Other North & South America Frequent Flyer Programs - LA flight AKL-SYD: any issues?

I'm currently setting up a journey to New Zealand/Australia in November and when searching for a nice Trans-Tasmanian o/w flight from AKL to SYD I came across the once daily LA flight. Normally, a premium class ticket on this route will set you back around 500 EUR each way. However, the fare quoted by Lan Chile is 180 EUR for their Premium Business. I know, the flight leaves AKl at the ungracious time of 05:50 am but are there any additional disadvantages or issues worth to consider when taking this flight?

BTW, which lounge does LA use in AKL - if any?

Thanks for your input! ;)

I have never been on this segment. However,
(1) The seats and IFE are excellent.
(2) I expect the meal service to be minimal - LAN usually treats the short tags to longer flights as part of the same flight, service-wise,. Others with better experience can answer.
(3) LAN is Oneworld, so whatever QF uses, LA should use.

i can second Eastbay1K's message.

LAN C seats are excellent (compared to the LH seat)

there was a tripreport on airliners.de a few days ago of someone taking LAN C from SYD to AKL: http://forum.airliners.de/index.php?showtopic=45269)

Thank you both for your replies and especially for the link to the trip report! ^

I've taken this flight lots of times.

Service & food is minimal.
Often subject to delays (and sometimes cancellation in which case pax put onto QF instead).

Seat is great. IFE good.
LA uses the QF lounge (which has a separate F side for OW emeralds).

BTW you should get under 500 EUR on some other airlines too. NZ has frequent sales for about half that, which are usually matched by QF & EK. AR (Aerolineas Argentinas) is also very cheap, but nowhere near as good as LA. If you're headed north from Sydney then BI to BNE is worth a look too - also very cheap business class fares.

Two things to watch for the LA flight - unable to use the premium check in lobby at AKL, and immigration only opens 60-90 minutes before departure. LA is the first international departure so if it is running late immigration will open 30 minutes later.

I've taken this flight lots of times.


Two things to watch for the LA flight - unable to use the premium check in lobby at AKL, and immigration only opens 60-90 minutes before departure. LA is the first international departure so if it is running late immigration will open 30 minutes later.

Do you know what time the latest check-in is (for checking hold luggage) ?

I'd guess 60 minutes before scheduled departure.

[...] Two things to watch for the LA flight - unable to use the premium check in lobby at AKL, and immigration only opens 60-90 minutes before departure. LA is the first international departure so if it is running late immigration will open 30 minutes later. Many thanks Kiwi Flyer for posting this very useful information! ^ I'll adjust my timing accordinly and try to be at the airport around 4:30/4:45 am.

As it seems that there is currently no sale going on (would have jumped on it) I've booked the LA flight now. But the fare is fully refundable, just in case. Do you think that a sale can be expected within the next five weeks?

I'll post an update after my flight and let you know.

There are continuous sales in economy class (and QF has one right now). Business class sales tend to be initiated by NZ or EK (and QF follows). There hasn't been one for a little while.