JordanD flew LAN Economy, on a B767-300ER (10/01/2012 12:53)

The flight was from MAD-LIM on a B767-300ER from Madrid's T4S. It was taken in late September 2011.

CHECK-IN
I was connecting off a British Airways flight from LHR, so I was "checked-in" at LHR. For reasons unknown, although the flight (and onward connection to Cuzco in Peru) were on one ticket, BA were only able to check my luggage as far as LIM and only able to provide my first boarding pass.

Additionally, the inbound flight from London was delayed due to a technical issue, so my party of 9 were getting quite anxious at our ever decreasing connection time in Madrid. Although Oneworld assistance was promised, none was forthcoming as we emerged into the terminal, and so screens were checked and the group headed off (at speed) to the gate where LAN had already finished boarding.

We were greeted by the gate staff with an incredulous look when we asked for our boarding passes - passes they eventually gave to us. Not the best start to a two week holiday. Disappointingly, we were not sat together (as was requested).

BOARDING
Our party of 9, along with 3 others connecting in from Iberia's flight from LHR were the last to board. The crew were awaiting us (although not our luggage) and once on board, it wasn't long before we getting ready for push back. The crew came down both aisles of the length economy cabin offering eyemasks and ear plugs to all in advance of our 0045 departure.

THE SEAT
For those who are regulars on the BA 767s, the LAN version comes as a bit of a surprise. Not only are the emergency exit doors akin to those found on a narrowbody, rather than being full sized doors, but the economy cabin stretches the majority of the plane without any mid-plane galleys to break up the space.

Configured as 2-3-2 in economy, I was sat in 32B. The IFE and tray table are attached to the seat in front, and the leg room was plenty enough to allow me to swap my hiking shoes for something more comfortable for the 12hr flight. The seats provide inflight power (I took a converter, but US and EU pins seem fine) and and there is a handy cup holder for drinks - plentiful water on the overnight flight was crucial.

THE FLIGHT
Once pushed back and after the inevitable long taxi at MAD, we were away on a 'direct' routing over to LIM in South America. I was dozing through take-off until the lights came on, and was expecting plenty of sleeping time on during the flight (scheduled to take close to 12hrs). The service by the crew seemed very procedural, and quite slow - it shouldn't ever take until 2.5hrs into the flight to remove trays from the meal service (which, it must be said was excellent - although this could be to do with not being fed on the LHR-MAD leg).

Once the lights were turned down, the only problem was the aircraft temperature. The front of the economy section was cool, the middle comfortable and the rear (where I was sat) was like a sauna.

With it being a full flight, there was no opportunity to swap seats and the crew seemed unable or unwilling to attend to the problem despite it being reported by myself and other members of my group. Water-passes seemed very ad hoc, and there did seem to be some resentment at people coming to the back galley (the only galley in economy) to obtain extra fluids.

The IFE was the redeeming feature - it was excellent and second bar none in my recent experience (beating even the one used by Cathay Pacific). Simple, easy to use, with a fairly wide selection of movies (lots of Spanish/Latin American films, plus a good selection of Hollywood fodder), some TV series (crucially, more than one episode of a series) and possibly the largest selection of music in the sky. Top marks and one that other airlines should definitely think of taking on board (take note Iberia).

Disappointingly (considering arrival was to be before 5.30am), the lights were turned on for breakfast far, far too early (equivalent to just after 3am Lima time) and breakfast itself wasn't what you'd expect at the back end of 12hr flight. The second meal, should be a proper one, or at least offer an element of choice - a weak ham/cheese toastie wasn't really it.

ARRIVAL
Although connecting onto another LAN flight in Peru, our luggage had only been tagged as far as Lima, so combined with the need to clear immigration/customs, we headed to the baggage reclaim. And waited. And waited. Until the belt stopped - only were we able to collar a LAN employee, who sheepishly informed us that the luggage was still in Madrid. Worse was to follow: they would be there for at least a day, despite an Iberia flight departing 8hrs after us - it seemed no one in Madrid cared about 12 large looking trek bags!

LAN refused to provide any help, support, or "first needs" bag - stating we could only get things if the luggage didn't arrive within 24hrs. The luggage did eventually turn up - 30hrs later, at our first stop on our journey in Peru, but by then, we'd had to bite the bullet and get things.

VERDICT
In so many ways, LAN did things right: good seats, excellent IFE, nice food. And in so many ways, they failed miserably - crew who were not responsive, slow service and baggage farce. Would I fly them again - on the balance, yes, but only once they buck up their act and improve.

michal1047 flew LAN Premium Business, on a B767-300ER (14/12/2011 09:52)

I flew LA600 from Santiago/Los Angeles with a stop in Lima Peru 20/11/2011.

It was my 2nd time on Lan, and I could not have been more pleased....Dinner was served between SCL/Lima, and a late night snack and full hot breakfast was served on the LIM/Los Angeles portion.

The quality, quantity, the linen table cloths, the french Champagne, and the constant service was by far the best business class flight portions I have ever experienced.

I cannot say enough about the Lan Premium Business Class Product. Good job LAN.

michal1047 flew LAN Premium Business, on a B767-300ER (10/12/2011 13:22)

Flew Lan #626 between Lima/Mexico City most recently. My first experience on Lan...The seats were fully flat. Everything from the aircraft cleanliness, the very attentive crew, the ground staff, the inflight entertainment system, delicious and creative meals, and the extensive wine list were "Outstanding." Lan Premium Business Class is better than most Carriers' First Class. A truly remarkable experience. I shall, when flying to South America for the future, always opt for The Lan Premium Business Class Product....

qantasa380lover flew LAN Economy (short haul), on a A319 (26/11/2011 03:47)

It was fine.

qantasa380lover flew LAN Premium Business, on a B767-300ER (16/11/2011 02:43)

It was awesome!!! The tvs were huge, the food was good, and the staff were so nice on premium business. The seats were huge!!!!

