FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

LATAM Airlines, Premium Business Class

by Kimberly Inlander

Sep 1, 2016
Print Article

Miami (MIA) to São Paulo (BRU)

On the Ground: My flight from Philadelphia (PHL) to Miami International Airport arrived in plenty of time for me to make my way from one end of MIA to the other to check in for my LATAM night flight to São Paulo, the inaugural on this routing for the airline’s Airbus A350 aircraft. With only one person in line before me, check-in was swift. With several late-night flights departing, security was a bit chaotic, but thankfully I was through quickly with priority access.

Pre-Flight: The LATAM lounge is quite spacious, offering ample seating options and configurations, plenty of food and beverage options, complimentary WiFi service and shower facilities. I enjoyed a small plate of cheese and crackers and a glass of wine before heading to the gate area to watch as the aircraft was towed in. As the flight was subsequently delayed several hours, I headed back to the lounge to unwind a bit and wait. The flight was originally scheduled close to midnight, so I appreciated the chance to rest and wait out the delay in the comfortable lounge.

When it was time to take off, priority boarding moved quickly; and I enjoyed the extra time on board to check out the new cabin and get settled in. The 2-2-2 configuration offers lie-flat seats with plenty of space to store personal items. I had an aisle seat; window seats do not have direct aisle access. The new aircraft was pristine, and the cabin felt more spacious than on other aircraft, one of the many benefits to flying the A350.

In-Flight: Since we were delayed, it was quite late by the time we reached cruising altitude. Given the late hour, the crew sped up the food and beverage service a bit; however, it didn’t feel rushed at all — both of those factors were much appreciated. I started feeling sleepy as I enjoyed the mahi mahi paired with a crisp, white wine and watched Creed on the in-flight entertainment system, but of course I perked up a bit to enjoy a small container of rich, chocolate Häagen-Dazs ice cream.

After I dined, the flight attendants set up my bed with a comfortable duvet and fluffy pillow; I slept the majority of the flight, waking in time for breakfast service and to finish the movie I’d started the night prior. As I was to hit the ground running upon touchdown, I freshened up in the larger-than-normal lavatory, making use of the well-stocked LATAM amenity kit.

The Experience: The setbacks of the delay did not mar the entire experience. From the ease of check-in and the spacious lounge to the on-point service of the in-flight crew and the excitement of being on board an inaugural flight, my LATAM experience was enjoyable from beginning to end.

GT CHECKLIST

[checklist]
[item check=yes]Less than 10 minutes for check-in[/item]
[item check=yes]Friendly and helpful agents[/item]
[item check=yes]Priority tagged baggage[/item]
[item check=yes]Airport lounge[/item]
[item check=yes]Complimentary in-lounge food[/item]
[item check=yes]Priority boarding[/item]
[item check=yes]Helpful and courteous flight attendants[/item]
[item check=yes]Pre-flight beverage service[/item]
[item check=yes]Pre-flight newspapers and magazines[/item]
[item check=yes]Extensive on-demand entertainment[/item]
[item check=yes]Amenity kits[/item]
[item]Slippers[/item]
[item check=yes]Lie-flat seat/bed[/item]
[item check=yes]Turn-down service[/item]
[item check=yes]In-flight menu with three entrée choices[/item]
[item check=yes]Top-shelf wines and liquors[/item]
[/checklist]

LATAM

latam.com

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Airlines
Nov 23, 2024

Avelo Extends West Coast Schedule Through Spring 2025

Avelo Airlines extends its Western U.S. flight schedule through April 29, allowing travelers to book spring break travel to 14 popular West Coast destinations. One-way fares start at $57.

Experience Next-Level Travel with Condor Airlines’ New A330neo Fleet

Condor Airlines completely renewed its long-haul fleet, featuring its new Airbus A330neo. Designed to elevate your travel experience, the A330neo is equipped with cutting-edge technology and offers unrivaled comfort, ensuring an exceptional journey for every passenger. With its striking signature striped livery, the A330neo not only promises a memorable flight but also enhances the start of your vacation from the moment you step aboard.

Daily
Nov 22, 2024

Choose Lompoc on California’s Central Coast for Outdoor-Focused Fun

If you’re in weather denial mode and resisting the urge to switch your closet over to sweaters and snow boots, keep summer going for a little longer in Lompoc, California.

Daily
Nov 22, 2024

Try This New Sea-to-Table Experience at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita

Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, the oceanfront property on the pristine coast of Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, just launched a new Sea to Table program in partnership with SpearMex, the region’s premier sea exploration experts. The new programming features a hands-on experience and ocean-to-table culinary journey combining sustainable fishing practices with personalized gastronomic techniques lead by Executive Chef Jorge González.

Remarkable Medellín

Visiting Medellín in Colombia: The Country of Beauty is like stepping into a fantastic story — literally, as the city in the Western Colombian Andes region inspired Disney’s Encanto. Here, valleys, the world’s tallest palms, vibrant communities, colorful houses, garden-like balconies and more prove reality is more picturesque than anything on film. And it’s especially more tempting following Medellín’s remarkable transformation, shedding its troubled past and reawakening as a city of innovation, art, cultural richness, modern infrastructure, thriving tourism and resiliency.

Daily
Nov 22, 2024

Waldorf Astoria Residences New York Announces Partnership with Bang & Olufsen

Waldorf Astoria Residences New York recently announced a partnership with Bang & Olufsen. The contemporary residences sit atop the legendary hotel, currently nearing the end of its expansive restoration.

Daily
Nov 20, 2024

Celebrate the Holidays at This Hotel on Italy’s Amalfi Coast

Spend the holiday season in Italy with a stay at Anantara Convento di Amalfi Hotel. The only 5-star hotel in the area hosts festive experiences from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve.

Royal Air Maroc Relaunches Direct Casablanca–Beijing Route, Debuts Toronto Flight

As part of its international network expansion, Royal Air Maroc will reinstate the direct Casablanca–Beijing route initially launched in January 2020 and suspended just a few weeks later due to the health crisis.

eFlyer Reviews
Nov 20, 2024

Château des Fleurs Review

Just a short block from the Champs Elysées, flower-bedecked window boxes grace the corner and clearly identify Château des Fleurs. This 37-room boutique hotel is one of Vivre-LMB’s five small hotels in Paris owned by Olivier Bertrand and his sisters and affiliated with Small Luxury Hotels of the World.