Originally Posted by gemini573
I never knew what the difference was between LAN Peru/Ecuador. When I check in at LAX, it's always the LAN counter. Never had I seen LAN Peru. Plus, they all use LAN metal. The only difference is the flight code.
But in terms of getting miles credited, there is a difference. LA coded flights get credited much faster than LP coded flights. On two occasions, I had to send my boarding pass and receipt to AAdvantage to get the mileage credited from LP.
Ownership and other difference.
LAN Peru is a fully-owned subsidiary. All long-haul flights are operated by LAN Chile with a LAN Peru code and often with a LA* code as well.
LAN Ecuador is not fully owned. All flights operate only with an XL* code with LAN Ecuador essentially wet-leasing the planes from LAN Chile.
LAN Argentina is the most independent. It can
only use designated LAN Argentina planes, even though the exterior livery is the same as the others.