Platinum UPG Priority changes
Aug 6, 2019 | 4:01 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 163
Platinum UPG Priority changes
Just saw at Ingeniero de Millas that paid "Oferta Upgrade" (the new offer to bid for an upgrade) has more priority than Platinum. Before, it was above Gold, and before Platinum. So now only Black/Black Signature is above this paid option.
From Latam Website:
- Black Signature
- Black
- Oferta upgrade
- Platinum
- Gold
- Socios sin status
*Black Signature y Black tienen ms prioridad que Opcin Upgrade.
Last edited by dbasulto; Aug 6, 2019 at 4:02 pm Reason: add priority order
Aug 6, 2019 | 5:27 pm
#2
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: SCL
Programs: LH Lifetime FTL, LATAM Platinum, Volare Executive, KL and UA Basic tiers
Posts: 165
Wow! LATAM really seems to be writing a textbook on how to wreck a frequent flyer programme altogether!
Almost more shocking and annoying than the announcement itself (basically, quod erat demonstrandum), its the sneakiness and complete intransparency of their communication which I find downright miserable towards their paying customers.
Of course, with the zillions of Blacks losing status by April 2020 (myself included) with little to no chance for recovery, they need to fix Platinum, so that its not too comfortable. Hence, downgrading the priority of their Platinum members comes handy.
Lets face it! LATAM gives a s*** about your loyalty, but rather welcomes opportunistic shoppers and anyone ready to play the ancillary revenue game (lets not speak about the new Basic domestic fares... what a sad, reactionary move again). Its just a matter of time before the upgrade bidders will climb to an even higher step of the ladder. Why giving out something for free (at least, thats LATAMs myopic view), if there is enough people ready to pay for it, so that they can indulge into the luxury of their premium cabins?
Airline business is no charity, but LATAM is greatly overdoing it cost and privilege cutting wise.
Just have to find myself a new OW home for the future. Any ideas?
Almost more shocking and annoying than the announcement itself (basically, quod erat demonstrandum), its the sneakiness and complete intransparency of their communication which I find downright miserable towards their paying customers.
Of course, with the zillions of Blacks losing status by April 2020 (myself included) with little to no chance for recovery, they need to fix Platinum, so that its not too comfortable. Hence, downgrading the priority of their Platinum members comes handy.
Lets face it! LATAM gives a s*** about your loyalty, but rather welcomes opportunistic shoppers and anyone ready to play the ancillary revenue game (lets not speak about the new Basic domestic fares... what a sad, reactionary move again). Its just a matter of time before the upgrade bidders will climb to an even higher step of the ladder. Why giving out something for free (at least, thats LATAMs myopic view), if there is enough people ready to pay for it, so that they can indulge into the luxury of their premium cabins?
Airline business is no charity, but LATAM is greatly overdoing it cost and privilege cutting wise.
Just have to find myself a new OW home for the future. Any ideas?
Aug 7, 2019 | 10:07 pm
#3
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: SCL
Programs: BA Gold, LATAM Black
Posts: 115
I am also shaking my head in disbelief. Sprint to the bottom for LATAM continues at increasing speed. If anyone had any doubts about real priorities of this airline (as well as questionable sanity of their management), it's time to wake up and vote with your wallet. Nuff said.
It depends on your travel pattern. I jumped this sinking ship a while ago and now I'm Gold on BA. I still use LATAM for domestic flights only buying the cheapest tickets. All important perks in this case (seat selection, lounge access, luggage, and priority boarding) comes from being an Emerald with BA.
Aug 13, 2019 | 5:04 pm
#4
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Chile
Programs: LATAM Black Signature
Posts: 312
After 13 years of Comodoro/Black I've completely stopped accruing miles on LATAM this year and moved my business to AA. Despite the fact that AAdvatage is not what it used to be ,I really enjoy their (sometimes) confirmed Systemwide Upgrades from any paid fare, the ability to book one way awards, the transparency of the program and their amazing Executive Platinum phone desk (also available in spanish). I am honestly disgusted by what LATAM has turned into and I hope to limit my flights with them to the absolute minimum. Latam has become an awful airline in terms of ground experience, catering, benefits for premium passengers, frequent flyer program, business class seating,.etc etc etc.. I have a hard time to understand how they've been chosen the best airline in South America. End of ranting.
Together with AA I'd definitely consider AS as a FFP, especially if you're flying paid J.
Together with AA I'd definitely consider AS as a FFP, especially if you're flying paid J.
Aug 13, 2019 | 5:59 pm
#5
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 42,599
After 13 years of Comodoro/Black I've completely stopped accruing miles on LATAM this year and moved my business to AA. Despite the fact that AAdvatage is not what it used to be ,I really enjoy their (sometimes) confirmed Systemwide Upgrades from any paid fare, the ability to book one way awards, the transparency of the program and their amazing Executive Platinum phone desk (also available in spanish). I am honestly disgusted by what LATAM has turned into and I hope to limit my flights with them to the absolute minimum. Latam has become an awful airline in terms of ground experience, catering, benefits for premium passengers, frequent flyer program, business class seating,.etc etc etc.. I have a hard time to understand how they've been chosen the best airline in South America. End of ranting.
Together with AA I'd definitely consider AS as a FFP, especially if you're flying paid J.
Together with AA I'd definitely consider AS as a FFP, especially if you're flying paid J.
Aug 14, 2019 | 5:26 am
#6
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Chile
Programs: LATAM Black Signature
Posts: 312
I'd expect things to deteriorate more before they (if ever) get better. With the CLP at over $700 and the ARS in temporary chaos, the company's US$ standing is getting pretty weak. While labor is paid in local currency, a lot of the other goods and services, including fuel, is US$ based.