Avianca/Taca LifeMiles - How is Avianca J?

I am flying AV J JGK-BOG-CLO-CTG, wondering what to expect. The first flight is on the A330, the others on baby airbii

Comfortable, service is a little still at times but usually pretty good. Food is alright as well, I'm sure you'll enjoy it, albeit not overly

I had my first AV J-class experience this week, round trip MDE-MIA. They were in A319's, so not necessarily comparable.

As described above, the food was pretty good, and certainly better than COPA. We were offered champagne and water on boarding. The wine with the meal was pretty good too. Also, the coffee was not horrible, which is an improvement over any other airline I have flown.

We had no AVOD outbound, but we did have it on the return. I've always been one to say that I don't care about IFE, but I have found that I really like the AVOD and I end up watching a few shows during the flight.

All in all, I wouldn't pay a huge premium for AV J-class, but I would choose it over United or COPA.

JohnnyColombia had a not-so-good experience on a regional A330 flight (LIM-BOG). He recounted the experience here:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/other-north-south-america-frequent-flyer-programs/1384154-my-first-avianca-regional-flight-bit-crappy.html

I think BOG-CLO and CLO-CTG are on A318/319's but yes, JFK-BOG is an A330. This is an award ticket and my other options were United for 6hrs on a 738 or Copa with a connection on a 737, so the A330 for the long segment was a no brainer.

Biz on an A319 oe 320 is a cradle seat, a bit of extra leg room. I cannot remember if these flights give you a sandwich or something, BOG CLO there is only about 15 minutes between turning the seatbelt sign off and turning it back on again, so no time for any meaningful service.

There is no alcohol served in any classes on either AV or LA

I have only been on a A318 on AV once, they came from the defunct Mexicana but so far as I could tell they had AV interiors so I believe they have the same biz seats. Like I said I only flew one once.

Note unlike LA, AV has a biz class and therefore biz lounges pretty much everywhere. Even PEI has a couple of tables and a beer fridge in a tiny lounge.

Don't forget that BOG CLO leaves from Avianca's Puente Aéreo and not from the main terminal. You'd be surprised how many people miss their flights by going to the wrong "airport." Puente Aéreo has a nice large biz lounge too.

Anyone has experience on their A330 for BOG-MAD? Any good?