Delta Air Lines and LATAM Airlines Group (LATAM) have reached an agreement to launch frequent-flyer reciprocity across their broad networks, offering customer benefits across more than 435 destinations worldwide. Additionally, the carriers continue to expand codesharing across more flights throughout the region, adding expanded connectivity for customers.
Frequent-flyer benefits, including reciprocal mileage earn and redemption, will be effective for Delta SkyMiles Members traveling on LATAM flights on or after 1 April, 2020. Reciprocal mileage earn and redemption will be applicable for all flights in the Delta and LATAM networks. Elite reciprocal benefits, including lounge access and priority boarding, bags and seats are expected to launch later in 2020.
Carriers continue to expand codesharing
Additionally, the carriers continue to expand codesharing across their networks. As a next step, the airline groups have reached an agreement to launch codesharing between Delta and LATAM’s affiliate in Brazil beginning in the first half of 2020, subject to governmental and regulatory approvals. The agreement will create improved opportunities for customers to connect on up to 65 routes throughout Delta’s U.S. and Canada network and up to 37 LATAM routes in Brazil.
Codesharing has now launched between Delta and LATAM’s affiliates in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. When fully implemented, these codesharing agreements will provide customers with increased connectivity on up to 74 onward routes in the United States and up to 51 onward routes in South America. Codesharing for flights operated by LATAM’s Colombia and Ecuador affiliates is visible on on Delta’s website for flights effective now, and codesharing for Peru is effective for flights beginning 29 March, 2020, pending final Peruvian government approval.
Additionally, select interline routings connecting Delta and LATAM flights are now available for booking on direct Delta channels, including delta.com.
Co-location, complementary networks expand options and convenience
Delta will co-locate its operations with LATAM in São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport Terminal 3 on29 March, 2020, to facilitate swifter connections for customers. In New York-JFK, LATAM has already relocated its operations to Terminal 4, improving the connecting experience for customers traveling onward on Delta flights.
Delta has also announced plans to broaden its footprint in south Florida with 13 new daily nonstop flights* to Miami International Airport (MIA) from hubs and top corporate travel destinations around the US, including new service from Orlando, Raleigh-Durham, Salt Lake City and Tampa. Delta’s new flight schedule will be timed to maximise connectivity with LATAM. The two airlines are already conveniently co-located at MIA, allowing swift connecting times for customers.
* The new flights are now available for sale and will operate beginning 4 May, 2020 (MIA-MCO and MIA-TPA); 22 May, 2020 (RDU-MIA); 28 July, 2020 (SLC-MIA).
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