On the Ground: I was relieved to escape the cold rain soaking the New York City area, so the 45-minute wait in the carrier’s line at JFK Terminal 8 felt tolerable. The airline, a recent addition to oneworld and formerly part of Star Alliance, had just begun its new alliance service days earlier. When I reached the counter, check-in was efficient and a friendly agent informed me I would be upgraded.
Pre-Flight: With less than an hour until boarding, I watched through the rain-spattered windows as TAM’s Boeing 777-300ER—bearing the “The Magic Red Carpet” slogan on its nose—sat on the ramp alongside a LAN Airlines 787 Dreamliner. Boarding began shortly afterward, with families and elderly passengers called first, followed by premium travelers. Priority boarding felt a bit disorganized: passengers in first and business class waited in an unstructured crowd for about 20 minutes while passports and visas were checked.
In-Flight: I took my business-class seat, upholstered in a red floral fabric, and opened my laptop to work while other passengers boarded. The cabin used a 2-3-2 configuration. Attentive flight attendants offered glasses of Champagne, a selection of publications—mostly in Portuguese—and amenity kits before taking dinner orders.
About an hour into the flight dinner service began. TAM collaborated with Chef Bel Coelho on the “Sabor Que Faz Bem” (“Flavors That Make You Feel Good”) menu. My ticket included dinner and breakfast prior to arrival. An appetizer of a shrimp wrap on a bed of greens preceded my main course: filet mignon in a green pepper sauce with grilled vegetables and chateau potatoes. Other main options included chicken fillet in a red wine sauce with green beans and pearl barley, and cannelloni filled with cheese in an eggplant sauce with tomato concassé and mushrooms. The meal was paired with quality wines from various countries and a wide selection of beverages, including the traditional Brazilian caipirinha.
After enjoying a slice of pear and almond pie, I browsed the extensive inflight entertainment system before settling into the angled lie-flat seat for a good night’s rest. I awoke to the aroma of coffee and a substantial breakfast: fresh fruit, cold cuts, yogurt, grilled Canadian ham and a crêpe filled with scrambled eggs. We landed on time in São Paulo.
The Experience: From takeoff to touchdown, flying TAM’s “Magic Red Carpet” felt comfortable and relaxing. The positive impression lingered even through a lengthy drive in São Paulo’s heavy traffic. As part of LATAM Airlines Group, the carrier provides U.S. travelers departing from Los Angeles, Miami, New York and Orlando with a broad route network, including numerous destinations across Brazil and the rest of South America.
GT CHECKLIST
Less than 10 minutes for check-in: No
Friendly and helpful agents: Yes
Priority tagged baggage: No
Airport lounge: Yes
Complimentary in-lounge food: Yes
Priority boarding: Yes (though slightly disorganized)
Helpful and courteous flight attendants: Yes
Pre-flight beverage service: Yes
Pre-flight newspapers and magazines: Yes
Extensive on-demand entertainment: Yes
Amenity kits: Yes
Slippers: No
Lie-flat seat/bed: Yes (angled)
Turn-down service: No
In-flight menu with three entrée choices: Yes
Top-shelf wines and liquors: Yes