Welcome to my trip report on LATAM's Premium Economy!
My ride, CC-BEK just arrived from Concepcion. (LA221)
Introduction
This booking took place almost a year ago when I planned to fly on this route with this airline in July 2025. Fortunately I was able to change the flight to this date with just a small fee with Trip.com. I didn't expect any hiccups since my past few South American flight bookings with this 3rd party had gone without a hitch. Why did I do one-way instead of doing a return trip? It is because I wanted to fly with Sky Airlines on the SCL-PMC route but as you can see that plans changed and for this flight, I am glad at the end of the day, the flight went without a hiccup. Once I did the booking with Trip.com, I handled the rest myself. Unfortunately, I couldn't change the booking email to mine but I was able to upgrade my seat directly with the airline, paying about US$32 for the upgrade from economy to premium economy class so that I can enjoy the extra legroom space and bring you this trip report.
So without further ado, let's begin this trip report!
About Puerto Montt Airport
El Tepual International Airport is a primary airport serves the population living in Puerto Montt and is also considered to be a gateway to the Chilean Patogonia. This airport serves both military and commercial flights, operating with a single runway 18/36. Currently this airport is operated by 3 airlines: LATAM, Jetsmart and Sky Airline and these airlines operate only domestic routes out of this airport.
Photo: Goggle Map
Random photos of Puerto Montt
This is photographed near Libertador Bernado O'higgins.
The view outside Mall Pesco Costanera.
The shopping mall
View of the city near my accommodation
Booking issue with Trip.com
Just a few days before this flight, I received an email about a flight change but there was no notification from Flighty or the airline itself. I checked regularly for the last 48 hours before the flight departure, but there is no changes to the flight itinerary on the airline's website. I decided to play safe by communicating with the airline and later on I contacted Trip.com. The staff at Trip.com had no idea and told me he would get back to me which he didn't. As for the airline, I have to give them credit as the customer service officer assured me that my flight was going ahead on schedule, why did this happen, just like me, we were both puzzled. Whatever it is, now that LATAM's website accepts my credit card, there is no need to me to book through a 3rd party anymore.
The history of my aircraft, courtesy from Flighty.
This is Ipad version of Flighty.
The seat map on LATAM's website
Apart from Trip.com issue, I did a check on the airline's website, I realised that I was only allowed a personal item on board and for carry-on and luggage check-in, I have to purchase. I didn't know at that time that the upgrade to Premium Economy class included these so I went to purchase them.
However the payment didn't go through on the airline's website (my credit card went through) so I had to seek help from the airline's representative and apparently the Premium Economy class upgrade included these baggage and carry-on allowances so I didn't have to fork out anything. So this is on the airline's website issue, hopefully this will be fixed soon in order to avoid confusing passengers.
Fortunately, I received my money back and during the check-in process at the airport, there was no further issues.
The airline's itinerary
Trip.com's itinerary
Same PNR code, 2 different flight information. How did Trip.com get the information that my flight was changed? That is a mystery and to make it worse, the staff failed to get back to me or amend my flight to the correct itinerary. Fortunately, I went with my gut feeling and stick to the airline's itinerary. So for those who come across this issue, remember to contact the airline directly first and if you need to, contact the 3rd party next. The best solution? Book directly with the airline if possible.
Arrival at the airport by Uber.
This is the departure hall (land side)
Check-in counters for LATAM.
Since I was successfully upgraded to Premium Economy Class (I paid for the instant upgrade), I was able to use this premium check-in.
After that, I grabbed myself an overpriced sandwich and cuppacino for a price of S$16 (Around $11 Euros).
I had it at a cafe at the landside.
This is my ride, arriving from CCP, a destination I would be heading next after spending a few days in Santiago.
This aircraft was doing the SCL-CCP-PMC (This airport)- SCL route.
The monitor screen is available in 2 languages, English and Spanish.
The view of the departure hall (1st level).
The interior of the airport is not bad at all.
On the second level, there is a restaurant at the far end.
After passing through security check, I was at the airside.
Sky's Airbus A320neo.
Charging ports are available at some benches.
There are shops and cafes available at the airside.
The walk from one end to the other takes around 15-20 minutes.
This is the quieter part of the airside.
The view of the airside from the other end.
This is gate 1, an LATAM flight to Antofagasta, located at the northern part of Chile.
This is gate 3, the assigned gate for my flight.
Time to board!
Welcome on board CC-BEK!
At least online streaming is available with LATAM Play.
My ride: CC-BEK
Route: PMC-SCL
Miles: 569
Average Flight Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Airlines flying on this route: Jetsmart, LATAM and Sky Airlines
My Seat: 3F (Photo: Aerolopa.com)
Date of departure: 14th December 2025
Airline: LATAM
Flight: LA256
Route: PMC-SCL
Aircraft type: Airbus A321ceo
Registration: CC-CEK
Class: Premium Economy
Seat: 3F
Load: 100%
Flight Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Actual Flight Time: 1 hour 14 minutes
Boarding: 1454
Push Back: 1529
Take Off: 1537
Scheduled Arrival: 1718
Actual Arrival: 1651
Departure Runway: 35
Departure Weather: Cloudy
Arrival Runway: 17R
Arrival Weather: Partially Cloudy
Welcome on board flight LA256!
As I have covered the economy class on my previous trip report, only my premium economy class experience will be covered in this trip report. For the economy class trip report on LATAM's A321ceo, click here.
My inflight experience
I was one of the first to board the aircraft and made my way to my seat within a few steps. One noticeable observation immediately caught my attention is the extra legroom space and with the middle seat remaining vacant for this class, it is spacious and comfortable.
We pushed back on time and took off with the weather clearing up quite a bit. The flights early had to fly through some low covering clouds by not for my aircraft. However for most parts of the flight, it was cloudy and I didn't get the chance to enjoy the beautiful view which I saw during my way into this airport from Santiago a few days ago.
