LATAM Airlines sets timeline for Oneworld departure
LATAM Airlines will leave the Oneworld alliance in a little under a year, as it becomes one of the larger unaligned carriers around the globe.
The Santiago, Chile-based carrier has notified Oneworld that it intends to leave the alliance by Oct. 1, 2020, a LATAM Airlines Group spokesperson and Oneworld spokeswoman Ghim-Lay Yeo confirmed to TPG. The date is in line with the alliance's one-year notice period.
Oneworld will provide any further guidance if the date changes, added Yeo.
The October 2020 date was first disclosed on Qantas' website, and reported by a Fly Stay Points.
Sign up for the free daily TPG newsletter for more airline news!
The departure from Oneworld comes as LATAM forges a new strategic partnership with Delta Air Lines. The deal, which includes a $2 billion equity investment from the SkyTeam Alliance member, signaled an end to the South American giant's long-standing partnership with American Airlines. LATAM and American have said they will terminate their codeshare by year-end.
Despite LATAM's exit from Oneworld, the airline plans to retain many of its partnerships with individual members. LATAM executives said in September that, for example, they intended to keep their commercial relationships with the likes of British Airways and Qatar Airways.
LATAM's departure could still shake up alliance perks currently enjoyed by travelers. At Qantas, for example, the Australian carrier said that once LATAM leaves the group, its customers will lose the ability to earn elite status credits, even on flights where they may be able to earn award points. The disclosure was part of Qantas' update that detailed LATAM's projected exit from the alliance.
Related: LATAM will remain unaligned after Delta tie-up, Oneworld exit
Specific details of these LATAM's bilateral agreements have yet to be released by either LATAM or other Oneworld member airlines. However, LATAM and American are not expected to cooperate in any capacity as LATAM exits the group.
Related: How do I earn elite status with an airline alliance?
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.