MikeNYC1

Yes, the SC in SCL truly is awful.

On the flip side, the AMEX Centurion Lounge in EZE is pretty serviceable.

Weekend Away

The AJC articles seems to point at that being a possibility, but I'd think of it as more a RDU, BNA, or AUS than a hub. But only time will tell.

BenA

SCL is undergoing a giant renovation that will result in the entire existing terminal closing, including the existing SkyClub. There is already slated to be a shared SkyTeam lounge in the new terminal, but this may change the lounge plans somewhat depending on what LATAM does...

runningformqm

truly shocked this was kept quiet. no rumors here or on airliners.net. really hoping for slc-scl, for the most confusing airport code route pair

will miss the short haul avios redemptions on latam though

MSPeconomist

I doubt it. DL terminated the DTW-GRU and vv nonstop route a couple years ago, after reducing the frequency (days per week) several times. It's hard to imagine DL restarting that route or branching to smaller airports from DTW nonstop.

N830MH

I doubt DL will add more specific new routes from MIA. They can start more nonstop from MIA-RDU/SEA/AUS/MCO/JAX/TPA/CMH/ORD and a few other routes, as well.

I bet LATAM will leaves Oneworld Alliance. Move to SkyTeam alliance.

I think LATAM still have 10x A350-1000 on order. Probably they will delivery A350 to Delta.

SDQBound

My main issue is not the AA flights to/from South America but the domestic connection from MIA or DFW to DCA.

Sonny84

I don't think so.
As far as I know.. The US cities more visited for south Americans are Miami and NY.
Where AA has hubs.

With Delta they will must get to Atlanta first.
Bad news for SOA people.

rucksack

DL also has hubs in NYC, so that's a wash. I'm sure Delta will add service to Latin America from Atlanta, but they've be foolish not to keep a lot of the existing LatAm routes to Miami simply for O/D traffic.

BenA

Sweet, Easter Island now will be accessible via SkyMiles!

I have to say that my limited experience with LATAM this year on a short haul SCL-MDZ flight this year was pretty lousy - the TAM aircraft that operated it was in pretty poor shape inside, and the at-the-gate experience was chaotic and poorly managed. Hopefully DL can offer a lot of operational advice to help them grow into a top tier airline.

Hopefully the AM partnership doesn't suffer as a result of this. I think they largely serve different markets, but AM's long haul flights into deep South America are one of my favorite partner journeys, and I hope those remain options alongside LATAM's flights.

Duke787

We just flew them a couple weeks ago on AEP - BRC, BRC - AEP - MDZ, and MDZ - SCL.

Nothing remarkable but perfectly reasonable for domestic flights and the A320 is comfortable. We got exit rows for free on all but one flight and they had plenty of room. One flight we had regular Y and it was definitely on the tighter side but tolerable for a 2 hour flight. All but one bird was still in LAN Argentina livery (MDZ - SCL had LATAM livery).

Also flew them last year on SYD - AKL in J (reasonably priced on the 787) and seats and service was nice for the short flight.

SCL lounge could use improvement -- bigger challenge is just having edible food in that terminal, it's bleak overall.

NOLAnwGOLD

So this is from oneworld:
https://www.oneworld.com/news/2019-0...ement-on-LATAM

oneworld statement on LATAM

26 SEPTEMBER 2019
LATAM advised oneworld earlier today of their decision to partner with an airline outside of the oneworld alliance. LATAM further advised oneworld that they intend to leave the alliance in due course and in accordance with formal contractual requirements. We are disappointed, but we respect their decision. They have been a valued long-term member of the alliance, and we wish them well.

Our priority at this time is to our customers and while LATAM remains a member of oneworld, the full customer benefits will continue to be delivered. As the transition continues, we will work to ensure a seamless experience for our customers.

oneworld remains a strong coalition of high-quality airlines. There has been significant progress in member airlines deepening their bilateral relationships, as evidenced by the recent regulatory approval of the American Airlines and Qantas joint business.



Someone on the AA forum stated it's a 12 month lead time to leave OW (Aer Lingus announced May 30 2006 and left May 31 2007). I assume DL/LATAM will forge an earlier bilateral FF agreement so that there are some benefits ASAP and then they'll solidify when they formally join ST.

CPMaverick

Not only that, but ATL-SCL-IPC-PPT-LAX-ATL is now possible with Skymiles... what a fun itinerary that would be, if they don't charge a fortune for it!

Great Circle Mapper

I would be surprised if they ever join ST. Has there been any indication they will?

rylan

Well if LATAM leaves OneWorld by end of next year (or Oct 1 2020 if it is indeed a 12mo notice period), does that mean we have to wait until then for benefits? Or can DL set up an agreement so we can start earning miles/mqm prior to that?

I think they would basically have to join ST, for the codeshare and flight booking arrangements. Otherwise it'll be a mess trying to book DL domestic connecting to LATAM, or LATAM for intra-south america with DL flights intl.

exwannabe

They do not need to be in ST to have a partnership arrangement that covers miles, codeshares or even profit sharing. It likely would take a year or so anyway, so do not get your hopes up.

They can easily establish an interline agreement if they do not already have one. That would allow you to buy a single ticket but the miles would be split.

I am guessing they will not talk about ST until they have a chance to run it by all the members. It is the least important part of the deal though.