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One World Revolutions - Around Mostly the Southern Hemisphere

One World Revolutions - Around Mostly the Southern Hemisphere

Old Jan 2, 2009, 7:29 pm
  #106  
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Santiago #3

With an evening arrival and a very early flight next morning I decided to stay near the airport. A couple of nice promos and the Holiday Inn Santiago Airport should give me a good start on requalifying with Priority Club.

Check in was quick. I was given a basic room - no upgrade for status. No amenities other than the usual toiletries. No newspaper in the morning.

According to the bumpf in the room, the business centre with internet is free (but access limited to 20 minutes a time although I suspect this is not enforced in quiet times).

The power plugs in the room were all loose and some did not work so the wiring was suspect

The shower was good, and bed okay. It was an okay room but not great by any means, and a bit pricey for what it was, but then that is not unusual for hotels located on airport grounds (simply cross the road and you are at the terminal).

There was a delay at check out when I wondered if my card had been declined. It hadn´t. The points haven´t yet posted.

Last edited by Kiwi Flyer; Jan 4, 2009 at 10:35 pm
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Old Jan 2, 2009, 8:20 pm
  #107  
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SANTIAGO to IQIQUE (SCL-IQQ) on LANA320 A319 in business economy class

Another day, another downgraded flight. An early wake up call made earlier by the rescheduling from 7am to 6am. At least the schedule change makes a later transit more comfortable increasing from 1 hour to 2 hours.

This is the first flight of the day so the airport is fairly empty. A couple of LAN agents on check in counters, some security staff and quite a few travellers who had/still were sleeping in the airport overnight.

When the class of travel and aircraft type changed I got shunted down to the middle of the aircraft. I suspected (and later found this to be true) that the first 3 rows might be premium economy seats albeit with economy service on the flight. So I asked to be shifted forward if a seat was available. It was and I got a bulkhead seat. Note there is no middle seat blocking on all economy flights, but as it happens I have the middle seat free on this leg.

Despite 3 boarding passes automatically printing out of the machine I was only handed the first one until I asked for the other two.

Immigration and security were empty. No queue but a minor wait for the officer on duty to realise I was there.

At this hour there are no OW lounges open, the first one opens at 0600 so I wander around stretching my legs.

As the flight is both international and domestic a joint airbridge is used. We see the IQQ bound passengers through the glass. There are a lot more IQQ passengers than international passengers.

Boarding is late and slow, and we depart 20 minutes late.

Minimal service. A snack box is handed out containing a few sugary items - a faux muesli bar, biscuit and a couple of crackers (no cheese). The usual hot or cold non-alcoholic drinks.

Although we fly along the coast the views are mixed. A clear view of the desert lowlands, albeit in low sun angle haze, and scattered clouds are just dense enough to obscure most of the mountains. The coastal hills are capped with early morning fog.
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Old Jan 2, 2009, 8:26 pm
  #108  
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Finally time to board. More later.
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Old Jan 4, 2009, 9:57 pm
  #109  
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Transit in Iqique

Iqique is a small airport nestled amongst the sand dunes. A low one on the seaward side, a medium one at one end of the runway, thus you takeoff in the opposite direction as you landed, and towering dunes and rock across the road on the inland side of the airport. The town itself is a short distance away and is not at all visible from the airport which feels like it has been plonked down in the middle of nowhere, except for the presence of a surprisingly large number of passengers on several flights.

At first passengers continuing on the same flight & aircraft were asked to remain onboard. However a few minutes later we were told to disembark because the onward flight has been delayed for a couple of hours for operational reasons. We can leave our carry-ons onboard if we wish, but I take mine off the aircraft. I did some quick thinking - a 2 hour delay is not critical, based on certain assumptions about my subsequent flights, although if it gets much longer there may be a problem. Thus I took all my stuff off the aircraft with me in case things turn bad, so it would be easier to make changes on the run if required. Having said that, it was a small airport thus the staff may be unused to complex tickets (or crazy itineraries like mine) and I don't speak Spanish so I wasn't confident of easily making any changes if they were required.

We were not connected to either of the airbridges thus down stairs and then back up a ramp to get into the terminal. We are handed plastic transit passes, which together with the schedule tweaks I'd observed leads me to believe this kind of delay isn't uncommon on this particular route. It kinda makes sense - the flight times are such that there must be a crew change somewhere along the way. We enter through departures. The departures area is devoid of all but some chairs and a bathroom, thus we all head landside. No need to be processed for immigration.