Dadou73 flew LAN Economy, on a B767-300ER (24/10/2011 14:48)

Wonderful flight !

The flight was from Santiago to Sao-Paulo. The food, entertainment system, seat, everything very good, I always recommend to my relatives to fly LAN, as they say : Excellence In Flight!

I hope I'll fly them from Madrid to Santiago very soon!

Herbert flew LAN Premium Business, on a B767-300ER (09/09/2011 13:57)

Check-in at counter was very easy and fast. Airplane was very clean and flight attendant very nice. Food excelent! Business seatings very comfortable. And most important: very on time.

Herbert flew LAN Premium Business, on a B767-300ER (02/09/2011 11:06)

Lujoleasing flew LAN Premium Business, on a B767-300ER (21/06/2011 06:58)

I must say, who would ever think that LAN could be compiting among the best of the best, Well they sure deserve this credit, today Travel options is by far away from any U.S airlines, its nice to see a airlines the way they use to be in the U.S with georges stuartes, Well other than the best and newest aircraft, georgeus stuartes , Not bad food, Not that Airplane food could be a favorite Of any one ... they are one Of the best all arround today, may be a bit more expensive than the rest Of the competition. But you see the difference.

doctorjosh flew LAN Premium Business, on a A340-300 (27/03/2011 03:51)

SYD-AKL-SYD in Feb/Mar 2011.
Priority check-in available in both SYD and AKL with lounge access provided by Qantas. Priority boarding honoured on both sectors.

Flight on time on outward sector but delayed an hour on return. Cabin crew were a little surly on the outbound flight and the onboard catering was very poor. On the return, the cabin crew were much friendlier and the catering was better.

IFE was AVOD with a big screen and a there was a reasonable selection of movies. The seats are very comfortable for sitting and especially for sleeping, as they turn into flat beds. The comfort amenities could be better though.

Didn't have check-in luggage, so can't comment on that. However, hand luggage allowance is very generous! I would definitely fly with them again, as they offer good value for money.

AlbertoZavala flew LAN Economy, on a B767-300ER (15/01/2011 19:14)

Lima - Los Angeles Fligth time :8:05 I recomend you to dont et the omellet for breakfast

frustratedflyer flew LAN Premium Business, on a A340-300 (10/10/2010 12:12)

Very impressed by the seat, food and service. Would fly them for sure again long haul. IFE quality great but choice of films a bit disappointing.

frustratedflyer flew LAN Economy (short haul), on a A320-200 (05/10/2010 21:22)

My flight was all economy so if you can get rows1-3 you might have more legroom. I was in row 7 which was a bit tight. The boarding, drinks and snack and general service were good for what was a 2 hour flight. Would recommend.

gburns123 flew LAN Economy, on a B767-300ER (26/08/2010 04:34)

Great airline!! My wife and I flew with our 5 month old son and they changed out seat to accommodate a crib that hangs on the wall that separates First Class and Economy.

The food was better than I have had with other airlines and the drink cart came by many times. Many new release movies and TV programs. Exceptional airline. Would recommend to anyone travel to or in South America!

RobertWillett flew LAN Premium Business, on a B767-300ER (23/04/2010 18:54)

JFK-GYU APRIL 13TH, first time on LAN, excellent, better than expected, nice new aircraft, clean, crew were polite and friendly, left me alone when I wanted to be left alone, all round, excellent airline an certainly better than any of the American airlines, just need to sort out baggage delivery, Priority clearly doesn't mean priority

KatyPeri flew LAN (29/12/2009 19:10)

Fantastic airline. good service and food, nice clean, new planes.

Massig1 flew LAN Economy, on a B767-300ER (28/11/2009 17:31)

Had a great flight with LAN, comfortable seat, brilliant entertainment, good staff and punctual arrival!

tonmil2003 flew LAN Economy, on a A340-300 (16/05/2009 04:12)

Lan is the best airline of the Americas and it would not surprise me if they become the best of the word. To achieve that they may need to do some update both internally like VOD/IFE and seat pitch. Externally, they may have to talk to one of the ground staff manager who in my two trips with Lan, has been unhelpful. The trip took me from Santiago de Chile SCL to Sydney SYD. The aircraft amazingly kept in good condition despite its age. Onboard the cabin crew provides a warm welcoming and are always nice to passangers.

Loyal_BA flew LAN Premium Business, on a B767-300ER (07/05/2009 08:32)

I flew with LAN from Rio - Santiago - Easter Island - Santiago - Lima on board their 767 aircraft with new business product - a total of 4 flights within the space of about 2 weeks.

Boarding each time was on time, with business passengers being allowed to board first, prior to the economy cabin - something which was enforced. All flights dpearted on time also.

Once on board, I sat in a variety of seats in their business cabin. Their new business product has a fully flat bed (although I didn't really use it as all flights were during the day).

Service on board was excellent with cabin crew all speaking Spanish and English (and many of them also spoke a third language such as Portugese or German). We were offered a pre flight drink prior to take off (Champage, Water, Organge Juice or a Pisco Sour). Once on board, meal service was efficient and the food served was to a high standard.

On IFE system had probably too much choice and I managed to watch 7 different movies on the 4 flights I took. One thing which did let LAN down wa the amenity kit provided - it is basically just a pair of socks, eye mask and ear plugs and doesn't really compare to the amenity kits provided by other airlines.

All in all, an excellent business product with corresponding service in the air and on the ground. Check in and Lounge staff were friendly and helpful.

I would certinaly fly LAN again!