Alitalia’s financial woes

The reader’s report of an unpleasant flight on Alitalia (“Disappointed in Their Alitalia Experience,” June ’08, pg. 30) reminded me that, although ITN is the leading source of information on all things travel, sometimes you have to go to the business and financial pages.

Alitalia has been teetering on the edge of bankruptcy for over a year. Small wonder, then, that the cabin staff were surly and uncooperative; they were worrying about their jobs. Small wonder, too, that there were few cabin supplies. Fortunately, there was enough fuel to complete the flight.

I am a confirmed Italophile but would not fly Alitalia right now.

MICHAEL MAHONEY

San Francisco, CA