I've recently taken some LATAM Brazil (formerly TAM) flights (not entirely a pleasure in their long-haul economy cabin). The miles have now started posting, but without Elite bonus.

I spent over an our with AAdvantage arguing with an agent and her supervisor. Their argument is that because LATAM still uses different airline codes for pmLAN and pmTAM, they are sticking to the pre-merger credit rules (which are listed in the airlines section).

My argument is this:

1. On https://www.americanairlines.co.uk/i...p#mileagebonus , AA states unequivocally that "Elite status members earn additional bonus miles on base flight miles earned when traveling with:... LATAM". No ifs, no buts, no "except for flight numbers..."

2. The name TAM ceased to exist on 22 June 2012, when it became LATAM Brasil. My flight was bought from the LATAM website, my ticket confirmation had the LATAM logo on it, and from start to finish of my flight, the airline referred to itself as LATAM.

3. The fact that the merger has not yet been tidied up with a single airline code does not, in my view, absolve AA from its clear written promise to pay out an Elite bonus. Back-office inconsistencies on the side of the airlines should not be turned into my problem.

Has anybody else tried to fight this? I find this misleading advertising on AA's side unacceptable, and I want my bonus miles.