We were also given a non-denominated voucher for food/beverages with alcohol not allowed. I guess LAN has some agreement with the airport vendors about the maximum payment they will make on the voucher.

An hour before our rescheduled departure time we were directed to pass through security and back through immigration (transit passengers from Santiago waved through but passengers joining in Iqique had to be processed as normal). Then we waited. Close to the rescheduled departure time it was clear the delay would be more than 2 hours. I started thinking about if I needed a pull out time. We waited some more. I spent most of this time up against the one window that opened, for it was a hot day and quite stuffy with so many passengers in a confined space.

Eventually boarding started. There was another small delay as the first passenger in line was trying to bring onboard a huge childs game/toy that clearly would not fit any bin or closet. There was only 1 agent so we all had to wait. I guess this shows the benefit of security paying some attention to carry-on sizes - if they had the passenger could already have checked it in and not held everyone up.

Boarding was slow and we ended up leaving over 2 1/2 hours late, and after the departure time for my next flight.
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Old Jan 4, 2009, 10:20 pm
  #110  
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IQIQUE to LA PAZ (IQQ-LPB) on LAN A320 A319 in business economy class

This short 40 minute flight takes us from sea level to what used to be the highest commercial airport in the world at La Paz, at an elevation of 4061m. (Note there are a couple of higher Chinese airports that have had commercial service added in recent times, and some others are under construction. These are all thought to be close to upper limits supported by current commercial aircraft - ie we won't see a commercial airport above 5000m with current technology.) With our flight path taking us along the coast for a few minutes and then up and over the coastal side of the Andes and then across the Altiplano, I had high hopes for some fantastic views. The views we had were great, however most of the mountains were obscured by cloud despite the clear skies at origin and destination.

Flying along the coast we had good views of the desert landscape - very arid even in the deep gashes cut by rivers from the Andes. Only the very highest parts of the very highest peaks were visible above the clouds. The last few minutes crossing the Altiplano were also clear. A barren land with La Paz's twin city El Alto sprawling out from the edge of the canyon on the slopes of which La Paz sits. The airport is right in the middle of the built up area. This satellite view doesn't really do the setting justice. The contour map may help - the bottom of La Paz is about 2000 feet below the airport.

Some more trivia. IQQ is my third Chilean airport, and Chile the 10th country to have flown 3 or more airports. Of these all Chilean airports have been flown on international flights, and Chile is the 8th country to have flown 3 or more airports on international flights. LPB is the highest point I have been on land anywhere.

I have now visited 100 countries, although the 100th country depends on which country list you use. On other similar lists (such as TCC) I've visited much more than 100 places because they include non-countries.

Last edited by Kiwi Flyer; Jan 4, 2009 at 10:42 pm Reason: add trivia
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Old Jan 5, 2009, 12:01 pm
  #111  
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Transit in La Paz, Bolivia

It was quite a bit cooler at this altitude - indeed a chilly day around 6C early afternoon mid summer. The terminal was warm enough though.

We'd arrived long after departure for my onward flight, but I was not too worried as I expected it to be on the same aircraft we arrived on, and I could see the airport was small so hopefully transfer will be quick and easy. After Yemen, and other tricky transits/turnarounds, I knew that it isn't always as easy as it could be but I had high hopes for simplicity.

As we pulled up to the terminal I was pleased to see airbridges. Easier to get on and off the aircraft in the thin air. I was feeling rather light headed, as if I'd just polished off a bottle of wine on the flight up, but was breathing okay.

I had some doubt when taxiing in to the terminal, as an announcement was made about connections that made me wonder if I'd missed seeing another flight and was not turning around on the same aircraft after all. Just as I was disembarking a ground staff asked for me. Hmmm. This could be good news or really bad news.

As she was also handing out some customs forms (for some reason Bolivia has 2 customs forms as well as an immigration form and in flight we were only given 2 of the 3 forms), I had to wait while every other passenger streamed past me. So much for being first off the aircraft!

There is no transit facility at La Paz.

At immigration she escorted me to the front of the immigration queue apparently oblivious to the fact I'd already be through by now if I hadn't had to wait for her at the airbridge. Another stamp, another empty page no longer empty. They don't have machine reader for the passports and so photocopy them (the front page plus the page with the Bolivian entry stamp) instead.

At customs they have the red light / green light system I'd previously encountered at MEX. I got lucky, the passenger in front of me got red and a baggage inspection while I got green, good to go. The ground staff told me to hurry to pay departure tax and report to the check in counter, and please hurry.

