[@thornhill18]

Only in sense of humour.

[@jameswiddowson3976]

Using T4 next month so checked on my Dragon Pass to see which lounge I might use. The Blush lounge indicates that it doesn't open until 11.30 a.m.?? Any one know if this is the case, it might also be the reason why Paul's first choice was so rammed.

[@mohammadislam2652]

Happy New year Wingin it paul lucas come in the Good year Good Flying Asia and Europe Country

[@Paul_Lucas]

Thank you Mohammad! :-D

[@Brandonplanespotter23]

Great video as always paul I recently completed my second solo trip, travelling to Dublin on Aer lingus (got the retro livery) and returning on BA 321neo euroflyer into lhr, interesting to have been handed a complimentary water and snack thought BA stopped thaga while back see ya ext time

[@Thesmellofrain-h6o]

Nice Italian style. Classy airline.

[@debramage739]

I enjoyed that.😊

[@LotusLady9]

Thank you Paul!

[@BH6242KCh]

If I was served that tray of food on a 2 hour flight, I'd be delighted. It looked good.

[@arongillis1990]

El Al is not a 'dry airline'

[@karlgalway7605]

Right behind business class was the Premium economy or an upgraded economy?

[@hotsilverfox417]

I'm flying from JFK-FCO in business on the A330 in November.

[@wee-senchoo7025]

Paul how do you think this compares to jetblue mint

[@seancollins843]

Pre flight drink is rare, only one I know that does it is Aegean and Aer Lingus

[@rezaalan3991]

Great flight. For a short hop, it's amazing seat. But sadly the meal/dinner isn't.

[@rickirene9424]

I’ll bet that super duper metal case will carry loads on Ryan Air with their 10kg limit!…not!

[@jcspotter7322]

I think I'm good with my ol' reliable 8 yr old $25 cloth hand bag. $1500 seems a bit much for a suitcase. (I've taken that bag on 10 cruises, amtrak, over 100 flights as a carryon and checked. It has yet to fail me

[@tereasia]

Heh, that's a lot of bread 😊

[@TheRareVideosXL]

Great flight experience.

[@MrGreatplum]

Looks like an excellent product, the bread, bread, bread and bread food notwithstanding 😜

[@paulkazzer]

The new Saudia livery is beautiful caught in a few passing shots.

[@lynnebunning7273]

Hi from Australia 🇦🇺 have you ever added how many flights you made for 2023. Cheers 😊 Ps do you ever site when you go or just another flight somewhere else?

[@robyoungquist5803]

Ok yes the hard product is a step above BUT with the food sub par, I think it’s a NO from me. Since the flight time is short, I can forgo the lie flat seat and make the decision based on food quality/presentation after flight schedules 🤔

[@hillgates]

I'm very surprised about this because usually the EU flights do not have so much stuff even for business class like this. Is there any other airlines operating such like this business class?

[@essexginge9167]

£1169 for a suitcase is fucking INSANE!!!!!!!!!!!

[@lvthud]

When did El Al become a dry airline ?

[@mottyk8491]

Wow for a review of ITA there is a lot of talk about ELAL

[@kathrynstemler6331]

That tiramisu looks bready.

[@cazl2875]

Travel resolutions? Yes, see more of Australia 🇦🇺 my home country.

[@xandrios]

What routes are they using these aircraft on? When I flew them last year in C it was regular 3-3 seating.

[@marcd6897]

4:32 is where he explains it

[@BetsyBigNose]

Really surprised that the food is awful and that BA is better on the route! Also surprised by the apparent size of the economy class seats behind you, as they looked high quality to me.

[@chairmanofdabored4120]

I would love to see more airlines adopt this business model, I would much rather fly ITA than easyJet

[@cds1848]

I don't believe El Al is a dry airline.

[@briangasser973]

The white leather seats look nice new. I question how long they will stay that way being used 15 hours a day, everyday.

[@azjumbo]

I believe these airliners were supposed to cover medium haul only, but following the recent issues in Israel and some diplomatic hurdles in opening nigerian routes, they were moved to cover london and Cairo against all odds and differently from plans

[@airplanewhat5316]

exactly. they will be moved from europe asap but that still means waiting 4 months at least. The first "long" route scheduled with the 321neo is FCO-RUH coming in may. then KWI, ACC and JED

[@tomcarr1358]

So Alitalia did not lose its Heathrow slots? A lot to be said for the south terminal. It suits the smaller airlines that I have used to Muscat and Brunei.

[@martinofavero6059]

Ita rents slots from ethiad

[@tomcarr1358]

much appreciated.@@martinofavero6059

[@radovan107]

In a few times probaly ITA will not operate from LHR anymore. Voices says On flight on Gatwick, anyway in the Summer Season will start 3 daily flight FCO-LCY with the new A220-100

[@Harmonikdiskorde]

ITAlways confuses me that ITA was the travel matrix company as well as an airline inside the travel matrix (well, anachronistically, as ITA is now google flights).

