LATAM

We arrived at LAX for a flight on LAN to Lima, Peru. Less than 1 hour before our flight was scheduled to depart, the same flight from the previous day departed. At our scheduled departure time a creeping delay was instituted that stretched overnight until the next day, approximately 23 hours after our flight was scheduled to depart. The flight for the day we finally left was already posting delays. It looked very much like each day they were utilizing that day’s equipment for the previous day’s departure. In addition, because the flight was not cancelled, we were advised that a $1000 fee would be assessed if we tried to rebook the flight. Further, despite empty seats, they were unwilling to reassign us to an earlier flight, even when no checked luggage was involved. I have no problem with the inflight crew or equipment, but that 24 hour delay meant missing our only day in Lima as part of a 2 week tour and their lack of assistance at the airport means I would avoid booking with LAN in the future.

LAN LA801 AKL-SYD A340 Business Class
I was really impressed with the LAN experience from AKL-SYD, which whilst short it was nice. Check in at AKL was provided by AirNZ staff, and no hassle, with directions given to the QF lounge, which opens at 0400, but NZ immigration isnt open until 0430.
LAN crew very professional, presentation of the plane was impressive – even the breakfast meal was tasty.
Seating was comfortable, IFE worked well and had a decent array of movies and TV shows to watch (in both English & Spanish).
Overall for a short hop over the ditch, our LAN experience was nice.

LAN Chile gave us – in total – over 13 hours of delays. 7 hours in Sydney, the others in Santiago and Buenos Aires. I shall never recommend this airline to anyone. The food was average although the crew were great. It was, however, good to have a little more leg room, but delay after delay after delay was a deal breaker for me.

Bogota-Lima-Santiago-Auckland in Business. I am impressed with Lan product and services even it is not the best, but it has very good standard. Check in at Bogota airport was fine but a little bit struggle to tag my bag to Sydney because the last leg from Auckland to Sydney is with Air New Zealand. They did it at the end. Lounge at Bogota airport was pretty average, but at least quiet and has free wifi. Service from Bogota to Lima was really good, A321, good leg room. Dinner was presented well and very tasty. LAN shares Lima airport lounge, it was terrible. You hardly can find a seat, over crowded and you hardly can find anything to drink or eat. I was surprised Lan use 787 Dreamliner for Lime-Santiago flight. I was so excited to fly 787 Dreamliner but nobody else seem cared about the new aircraft. Very smart cabin design, great lighting (pink actually). Very comfortable full flat bed, I did not waste anytime for sleeping. Cabin crew did not wake me up for dinner and breakfast, so I have no idea the quality of the food. Crews are not so friendly at least the one in my area. Lan has two lounges at Santiago airport. One is FFs and one for business and first class passengers. Showers are available, food was okay but nothing like Qantas first lounge in Sydney. It does have this little sleeping room but don’t expect they wake you up or anything. I nearly missed my flight from Santiago to Auckland. Santiago to Auckland was on A340. very dated but well maintained aircraft. It is not full flat bed but very comfortable. I managed couple of hours sleep again. Food was good and service was good but not outstanding. I am impressed with Lan’s business class and services through this trip.

SYD – AKL – SYD. A340-300
I use LAN for my trips back home to NZ as carrier of choice these days. Generally because they have awesome Business Premier deals if you book far enough in advance. Being 6ft10 the roomy seats are just devine. With my legs stretched out I can still not reach the seats in front of me. Food isn’t what I would call up to par for business class, however they are served with tablecloth, napkin and metal cutlery. What you do get is quite tasty though. IFE is sensational. Many many channels of movies, TV programs, games, and music.
English is not the first language of the cabin crew so sometimes things get lost in translation, but they are very patient, friendly, and do their absolute best to accomodate you.
LAN is a partner airline with Qantas in the OneWorld Alliance so flying business with LAN gets you access to the Qantas Business class lounge and you earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points with applicable cabin bonus. I have only ever had one flight cancelled and the put me up in a nice hotel with a free phone call, dinner, breakfast and free transfers. LAN really do look after you.