LATAM Business Class Review: JFK to SCL on the 787-8 Dreamliner

LATAM Business Class Review: JFK to SCL on the 787-8 Dreamliner offers a firsthand, in-depth look into one of South America’s flagship airline experiences on an intercontinental journey. This premium travel experience, spanning from New York’s JFK to Santiago, Chile (SCL), aboard the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, promises modern comfort, lie-flat luxury, and elevated service designed to transform long-haul travel into a refined adventure. It’s a route popular among business travelers and leisure explorers alike, and LATAM’s execution of its business class product on this leg sets the tone for its global presence.

Imagine gliding over continents cocooned in a spacious lie-flat seat, sipping Chilean wine under the ambient glow of mood lighting, with a bespoke amenity kit by your side. From private boarding to a curated dining experience featuring Latin American flavors, LATAM’s Dreamliner business class isn’t just about getting there—it’s about savoring the journey. It’s refined, restful, and refreshingly efficient.

This review of latam business class jfk to scl covers every detail that matters—seat comfort, entertainment, service quality, dining, and post-landing impressions. Whether you’re planning your first visit to South America or simply want a premium way to cross hemispheres, this LATAM business class review from JFK to SCL reveals why this route is earning loyal fans and high praise.

The Ultimate JFK to SCL 787-8 Dreamliner Experience

Flying between North and South America often means facing a long-haul overnight journey that can leave you exhausted upon arrival. When planning my first-time visit to South America for a Mid-Summer Chilean Ski Trip, I knew I wanted to arrive refreshed and ready to explore. After researching various options, I decided on LATAM Business Class for the JFK to SCL route – a critical connection between New York and Santiago that serves as a gateway to the continent.

This comprehensive review details my experience aboard Flight LA 533 on LATAM’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, from booking strategies to arrival procedures, to help you decide if this premium option is worth your hard-earned money or points.

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Booking Strategy: Maximizing Value with Partner Airlines

Finding the best way to book LATAM’s business class requires some strategy. While you can book directly through LATAM, I found significantly better value using Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan points. Here’s how the options compared:

Booking Method	Cost	Value
LATAM Direct	$3,450 or 230,000 LATAM Pass points	Poor value at ~1.5 cents per point
Delta SkyMiles	120,000 SkyMiles	Good value if you have Delta miles
Alaska Mileage Plan	85,000 miles + $75 in taxes	Excellent value (what I chose)

“Booking through Alaska represented nearly a 60% discount compared to cash prices during peak season travel to South America” – a calculation that made this redemption particularly sweet.

The booking process through Alaska’s website was straightforward:

• Searched for “Santiago” as the destination
• Selected the “Business/First” cabin option
• Found availability quickly for mid-July (booked about 3 months in advance)
• Completed booking online with minimal hassle

Pro tip: Alaska’s partnership with LATAM offers some of the best redemption rates for this route, requiring fewer miles than most other partner programs.

Pre-Flight Experience: Smooth Beginnings

Check-In Process: Efficiency with a Digital Twist

My journey began with a WhatsApp check-in notification from LATAM 24 hours before departure – a nice digital touch that many airlines haven’t yet implemented. While I appreciated this, I still needed to visit the counter for my boarding pass since I couldn’t add my TSA Precheck Known Traveler Number (KTN) through the app.

Arriving at Terminal 4 at JFK, I was directed to the Delta SkyPriority check-in counters, as LATAM partners with Delta for ground services. The dedicated business class line had only two people ahead of me, and I was processed within 5 minutes. The agent was courteous but didn’t provide any information about lounge access – I had to specifically ask where I should go before security.

Time saved compared to economy: Approximately 25-30 minutes based on the regular check-in line I observed.

LATAM VIP Lounge at JFK: A Pleasant Surprise

LATAM doesn’t actually operate their own lounge at JFK, instead directing business class passengers to the Delta One Lounge at JFK. Located after security near Gate B31, it’s about a 7-minute walk from the main security checkpoint.

Lounge Highlights:

• Design and ambiance: Modern with plenty of natural light and views of the tarmac
• Seating options: Varied from dining tables to loungers and semi-private work pods
• Food offerings: Self-serve buffet with several hot options including:
  • Rosemary chicken with roasted vegetables
  • Vegetable curry with basmati rice
  • Fresh salad bar with premium toppings
  • Selection of New York-style desserts
• Beverage selection:
  • Full-service bar with premium spirits
  • Selection of international wines
  • Craft beers on tap
  • Barista-made coffee drinks

The shower facilities were clean and well-stocked with L’Occitane products, while the Wi-Fi performance measured an impressive 65 Mbps download and 48 Mbps upload – more than adequate for streaming and video calls.

