Latam Black Signature update
Mar 5, 2017, 12:53 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2015
Programs: Latam Black Signature
Posts: 40
Latam Black Signature update
I have been Black Signature for around 3 months now and to me it is a big change from being just Black.
Not only the priority for upgrades makes getting them much easier, but the level of service and attention, including a special van in GRU when deplaning by bus, special services crew helping in all the processes (baggage pictures to locate them if missing, help thru security in MIA, introduction from S. Serv to the cabin crew, upgrades at check-in even in low space flights, whatsapp fast support for check-in, etc...). Any other Black Signature out there with similar (or different) experiences?
Not only the priority for upgrades makes getting them much easier, but the level of service and attention, including a special van in GRU when deplaning by bus, special services crew helping in all the processes (baggage pictures to locate them if missing, help thru security in MIA, introduction from S. Serv to the cabin crew, upgrades at check-in even in low space flights, whatsapp fast support for check-in, etc...). Any other Black Signature out there with similar (or different) experiences?
Mar 6, 2017, 3:36 pm
#2
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: USA
Programs: LATAM Black / IHG Platinum / Avis Preferred Plus
Posts: 42
Sounds good, but that is the standard service for cathay pacific for being Latam Black - Emeral OW
I do not have any incentive to spend more travelling with them to reach that point unless necessary, i have already started moving away OW to Skyteam.
I do not have any incentive to spend more travelling with them to reach that point unless necessary, i have already started moving away OW to Skyteam.
Oct 15, 2017, 8:44 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2015
Programs: Latam Black Signature
Posts: 40
Update
At least in the routes I am flying, if you are not BlacK Signature, your upgrade chances are getting slimmer and slimmer.
Last week flying from Mexico I was out of luck up until 1 h before the flight. For Tuesday, see the list.
Black Signature is becoming a must if you want upgrade certainty.
Last week flying from Mexico I was out of luck up until 1 h before the flight. For Tuesday, see the list.
Black Signature is becoming a must if you want upgrade certainty.
Oct 16, 2017, 7:20 am
#4
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: SCL
Programs: LH FTL, LATAM Platinum, KL Silver, UA Premier Silver
Posts: 121
IMHO, especially the turnover threshold is hard to reach, even with the sufficient "special segments" and a couple of intercontinental trips to your name.
Nowadays, Black Signature are basically supposed to fly premium cabin all the way, if they want to maintain the status.
Oct 16, 2017, 8:08 am
#5
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Santiago
Programs: LATAM Black
Posts: 72
I have flown SCL-MEX several times in the last couple of years and have always been upgraded, even though I am "just" Black. Same goes for SCL-MAD and most other routes.
For me it is mostly SCL-AEP, SCL-GIG and SCL-GRU where the upg does not result. And mostly not because of Black Signature UPG requests, but because prem eco is completely sold out.
I don't think I have ever seen more than 2 signatures on the upgrade list.
For me it is mostly SCL-AEP, SCL-GIG and SCL-GRU where the upg does not result. And mostly not because of Black Signature UPG requests, but because prem eco is completely sold out.
I don't think I have ever seen more than 2 signatures on the upgrade list.
Oct 16, 2017, 9:01 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2015
Programs: Latam Black Signature
Posts: 40
In the flight for LIM tomorrow, two Black Signature, and 11 Black now. For 2 seats. I know that it is unusual to have more than 3 B. Signature, but it happens, as you see above.
I agree with @SenSCL, it is not easy to requalify for Black Signature if you do not fly Premium. I have flown a lot this year, and even with that, it will be a close call...
I agree with @SenSCL, it is not easy to requalify for Black Signature if you do not fly Premium. I have flown a lot this year, and even with that, it will be a close call...
Oct 16, 2017, 11:40 am
#7
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: SCL
Programs: LH FTL, LATAM Platinum, KL Silver, UA Premier Silver
Posts: 121
However, I have had it a couple of times that there is more seats opening up at the very last minute (more likely in planes with proper C though). Actually, the majority of my upgrades still clears at the airport and only now and then at -12 h.
