This business class comes with a ‘master sommelier’
LATAM Airlines has just started flying from Melbourne to Santiago, joining daily flights from Sydney. So how does it shape up?
This airline is a key player for Australians travelling to South America or joining an Antarctic cruise. Here’s how it shapes up.
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This business class comes with a ‘master sommelier’
LATAM Airlines has just started flying from Melbourne to Santiago, joining daily flights from Sydney. So how does it shape up?
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The cabin is configured in seven rows of 1-2-1 flat-bed seats, all with direct aisle access; the last row has just two centre seats and is close to the galley, storage area and premium economy cabin beyond. My partner and I are seated together in row five but the “privacy” screen between us is stuck in the upright position so we bob up and down to chat, which amuses the crew. Side aisle seats follow the Qantas model of alternate configurations row by row of storage and bench space on the aisle or by the window; the former layout is more private and snug and is offered in all A and J seats. Passengers are provided with a quilted mattress, soft eiderdown and good-sized pillow. It’s slightly awkward arranging legs as the flat seat wooshes under the TV console and the position is low; there’s more space in the foot wells in row 1 bulkhead seats. The amenities kit, made from recycled plastic bottles, comes in a patterned bag by Colombian-based Anibal Vallejo, one of eight artists who’ve designed the range. There’s lip balm and hand cream by Brazilian brand Feito, tiny toothpaste and natural bamboo toothbrush, earplugs, calendula-scented towelette, beige socks and eye mask.
LATAM is a Qantas partner airline. Business class passengers and top-tier frequent flyers can check in up to two bags at 23kg each.
LATAM recently signed an agreement with Paramount+ for a stash of content. There’s also a good selection of HBO hits, children’s programs, TV drama and comedy series, more than 100 movies and excellent food and “lifestyle” offerings, including the new NatGeo doco Restaurants at the End of the World, hosted by Korean-born US chef and restaurateur Kristen Kish. The 18-inch screen is of ample size but set rather low so reclining is necessary for an optimum viewing angle.
It’s past midnight but that doesn’t stop LATAM from going all out with its wine list compiled by “master sommelier” Hector Vergara and full-on dinner of appetiser, choice of four main dishes, including vegetarian (each with matched wine), three desserts and a cheese selection. Consultant chef Pilar Rodriguez runs a restaurant in the Colchagua Valley and her signature dish of southern hake confit in Coratina extra virgin olive oil with cauliflower puree and pebre salsa has star billing. I’m too tired to dine but can attest from my earlier flight from Sydney to Santiago that the food is abundant, attractively plated and surprisingly tasty. A light breakfast is served between Auckland and Sydney; the cheese frittata with sauteed mushrooms and roasted cherry tomatoes seems to be the top pick although a few guilty-looking passengers tuck into apple strudel with vanilla sauce and blueberries.
Noise-cancelling headphones, packed in a calico bag, are full-sized and comfortable. There’s a USB port and universal 110-volt outlet. No wi-fi available.
Cabin attendants are predominantly female and perfectly groomed. There are smiles, laughter and a genuine interest in where international passengers have travelled in Chile, what they saw and (definitely) what they ate. Competitor airlines could learn a
lot from this genuinely festive attitude to in-flight service.
This flight goes via Auckland and the transit involves queuing for more than an hour to get to quarantine where bags are minutely inspected, even though disembarked passengers are not actually entering the country. There’s no separate line for families or those requiring assistance. It’s completely baffling and ill-considered. On arrival in Sydney, the process is smooth and bags arrive promptly, which I count as a minor miracle.
LATAM recently revived its Melbourne to Santiago (via Auckland) thrice-weekly service, bringing total connections from Australia to 10 per week. Departures ex Sydney are daily.
Susan Kurosawa travelled with assistance from Ponant.
latamairlines.com
Generous meals and exceptional service by crew with a sense of flair and fun.
What it costs
From $13,170 based on airline website search, departing two months from date of publication.