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LATAM

LATAM is the flag carrier of Chile and the largest airline in South America, with subsidiary companies located in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Peru. Headquartered in Santiago, Chile, it began operating under the name LATAM in 2012 after a merger between the Chilean airline LAN and the Brazilian carrier TAM. It operates routes all over Latin America, as well as 17 destinations across the United States. It offers competitively priced business class fares, making it a popular choice for frequent travelers to South America. However, because LATAM is not currently part of any major airline alliance, it can be harder to accrue mileage points and rewards.

by Business Traveler

October 01, 2022

Where does LATAM fly?

LATAM has four main hubs it operates out of - The Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport in Santiago, El Dorado International Airport in Bogota, Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima, and Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport. While primarily focused on South America, LATAM’s 140 global destinations include options in Europe, Australia and the United States. Currently, the airline's only U.S destinations are Boston, New York and Los Angeles. LATAM conducts roughly 1,200 flights daily and has approximately 300 aircraft in its fleet.

FAQ

What is the LATAM Pass?

LATAM Pass is the frequent flyer program for LATAM, and it’s free to join. Whereas points are primarily earned by flying with LATAM, they can also be acquired by spending nights in certain hotels, such as Hyatt and Starwood, or by booking car rentals. Unlike other loyalty programmes, you can’t earn miles by spending with selected credit cards.

Points can be redeemed in several ways, including on airfare, cabin upgrades or holiday services. However, as with most frequent flyer programmes, buying flights generally represents the best value for money.

Passengers who spend enough time in the air with LATAM can gain elite status. This is done in one of two ways, either by flying a certain number of qualifying segments, or racking up qualifying points, which can only be earned by spending money on airfare with LATAM. There are five tiers to the elite status, each providing progressively better perks and benefits, such as free upgrades and lounge access.

Gold Level - 15,000 qualifying points or 20 segments

 Seat selection
 Priority boarding
 Priority baggage on international flights
 Courtesy upgrades with coupons
 33% more miles earned

Gold Plus - 30,000 qualifying points or 35 segments

 All the benefits of Gold
 Domestic flights moved forward or postponed within the same day
 67% more miles earned

Platinum - 40,000 qualifying points or 45 qualifying segments

 All the benefits of Gold Plus
 LATAM + seat
 LATAM and partner airline lounges
 Extra checked bag
 Preferential service from the call centre
 133% more miles earned

Black - 75,000 qualifying points or 75 qualifying segments

 All the benefits of Platinum
 Preferential support at airports
 International flights moved forward or postponed within the same day
 Exclusive events and pre-sales
 167% more miles earned

Black Signature - 160,000 qualifying points or 120 qualifying segments

 All the benefits of Black
 Priority check-in for a companion
 Executive airport services
 200% more miles earned

What are LATAM's ticketing options?

LATAM has three different types of fare available:

Economy

 Last to board
 Standard seating
 Free entertainment on 12-inch screens
 Free food on flights longer than 7 hours

Economy has four booking categories:

Basic:
 Carry on only
 No miles earned
Light:
 Carry on only
 Miles earned
Plus:
 One carry-on
 Between one and two checked-in bags
 Miles earned
 Choose seat
Top:
 One carry-on
 Between one and two checked-in bags
 Miles earned
 Choose seat
 Allow changes

Premium Economy

 Carry-on
 2-3 checked-in bags (depending on flight)
 Priority boarding
 Priority check-in
 Access to VIP LATAM lounge within Latin America
 More comfortable seats
 Premium menu options

Premium Business

 Carry-on
 2-3 checked-in bags (depending on flight)
 Priority boarding
 Priority check-in
 Access to VIP LATAM lounge
 180 reclinable seats
 Restaurant quality food
 Amenity kit

What are LATAM's baggage fees?

All passengers are allowed to bring one personal item and one carry-on as standard. Premium economy and premium business passengers can also bring 2-3 checked-in bags. Weight limitations are between 23-32kg, depending on the route.

Charges for additional, overweight or oversized bags are listed below:

Flights within South America
 Overweight bag (23-32kg): $100
 Overweight bag (32-45kg): $200
 Oversized bag: $75
 Extra cabin bag: $70

Flights between South America and Central America / Caribbean
 Overweight bag (23-32kg): $100
 Overweight bag (32-45kg): $200
 Oversized bag: $125
 Extra cabin bag: $70

Flights within Oceania
 Overweight bag (23-32kg): $75
 Overweight bag (32-45kg): $150
 Oversized bag: $125
 Extra cabin bag: $70

Other international flights
 Overweight bag (23-32kg): $100
 Overweight bag (32-45kg): $200
 Oversized bag: $125
 Extra cabin bag: $70-$200