It is a few steps around the corner to check in area, which is devoid of passengers. No exemption for transito. The tax is USD24 or local equivalent, no change given. The check in staff see me leave the tax booth and wave me over shouting "Are you Kiwi Flyer? Please come here." They type in some passport details - I have no idea why this information isn't already in their system. Please hurry through immigration to the gate.

At immigration I win a minor battle by convincing the officer to stamp on a used page. Hooray for small mercies. Another photocopy of my passport is taken. Then security. Apparently my power adaptor looked strange on the x-ray so I had to open the bag for them to inspect it.

The gate area was tiny and boarding was already 3/4 complete. I joined the end of the line. The transit took less than 30 minutes. I am sure I could have reached the gate quicker on my own.
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Old Jan 5, 2009, 12:08 pm
  #112  
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LA PAZ to IQIQUE (LPB-IQQ) on LAN A320 A319 in business economy class

With a fairly full load I had been unable to change my seat from the middle of aircraft one allocated to me. However on boarding the crew (who also were doing the turnaround) gave me a free premium economy seat - and the middle seat was also empty.

Our takeoff roll was eery. I knew there was basically a cliff near the end of the runway. We took a long time to get airborne and our climb out was very shallow. It took much of the Altiplano to get sufficiently high to get over the peaks. On the way we had a brief view of El Alto and La Paz, and then off to the right Lake Titicaca the highest altitude lake of any significant size in the world.

Again most of the mountains obscured by cloud, but good views for the descent over the desert and then along the coast.

As with the flight up, little service due to short flight time (about 35 minutes going downhill) but yet they do a duty free run (in both directions).

Due to the very fast turnaround in La Paz instead of the scheduled 2 hours, we have gotten close to back on schedule by the time we arrive back in Iqique.
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Old Jan 5, 2009, 4:34 pm
  #113  
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Transit in Iqique again

In an unexpected twist everyone was ordered off the aircraft for the transit. Thinking about it, I should have anticipated it as it saves processing through immigration in IQQ those passengers who join the flight here. It also means at the next stop of Santiago the aircraft can be ready to be reused for a domestic flight. However I hadn't thought this through and had hoped it would be a solely international flight, which would make my next transit easy. One reason I thought it would be international is that LAN also has similarly timed flights between Iqique and Santiago that do not go on/from an international airport.

Oh well, at least my next transit is not too short.

So enter the country. Immigration is slow, in part because the flight was fairly full and there were only 2 officers (only 2 booths in fact), and also because the forms were handed out on arrival so most passengers only filled them in while standing in line.

Through customs but told to hold onto the form and hand it over at Santiago instead. Then upstairs (yes no lift or ramp to departure level), and through security to the gate area.

The transit takes 80 minutes all up.
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Old Jan 5, 2009, 4:46 pm
  #114  
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IQIQUE to SANTIAGO (IQQ-SCL) on LAN A320 A319 in business economy class

It looked like all the passengers from La Paz where continuing on to Santiago, plus we were joined by a sizeable scout contingent. This did not bode well for my hopes to catch up on some much needed sleep, and indeed the flight was a bit noisy although nowhere near as bad as I feared.

With a new crew and fairly full flight I was of course back in the seat in the middle of the aircraft, with fairly tight seat pitch. However all was not lost as I had an empty row to myself - not bad for a flight where almost every seat was taken.

There was another snack box + single non-alcoholic drink. The snack box was identical to the morning's one (a faux muesli bar, biscuit and a couple of crackers but no cheese).

We arrived at Santiago half an hour late, and pulled up to an airbridge at the domestic part of the terminal. Checked bags however were delivered to international baggage claim in order to be processed through customs. A bit confusing really.
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Old Jan 5, 2009, 4:57 pm
  #115  
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Transit in Santiago #4

Once through customs with the xray of hand luggage, I turned right and made my way to the lift to international departures. Since I already had the onward boarding pass I proceeded directly to immigration. There were throngs of friends and family chocking up the entrance to immigration and it was not easy getting through since it was noisy and they were looking forward to their traveller in the queue, not paying any attention to those coming up behind them trying to get in. The queue was quite long but very fast moving.

As I got to the booth I realised that this was my 3rd time leaving Chile today, and the 5th time through Chilean immigration in less than 12 hours (plus twice through Bolivian immigration)! While I have done more flights in a day than today, I have never passed through immigration as many times in just 12 hours, let alone so many times for the same country. I wondered if this may lead to questions (in some countries it certainly would) but there was no comment and a quick stamp. Security was also fast moving and I was back in the lounge within 20 minutes of arrival despite having walked a considerable distance up and down the terminal (due to its linear design and the location of my preferred lounge).

