On the Ground: It is safe to say John F. Kennedy International Airport on New York’s Long Island is typically a madhouse. My flight’s departure time of a brisk 1:15 a.m. meant my commute to the airport was pretty light once I reached the subway.
I arrived at the terminal a little late, with just about 25 minutes until my priority boarding began. Luckily, the late hour gave me the opportunity to check in and pass through security with no wait whatsoever.
At JFK, LATAM Airlines cooperates with American Airlines to offer lounge access for business passengers. Unluckily for me, the lounge is open only until 10:30 p.m., so taking a trip to the lounge to unwind wasn’t in the cards, even if I weren’t running late. I arrived at the gate just as boarding began, got in line for Premium Business access and took my seat on the plane.
Pre-Flight: I was immediately impressed with the space afforded the business-class cabin. On the Boeing 787-9, LATAM employs a 2-2-2 layout for the business class. My aisle-access seat significantly reduced the stress I might have felt getting up in the middle of the night.
Less than two minutes after finding my way to my seat and stowing my carry-on luggage, a crew member offered to take my jacket for me. A few minutes after I sat down and began to get settled, the same crew member (I never got his name) brought over a tray of Champagne and mineral water with bowls of assorted nuts. I opted for the Champagne and set it aside to investigate my amenities kit. The fully stocked kit includes all the standards — a toothbrush and toothpaste, facial lotion, an eye mask, earplugs and socks. Before I knew it, we were pushing off from the gate and beginning our takeoff.
In-Flight: Due to the late hour, crew members began taking stock of the meal situation nearly as soon as our initial ascent was behind us. I did not get to look at the full menu for dinner because of my early designation to the airline as a vegetarian. The crew paid attention to my dietary restrictions and brought out a delicious spread, including fresh and warm bread, vegetables and rice, a delicious garden salad with a balsamic vinaigrette and a tasty fruit salad for dessert.
While I waited for my meal to arrive, I investigated the entertainment options. A large screen with a hand-held controller gave me access to a large number of new and older movies. I settled on something I had seen before because I knew there was no way I was going to make it through an entire movie.
I ate dinner while Kong: Skull Island delivered a killer backdrop. Following dinner, the crew quickly removed my plates and silverware. I opened up the pillow and blanket, set my seat to its lie-back configuration and turned off the movie. In a matter of minutes, I was out. Crew members joked with me shortly before landing that I was sleeping so deeply they were unable to wake me for breakfast. I might have missed breakfast; but if the rest of the flight was any indication, it would have been excellent.
There was plenty of space to situate myself and organize my luggage after landing. I was not fighting other passengers for access to the overhead compartments because everyone had such ample space.
The end result was a service, clocking in at just under eight hours, that went by in the blink of an eye.
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
◆ The crew members were extremely attentive to my needs. Whenever I had any question or concern, it was addressed within minutes or, more often, seconds.
◆ The lie-back seat was exceptionally comfortable. Combined with earplugs and a cozy blanket, I slept like a rock through most of the flight.
◆ An expansive entertainment library ensured I had a way to pass the time while waiting for the dinner service to arrive.
Read This Next
Review: Air Premia | Premium Economy
October 2024
Oct 27, 2024
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Apr 23, 2025Art Meets Mixology in Washington, D.C., at Allegory
There’s a brand-new cocktail menu at Washington, D.C.’s, Allegory, winner of the 2023 Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award and ranked No. 23 on North America’s 50 Best Bars 2024 list. But the new Banned in DC menu isn’t just a collection of cocktails, as explained by Creative & Beverage Director Deke Dunne, who — along with his team — concocted the fictionalized journey of civil rights advocate Ruby Bridges as she falls into a rabbit hole set 100 years in the future.
Sponsored Content
A Summer Sojourn Along Europe’s Rivers with AmaWaterways
This summer, elevate your vacation experience with award-winning AmaWaterways. Offering a seamless blend of unparalleled luxury, authentic cultural experiences and unrivaled service, AmaWaterways cruises are the perfect way to uncover the heart of Europe during the sunniest season with itineraries that glide along the continent’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Douro.
April 2025
Apr 23, 2025Hotels Prove They Care About Their Guests and Destinations
Once upon a time, miniature bottles of luxury-branded bath gels, lotions and shampoos were the mark of a high-end hotel, but those single-use souvenirs are becoming a thing of the past as new trends indicate in-room amenities are meant to stay exactly there ... in the room.
April 2025
Apr 23, 2025Choose Tools to Improve Sleep, Meditation and Well-Being
Core Meditation Trainer Interested in learning to meditate but don’t know where to start? The Core Meditation Trainer will help improve your practice, using dynamic vibration guidance to help keep you centered. Simply hold the device in your palms and follow the instructions from the Core App to reduce stress and improve focus. Its sensors monitor your heart and nervous system so you can track how your meditating progresses. Measuring just 3.5 by 3.5 by 3.5 inches, this device is TSA-approved for carry-on, and one charge lasts up to two weeks. $159 plus subscription.
Sponsored Content
Find Your Perfect Escape with Paradisus by Meliá — More Than Just All-Inclusive
Luxury travel today is about more than just beautiful accommodations — it’s about experiencing the destination. Paradisus by Meliá takes traditional all-inclusive resorts to the next level by offering indulgence with immersion, experiences and authenticity. Each resort is shaped by its location, local flavors and curated Destination Inclusive® experiences that bring you closer to the heart of the destination.
Daily
Apr 23, 2025Explora Journeys Launches Explora Club
Explora Journeys recently unveiled its Explora Club, a new loyalty program for its discerning guests. Explora Club’s five-level structure is seamless and intuitive, as each level includes a collection of benefits, like priority access and exclusive savings. Factors contributing to levels include weighted nights at sea, multiplied by suite category; Destination Experiences purchased pre-cruise or onboard; and eligible onboard spending, including Ocean Wellness, culinary experiences and beverages, laundry, and purchases at The Journey boutique.
Hilton Lake Como Review
eFlyer Reviews
Apr 23, 2025LUMA Hotels Launch New Glam Getaway Offer
eFlyer Deals
Apr 23, 2025eFlyer Deals
Apr 23, 2025Snag The Berkeley’s Limited-Time Cartier Deal, Experience
London’s The Berkeley, one of the city’s most upscale hotels, celebrates one of the most anticipated exhibitions of the year with a special offer. Cartier: The Pursuit of Beauty opens at Victoria & Albert Museum, featuring more than 350 objects, from precious jewels to gemstones to watches to clocks.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Introduces Groundbreaking Safety Video: A Captivating Invitation to Discover Moroccan Heritage
Royal Air Maroc continues to elevate the passenger experience with the launch of its new in-flight safety video — a cinematic journey that seamlessly blends essential safety instructions with a celebration of Moroccan cultural heritage.
eFlyer Lead
Apr 23, 2025Helicopter Tourism: How Safe Is It?
On April 10, a helicopter (more specifically, a Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV) plummeted into the Hudson River in New York City, killing everyone onboard the aircraft. The crashed helicopter was on its eighth tour of the day when it fell from the sky.
ShareThis