LATAM Business Class Review from Madrid to Lima on the 787-9
As the largest airline in South America, LATAM has worked hard to position itself as the go-to choice for premium travel across the continent and beyond. Its long-haul Business Class product on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is designed to compete head-to-head with European and global carriers, offering lie-flat comfort, South American-inspired cuisine, and a modern fleet. But does the experience really deliver on a 12-hour overnight journey from Europe to South America?
On April 20, 2024, I had the chance to find out, flying from Madrid (MAD) to Lima (LIM) in seat 5A aboard LATAM’s 787. The cabin features a 2–2–2 layout, a more traditional configuration compared to the newer staggered or suite-style designs offered by some competitors. Still, with direct flights from Europe to Peru often in high demand, LATAM remains a popular option for both business and leisure travelers.
In this detailed trip report, I’ll take you through the entire journey:
- Late-night departure from Madrid-Barajas Airport
- Boarding and first impressions of the 787 Dreamliner cabin
- Seat comfort in Business Class seat 5A
- Dinner and breakfast service with South American flavors
- Entertainment, amenities, and overall comfort on a 12-hour flight
- Early-morning arrival into Lima Jorge Chávez International Airport
If you’re considering flying LATAM Business Class between Europe and South America, this review will give you a clear picture of what to expect onboard the Dreamliner.
Flight Details
- Flight number: LA2485
- Date: April 20, 2024
- Route: Madrid (MAD) → Lima (LIM)
- Departure: 01:45 local time (MAD)
- Arrival: 06:30 local time (LIM, -6h)
- Duration: ~12 hours
- Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
- Class: Business Class (2–2–2 configuration)
- Seat: 5A (window seat)
- Frequent flyer program: LATAM Pass / Oneworld
Madrid Airport (MAD)
Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD) is one of Europe’s busiest hubs and a key destination for LATAM Airlines. The carrier has a large check-in area dedicated to its flights, reflecting how important Madrid is in its South American network. From here, LATAM connects Spain with several of its biggest hubs: Lima (LIM), São Paulo (GRU) – on some days with two daily flights – and Santiago de Chile (SCL), also operated twice a day on certain schedules.
Check-in for my flight to Lima was smooth and efficient, with priority counters for Business Class passengers. Luggage was tagged quickly, and security staff were well used to handling the late-night wave of long-haul departures.
One important thing to note about Madrid-Barajas is its terminal layout:
- The Main Terminal 4 handles Schengen flights.
- All long-haul and non-Schengen flights depart from Terminal 4S, which is located across the airfield.
Reaching T4S requires a train ride and passing through passport control, and it can take up to 30 minutes, so it’s worth factoring that into your travel time.
Once in T4S, however, the experience improves significantly. The terminal is bright, spacious, and beautifully designed, with soaring ceilings, warm wooden finishes, and a modern architectural style that makes it one of my personal favorites in Europe. Even during the late-night departure bank, it felt calm and well-organized.
With check-in and security behind me, I was ready to head to the lounge before my overnight flight on the LATAM 787 to Lima.
Velázquez Lounge
As a LATAM Business Class passenger, I had access to Iberia’s Velázquez Premium Lounge in Terminal 4S at Madrid-Barajas. This is Iberia’s flagship lounge and one of the best oneworld options in Europe, making it a real highlight before any long-haul flight.
The lounge is expansive, divided into several zones for dining, relaxing, and working. There’s plenty of seating, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering great views of the apron and runways — perfect for plane spotting while waiting for a late-night departure.
The buffet selection was excellent, with both Spanish specialties and international dishes available. Hot options, fresh salads, cheeses, Iberian ham, and desserts were complemented by a wide variety of drinks, including a solid Spanish wine and cava selection. For a Business Class lounge, the food and beverage quality easily stood out compared to many competitors in Europe.
Showers, quiet zones, and fast Wi-Fi made the lounge even more functional for those on long connections. Despite being busy during the evening departure wave, the space absorbed the crowds well and never felt overwhelming.
For me, the Velázquez Lounge is one of the best aspects of flying long-haul with oneworld carriers from Madrid. It’s stylish, spacious, and offers a truly premium pre-flight experience before boarding the LATAM 787 to Lima.
Boarding LATAM’s 787-9
Boarding for LATAM flight LA2485 to Lima was called around 01:00 at Terminal 4S, with Business Class and oneworld elite passengers invited to board first. Despite the late hour, the gate area was lively, reflecting how important Madrid is as a hub for LATAM’s South American operations.
Stepping onto the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, I was greeted by the crew with a warm “bienvenido” and directed to my seat in the forward Business Class cabin. The first impression was of a bright, modern, and understated cabin, with LATAM’s clean design accented by subtle mood lighting.
The layout is a 2–2–2 configuration, more traditional compared to the staggered or suite-style cabins offered by some European carriers. While this means window passengers (like myself in seat 5A) don’t have direct aisle access, the cabin still felt spacious and open thanks to the Dreamliner’s high ceilings and large windows.
The seats were neatly prepared with a duvet, pillow, amenity kit and even slippers waiting, and the mood lighting gave the cabin a calm, relaxed atmosphere for the overnight journey. Despite the older-style layout, the cabin overall looked inviting and well-maintained — a good balance between functionality and comfort.
