AA J or LAN J?

[Homer]

I am planning a DONE5 for early next year which takes in South America and, so that I can travel on the A380 service from SYD-LAX, I am travelling via LA.

That means I have a choice of AA or LAN from LAX-LIM. I've flown AA J but only domestically in the US and I've never flown on LAN. As this is an 8½ hour flight I want to choose wisely. Is there much difference between AA and LAN in J and which would you choose?

 

[NM]

AA does not operate their own aircraft LAX-LIM. AA will force you to route via MIA. AA codeshares on the LAN flights between LAX and LIM.

If crediting to QFF, then I suggest you use the AA flight number as you will earn the status bonus (100% for Platinum member). no status bonus for LAN flight numbers.

 

[Homer]

Thanks NM. I didn't investigate the flights myself - I was just working off my TA's comments. OK so I'll be on LAN metal with an AA flight number and there's no other OW choice. Thanks!

 

[NM]

Thanks NM. I didn't investigate the flights myself - I was just working off my TA's comments. OK so I'll be on LAN metal with an AA flight number and there's no other OW choice. Thanks!

The other choices are AA LAX-MIA-LIM or AA to JFK and LAN from there to LIM.

 

[Homer]

So if all else is equal, is there much of a difference on board between LAN and AA if I compare LAN LAX-LIM with AA LAX-MIA-LIM?

 

[NM]

So if all else is equal, is there much of a difference on board between LAN and AA if I compare LAN LAX-LIM with AA LAX-MIA-LIM?

I have not flown LAN's 763 aircraft, so can't comment about the product. But I would take the direct route in preference to via MIA.

 

[Homer]

Thanks NM. If I had been unable to get D class on the A380 SYD-LAX then I'd probably be flying direct into South America too (QF starts direct flights to Buenos Aires next month) to save about 10 hours off the trip. However I've got the seats held and the lure of the big bus is too great...

 

[drron]

Have flown the LAN763 on this trip.The hard product i liked.The J seat nearly reclines fully and for my body shape the easiest to sleep in that I have experienced.
Food was OK but the Chilean wines are of a very good standard.Service was good with a little language difficulty.I will certainly choose them again.

 

[docjames]

LANs 763s are now new planes and/or refurbished. Their Y product was as good as anyone, and the feedback i've had from 2x CLs (who travel F everywhere!) is their "hard" product is as good as any other J (and better than AA).

The "soft" product is adequate without being spectacular.

 

[Homer]

Thank you all. I am now suitably reassured about this sector.

 

[dajop]

I've flown LAN on LIM-LAX and AA on EZE-MIA in cradle style J seats on both carriers. LAN seat was far superior, and had one of the best sleeps I've ever had in a cradle style seat.

If the product is "old" business class on both no-brainer - LAN. If it's "new" business (ie angled lie flat seat) on both again no-brainer - LAN. If it's old business on LAN and new on AA then not sure. Probably the directness of the LAN flight would get me across the line.

The food quality (but not quantity), wine quality and service was far better on LAN than on AA. (I have flown another AA sector since then LHR-ORD in the new style seats - and seats were quite acceptable but service - abysmal, at least by Asian/Oceania standards. LAN was better but not as good as this part of the world.

 

[NM]

If the product is "old" business class on both no-brainer - LAN. If it's "new" business (ie angled lie flat seat) on both again no-brainer - LAN. If it's old business on LAN and new on AA then not sure. Probably the directness of the LAN flight would get me across the line.

Given that all the AA 763 aircraft have now been upgraded to the new business class seats, there is no chance of getting the old cradle seats on an AA operated flight. I have no idea of the status of LAN upgrades on their 763 fleet.