Back in September 2019, we reported that LATAM had served notice to leave the Oneworld alliance, after Delta Airlines bought a major stake in the airline. In a press release posted on the Oneworld website, the alliance confirmed that LATAM will leave Oneworld on 30 April.
Oneworld benefits for LATAM customers will be offered on Oneworld flights up to and including 30 April 2020. LATAM Pass members will not receive Oneworld frequent flyer benefits offered by Royal Air Maroc, which joins Oneworld effective 1 April. LATAM will not offer Oneworld frequent flyer member benefits to Royal Air Maroc Safar Flyer members.
Oneworld press release
The news came as a surprise for some, as the frequent flyer community had assumed LATAM would leave in the second half of 2020. Other Oneworld member airlines had been making similar suggestions.
The benefits end on 30 April 2020
Miles and tier points
Oneworld members can continue to earn and redeem miles on LATAM flights until 30 April 2020. This includes earning tier points. No miles and tier points will be earned on flights from 1 May 2020. Redemptions will not be available on LATAM from 1 May 2020.
LATAM Pass frequent flyer members will face the exact same changes when it comes to earning and redeeming on Oneworld carriers. It all ends at the end of the day on 30 April 2020.
Lounge access
Oneworld can access LATAM lounges until 30 April 2020. They will be denied access from 1 May. Similarly, LATAM Pass members can continue to use Oneworld member lounges around the world until 30 April 2020. It’s not yet clear whether new member benefits will be offered to LATAM customers as a result of the new tie-up with Delta.
Partner agreements may yet happen
In its statement, Oneworld indicated that some airlines may seek to build partnership agreements with LATAM. While no detail was provided, LATAM has been feeding customers from its regional network onto long-haul flights operated by BA, Qantas, Iberia, AA, and Qatar Airways. It’s likely these airlines will want to maintain that passenger flow.
We post more about these partnerships as and when they’re announced.
What about Royal Air Maroc
Oneworld recently announced that Moroccan national carrier Royal Air Maroc will join the alliance as a full member on 1 April 2020. The latest Oneworld press release clearly states that no reciprocal member benefits will be offered between LATAM and Royal Air Maroc before or after 30 April 2020.
About LATAM
LATAM is the largest passenger airline in Latin America and the largest single airline group in the world. It was formed when LAN and TAM merged in 2011. It actually comprises of 7 national airlines:
The airline leaves Oneworld after just 7 years of full membership. They joined in 2013.