[@hoof2001]

Do ITA have any aircraft in Italian registration? Surprised the lounge access isn’t Aer Lingus’

[@airplanewhat5316]

ITA welcomed their first aircraft registered in Italy a couple of days ago. It's a brand new A330-900neo registered I-ITYB. More planes with italian registration are coming, namely those 28 ordered directly from Airbus. The other aircraft are leased mostly from ALC. Most leased aircraft in Italy have the lessor's country registration because Italy is one of the few countries that didn't sign the Cape Town Convention and Protocol.

[@tango22ah]

Dude the case is lovely and I guess you get what you pay for but $1195 for a case after the $300 discount is pretty steep old boy.

[@TheAdventuresOfAndrew]

Seems a bit much to hold people up so you could get a shot of you putting your suitcase in the overhead, no?

[@Paul_Lucas]

That’s not what happened, the camera was already there. If you have a bag to put overhead it’ll hold people up behind you anyway.

[@mattg7372]

El Al is a dry airline 🤔🙄🤷‍♂️🙄(good to know )

[@geerd1]

Ik would never dare to take the elevator just before flying, in case you would get stuck...

[@JoePCool14]

We HAVE to use an elevator to access our home Admirals Lounge :( They're bad elevators too. Got in one once, doors shut and it didn't move.

[@SuperGenericUser]

"Pasta for example is so easy to serve on board" yeah but it's always disgusting and mushy, the less pasta in the air the better. I've had delicious steak in First Class on certain airlines but pasta is something nobody has been able to get right for some reason.

[@jacopomainoldi9025]

Pasta has to be made in a certain way. Ita serves very good types of pasta onboard Business classes.

[@SuperGenericUser]

​@@peteking8063Neither can they fry steak yet some airlines manage to serve a decent steak. If you can't do it without fucking it up, just don't do it.

[@airplanewhat5316]

@@SuperGenericUser you're right, pasta is always bad on airplanes, but, as an Italian, I can say that the only exception is Alitalia's/ITA's pasta on longhaul service. They sorted it out somehow.

[@SuperGenericUser]

​@@peteking8063You haven't flown Asiana First then ;) Their steak was about as good as a mediocre steakhouse. Clearly wasn't fucking rocket science for them.

[@KS-lx7ng]

I thought A21NX stood for 321 neo LR and A21N for standard range🤔

[@bread23334]

The NX stands for the emergency exits/door configuration, so basically the aircraft has now 3 doors and the 2 Emergency exits per side instead of the regular 4 doors per side configuration

[@bread23334]

But I'm not sure if he's right, that this Plane is a regular neo, because Wikipedia says they are LR Variants

[@gerrib1633]

I swear we must cross paths in opposite directions many times

[@grambo4436]

Im impress with alitalia comeback story. Defunct because of finacial issues and came back rebranding themselves as italia airways.

[@Chrisby789]

Folded quicker than a bad calzone….. 🤣

[@anonymouslyopinionated656]

The hair's looking good

[@derfollaw]

@12:12 jump scare

[@nikolaiivanovich2094]

I had their business class food BRU->FCO about six months ago, and it was the most atrocious excuse for pasta I've ever been served. They desperately need to improve their food service, it was almost inedible.

[@cornellcornell1]

You should know by now how to stow a overhead bin luggage. Wheels first genius

[@Bad_Karma1968]

Paul ElAl us not a dry airline Their booze is kosher but they are not dry Also El Al has financial problems ITA’s seat layout in business looks like Jet Blue’s You bashed the food but what do u expect when they are paying for brand new aircraft ?

[@Shello58]

Um.. I goggled that luggage...$2049.99 CDN... Nope. That's a trip..

[@lorddarlo6194]

I like the seat but the fact that BA who have a worse Bussiness Class and aren't Italian had better food is very embarrasing.

[@brentford2]

Please go coach.

[@NoWay23548]

You know the product is expensive when they have a 300$ discount.

[@frankbarr1101]

Just not worth that price for a 2 hour flight! For the same money you could take a Ryanair flight and stay at a really good hotel and go to a proper Italian restaurant in Rome and get much better food than you got on the plane. Even on a long haul flight the money you pay for a Business Class seat compared to what you could spend your money on at arrival has to be questioned.

[@charliered105]

Ryanair also do Aperol spritz bottles 😂

[@vittorioserra]

Business class in fact is for businessman or real richman 😂

[@Rick-ge1ri]

Or stay at home😂

[@frankbarr1101]

Thats never an option for me 😁@@Rick-ge1ri

[@matteoleoni637]

You can actually see the differences between Ryanair normal ticket and a business class as this one

[@ralphwatt8752]

Food is Food Quality Foid is Better

[@alessandro21686]

Alitalia's food was always atrocious. My parents were born in Italy and we'd fly from the US to Italy every couple of years to see relatives. We did business class twice, maybe...didn't make a difference. The worst food I've had on an airline by far.

[@paulwilcox9184]

Why do people need a full meal on a 2 hour flight?

[@coolbreeze253]

E-tah?

[@Jamiefrommelbourne]

I’m watching this at 3.52am in bed! Yay!

[@IsoscelesKramer]

That isn't a very generous offer. $300 off those prices is a drop in the bucket. Disappointing endorsement...