Best time to visit: The lounge was busiest between 4-6 PM, so arriving earlier (around 3 PM for a 7:56 PM departure) allowed me to enjoy a quieter experience.

The Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner Features That Make A Difference

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner is LATAM’s flagship aircraft for long-haul routes, and for good reason. This aircraft offers several advantages that particularly benefit the JFK-SCL route:

• Larger windows (65% bigger than standard aircraft windows) provide better views and control over natural light
• Better cabin pressurization (6,000 feet equivalent vs 8,000 feet on older aircraft) reduces fatigue and jet lag
• Higher humidity levels (10-15% vs 5-10% on conventional aircraft) help combat the dry skin and nasal discomfort common on long flights
• Advanced air filtration systems that remove more contaminants and refresh cabin air more frequently

During the 10-hour journey, I particularly noticed the difference in how I felt upon arrival – less of the usual dried-out feeling and headache that often accompanies long-haul travel. The reduced engine noise was also immediately noticeable compared to older aircraft I’ve flown on similar routes.

The Business Class Cabin: Spacious But Not Leading Edge

LATAM’s 787-8 business class features a somewhat dated cabin configuration (2-2-2 layout) rather than the direct-aisle-access that has become standard among premium carriers. This immediately puts LATAM at a disadvantage compared to competitors like American’s 777-300ER or Delta’s A350s serving South America.

Cabin aesthetics:

• Neutral color palette with dark blue seats and beige accents
• Subtle mood lighting that changes through the flight phases
• Clean and well-maintained cabin surfaces

The cabin spaciousness feels generous, with high ceilings contributing to an airy atmosphere. However, the configuration means window seat passengers must step over their seatmate to access the aisle – a significant drawback for overnight flights.

Traffic flow: The two-aisle configuration helps reduce congestion, and I noticed minimal disturbance throughout the flight. The forward location of the business cabin also means you’re far from the economy lavatories, reducing foot traffic past your seat.

The Business Class Seat: Comfortable But Lacking Privacy

I selected Seat 5A for this journey – a window seat in the middle of the cabin. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you can expect:

Feature	Specification
Seat width	23 inches
Bed length	75 inches (6’3″)
Seat pitch	75 inches
Screen size	~12 inches
Storage compartments	3 (side console, small drawer, literature pocket)
Power outlets	1 universal + 1 USB

The seat controls are intuitive, with preset positions for takeoff/landing, lounging, dining, and fully flat. The lie-flat seats transition smoothly between positions with no jerky movements.

Storage options are somewhat limited compared to newer business class products:

• Side console fits a laptop, headphones, and small personal items
• Small drawer near the floor can hold shoes or a small purse
• Literature pocket is useful only for slim items like magazines

Power access is convenient with both USB and universal power outlets located at eye level in the side console – no hunting under the seat or contorting to plug in devices.

Best seats to select: Rows 3 or 4 in A/L window seats provide the best combination of privacy and minimal galley/lavatory noise.

Seats to avoid: Row 1 (proximity to lavatories) and Row 6 (last row before economy, more noise).

Amenities: Practical But Not Luxurious

The Amenity Kit: Essentials Covered

LATAM’s amenity kit comes in a simple navy blue pouch without a designer brand partnership – a contrast to many competitors who feature luxury brands. The amenity kit contents included:

• Eye mask (good quality with minimal light leakage)
• Socks (standard airline quality)
• Ear plugs (basic but effective)
• Hand cream (unscented, decent quality)
• Lip balm (much appreciated in the dry cabin air)
• Face towel (refreshing before landing)
• Dental kit with toothbrush and toothpaste

What’s missing? Any premium skincare products, cologne/perfume, or higher-end touches that would elevate the experience. The kit is practical but unmemorable.

Bedding Package: Surprisingly Comfortable

The bedding consists of:

• Lower sheet (fitted to the seat)
• Top sheet/light blanket
• Full-size pillow
• Reusable drawstring bag for storage – an eco-friendly touch

I was impressed with the quality of the pillow – full-sized and supportive rather than the flimsy cushions often provided. The blanket w

as light but warm enough for the cabin temperature, which remained comfortable throughout the flight.

No mattress pad was provided, but the seat cushioning was sufficient for comfort in the lie-flat position. LATAM has clearly focused on the essentials for a good night’s sleep rather than luxury extras.

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Technology & Entertainment: Mixed Results

In-Flight Entertainment System: Extensive Content, Average Interface

The in-flight entertainment system features a touchscreen that’s responsive but not cutting-edge. The interface looks somewhat dated compared to systems like Delta’s or Emirates’, but navigation is intuitive enough.

