It seems like every time I scroll through TikTok or YouTube, I see someone living it up in first class. From the champagne before takeoff to the lie-flat beds and luxury amenity kits, the world of first-class travel is an alluring, distant dream. As a twenty-something trying to balance saving for a house, paying off my car, and squeezing every bit of value out of my travel budget, first class remains just that—a dream.
Enter LATAM's "Extra Leg Room" seats, sometimes known as "LATAM+." These seats are the perfect solution for travelers like me who desire a touch of added comfort without the hefty price tag of first class. Recently, I decided to splurge on these seats for my trip from Los Angeles to Lima. Join me as I review Extra Leg Room seats with LATAM.
LATAM Extra Leg Room: A Worthy Investment?
The Plane:
For my 8-hour flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Lima (LIM), I was on LATAM's Boeing 787 Dreamliner. This aircraft is known for its state-of-the-art amenities, including larger windows, better air quality, and quieter cabins. The plane is configured with 30 Premium Business seats, 57 Extra Leg Room seats, and 232 Economy seats. Each seat comes equipped with personal entertainment screens, USB ports, and power outlets. The modern design and mood lighting of the Dreamliner significantly enhanced the travel experience.
First class vs. economy cabins on LATAM
Seat:
The primary allure of the Extra Leg Room seats is, unsurprisingly, the additional legroom. On the Dreamliner, there was only one row of these seats on the plane which were located at the bulkhead between first class and the economy cabin. While I didn’t have a tape measure on hand, the extra space was immediately noticeable. I had ample room to fully extend my legs and move about without bothering my neighbor. The legroom in these seats is similar to that of the first row of a domestic First Class seat, or a bulkhead seat on most international flights.
One drawback to these seats is the FAA requirement that all bulkhead seats must stow their luggage in the overhead bin for takeoff and landing. The good news is that this allows passengers to maximize the leg space of the seat but at the inconvenience of having all personal items stowed. I found that having a small, gallon size bag of essentials to tuck into the pocked affixed to the bulkhead wall was sufficient for my needs, although I don't require much in the way of entertainment on planes.
Additionally, due to the positioning of the in-flight entertainment system in each seat's armrest, the armrests are immovable and slightly restrict the seat width. This may be bothersome to passengers with wider hips.
In-Flight Entertainment:
Both Extra Leg Room/LATAM+ and Economy passengers have access to the same high-quality in-flight entertainment system. LATAM offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, music, and games, all available on a personal screen. The real difference lies in location of the screens. As with most bulkhead seats across all airlines, the in-flight entertainment system for these seats is located in the arm rest and must be stowed for take-off and landing.
Meal/Snack Service:
There is no discernable difference in meal service between the Extra Leg Room and regular economy seats during international flights. Passengers pick from the same selection of two meal choices, along with complimentary soft drinks or alcoholic beverages. These seats at the front of the economy cabin receive the first choice in meal selection. This priority service contributes to a feeling of added value and comfort. On my flight, the meal service was prompt and efficient, with flight attendants attending to Extra Leg Room passengers first. That said, meals were mediocre and typically included a choice between meat (beef or chicken) or a vegetarian option (pasta).
I did notice that compared to other international carriers, LATAM seemed a little stingy on water service as it was only offered during the two meal services on this 8 hour flight. Additional water was available from flight attendants in the gally as needed.
Pasta (Vegetarian) and Chicken meals are served in-flight in LATAM's Economy Cabin.
Other Extras:
LATAM also offers priority boarding and disembarkation for Extra Leg Room passengers. Early boarding allows you to settle in without the rush, and early disembarkation helps you get on your way faster upon arrival. Dedicated overhead bin space ensures your carry-on luggage is easily accessible throughout the flight. While leaving Lima, I had the added pleasure of being randomly selected for a publicly humiliating full search of my carry-on bags in front of the full gate of passengers. This allowed me to be the first person on the plane and the most embarrassed 28-year-old that still travels with a stuffed animal.
Price:
A round-trip Extra Leg Room seat on the Los Angeles to Lima route typically costs around $100 more than a standard Economy ticket. Compared to the steep prices of Premium Business, this upgrade seems reasonably priced for the additional comfort and perks.
So… Is It Worth It?
In my opinion, the extra $100 for an Extra Leg Room seat on LATAM is a worthwhile investment. The additional legroom, priority services, and quick debarkation make for a significantly more comfortable journey, especially on long-haul flights. For me, the added comfort during the flight—knowing I’ll arrive at my destination feeling more rested and less cramped—justifies the cost.
While Extra Leg Room seats may not provide the luxury of first class, they offer a valuable middle ground for travelers seeking more comfort without a prohibitive cost. If you're flying LATAM on a long-haul route, I recommend considering the upgrade to Extra Leg Room. It’s a small splurge that can make a big difference in your travel experience.