Good day from Bolivia! Final evening a dream got here true for me — I flew Boliviana de Aviacion’s Airbus A330 enterprise class, on the 6hr10min in a single day flight from Miami (MIA) to Santa Cruz de la Sierra (VVI).
That is in all probability the “random” airline that I’ve been most eager to attempt for a very long time, and I’m so completely satisfied I lastly had the possibility. Nearly each time I fly into my house airport of Miami, I see the Boliviana de Aviacion A330 parked there (the airplane sits on the bottom for 16+ hours per day), and need I might fly it.
Right here’s the factor, although. I assume I shouldn’t be terribly shocked, however the entire expertise was a bit anticlimactic. There have been a few features of the flight that exceeded my expectations, however for probably the most half, it was a fairly no frills expertise.
With that in thoughts, I wished to share some preliminary ideas on the expertise, after which quickly I’ll have a full journey report.
Boliviana de Aviacion’s enterprise class pricing is engaging
Usually after I overview first and enterprise class merchandise, it’s laborious to asses worth, given the outrageously excessive value of so many flights, and the way pricing can differ primarily based on once you guide, the market you’re flying in, and so forth.
I’ve to provide Boliviana de Aviacion credit score for maybe having among the many greatest enterprise class pricing of any airline. The airline repeatedly prices round $700 to fly between Miami and Santa Cruz de la Sierra, which is an extremely good worth. The service’s different lengthy haul route is to Madrid, and that’s additionally usually priced fairly.
So let me simply say it upfront — the worth of flying with Boliviana de Aviacion is phenomenal, so I’d completely suggest the airline primarily based on that. Simply do not forget that it’s important to guide by an internet journey company, because the airline doesn’t take enterprise class bookings immediately (for no matter purpose).
Boliviana de Aviacion’s A330 cabin is tremendous cozy
Boliviana de Aviacion’s lengthy haul fleet consists of two former Virgin Australia Airbus A330s. OMG, what a wonderful and comfortable cabin that is. It consists of 20 reverse herringbone seats, unfold throughout 5 rows, in a 1-2-1 configuration.
What makes this cabin even higher for sleeping is the wonderful bedding. Every enterprise class passenger will get two plush, thick pillows, plus an excellent cozy blanket. I’m not kidding after I say that I feel Boliviana de Aviacion may need the world’s second greatest enterprise class bedding, after United.
Enterprise class is primarily in regards to the seat and about with the ability to get relaxation, and that’s an space the place Boliviana de Aviacion excels. To have the ability to get such a cushty cocoon at an affordable value is superior.
Relating to leisure, I’d suggest bringing your personal. The airline doesn’t have Wi-Fi, and whereas there was a private leisure system, there have been a complete of some dozen motion pictures, plus the same variety of TV exhibits.
Boliviana de Aviacion’s enterprise class catering shouldn’t be nice
So, what was service like on this 6hr10min flight? Dinner was served after takeoff, with the selection of salmon with white rice and sautéed greens, or hen sous-chef (there have been no menus, however that’s the way it was described).
Oddly the meal was served with plastic wrap nonetheless on, and the amount of meals was definitely fairly beneficiant. Along with the primary course, there was a fairly inventive facet salad, two sorts of primary cheese, and a few strawberry cheesecake.
Then earlier than touchdown, breakfast was served. Properly, kind of. This consisted of some turkey sandwiches, plus a small choice of fruit. Truthfully, this nearly appeared pointless, given the brief size of the flight, plus most individuals simply eager to sleep.
I’m certain everyone seems to be questioning what classic of Dom Perignon the airline is serving. 😉 So far as wine goes, the airline was serving a single white and purple wine (from DUO), whereas the glowing wine was Altosama Demi Sec. There was additionally a primary choice of liquor (in minis), plus tender drinks, espresso, and tea.
After I tried to order espresso with milk, I used to be knowledgeable they don’t even have milk, however reasonably simply powdered creamer. Okay…
Boliviana de Aviacion’s enterprise class service was a combined bag
I discovered the crew on Boliviana de Aviacion to be pleasant, however maybe not all that nicely skilled, together with with premium service.
For instance, the crew gave a beautiful welcome to every passenger, and even provided pre-departure drinks of selection. I had a few glasses of white wine earlier than takeoff, which helped with with the ability to sleep in a while. 😉
However then the service was a bit unusual. The crew didn’t seem within the cabin as soon as for the primary hour. Then 75 minutes after takeoff, they lastly rolled carts down the aisle to serve dinner and drinks. On such a brief flight, you’d suppose they may get these out extra shortly. It appears to me like they solely turned on the ovens nicely after takeoff, which could clarify why.
The crew went by the motions, however there was nothing in the way in which of proactive service. After I wakened, I requested if I might please have a espresso. That ended up being served about half-hour later, after I had been introduced with the breakfast.
In addition they appeared to lack a little bit of consideration to element in terms of security. For instance, on my aisle the crew didn’t do any security test earlier than touchdown, and I nonetheless had glassware at my seat once we touched down.
For that matter, the pilots saved the seatbelt signal on your entire flight, so individuals had been up till the gear got here out. The crew additionally used the empty enterprise class seats to nap, which doesn’t hassle me, however remains to be usually reflective of a service’s service degree and strictness.
What was the group like onboard the flight?
I used to be very curious to see what sorts of individuals had been on this flight, as Boliviana de Aviacion typically operates the Miami to Santa Cruz de la Sierra route as much as two occasions day by day. Miami clearly has a large Hispanic inhabitants, however in all of the years I’ve lived in Miami, I can depend on one hand the variety of Bolivians I’ve met.
So I used to be curious who was taking this flight? Are there a bunch of Bolivians in Miami visiting household? Are American vacationers heading to Bolivia? Properly, primarily based on what I noticed, neither of these are the case.
A overwhelming majority of passengers gave the impression to be connecting internationally, to both Buenos Aires (EZE) or Sao Paulo (GRU), as most passengers obtained within the worldwide transit line upon arrival. So the airline is clearly attempting to capitalize on its geography and low value construction to have the ability to undercut the competitors between Miami and Argentina and Brazil, for probably the most value aware vacationers.
Backside line
I lastly had the possibility to fly Boliviana de Aviacion. My takeaway is finally that the airline presents very comfy enterprise class seats with prime notch bedding, and really engaging pricing.
If the airline is working in a market you’re enthusiastic about flying in, I completely wouldn’t hesitate to fly with the airline once more. Between the seat and the bedding, this is without doubt one of the extra comfy enterprise class merchandise I’ve flown, particularly amongst pretty unknown airways.
Simply mood your expectations in terms of the service, meals, and facilities. And that’s truthful sufficient, frankly, given how little the airline is charging.
What’s your tackle Boliviana de Aviacion’s A330 enterprise class?