Content selection included:

• 185 movies spanning new releases and classics
• TV shows (mostly with only 1-2 episodes rather than full seasons)
• Music playlists categorized by genre
• Games (basic but functional)
• Moving map with flight information

Special features worth noting:

• Parental controls for family travel
• Favorites list to save content for later viewing
• Picture-in-picture functionality to view the map while watching content

The provided headphones were noise-reducing but not true noise-cancelling, with acceptable but not exceptional sound quality. I’d recommend bringing your own high-quality headphones for the best experience.

Connectivity: The Missing Link

The most significant technological disappointment was the complete absence of Wi-Fi availability on this flight. In 2025, when most long-haul premium cabins offer some form of connectivity, this omission feels particularly noticeable. For business travelers needing to stay connected, this could be a dealbreaker.

LATAM has announced plans to retrofit their 787 fleet with Wi-Fi capability, but as of this review, the JFK-SCL route remains offline – something to consider if connectivity is essential for your travel needs.

Dining Experience: Chilean Flair With Room For Improvement

Pre-Departure: Prompt Welcome

Service highlights began immediately upon boarding with a choice of champagne, water, or juice. The crew offered a personalized greeting, addressing me by name and explaining the flight duration and schedule – approximately 10 hours 3 minutes to Santiago.

Menus were distributed within minutes of settling into my seat, allowing plenty of time to consider options before the departure: 19:56 EDT.

Main Meal Service: A Taste of Chile

Dinner service began about 45 minutes after takeoff, with tables elegantly set with white linens and proper glassware. LATAM clearly takes pride in showcasing Chilean culinary offerings through their business class menu:

Starter:

• Smoked salmon carpaccio with capers and microgreens
• Fresh bread selection with Chilean olive oil

Main course options:

• Steak filet with chimichurri and roasted Andean potatoes
• Salmon with lemon butter sauce and quinoa
• Braised cauliflower steak with vegetable ragout (vegetarian option)

I selected the steak, which was cooked to medium – impressive for airline catering. The chimichurri sauce provided authentic South American flavor, though the meat itself was slightly drier than ideal.

Wine selection: The flight attendant enthusiastically recommended a Chilean Carmenere that paired beautifully with the beef – a thoughtful touch showcasing the country’s renowned wine industry.

Dessert: A lemon cheesecake that struck the perfect balance between sweet and tart, accompanied by an excellent coffee service.

The entire meal service was completed efficiently within 90 minutes, allowing maximum time for rest on this overnight flight.

Pre-Arrival Dining: Light But Satisfying

About 90 minutes before landing, breakfast service began:

Breakfast options:

• Chilean ham and cheese bowl with scrambled eggs
• Continental breakfast with pastries and fruit (lighter option)

The breakfast included:

• Main dish (I chose the egg bowl)
• Onion roll with butter
• Fresh fruit plate
• Parfait with granola
• Coffee/tea/juice selection

While not exceptional, the breakfast was fresh and adequate. The highlight was surprisingly good coffee – often a weakness even in premium cabins.

Cabin Crew: The Human Touch Makes A Difference

The onboard service quality was a highlight of this flight, with a crew that displayed genuine warmth and attentiveness throughout. Their language proficiency was impressive, with all crew members I interacted with fluent in English, Spanish, and most also comfortable in Portuguese.

Service observations:

• Call buttons answered within 30 seconds each time
• Proactive but unobtrusive drink refills
• Genuine smiles and conversation beyond script-reading
• Family-friendly approach with special attention to children in the cabin

I particularly appreciated how the purser handled a minor issue with my entertainment system, personally ensuring it was reset quickly and following up to confirm everything was working properly.

The crew’s language proficiency and hospitality created a distinctly South American atmosphere that began setting the tone for the destination long before arrival.

Sleep Experience: The True Test Of Business Class

For overnight flights, sleep quality ultimately determines whether the premium fare was worthwhile. On this front, LATAM delivered reasonably well despite some limitations:

Positive sleep factors:

• Well-timed meal service that didn’t drag on excessively
• Thoughtful cabin lighting dimmed appropriately after dinner
• Comfortable bedding with full-size pillow
• Cabin temperature maintained at a comfortable level for sleeping

Sleep challenges:

• 2-2-2 configuration means potential disturbance if your seatmate needs to access the aisle
• Limited privacy without doors or substantial dividers
• Some light leakage from entertainment screens of passengers who stayed awake

I managed about 5.5 hours of decent sleep – not perfect but sufficient to arrive feeling relatively refreshed for arrival: 05:59+1 EDT in Santiago.

See Also: Review: British Airways Club Suite a350 Business Vancouver London

Arrival Experience: Early But Organized

We touched down at Santiago International Airport (SCL) about 20 minutes ahead of schedule, a pleasant surprise after the long journey. The arrival procedures were straightforward and efficient:

1. Priority deplaning for business class passengers
2. A brief 5-minute walk to immigration
3. Dedicated line for premium passengers at immigration control
4. Processing time of approximately 10 minutes
5. Baggage delivery with priority tags appearing on the belt within 15 minutes of reaching the claim area

Transportation warning: The airport staff provided helpful warnings about unofficial taxi services, directing passengers to authorized transportation options to avoid common tourist scams – a thoughtful touch that reflects well on LATAM’s concern for passenger wellbeing beyond just the flight experience.

