In September 2019 it was announced that Delta would be buying a 20% stake in LATAM, and that the two airlines would be forming a joint venture.
Continue reading: Delta & LATAM Launch Reciprocal Frequent Flyer Benefits
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
LATAM is dead to me. They used to have a really nice first class soft product, but when that went away, my love for them did too.
If LATAM joins Skyteam they will be the first airline to have been member of all 3 alliances (TAM were in *A before)
@Lucky - Maybe I'm missing something here, but what about LATAM's Argentina operations? Will those also be wrapped up in the codeshare expansion? Do earn and burn opportunities exist there, too? Cuz Aerolineas Argentinas and their flying fax machines are...not optimal
To Bobby J, Latam has not invested in Argentina for more than 15 years, so it would be detrimental for Delta to switch partner. Latam has for domestic flights 13 A320 with a fleet age of 16,7 years, Aerolineas for the same market + some regional flights has 43 B737 with a fleet age of 6,7 + 26 E190 with a fleet age of 8,3. It is true that Aerolineas has its quirks, particularly with union issues but there is no doubt regarding whom you would prefer to partner in Argentina for the domestic market nowadays.
Carlos
I disagree. It is not just the hard product, the soft product of AR is awful. Also the earnings rates on AR crediting to Delta or vice versa are just useless.
Giving the new low cost options in the country I would say it is better to not have any partner for intra Argentina flights. And Latam can serve the entire south america, so that is points for them.
@Ryan: OK. Enjoy flying GOL and American First to South America, I guess.
Or not fly to South America at all because the destination is serviced by none of your fancy First carriers fly there (and to 75% of the world).
I just thought about this. You’ve done hundreds and hundreds of airplane and seat reviews. But if we stay on the ground for moths and with all these service changes and possible plane and seat configuration changed occurring.... you might have to start all over lol.
It looks like the Aeromexico and China Eastern trick (getting 40% of distance flown for MQDs) is possible with LATAM but only on the most expensive business-class airfares, not all business-class. That stinks.
Right now Delta is dead broke. I don't know how they can afford to buying 20% stake of LATAM. Let's see how things will turn out in the next few months.
Finally Delta has moved to T3 at GRU. It was the only of the US airlines and one of the only international airlines operating from T2 which is a dump. T3 was built brand new for the World Cup in 2014 and it is the only thing that is kind of pleasant to see at the GRU airport.