LATAM Airlines (SCL–JFK)

I flew LATAM Airlines for the first time on a recent trip to Chile. We arrived at Santiago International Airport with plenty of time for our overnight, direct flight to New York (JFK). I found the security process a bit disorganized. I went through security and my bag was screened. Then, once at the gate, gate agents again checked bags and, finally, my bag was checked a third time on my way to the aircraft since I had a laptop in my carry-on. Three separate checks felt excessive to me when my laptop could have been screened at the first security checkpoint.

After the numerous checks, I was happy to settle into my seat in the economy cabin. I was seated in an aisle seat in the middle three seats of the cabin. Luckily, my seatmates were traveling together and were polite during the flight. Within no time, we were in the air.

Drink and meal service began shortly after takeout. The flight attendants in my section of the aircraft were friendly, which made service take slightly longer as they chatted with passengers. There were three choices for dinner and I opted for the cheese ravioli with a glass of white wine.

LATAM offers plenty of entertainment options. I watched the film Widows while I ate my dinner, then turned off the screen to get some rest. I dozed on and off for the remainder of the flight with the provided pillow and blanket and woke up just in time for breakfast service. By the time the flight attendant reached my seat, the ham and cheese sandwich was the only breakfast option left. I had a few bites.

The landing was smooth and within no time I was on my way through the airport to customs and ground transportation.