Review of ITA Airways flight from Barcelona to Rome in Business

The purpose of this trip, Barcelona - Rome - Miami, is to join our cruise ship, which will take us to the Caribbean for 15 days, departing from the port of Miami.
We'll be taking ITA (formerly Alitalia) from Barcelona to Rome, then on to Miami, for reasons of cost on this business-class destination.
After parking our vehicle in the parking lot next to the terminal at Barcelona's El Prat airport, it will take us less than 10 minutes to reach the check-in desks. Check-in is fast and efficient. It's around 4:15 - 4:30 and there are already a lot of people, especially at the Vueling counters.
We pass through security and look for the ITA lounge.

It's hard to miss the Spanish charcuterie stands and the hams! yum!

After a short walk to wake us up, we reach the VIP lounge, which welcomes ITA passengers among others.

Situated on the first floor overlooking the concourse, the lounge is large and not very crowded.

Of course, we visit the buffets to make ourselves some breakfast, as it's very early in the morning.
There's a wide selection of solids, of which I'll give you an overview, starting with the traditional tortilla de patatas.

Then ham, mezzes, savory mixes…

Then the no less traditional bocadillos (Spanish sandwiches).

Breads and pastries.

And there's no shortage of drinks, with cavas and other wines and soft drinks.

And of course, soft drinks.

Our choice for this morning is non-alcoholic, as we had a bit too much the day before at the host in Barcelona.

We leave the lounge and head for gate B62 where our Airbus from ITA should be waiting.

The flight seems quite full, given the number of passengers waiting.

More and more often we're ushered into the aisle, only to be blocked a few meters further on.

After a good ten minutes we are allowed to reach the aircraft door. Gate time!

We're welcomed aboard in a rather succinct manner, and then we discover ITA's business in Europe.

This sign fixed to the bulkhead at the entrance confirms that we are indeed aboard an ITA aircraft.

The central seat has been neutralized to make way for a handy tray table, just as AF used to offer.

It's still dark and the photos from outside aren't great!

We push off from the terminal and, as is customary, a ground agent prepares to give the pilot his OK.

Aerial view after takeoff.

As soon as the flight attendants are released, they hand out a mini-bottle of water to each business passenger. Then comes what we'll call breakfast… not very attractive, but by habit we know that breakfasts are not often served on planes.
Actimel, fruit in syrup, butter, hot croissant, hot turnover stuffed very lightly with cheese and tomatoes, orange juice and coffee, served to us a few moments after the trays have been distributed.

Essential utensils.

The flight passes calmly, allowing us to doze off for a few moments. Day breaks.

Approaching the Italian coast.

Probably the port of Civitavecchia, before climbing a little to enter the boot.

Approaching Rome Fiumicino airport, also known as Leonardo Da Vinci.

Soft landing.

Then taxi to our arrival gate.

Lots of blue planes! Our neighbor at the terminal.

The aircraft exits very quickly, but it's a pity that access is totally blocked at the end of the corridor. But that won't stop us from removing the tape. Views of our Airbus from the terminal.

As a bonus, this photo takes advantage of the terminal's lighting to give a very special impression!

We'll be looking for the right route through the terminal to reach our flight to Miami, before making our way to the business lounge. This will be the subject of another report.