Sunday Star-Times

Complete comfort and class

LATAM Airlines gives flyers a taste of South America even before they’ve arrived at their destinatio­n. Aaron Leaman reports.

- THE AIRLINE LATAM Airlines.

THE ROUTE

Auckland to Santiago, Chile, non-stop. A distance of 9691 kilometres. It takes about 11 hours to fly to Santiago from Auckland. Add two hours for the flight back. Flights are always direct.

THE PLANE

Boeing 787-9. Boeing’s newest 787 model was introduced onto the route on September 22 last year and replaced the 787-8 model. The plane is configured to carry 30 passengers in premium business class and 283 people in economy class. Premium business class was close to full on each flight across the Pacific.

TIME IN THE AIR

About 11 hours’ flying Auckland to Santiago. The return flight takes about 13 hours.

THE LOYALTY PLAN

LATAM Airlines launched a new loyalty programme following its rebranding. Members of LATAM Pass and LATAM Fidelidade programmes gain kilometres each time they fly LATAM Airlines or any other oneworld partner airline. The elite categories: Gold, Platinum, Black and Black Signature are equal to Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald from oneworld.

UP THE BACK OR AT THE POINTY END

Seat 5D, in the middle row, right at the back of the premium business class area.

THE SEAT STUFF

Spacious and modern, with the cabin divided into three rows of two seats. Each seat has its own flexible light fitting, a USB port, a remote control to navigate the inflight entertainm­ent platform and a headset.

The seats are a spacious 58.4 centimetre­s wide and have adjustable screens between them, although my neighbour and I didn’t see the need to use them.

Premium business class passengers are given a gorgeous toiletries bag that includes nifty items such as an eye mask, comb, mirror, shoe horn, toothpaste and toothbrush, lip balm, hand and face cream, and socks.

BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE

A piece of carry-on baggage can weigh up to 16 kilograms, plus you can bring on board a personal item, such as a purse or laptop.

COMFORT FACTOR

There’s nothing better on a long-haul flight than being able to lie flat when having a kip. LATAM’s premium business class seats recline to a fully flat position, transformi­ng into a bed measuring 185.4cm long.

Attentive flight attendants ensure everyone has a blanket and pillow when you’re ready to sleep.

The seat can be set at different inclines and comes with an adjustable footrest. Importantl­y, the seat controls are easy to use and largely self-explanator­y.

THAT’S ENTERTAINM­ENT

Each seat has a high resolution 15.4-inch screen and an audio/ visual system. Because of the way the screen is configured, your neighbour’s screen appears dimmed – great if you want to sleep and they want to watch a movie.

The entertainm­ent package includes a collection of 110 movies, including 12 new releases, eight recent hits and 10 children’s movies. There’s also 42 television programmes, plus more than 1000 music albums and 25 games.

THE SERVICE

Helpful flight attendants welcome you on board and follow that up with personal introducti­ons and a glass of Champagne. Every detail seems to be thought of, including the offer of moist hand-towels to wipe your face and hands before meals.

Once you’re done exploring your toiletries bag, there’s a selection of reading material to peruse. A lot of titles are in Spanish, but there are copies of New Zealand newspapers, as well as The Economist.

FEEDING TIME

Flying premium business class is a treat and the in-flight dining experience adds to the sense of luxury. Dishes are accompanie­d by a glass of wine.

To start with I had a green salad and bocconcini cheese with grilled vegetables and pesto. This was followed by a delightful wagyu beef brisket in gravy with mashed potatoes and caramelise­d shallots.

For dessert I had a selection of fresh fruit. For those who’d rather sleep than eat, there is the option of an express dinner.

An hour and a half before landing, breakfast was served. I opted for the full breakfast, complete with scrambled eggs.

South America boasts some of the best wines around, and LATAM’s dishes are paired with a wine recommende­d by a master wine steward. A fresh white cloth is laid out before each meal, adding to the fine dining experience.

THE VERDICT

A Chilean friend told me that flying LATAM reminds him instantly of home, with its authentic dishes and friendly, gracious staff. I had to agree.

From the warm welcome you receive on boarding, to the beautiful decor, with its warm reds and soft greys, flying premium business class made for the perfect start to my trip.

The aircraft’s extra large windows gave me the best glimpse possible of Chile’s Andes range.

FREQUENCY

LATAM Airlines flies between Auckland and Santiago once daily. The writer flew courtesy of LATAM Airlines.

 ??  ?? LATAM Airlines’ premium business class seats transform into a flat bed.
LATAM Airlines’ premium business class seats transform into a flat bed.

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