Value Proposition: How LATAM Stacks Up

When evaluating LATAM Business Class against competitors on this route, several factors come into play:

Aspect	LATAM 787-8	American 777-300ER	Delta 767-300
Seat Configuration	2-2-2 (no direct aisle access)	1-2-1 (all direct aisle access)	1-2-1 (all direct aisle access)
Bed Length	75″	78″	76″
Entertainment Screen	12″	18″	18″
Wi-Fi	None	Available	Available
Award Availability	Excellent	Limited	Moderate
Points Required (typical)	85K Alaska	57.5K AA (off-peak)	120K Delta

LATAM’s strongest selling points:

• Excellent award availability through Alaska Airlines
• Modern Dreamliner aircraft with superior air quality
• Authentic South American service and culinary experience
• Reliable on-time performance

Areas needing improvement:

• Outdated 2-2-2 configuration
• No Wi-Fi connectivity
• Amenity kit lacking premium touches
• Limited storage space at the seat

Review 7.5/10

LATAM’s Business Class on the 787-8 Dreamliner between JFK and SCL offers a solid but not industry-leading product. The passenger experience and comfort is certainly superior to economy class and provides the essential elements needed to arrive rested, but falls short of the cutting-edge business class experiences offered by some competitors.

This product is ideal for:

• Travelers using Alaska miles (best redemption value)
• Those prioritizing good sleep over the latest tech features
• Passengers who value authentic South American service and cuisine
• Travelers who don’t need Wi-Fi connectivity during the flight

If direct aisle access, maximum privacy, or staying connected are your top priorities, you might consider alternatives from American or Delta despite potentially higher costs or more difficult award bookings.

See Also: Alaska First Class Review 737 MAX: Las Vegas to Seattle Flight

Practical Tips For Your LATAM Business Class Journey

Based on my experience, here are my top recommendations:

• Book through Alaska Mileage Plan for the best value (85,000 miles each way)
• Select window seats in rows 3-4 for the optimal balance of privacy and quiet
• Arrive at the Delta One Lounge at least 3 hours before departure to fully enjoy the facilities
• Try the Chilean wines onboard – the flight attendants are knowledgeable and proud to showcase them
• Set your watch to Santiago time at departure and try to sleep after the first meal service
• If you need to stay connected, download necessary work files before the flight (remember: no Wi-Fi)
• Consider bringing your own premium noise-cancelling headphones for better entertainment experience

FAQs

1. What is the seating configuration in LATAM’s 787-8 Business Class?

LATAM’s Boeing 787-8 Business Class features a 2-2-2 seating layout, offering lie-flat seats for enhanced comfort during long-haul flights.

2. Are there privacy doors in LATAM’s Business Class seats?

Yes, LATAM is introducing new Business Class suites with privacy doors on its Boeing 787 fleet. The first retrofitted 787-8 entered service in April 2025, with plans to upgrade more aircraft by the end of 2026.

3. Does LATAM offer Wi-Fi on the JFK to SCL route?

Currently, LATAM’s 787-8 aircraft do not provide in-flight Wi-Fi. Passengers should plan accordingly for offline entertainment and connectivity needs.

4. What amenities are provided in Business Class?

Passengers receive a comprehensive amenity kit, plush bedding including a duvet and mattress pad, and access to an extensive in-flight entertainment system with over 240 movies and 740 TV shows.

5. How can I book LATAM Business Class from JFK to SCL?

Tickets can be booked directly through LATAM’s official website or via travel agencies. Additionally, award bookings are available through partner programs like Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan and British Airways Avios.

Conclusion

In this latam-business-class-review-jfk-to-scl-on-the-787-8-dreamliner, it’s clear that LATAM delivers a strong premium product. The flight offers great comfort, tasty meals, and friendly service. The lie-flat seat and quiet cabin make a big difference on this 10-hour journey. It’s not the most luxurious business class in the sky, but it’s definitely a smooth and enjoyable ride.

If you’re flying from New York to Santiago, this latam-business-class-review-jfk-to-scl-on-the-787-8-dreamliner proves it’s a smart choice. The value, cabin design, and Latin hospitality make it stand out. Whether you’re flying for work or vacation, LATAM’s 787-8 makes long-haul travel feel much easier.

Have you flown LATAM’s Business Class or are you considering it for an upcoming trip to South America? I’d love to hear your thoughts and answer any questions in the comments below!