LATAM Business Class Seat and Entertainment
The LATAM Business Class seat on the 787 is arranged in a 2–2–2 configuration, which feels more traditional compared to the newer 1–2–1 layouts that many airlines now use. In my seat 5A, comfort was very good: the seat converted into a fully flat bed, with enough length and width to rest properly on this long overnight journey.
Privacy, however, is limited — especially if you’re seated in the middle section next to a stranger. Window seats like mine are more private, but you still need to step over your seatmate to reach the aisle.
Storage was practical, with compartments for small items and easy access to USB ports and power outlets. The tray table was sturdy for both meals and work. Bedding included a thick pillow and soft duvet, making it easy to get a few hours of proper rest.
The in-flight entertainment system offered a good-sized HD screen, loaded with movies, series, and music in both Spanish and English. It was responsive and easy to use.
One drawback was the lack of onboard Wi-Fi. While this aircraft was not yet equipped, LATAM has started rolling out Wi-Fi across its long-haul fleet in 2025, with full implementation expected by 2026.
Another exciting update: LATAM has begun a major cabin renewal program for its 787 fleet. The new layout will feature 1–2–1 seating with direct aisle access and privacy doors, aligning LATAM with the world’s top Business Class products. Some 787-8 aircraft already feature the new cabins, and the entire Dreamliner fleet is expected to be completed between 2026 and 2027.
Overall, while the current 2–2–2 layout is showing its age, the seat was comfortable, and the upcoming upgrades promise to elevate LATAM’s Business Class to a much more competitive standard.
Food onboard
Because this was a late-night departure out of Madrid, the crew worked efficiently to get passengers fed and resting as quickly as possible. Meal orders were taken on the ground before departure, a thoughtful touch that sped up service once we were airborne.
Shortly after takeoff, the service began with a small appetizer and drinks selection, followed by the main course served promptly. I opted for the beef tenderloin, which turned out to be excellent — tender, flavorful, and with a slight charcoal-grilled taste that felt surprisingly authentic for airplane catering. It was a true highlight of the meal.
The downside was presentation: everything — the main dish, fresh salad, bread, and dessert — arrived together on a single tray. While this felt less premium compared to multi-course service on some European and Asian carriers, there was an upside: it allowed passengers to eat quickly and maximize sleep time on the overnight flight.
About one hour before landing in Lima, the crew served a light breakfast. It wasn’t anything extraordinary — yogurt, bread, fruit, and coffee — but it was fresh, simple, and just right after a night of rest.
Drinks were plentiful throughout, with a solid choice of wines, spirits, and non-alcoholic options. The crew also passed through the cabin after the main service to offer more drinks and small snacks before dimming the cabin lights.
Overall, while the tray-style presentation wasn’t the most elegant, the food quality was strong, the service was efficient, and the schedule made sense for an overnight transatlantic flight.
Flying from Madrid to Lima
We pushed back from the gate right on time, and LATAM’s safety video immediately stood out — a creative production showcasing iconic landscapes and cities across South America. It was a refreshing touch that gave the flight a sense of identity right from the start.
The taxi to runway 36L was short, and soon we were climbing into the night sky. A quick left turn revealed the twinkling lights of Madrid by night, a fitting farewell to Europe before heading west across the Atlantic.
Dinner service began shortly after takeoff, and once the cabin lights dimmed, I settled into my lie-flat seat and managed several hours of solid sleep. When I woke, we were already crossing the Amazon Basin, with a stunning sunrise painting the sky as breakfast was served.
The approach into Lima is always spectacular, and this flight was no exception. The crossing over the Andes Mountains offered breathtaking views of jagged peaks before descending into Peru’s capital. We touched down ahead of schedule, greeted by blazing morning sunlight.
Immigration and baggage claim were surprisingly smooth, and I was landside within minutes. A small but important tip for anyone arriving in Lima: book your taxi from the official counters inside the secure area of the terminal. Avoid accepting offers from drivers outside, as this is not the safest and most reliable way to get into the city.
Final Verdict – LATAM 787 Business Class (Madrid to Lima)
Overall, this flight on LATAM’s Boeing 787 Business Class from Madrid to Lima was a top-level experience. While the current 2–2–2 cabin layout doesn’t match the privacy of Iberia, Air France, or KLM’s 1–2–1 configurations, it is still incredibly comfortable, especially with the lie-flat bed, excellent bedding, and attentive South American service.
The crew delivered warm, efficient hospitality, and both dinner and breakfast exceeded expectations — with the tenderloin in particular standing out as one of the best Business Class meals I’ve had across the Atlantic.
The upcoming cabin renewal with direct aisle access and closing doors will make LATAM’s product even more competitive globally, and with free seat selection already included, it’s a very attractive option.
For me, the value was undeniable: at $980 USD one-way, this flight was an absolute bargain compared to Economy Class prices during peak season. Add in the comfort, service, and lounge access at Madrid-Barajas, and LATAM proves itself as a truly strong choice for traveling between South America and Europe.
If you’re looking for a premium experience with a touch of South American hospitality, LATAM Business Class on the 787 is absolutely worth it — and it will only get better in the coming years.
