Latam is constantly modifying the upgrade system and this time is bad news for elite status holders, in particular Black and Black Signature. Starting in September:

- Coupon upgrades now will clear T-6 (Black & Black Signature) and T-2 (Platinum & Gold) instead of T-12
- Bids will have the top priority over all elites (before had more priority than Platinum but less than Black). They will probably clear T-12. All remaining seats will then go to Elite upgrade with coupons

This is in line with Latam�s goal to monetize business upgrades. Hard hit to the loyalty program, which definitely makes it less attractive. Thoughts on the move?

So they are opening the UPG with Miles to everyone, not just LATAM Cardholders

On one hand, maybe it’s going to be more difficult to get them. On the other one, I hope it’s better than the current situation where you have to call

For sure, this is underwhelming news and just another nail to the LATAM Pass coffin. Short term gains are prioritised over loyalty - just one more airline making a clear statement here.

On the other hand, I am faithful that prices (both cash and miles) will be prohibitively high, so that not many non-status customers will really take advantage of this "new option.

On several occasions, I have made cash offers for domestic or regional upgrades (mainly to Y+), and I have scored them most of the times, almost always for a price barely above the lowest bid (sometimes for my whole family of four). This reflects to me that there is not thaaaaat many passengers willing to spend the extra money. Of course, there is those who chase the "once in a lifetime" business experience, but for the majority Y is just what they are used to and they are fine with upgrading the experiencing with credit card lounge access and perhaps an additional piece of luggage and other little perks. Also, let's face it, while pleasant enough, LA C class is not that fancy either.

In any case, LA are seeking to monetise their C class product. Just a couple of days ago, I took part in a survey, where they were enquiring about potential improvements to the product, in the end focusing on what one would be ready to dish out for additional features and services.

Hence, the new upgrade policy is definitely not the last move in this area...

Meh
Depends on the route.
LAX-LIM or LIM-LAX redeye minimum bid is $650. I've been bidding $800 and have not got it so far.
I was offered instant upgrade for $1200 at T-72, which I declined.
Some routes are in high demand for business demand. Others arn't.

This is in line with other airlines.
They probably saw how much people were bidding on international flights. On Seatboost it�s an open auction and I can see how much the bids were, some as much as the outright cost. I wonder what they will do if someone bids and uses upgrade. But the upgrades are of no use now when flying to international hubs where the planes are usually full.

I always wondered why they put Black and Black signature upgrades in front of cash upgrades. What's with staff travel? will they still have superior power to snatch upgrades first?

This has to be one of the worst changes for Black and Black Signature since the dynamic pricing for awards. Without an alliance, the main incentive of being. aBlack/black Signature for me was the high priority in upgrades. The arrogance of this airline is really something.

Link on the Latam site for these changes?

https://latampass.latam.com/es_cl/upgrade-de-cabina

thanks but in the English section does not have those upgrade priority changes so I�m not sure if it applies to all countries.

I will email Latampass

https://latampass.latam.com/en_us/cabin-upgrade

update: they replied and said the new priority applies, they just haven�t updated the English page.

I thought I read somewhere that the upgrade bid paid gets counted towards miles and qualifying points?
But now they�re saying it will not count. That�s not right airline spend is what it is.

edit found it
https://d3rwujusajfqlr.cloudfront.net/uploads/6878158e7c772_tems-conditions-bonus-latam-pass-landing-eng.pdf

I got an email a few days ago mentioning that using miles for upgrades (instant or through bidding, managed by Plusgrade) was now available.
It has been updated on the website (link to the US site)

I went to an upcoming trip to check it out and for both the instant and the bidding the conversion was at 1.2 cents per mile (which I think is in the same range as regular award redemptions).

• Both the Upgrade through Bidding option and Courtesy Segments follow a priority set by LATAM, which depends on each passenger�s LATAM Pass member category. Depending on the number of applications and your offer�s priority, you will be notified by email between 12 and 2 hours before the flight if your Upgrade was accepted. In both cases, approval is subject to the availability of the Premium Economy or Premium Business cabin.
  

So the original post where bidders get higher priority is no longer the case.

Will I earn additional miles for flying in a superior cabin with the Upgrade Option?

No, you will not earn any additional miles. The conditions of the original ticket shall remain unaltered.


Which makes cash bids not worth it if it cost almost the same as buying a business ticket initially

Where do you take this information from?

Thus, a bid from a non-status passenger will not outpace an elite bid and, in return, would only clear after considering all status bids?

I believe though that bids do enjoy categoric priority over coupons. Correct?

�Both the Upgrade through Bidding option and Courtesy Segments follow a priority set by LATAM, which depends on each passenger�s LATAM Pass member category.