With continuous efforts to find the best Business Class fares among the airlines, I discovered a very good deal with Avianca from Mexico city to London Heathrow via Bogotá, Colombia. For only $1475 usd, so I booked it!
Using aeromexico miles, I was able to get to Mexico City a few hours before, but I needed to get from Terminal 2 to 1, never an easy thing. You have to collect your luggage and catch the train in an obscure location. I then had to go to very end of terminal 1 for Section F. Of course there was already a line and only 2 agents. I found a line with nobody in it and I thought it was for business class, but no, it was only for silver and gold star alliance members. Luckily I had silver status with United Airlines and was able to check in rather quickly. Avianca did not have a lounge, but I was able to use the very nice United Airlines one, although a bit tricky to find. Terminal 1 is a one long line of gates only on one side, so one can see why they need a new airport!
After a few hours wait, I’m ready to board and eventhough Avianca has group numbers, they chose to board several all at once. Getting on board the A320 and immediately saw the most disappointing business seats with 3 across each side and an armrest placed in the middle seat. These thin Recarro seats were terrible! To make matters worse we had a slight turbulence that was preventing anyone from the bathrooms and no cabin service. Finally after 2 hours I just went!
Cabin service was non existant and this supposedly business class which provided absolutely nothing free. Everything was for fee only! Now I’m nervous about the next 9+ hours flight to London! What did I book?
The flight was on time and glad to get off! Since I was transiting international, there was no need for immigration and my bag was already checked thru to the next flight. I find the Avianca lounge and spend the next few hours enjoying the area which had a decent food selection, beverages, dining area, lounge areas, and even a TV room to catch part of the Superbowl. The departure gate was nearby, so easy to get onto my next flight.
I arrived at the designated boarding time and they were delayed a bit while the crew sorted through the catering being brought on board. It was a bit strange to board through the first door, not the usual 2nd door behind business class, so the entire plane walked thru business class to get to their seats in the back!
However, it was a satisfactory Boeing 787 business class seats and provided the normal expected amenities provided by the airlines. It included the amenities kit, flat touch screen for movies and shows, but no internet was available, even for purchase. Meals were all served on one tray and full beverages service was offered. The attendants were all very pleasant and helpful during the course of the flight of 9 hours 15 minutes from Bogota to London Heathrow.
Once again light occasional turbulence but there was no strict enforcement of the seat belts like on the previous flight. Bathrooms were only in the front service area without the usually larger one I have seen on other 787 configurations. There was a gray sack provided which held a pillow, seat pad, and blanket for sleeping. The multiple positions seat was very nice including the adjustable lumbar support. Unfortunately, mine was a bit quirky and required service from the flight attendant to lay fully flat.
The late dinner choices included items selected from a Colombian chef, beef, chicken and vegetarian options. I choose the beef tenderloin slices which were very tough and served with mashed peas and another mixed vegetables. The salad was a beet salad and the appetizer of smoked trout was good, so I only ate that. Breakfast choices were a corn omelet and berry pancakes, my choice and were good. Served with mixed fruit and a yogurt parfait it was satisfying.
All in all I guess the cost savings would be worth it to fly avianca again, although I now would know what to expect and therefore lower my expectations.
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