Btw, TAM operates the B77W GRU-SCL in 3 class configuration.
Rgs,
Biggest /= best.
LAN's new business premium blows away TAM's J class and even their regular deep discounted Y can compete on price and beat TAM on service. Although the LAN website is not great, it certainly is better than TAM's. LAN, in my experience, has also had an excellent on time record (better than any of the three major Brazilian airlines, even on the same routes).
I guess a large part of it comes down to whether you fly to Spanish speaking South America (in which case LAN is best in class) or Brazil.
FYI: from North America LAN now offers departures out of LAX, MIA, JFK, YYZ with direct flights to UIO, BOG, LIM, EZE, and SCL with connecting (LAN-branded) flights to LPB, CCS, GRU, and many more in-country destinations.
Whether you prefer LAN or TAM this is fairly subjective. Independent ratings have rated both with the same number of stars (3 stars), see SkyTrax.
FYI: TAM operates 3 daily flights to MIA, 19 weekly flights to JFK, daily flights to MCO, plus full codeshare arrangements to a number of nonstop destinations with Star partner United (which operates IAD-GRU, ORD-GRU and IAD-GIG), and Air Canada (which operates YYZ-GRU B77W).
Regarding Europe, TAM offers CDG (3 daily), FRA (B77W), LHR (B77W), MXP, and MAD, all of which are nonstop.
As I said, it also helps the fact that GRU is far bigger hub for One World connections: BA (2 daily), IB (2 daily), and even JAL. I wont even mention SkyTeam and StarAlliance...
Programs: UA 1K, AA Exec Plat, Starwood Gold, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Plat, Marriott Silver
Posts: 2,120
Quote:
Originally Posted by Eastbay1K
"J" business was 2-2, W is 3-3 seats configured to 2-2, with Y pitch.
OK, so to be clear, what LAN has basically done is adopt the intra-European style "business class" in that it blocks the middle seat. So greater width for the two passengers since no one is in the middle, but the same pitch as economy. And for whatever reasons, LAN is calling this premium economy instead of business class. Do I have this right?
Also, am I correct in assuming that the premium economy service is somewhat better than regular economy in terms of meals, drinks, ratio of FAs to passengers, etc?
OK, so to be clear, what LAN has basically done is adopt the intra-European style "business class" in that it blocks the middle seat. So greater width for the two passengers since no one is in the middle, but the same pitch as economy. And for whatever reasons, LAN is calling this premium economy instead of business class. Do I have this right?
Also, am I correct in assuming that the premium economy service is somewhat better than regular economy in terms of meals, drinks, ratio of FAs to passengers, etc?
Basically, yes. (I haven't yet been in a W seat, but have been on aircraft where the curtain/division hasn't been used). For some reason, when rolling out the "Business Express" service, they renamed it "Premium Economy." From what they show, it looks like the meal service isn't bad. I hope they start offering this on the "longhaul" Chile routes.
Basically, yes. (I haven't yet been in a W seat, but have been on aircraft where the curtain/division hasn't been used). For some reason, when rolling out the "Business Express" service, they renamed it "Premium Economy." From what they show, it looks like the meal service isn't bad. I hope they start offering this on the "longhaul" Chile routes.
A comment on this blog (in Spanish only), claims that this change was done because of the confusion created by the simultaneous marketing of "New Premium Business" and "Business Express", with people paying extra for "Business Express" thinking they would get a flat seat, and basically getting an economy seat. Not saying this is necessarily true, but it sort of makes sense.
As far as I am concerned, as an AA flyer, D and W award exactly the same miles/points, so no loss there. D was a subset of J, where W has last seat availability, so that's an improvement. Since the seat and service on Premium Economy are the same as Business Express, I see absolutely no loss, and a slight availability advantage for those of us on xONEx fares.
Programs: UA 1K MM, LA Comodoro, SPG PLT, Hyatt Diamond, *G, OW Emerald
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As a partner in SA for any alliance LAN is much better airline than TAM. They operate several countries domestic flights and intra SA. Also Easter Island, PPT, and NZ + AU. For long haul flights to NA/EU you can use any other carrier of your alliance and no point having TAM so many flights to NA/EU if in SA you have to go always through GRU. Using LAN you can use any of their mini-hubs all over SA. I am more *A flyer and would prefer LAN over TAM to be in the alliance, but I guess I will have to get used to TAM or just fly more OW.
Well it is a lot less than business class, but better than United´s Y+. The seat is a standard economy seat but with extra legroom (perhaps a couple more inches or more), and with the middle seat blocked. The middle seat has a fold-down tray table the same as LH shorthaul. Thus seat is worse than the business class it replaces.
No lounge access, except by status. Less baggage allowance. Less mileage credited.
Less service onboard. No pre-departure service. No newspapers. Meal is reduced compared with the old business class (or continuing if you manage to book 767) - no choices, lesser quantity and quality of food and drink. No second run through with drinks.
But it is better than LAN economy. More legroom. Better service (more on this later), and better food and drink (reasonable meal cf snack box in economy).
* Para optimizar su tiempo haga su Check-in desde la comodidad de su oficina, en LAN.com o en nuestro Check-in Preferente en el Aeropuerto.
* Puede abordar por el exclusivo acceso de Embarque Preferente. Su equipaje también saldrá primero y tendrá prioridad en el retiro de éste. * Disfrute del espacio para sus negocios en el Business Center de nuestro salón VIP, donde podrá además hacer uso de todos sus servicios.
(enjoy the space for your business in the Business Center in our Salon VIP where also you will be able to use all its services)
Sorry for the error. I was told at the lounge I was only allowed entry by my OW emerald status, not my business class ticket (downgraded to premium economy for the particular flights).