Oct 16, 2017, 11:52 am
#8
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: SCL
Programs: LH FTL, LATAM Platinum, KL Silver, UA Premier Silver
Posts: 121
I have flown SCL-MEX several times in the last couple of years and have always been upgraded, even though I am "just" Black. Same goes for SCL-MAD and most other routes.
For me it is mostly SCL-AEP, SCL-GIG and SCL-GRU where the upg does not result. And mostly not because of Black Signature UPG requests, but because prem eco is completely sold out.
For me it is mostly SCL-AEP, SCL-GIG and SCL-GRU where the upg does not result. And mostly not because of Black Signature UPG requests, but because prem eco is completely sold out.
Of course, the Y+ cabin is particularly tiny and hence fills up easily.
"Competition" on the shorter sectors in Y+ and C also tends to be higher, because
a) this is LATAM's home market with higher "elite density" and
b) these flights are a good opportunity to burn your companion vouchers (6 don't get you too far, when travelling longhaul with a family), especially when operated with the 787 (yes, I know LATAM's C is not state-of-the-art, but I still like it).
Oct 17, 2017, 7:09 am
#9
Join Date: Mar 2014
Programs: LATAM Gold, IHG Gold Ambassador
Posts: 55
In the flight for LIM tomorrow, two Black Signature, and 11 Black now. For 2 seats. I know that it is unusual to have more than 3 B. Signature, but it happens, as you see above.
I agree with @SenSCL, it is not easy to requalify for Black Signature if you do not fly Premium. I have flown a lot this year, and even with that, it will be a close call...
I agree with @SenSCL, it is not easy to requalify for Black Signature if you do not fly Premium. I have flown a lot this year, and even with that, it will be a close call...
1- (and most obvious) it's going to LIM, tons of elite pax flying there for biz
2- the next leg of that flight goes to NYC, same as 1
3- it's a 787
I've been doing SCL-LIM a couple times (as a Gold) and never saw that many people trying to get an upg, it's just crazy! ... not even SCL-MAD is that difficult.
Oct 22, 2017, 9:19 am
#11
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: SCL
Programs: BA Gold, LATAM Black
Posts: 115
Here is the upgrade list from my flight SCL-GRU. Five Black Signatures are ahead 
Never seen it before, usually I've seen a couple of them only in the list. I would agree with SenSCL here. This is probably the last year when we observe B.Signatures in such amount asking for an upgrade. Given the new qualification rules, in order to get into B.Signature one has to fly Premium pretty much all the time.
Never seen it before, usually I've seen a couple of them only in the list. I would agree with SenSCL here. This is probably the last year when we observe B.Signatures in such amount asking for an upgrade. Given the new qualification rules, in order to get into B.Signature one has to fly Premium pretty much all the time.
Oct 24, 2017, 6:30 pm
#14
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: MAD
Programs: LATAM Black Signature, Aeromexico Club Premier Titanium, ConnectMiles Gold
Posts: 13
LA703 MAD - GRU plenty of space
Hi,
On LA703 MAD-GRU last night (Monday night flight, arriving GRU Tuesday morning) there were only 3 or 4 on the upgrade list (1 Black Signature). After the upgrades, there were still some 7-8 empty seats.
On LA703 MAD-GRU last night (Monday night flight, arriving GRU Tuesday morning) there were only 3 or 4 on the upgrade list (1 Black Signature). After the upgrades, there were still some 7-8 empty seats.
Oct 24, 2017, 6:46 pm
#15
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: MAD
Programs: LATAM Black Signature, Aeromexico Club Premier Titanium, ConnectMiles Gold
Posts: 13
Their current policy + you need to ask for the upgrade is very strange. Who does not want an upgrade?
I believe the procedures of AM and CM make more sense; automatic upgrades X hours before flight based on FF status level and then fare level.