Questions and Answers

I think it might be interesting for Ben to take a look at the newest changes in LATAM FF program. It’s worth doing that, because this is truly mind blowing and it might set up a new precedent for many others on the market:

[URL]https://www.latam.com/en_us/latam-pass/about-the-program/become-an-elite-member-2019/[/URL]

In nutshell, as of 2019 for elite qualification there is only ONE criteria left – money. No elite mile, no segments anymore. Just plain cash spend on flights. Moreover, the new rules substantially discourage international travelers ! The threshold for reaching OW Emerald status has probably become one of the most expensive on the market. Take a look at the corresponding discussion on FlyerTalk forum:

[URL]https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/latam-latam-pass-latam-fidelidade/1933961-new-elite-qualification-rules-2019-a.html[/URL]

Just one comment from that thread, which is quite characteristic:

“..No doubt it is the mid-tier elites who are taking the biggest hit! Increasing the Black threshold by almost 70% and expecting that you spend close to the average Chilean GDP per capita on flights with basically one carrier, who have decided to continue their race to the bottom service and amenity wise, is just INSANE !”