During the flight, it was mostly smooth and our flight time was similar to the previous flight. Inflight service was good and for this premium economy class, we were given a bottle of water, hot sandwich plus a packet of chips and a choice of beverage, not bad at all. There was even an announcement by the crew informing us that outside alcoholic beverages are not allowed to be consumed on this flight, they can only drink alcoholic drinks from the airline. That does makes sense as drunkard passengers are tough to handle.
Overall it was another pleasant flight with this airline. The narrow-body aircraft may not be have the best cabin products out there, but it is still not too bad for the short hops. However I recommend forking out more for the premium economy class especially for tall passengers.
Premium Economy Class
These are the same seats as the economy class only difference is the colour of the headrest. Economy class features the red headrest cover while the premium economy class features a black headrest with blue stripes around the edges.
The view from my seat
I was able to place my carry-on bag underneath the seat in front of me.
The USB and Universal socket
I enjoyed my flight on board CC-BEK!
The cabin view of the front rows
I was able to charge my phone
Even though the middle seats are vacant, safety cards are still slotted at the literature holder in front of the seats.
The view of my seat
I had 2 windows for myself.
There is a partition wall between the cabin crew's work space and the first row.
The headrest
Look at the amount of legroom space!
The overhead view of the cabin
The IFE box takes up quite a bit of legroom space.
The side wall panel of the Airbus A321
USB and charging ports available for each passenger in this cabin. You can use them if the green light indicator is on.
A bottle of water is given by the crew.
A packet of chips, warm sandwich and a choice of beverage was given. I had a cup of orange juice.
I watched a movie during inflight on my device.
The sandwich consists of cheese - it was ok.
A warm sandwich and beverage is certainly nice to enjoy for this short flight.
Inflight Entertainment
Inflight streaming
Inflight map
Do you agree?
Window view photos
This is the front cargo door.
Pushing back in this dreadful weather.
Unlike the day of arrival, it was forecasted to be raining throughout the day.
Off we go.
We taxied past the airport traffic control tower.
An abandoned DC-3 aircraft.
We reached the threshold.
Off we go! Good bye, Puerto Montt!
The view of the surrounding land near the airport.
Overall I had a good time in this city.
One last look before we flew through some clouds.
Flying through the clouds was not bumpy.
Dreadful weather really.
Fortunately the weather cleared up after flying for sometime.
Weather near Santiago was a lot better.
This is Santiago, SCL Airport! We had to fly past the airport to make a U-turn in order to land on runway 17R.
A closer look at the airport.
What I like about flying to Santiago is the beautiful mountain view surrounding the city.
At this point, we were getting ready to make the U-turn.
Upclose and personal with this mountain!
Beautiful view, isn't it?
We were lined up and on final approach onto runway 17R.
Closing into runway 17R.
We touched down smoothly, ahead of schedule.
Taxiing towards terminal 1.
It took about 3 minutes to reach our gate.
Fortunately we landed during off peak period, that's why the arrival was a quick one.
With that, we have reached our gate.
My flight summary
Welcome back to Santiago SCL Airport!
This was my first time arriving at this airport from terminal 1.
This is the airside of terminal 1.
Thanks for the ride, CC-BEK! This aircraft was to fly to Calama (CJC) next.
I headed for the baggage claim. What I like about flying on domestic flights, no immigration.
The baggage carousel
The arrival hall (landside)
A few photos of the arrival hall
After that I made my way outside, heading for the bus terminal.
One day, I like to stay at the airport hotel for a night.
The bus terminal is about 10 minutes away from the airport terminal.
As you can see how good the weather was on that day.
Almost there.
Here it is, do check out the bus routes first before purchasing the bus ticket.
I took this bus which directly takes me to my destination. It cost me 2,300 Chilean pesos. (S$3.31 and Euro $2.21)
The bus ticket
Hope you enjoy this trip report!
My ratings
Airline Website/Mobile App: 3/5
Check-in Experience (PMC): 4/5
Inflight Service: 4/5
Seat Comfort: 5/5
Inflight Entertainment: 4/5
Cabin Ambiance: 5/5
Seat Condition: 5/5
Cleanliness: 5/5
InFlight Meal/Beverage: 4/5
Punctuality: 5/5
Overall Rating: 44/50
Percentage: 88%
Conclusion
After my hiccup with Trip.com, my first after many bookings with this company, I am a bit cautious about using them. The overall service from them is disappointing, you simply don't leave your customer hanging . They are not aware that I am quite experience regarding air travel and after this incident, I might give others a chance for booking for airlines with website's issues. My first choice and recommendation is to book direct with the airline, any issues, the airlines will take care of you and so far for flights booking with 3rd parties, I was not able to earn miles with my frequent flyer program and that is another disadvantage. Secondly, the website didn't reflect on my paid upgrade for this sector. I felt panic because it started that I could only check in with a small bag and check-in luggage was not available for me, it was only after clarifying with the airline's agent that my upgraded class included the luggage and carry-on allowance. So this is something the airline can work on, to ensure that the website and mobile app provide the passenger with correct information.
I still had a couple of bookings with Trip.com after this flight, did I have issues with them? Stay tuned to find out.
Overall, I enjoyed both flights with the airline. The seat comfort may be similar to Jetsmart and Sky Airlines but at least this full cost carrier offers premium economy class cabin and complimentary snack with beverage on both regional and domestic flights.
Have a good one!
Charles
For my part 1 of my Chilean Domestic Flight Trip Report (SCL-PMC), click here
For my next trip report: Flying Jetsmart from Santiago to Concepcion on the airline's A320neo, click here
Did the airline's website give me trouble once again? Stay tuned for the trip report.
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