LAN v TAM

[Canny man]

I've be got to make a call. TAM in J in an a320 from Sao Paulo to Santiago or LAN in Y. I'll be on the back of A 10 hr flight from jnb to Sao Paulo so want the chance to rest. I know LAN pretty well and the y product sucks for a 5 hr flight, so my question is whether I should risk tam with its poor safety and service record?

I will be flying the route on Monday

 

[TonyHancock]

I have flown TAM a couple of times in J from EZE to GRU and back and have been pretty happy with the service and hard product. Admittedly this was a 340 and a 330. I'd take J over Y on a 5 hour flight though.

 

[eastwest101]

I am finding it difficult to find any evidence that a J-class cabin actually exists on TAM A320's. All the photos I have seen are from the rear of the cabin. Maybe book it - but don't be surprised to see a low rent "euro-economy" style PE seat with the middle seat blocked. If so - that's not J class in my opinion but still may be better than Y in LAN.

 

[Canny man]

Thanks
ill take the gamble as the y LAN was truly horrible the last time I did the route.

 

[TonyHancock]

.. don't be surprised to see a low rent "euro-economy" style PE seat with the middle seat blocked. If so - that's not J class in my opinion but still may be better than Y in LAN.

Certainly saw this on the domestic TAM 320 flights I took in Brazil.

 

[cessy]

I've been living in Brazil for a year and flying both LAN and TAM regularly (ie every couple of weeks). I've never seen a real J class on either airline, only two seats separated by another with a cup holder thing in the middle. TAM has plusher seats (although I use the term VERY loosely) but their service from check in to stepping off is terrible. Flights change regularly with no notice, and there are often cancellations to try and push all of the day's passengers onto one plane to save money, so your flight can easily be delayed by up to 8 hours. LAN's service and meals are better and although the changes and delays are part of the Braziliian experience, LAN is more reliable in this area. I've flown LAN Sao Paulo to Santiago several times and it's been ok: take your own entertainment though! These flights have been far less painful than many of the short haul TAM domestic flights.

 

[Canny man]

Well, I took the TAM flight after all. To my surprise it was a proper 3 row j cabin with decent leather seats.

The plane was on time, there was a good meal service with some pretty acceptable wine (the choice was explained as Argentina or Australia).

All in all I thought the product was as good as qf domestic j on a 767.

I would definitely use this option again in preference to LAN y which I find very cramped with minimal service.