Our First Experience in Business Class – Air Canada Santiago to Buenos Aires
Today just may have spoiled us regarding air travel forever. We enjoyed the perks of traveling business class on the continuation of Air Canada flight 92 as it traveled from Santiago to Buenos Aires. Best part is, the leg was free! How that happened and our experience is what this post is about.
We came upon this free flight as part of our South American travels. The flight was part of our itinerary that we booked through United using points transferred from our Chase Ultimate Rewards account. This was the second of three legs with United, and because it was an open-jaw segment in the same region, United includes that for free as if it were the continuation of a long stopover.
The first benefit we realized was the use of the Priority Pass lounge at SCL while we waited for our flight. It was equipped with WiFi, laptops for personal use, comfy chairs and sleeping pods, food and beverage – all for free. As you can see below, the beverage selection also included wine and liquor. There were very few people in the lounge this day so we had pretty much had anything we wanted. The food was nothing to write home about but it was tasty and, the best part, all free!
Two other benefits not to be overlooked – priority security screening and priority boarding. We had two people ahead of us in the security line at 9:45 am on Tuesday. Also, priority boarding meant that we got onto the plane first which allowed us to begin enjoying the plane’s features sooner. Business class travelers also got priority treatment when deplaning as well.
As we boarded, we were greeted with these luxurious pods, equipped with a blanket and a pillow. The seat really did lay flat or in any position you wished. All of the in-flight entertainment was included and displayed on a 23” screen, along with any type of drink you wished for. Food was this small lunch shown because the flight lasted about an hour and a half. However, let’s just say it was an awesome experience. Super-comfy, quiet, and spacious are three adjectives that come to mind to describe our experience.
The interesting part about this leg of our trip is that we booked economy for our other legs but business class was provided as part of our booking. Still not quite sure how that happened as United has very complex rules about the stopover (called Excursionist Perk) and open-jaw fares. Nevertheless, it was a huge win for us and an experience we won’t soon forget.
