According to my LanPass newsletter received yesterday, LA will join oneworld effective 01 June 2000.

Regarding flights to Easter Island, they are in fact pricey. As someone posted here, the lack of competition is one reason, but I'm guessing that LA is more interested in taking stuff (i.e., cargo) to Rapa Nui than people. The flights do in fact continue to Papeete (I believe as a code share with QF).

Regarding Lan's service, I think they are up to par with most international carriers. They are very consistent, and you pretty much know what you're going to get, in terms of service. (I have heard of service horror stories, but most of them seem to be more than 2-3 years ago). FWIW, Lan has stated their intention to become one of the "world's top 10 airlines.

Finally, I noticed that oneworld offers multi-airline awards, i.e., one leg of the trip on airline A, the next on B,... Is this new? I hadn't heard of it previously (I don't follow oneworld closely). Being a Star Alliance guy, I wish they would offer this option.

Markie: If you'd like, let me know when you'll be in SCL. We can do a mini-FT meeting...

[This message has been edited by Jim_B (edited 05-23-2000).]