Now that's what I call legroom...

[LukeGT]

the present Pope should have AZ status too. Perhaps similar to SQ LPP or BA premier.

or perhaps similar to our beloved SQ LPP (i mean the user)

[LukeGT]

http://www.time.com/time/picturesoft...731926,00.html

Now that's what I call legroom..... but that's not what I call a good airline

[milehighj]

That is usually the case but Pope Bendedict used AZ to and fro Brazil as well.

Perhaps that had something to do with the current state of Brazil's flag carrier...

[up and away]

I am sure the Vatican pays for the flights. I don't think AZ is running a charity, and the damage would not be that huge for the (rich) Vatican.

But on the other hand he's a huge celebrity and probably a good gain for the airline!

[SuperJonJon]

I recall watching CNN footage of Pope John Paul II flying home from Israel on an El Al 744 some years ago.

It was explained that it was protocol for the Pope to arrive on his state visits aboard his "home" carrier, Alitalia, and for the host nation to fly him home - hence in this example, El Al.

That is usually the case but Pope Bendedict used AZ to and fro Brazil as well.

The other protocol was to used different airports departing and arriving in Rome.

[phaleesy]

It's AZ, so I think they might even fly him for free

(i guess i'm being stupid atm)

2) and no wonder alitalia is in the reds if they offer their passengers so much legroom

3) i wonder if the pope has a frequent flyer program ...

I am sure the Vatican pays for the flights. I don't think AZ is running a charity, and the damage would not be that huge for the (rich) Vatican.

Yes, as was in the case of Pope John II, the present Pope should have AZ status too. Perhaps similar to SQ LPP or BA premier.

[milehighj]

I recall watching CNN footage of Pope John Paul II flying home from Israel on an El Al 744 some years ago.

It was explained that it was protocol for the Pope to arrive on his state visits aboard his "home" carrier, Alitalia, and for the host nation to fly him home - hence in this example, El Al.

[phaleesy]

Does AZ reconfigure a standard plane just for the Pope for each of his trip?

Yes, I believe so. I remember reading about this in the AZ inflight magazine in March.

Vague recollection of reading about the reconfiguration of the Pope's plane, delegates and media; his FF status ; service and security involved etc.

There's a short press release from AZ (http://corporate.alitalia.com/en/Ima...tcm7-27276.pdf) but I think there's a lot more details in the article in the AZ magazine.

[SuperJonJon]

Does AZ reconfigure a standard plane just for the Pope for each of his trip?

[flo]

It's AZ, so I think they might even fly him for free

Hehehe, what a steal. I bet that's why they have the damocles sword of bankruptcy right above their heads

[up and away]

(i guess i'm being stupid atm)

1) so and where is the pope job application file? ...because that's what my legroom should be like.

Me2! Only one problem remains: I don't believe in God. Do you think this could reduce my chances?

3) i wonder if the pope has a frequent flyer program ...

4) ... and how many miles they accredit him for flying super-f-class

It's AZ, so I think they might even fly him for free

[flo]

(i guess i'm being stupid atm)

1) so and where is the pope job application file? ...because that's what my legroom should be like.

2) and no wonder alitalia is in the reds if they offer their passengers so much legroom

3) i wonder if the pope has a frequent flyer program ...

4) ... and how many miles they accredit him for flying super-f-class

[phaleesy]

That's why I always have absolute faith that Alitalia would NEVER go under.

[impresta]

I believe that is an Alitalia airplane because that is what he arrived in the US with.

[Savage25]

I was about to say "Holy $$#%%" when I realized who was sitting in that seat