LATAM Business Class: PUQ-SCL B787-8

by Palo · August 20, 2023

I visited Torres del Paine, Chile to hike Patagonia and needed to get back to Santiago (SCL) for my flight back home. There is an airport nearby in Puerto Natales, but very limited seasonal flights operate to/from PNT. Punta Arenas (PUQ) is the major airport in the region, but a 2.5hr drive from Puerto Natales. There are many bus options for around USD 10 to get from Puerto Natales to PUQ. I opted to fly out of PUQ on LATAM’s 787 Dreamliner which operates to SCL once per day. Fares were running around USD 275 for Economy Class and USD 400 for Business Class. Knowing I had a 30+hr journey on the way back home, I opted for Business Class. It was under my threshold of $50/hr premium over Economy.

After arriving to PUQ on Bus-Sur, I was able to check-in using the Premium Access lane. Very efficient check-in process and I was on my way to the lounge, Salones VIP Pacific Club. I did see Antartic Airways check-in counters which reminded me I still need to visit Antartica. So close, but eventually one day it will happen.

: LATAM B787-8 Landing @ PUQ

: Premium Check-In @ PUQ

: Antarctic Airways 🙂 One day…

: Snow-proof jet bridge

: LATAM B787-8 @ PUQ

: Punta Arenas (PUQ)

Boarding was chaotic in such a small waiting area for the capacity of the Dreamliner. Flying Business Class allowed me to exit the lounge and board right away. I was seated in 1C. The seat design was unique and I hadn’t flown anything similar in the past. It was plenty for the 3.5hr flight from PUQ to SCL. Not private, but plenty of room to relax.

: Row 1

: Row 1

: Storage @ 1C

: Seat 1A

: Close to Antartica

: Departing from PUQ

Very limited food options were served after takeoff. I opted for a hot sandwich. It wasn’t platted so don’t expect anything fancy. There wasn’t any inflight WiFi available so you’re still disconnected just as you are in Torres del Paine 🙂

It was an uneventful flight to SCL and we arrived on time.

: Hot Sandwich & Chips as Snack

: Approaching SCL

Conclusion: This is the best flight to get you back to Santiago after visiting Patagonia and Business Class is worth the splurge. It was a nice way to relax after a busy few days of hiking and touring Torres del Paine. The food and service was basic, but plenty for a medium-haul flight in South America.