There is a new airlines coming to Italy, food and beverage service it's slow return on many airlines, and luxury Train travel through Scotland is alive and well.
New Italian Airline
Now that US travelers can visit Italy we have some good news, a new Italian airline is set to launch this fall. The new carrier is currently without an official name, currently going by Italia Transport Aero, ITA for short. This new airline is a iteration of or Alitalia, the bankrupt national flag carrier. ITA has been raising capital to purchase the best assets of the now defunct Alitalia such as planes and staff, however ITA is a new and different business. They are also looking to purchasing $5.3 billion dollars worth of new aircraft's for which they plan on taking deliveries starting next year. The first flights from ITA are scheduled for October 15 and will have bases in both Rome and Milan.
Italy is currently open to U.S. travelers. Fully vaccinated visitors are not currently required to quarantine. Italy does require a negative COVID test taken no longer than 48 hours before entering. Currently Delta and United Airlines offer government approved COVID tested flights. These flights require a negative test 48 hours prior to boarding, a rapid test during boarding, and another rapid test on landing. If all tests are clear then the traveler is free to roam Italy without quarantine.
Airline Services
Food and beverage service is slowly returning to many airlines. Some flights have returned to pre-pandemic levels of service, such as Alaskan Airlines using porcelain dishes to serve first class dinners. For many flights the reintroduction has been slow, many airlines prefer a cautious approach. In December the Federal Aviation Administration released a national strategy for the recovery of the air transportation system. While this was a comprehensive plan, it left tops such as cleanin, testing, and ventilation adjustments to the airlines. In regards to food and beverage service, the FAA recommended that airlines “limit or discontinue food and beverage service on short-haul flights to encourage continuous mask use when possible”. The recommendation went on to say “If food or drink is provided it must be dispensed in a sealed, pre-packaged container”. And of course each airline interpreted this a little different.
Luxury Scottish Train Travel
Now lets talk trains. When most people think of a luxury train experience they immediately think of the famed Venice Simplon Orient Express. However there are many other luxury options available throughout Europe, or even the world. Once such train, Belmond Royal Scotsman, which is run by the same operator as the Orient Express, has returned to service. They are currently half way through their season, with trips running through October. This is a luxurious option, limiting each trip to no more than 40 passengers, which makes this a good option for those looking for Luxury Travel but still want to be cautious. The itineraries include Glamis Castle, Eileen Donan Castle, the Culloden Battlefield, Alnwick Castle, Glenfinnan Viaduct, as well as stops at various whisky distilleries and even clay pigeon shooting.