The staff on the desk remembered me and welcomed me back. I hopped on the computer and made myself a late lunch/early dinner (and supped at the Henriot champagne which went down well in my parched and tired state) while I caught up on this report and my messages.

After a few hours I grabbed a shower. I didn't want to leave it too close to departure in case the showers were all in use (with a number of longhaul late evening departures and a very full lounge this was quite likely), but with still a few more flights to catch I wanted to be fresh as possible when I boarded the next flight.

Shower done and refreshed, I hopped back on the computer and had some more drink until it was time to head to the gate to board.
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Old Jan 6, 2009, 6:10 am
  #116  
 
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Originally Posted by Kiwi Flyer
What followed next was bizarre... Much arm-waving and shouting ensued.... I've had a few slightly unnerving transits before but this one was odd.
Very entertaining read, great story! Immigration areas can be a bit twilight zone at times...
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Old Jan 6, 2009, 10:20 am
  #117  
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SANTIAGO to AUCKLAND (SCL-AKL) on LAN A340-300 in business class

No sooner had I reached the gate than a 2 hour delay was announced, so I traipsed right back to the lounge. By now I’d been up the best part of 24 hours and so I had some more drink to keep myself awake as much as anything else. At least I got some more of this report updated in the interim.

Eventually boarding is announced in the lounge so back to the gate. The load was fairly high and there were quite a few op-ups.

With the aircraft being one that had not yet been refitted with new business class, I had thought there may not be many OW emerald passengers on board and thus a chance to get an F seat, but alas not. Still, I got the next best thing by being allowed to switch to an empty row once boarding was complete.

The amenity kit, headphones and menu were already in the seat pocket. A quick pre-departure drink while boarding finished.

The seats are old cradle ones. Comfortable enough but nowhere near lie flat. With the seat beside me empty I did my usual thing of watching movie on my screen and having the air show on the screen of the spare seat.

Dinner service was ridiculously slow, taking well over 2 hours. Afterwards I finally grabbed some sleep, waking after breakfast as we approached Auckland. It was dawning a clear day so great views of the Coromandel Peninsula, Hauraki Gulf. We’d made up some time en route and landed 100 minutes late.

I’ve noticed that often when LAN is late (as it is fairly regularly) it gets a stand position due to early morning congestion. Today we didn’t get a stand but we did get the furthest gate on the main pier from transfer security and immigration.

I power walked down the pier and was first to transfer security, and more importantly, first to arrive in the lounge. I was welcomed back “to your second home” and grabbed a shower to freshen up.
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Old Jan 6, 2009, 11:24 am
  #118  
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LAN
Business Class menu
Santiago to Sydney
January 2009


Dinner

Appetizer

Ecuadorian shrimp with cous cous
Master Sommelier suggestion - Ventolera Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Corn Soup

Main Entrées

Lamb loin in demi glace with pesto ratatouille
Master Sommelier suggestion - Ninquen Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Spanish hake with ricotta spinach cannelloni in tomato sauce
Master Sommelier suggestion - Valdivieso Chardonnay 2006

Chicken confit salad, cherry tomatoes, grilled zucchini and mixed greens
Master Sommelier suggestion - Sideral Ensamblaje 2003

Cheese

Tres leches, Gruyere and Camembert

Desserts

Haagen Dazs ice cream

Two colored dessert, pannacotta and berry jelly

Fresh seasonal fruit


Express Dinner

Choose this alternative if you want more time to rest

Select one of the options of appetizers and main entrees

Cheese plate

Select your dessert


Breakfast

You can choose between two options

Cold Express Breakfast, to maximize your rest this option will be served 40 minutes before landing

Full Breakfast. Select your option completing the preorder card that will be collected by the flight attendant


We apologize if occasionally your choice is not available.


