“El encanto de volar”
(The charm of flying)
Skytrax rating: 3 stars
Oneworld alliance member
Operations
Globally
- Americas, Europe, Australasia, Caribbean
- Oneworld partners
- Chile domestic
South Africa
- No flights at present – possible future Johannesburg and Cape Town routes (contact us for more information)
LAN Airlines Airbus A340.
General
LAN Airlines is an old airline based in Chile (established in 1929). According to the airline itself the LAN in its name does not stand for anything. LAN Airlines has ten subsidiary interests, including five cargo operations and airlines in Argentina, Ecuador, Colombia and Peru:
- LAN Argentina
- LAN Colombia (Aires)
- LAN Ecuador
- LAN Express
- LAN Perú
It is one of the largest airlines in Latin America, and it is a private enterprise. It is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
LAN Airlines covers only about 30 international destinations, most of which are in South America. It also provides flights to Australia and New Zealand, but nothing to South Africa at the moment. It also provides regional and domestic flights in South America, which is its main focus of activity.
The airline provides three cabin classes:
- Premium Business
- Premium Economy (only in South America and only a small number of seats)
- Economy
Generally, the cabin design seems to be modern and the seats are ergonomically adjustable, even in the Economy class. Premium Economy is designed to accommodate laptop users and is marketed by the airline as the ideal class for businesspeople or professionals traveling. The Premium Business class is more like what other airlines would described as their first class seating. The food and drink is based on South American cuisine. Modern electronic entertainment is provided in all the classes.
The frequent flyer program is called LANPASS.
LAN Airlines uses a fleet of about 100 Airbus and Boeing aircraft. However, it has more than 150 on order at the moment, including 32 Boeing 787s. These new 787s will allow the airline to service more long-haul routes, and it is considering starting service to South Africa.
Concerning safety, since 1929 the airline has had only four fatal accidents, the most recent of which was in 1991. A notable incident occurred in 2007 when a LAN Airlines aircraft was nearly struck by a burning meteor during a trans-Pacific flight. People on board the plane were able to hear the sonic boom of the meteor.
