Thursday, January 17, 2013

Peruvian Vacay: My Experience with TAM Brazilian Airlines
 [TAM] JJ 8081 JFK-GRU (New York/JFK->São Paulo/Guarulhos) trip report
 [탐항공] JJ 8081 뉴욕/JFK->상파울루/과룰류스 탑승기

The Magic Carpet Ride to Brazil!

JJ 8081 JFK-GRU (New York/JFK->São Paulo/Guarulhos)
DEP 17:30 JFK 16 JAN 2013
ARR 05:20 GRU 16 JAN 2013
Flight Duration: 9:50
Aircraft: B777-300ER

It was my second time visiting Peru this winter. The first time was with American Airlines and LAN Airlines with transfer in Miami Airport.  This time, I decided to take advantage of the low prices TAM was offering and the connection in Sao Paulo which would enable me to hang out with my friends in Sao Paulo. TAM is the main carrier of Brazil (but slowly losing identity as such). Since TAM was still in Star Alliance in 2013, I was able to gain miles in Krisflyer by flying TAM. 
I headed for JFK airport Wednesday afternoon at around 14:00. The flight was scheduled to leave at 17:30 from T4. There was a huge traffic on the Van Wyck Expressway which got me nervous, but I was able to make it in time. 


The departures floor of JFK T4 which was busy at that time.


TAM counter was located in counter group #4.

The check-in was divided into two flights; São Paulo-bound and Rio de Janeiro-bound.

São Paulo-bound flight check-in line


I have arrived at Concourse A at around 16:00.

Emirates A380 and Singapore B77W were parked to the end of the concourse.

And I see my magic carpet ride, TAM B77W


In the waiting area were passengers for my flight and the Virgin Atlantic flight bound for London.

The boarding time finally came around 16:40!

My heart was beating in excitement. I love the walk down the boarding bridge.

The seat layout for B777-300ER was 3-4-3 in economy class. The seats were pretty comfortable.

The entertainment system for each seats.

Cabin scene.



An hour and half after take-off the flight attendants started serving dinner.

Those breads looked delicious! 

The meals on TAM flights are served on these plastic dishes. The meals weren't too bad.

For breakfast was omelette, sausage, hash browns, croissants, and fruits.

Brazil was visible down below.

And the plane landed on schedule at local time 5:30AM.

Taxing toward Terminal 2.

Terminal 2 Gate 27

Terminal 2 of GRU was an old and outdated terminal. I am glad Terminal 3 is open nowdays!

Night out with friends that day


If you want to check out Korean Air KE 061 flight from LAX to GRU, click HERE