Beverages

Alcoholic Beverages

Champagne "Henriot Brut Souverain"
Pisco Sour
Vodka Absolut
Gin Bombay Saphire [sic]
Ron Havana Club Reserva
Whisky Johnnie Walker Black Label
Chivas Regal 12 year old Scotch Whisky
Bailey's Irish Cream
Amaretto Di Saronno
Drambuie
Grand Marnier
Oporto Graham's - Port
Cognac Courvoisier VSOP
Pisco Acholado Vinas de Oro

Beers

Non Alcoholic Beverages

Orange Juice
Fruit Juice
Tomato Juice
Mineral Water
Sparkling Water
Tonic Water
Softdrinks

Hot Beverages

Coffee Musetti
Instant Coffee
Decaffeinated Coffee

Dilmah Tea and Herbal Selection
Ceylan
Earl Grey
Jasmine Green Tea
Green Tea
Chamomille
Mint

LA801-CM BC C1


List of Wines

Champagne and Port

Brut Souverain Champagne Henriot, Reims, Francia
Brut Champagne elaborated with the classical grape varieties of Champagne, the Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and the white Chardonnay grape. A straw yellow color and a classic slightly nutty bouquet, are present. Its taste is dry and harmonious leaving a pleasant aftertaste. Ideal as an aperitif, enhances fish and seafood.

Graham's Port Late Bottled Vintage 2001
This port has a brilliant red garnet colour, with a bouquet of spices, toffee, dried fruits and chocolate. To the mouth it is sumptuous, intense, rich and spicy, very complex and with a long aftertaste. Ideally to serve with mature cheeses and blue cheeses.

Wines

Vina Altair, Sideral 2003, Valle Del Cachapoal
This magnificent wine is the result of the blending of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere and Cabernet Franc stocks. Garnet-coloured with glimmers of roof tile on the edge, to the nose spicy with shades of tobacco and nuts. To the mouth it is of excellent structure, balanced, meaty and tasty with a long aftertaste at the end. Admirably complements red meat, game meat, duck and lamb.

Vina Montgras, Ninquen, Cabernat Sauvignon 2005, Valle de Colchagua
Wine born int he vineyard called "Ninquen" (Nin-ken) which means "plateau in the mountain" in indigenous language. It is a wine of deep garnet red with a lavish bouquet of ripe blackberries complemented with aromas of cedar and toast. It is an elegant and structured wine that shows the nobility of Cabernet Sauvignon, with firm tannins which give structure, weight and a long aftertaste. To accompany red meats, sirloin, lamb and wild boar.

Vina Catena Zapata, Catena Alta, Malbec 2006, Mendoza
This excellent Malbec comes from vineyards located at different altitudes of the Mendoza region. It presents a very intense red violet colour, to the nose floral notes, black fruits and sweet spices predominate. The palate confirms the flavours of cassis with shades of vanilla and chocolate, all this with an excellent and refreshing acidity that acts as a counterpoint. It ends with a long and generous palate. Most recommended for red meats, spicy pasta and matured cheeses.

Vina Valdivieso, Chardonnay 2006, Valle de Casablanca
A yellow coloured wine with a green background, has a bouquet of citrus fruits, grapefruit and vanilla biscuits. To the mouth the fruit flavours will be enhanced with a crisp acidity and subtle taste of vanilla due to the aging in French oak. All these tastes complement each other obtaining finesse and harmony of flavours. This wine is most recommended with king crab, fishes like mero, salmon and tuna fish.

Vina Litoral, Ventolera, Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Valle de Leyda
This Sauvignon Blanc is fresh as the sea breeze blowing over the vineyards on the high slopes of the Valley of the Leyda; it has crisp acidity with traces of green currants, pink grapefruit, with an aftertaste of wild herbs. To the mouth it is dry, delicious, with mineral tones and excellent aftertaste. To accompany cebiches, shellfish, fish and goat cheese.


Breakfast

I will not have breakfast

Cold breakfast express will be served 40 min. before landing
Natural orange juice and bakery (Ask for this option if you prefer extend your rest)

Full breakfast
Natural orange juice
Natural fruit juice
Coffee
Instant coffee
Decaffeinated coffee
Coffee with milk
Milk
Low fat milk
Dilmah ceylan tea
Dilmah earl grey tea
Dilmah tea with milk
Sparkling mineral water
Natural mineral water
Sugar
Sucralose
Fresh fruit
Yoghurt
Cereal
Cereal with milk
Bakery
White bread
Whole bread
Croissant
Toasts
Crackers
Butter
Jam
Dulce de leche
Honey

Main dish options
Assorted hams and cheeses with toasts
Hot plate of eggs with garnish

We apologize if your choice is not available
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Old Jan 6, 2009, 1:41 pm
  #119  
 
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I am glad you finally left South America I was getting dizzy.
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Old Jan 6, 2009, 1:45 pm
  #120  
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I must admit the second (or was it the third?) time through Santiago I had a moment of doubt of where am I heading to next.
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