Review of LATAM flight Madrid → Lima in Economy

introduction

Hola amigos!

This a series on a trip I made to Chile back in 2019. 
One of the cool things about transatlantic travel is the options that you may chose from. You can chose because of price, or you can chose because you like the airline, the plane you'd travel, and whatnot. 
(Reasonably priced) options were AZ through FCO, AF/KL through their respective hubs, AV through BOG and the direct flights on LA and IB.

I was a bit intrigued by AZ, but I ended up discarding it because (as usual) it was rumoured it might stop flying (leaving me without a trip), AF/KL and IB didn't feel much of a novelty and AV is on my black list. So, LA was left…from BOG its hard to score a long haul on LA, so it was an interesting change. The best thing is that I could chose direct flights to SCL or stopping in GRU or LIM. I decanted for the LIM flight, because it was on the 767. I'm fool for old plane types, so this was a non brainer.

My final schedule ended up being MAD-LIM-SCL-MAD. Allowing me to fly twice on the 789 and on the venerable 767.

And now, let's get in on!

at madrid ADOLFO suarez-barajas airport

Along the many awesome things in Madrid, is the fact that MAD is conveniently and cheaply connected to the city.
I left my flat with enough time to reach the airport 3 hours before EDT, and I made it nicely on a fairly empty train. 

I was only bringing my carry-on. So there was no need to pass through the check in desk. But I still wanted my souvenir boarding passes. The airport was basically empty at this time, so everything was brisk and nice.

I was at the Neptuno Lounge less than 30 minutes after leaving the Metro. Unbeatable.
The lounge was not too full. 
I picked some stewed pork and a San Miguel to drink it down. Just what I needed before the 12 hour flight to Lima.  

As my boarding time was closing in, I moved through the empty terminal to our plane

To my surprise, our ride for this flight was going to be CC-CZT. An old acquitance of mine in which I flew for the first time to Lima back in 2003. Now talk about coincidences!

In contrast to the general emptiness of the terminal, our gate was a bit crowded. I feared for my bag.

ONBOARD cc-czt

While I love the 767, it is evident that it is aging. But LATAM had made a good job keeping it up. Compared to the bigger twin-aisle jets, it felt quite small, but cozy.
I managed to score some space for my bag and suits on the racks. But it was quite a hassle, this was the most evident sign for me that this plane belonged to another time.
The seats were confortable and still felt up to date, great for this flight! 
(sorry for the shaky photos BTW, my camera is quite lame in dim lighting)  

oh…this retro touches

Airy, bright, and with a little nip and tucks for this old guy.

Each seat had a pillow and an industry-standard blanket. Now, I know I'm asking too much, but back in the day LAN had one of the best blankets I could remember.

We were also given headphones, of questionable quality.

The IFE system wasn't the most recent, but it still did the job. Notice that it still has LAN's old branding.

Seat pocket contains:

The IFE also had these massive controls that are more and more falling out of use

ENROUTE to lima

As we pushed back the safety video was played. 

We taxied to RWY 36L in no time. The plane's CF6s roared and we were on our way to South America.

The map was so old school, basically the same as when I flew CZT for the first time! 

I chose one of my favourite shows to chill while we were given our dinner.

Soon, the crew handed out menus. Top notch detail compared to the competition!

Back then, LATAM had recently implemented a new food service format. More of the main dish, no starters or salad, and a small dessert.

I went for the chicken. This was one of the best meals I had on a plane ever, hands down. 

Done with the food, the cabin was darkened

I found on the IFE a whole album by Bonobo. Since this flight it became one of my favourite albums.

A couple of ZZZ after… it was breakfast time. This time I went for the omelette. Again, it was great. 

We were almost there…the flight went by painlessly

The cabin was getting ready for landing

We landed as the sun was coming over the Andes.

We taxied past the terminal

Meaning we would go for a hard stand.

Just like my first time in 2003, I had the chance to descend the 767 through stairs. While the cabin felt small compared to other planes crossing the Atlantic…once you stand beside the beast you can feel its real size.

The ride to the terminal was short, but it allowed for some interesting views.

Finally…I was greeted back to South America by Lima's amazing weather.