LATAM's new business-class suites with privacy doors set for US debut in May
Things just got a little more private onboard South American carrier LATAM’s long-haul flights — including some routes between the U.S. and Chile.
The airline just debuted its new lie-flat business suites on three Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner planes, first entering service on April 26 on flights between LATAM's base at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago, Chile, and Mexico City International Airport (MEX). The aircraft will also begin flying select flights between SCL and El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogota, Colombia, on May 3.
Then, the new suites will make their U.S. debut on May 6, on flights between Miami International Airport (MIA) and the Chilean capital.
Shortly thereafter, LATAM will fly the 787s with the new suites on select flights between SCL and six destinations, including three U.S. gateways: MIA, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
An all-new business-class concept
LATAM's tan and gray, red-accented Recaro R7 seats feature the first privacy doors on a Latin American airline, raising the bar for inflight comfort in the region. They replace the carrier's current 2-2-2 configuration in business with a universal direct-aisle access layout that is more popular with travelers.
“LATAM is proud to be the first group in the region to innovate Premium Business by incorporating doors into our seats,” said Paulo Miranda, vice-president for customers at LATAM, in a statement. “This initiative provides our passengers with an unprecedented level of privacy and comfort.”
Other amenities include an 18-inch personal entertainment screen, and USB-A and USB-C charging ports.
LATAM also upgraded its economy class seats as part of the onboard overhaul.
Joining the premium wave
Airlines around the world are investing in improved premium products to woo top-dollar fliers. Air France debuted its new La Premiere first class suite on flights to JFK earlier in April, and Lufthansa began offering its long-delayed Allegris First Class suites on select long-haul flights from Munich Airport (MUC) the same month.
American Airlines, Emirates and other carriers are also investing in new onboard seats and products.
The investment comes amid a global boom in premium travel. Airlines have seen premium-related revenue recover — and grow — faster than economy-class revenue since the coronavirus pandemic. According to industry group IATA, premium travelers make up only 3% of airline passengers but 15% of all revenue.
“Increasing revenue from premium class travel is instrumental to boost airlines’ profitability,” IATA wrote in a 2024 analysis.
LATAM, which is partially owned by Delta Air Lines and Qatar Airways, is investing $360 million in the onboard upgrades to its 787 fleet. By the end of 2026, it plans to offer the new business and economy seats on 24 of its 37 Dreamliners, including 10 787-8s and 14 787-9s.
An airline spokesperson said it is evaluating whether to upgrade the cabins on its remaining 787s, as well as its 19 Boeing 767s and 777s.
LATAM estimates that retrofits will take one to two months per plane. They will occur at its maintenance bases in Santiago and in São Carlos, Brazil,.
How to book LATAM's new business-class suites
Travelers hoping to book one of LATAM's new seats can redeem points for flights through the carrier's LATAM Pass loyalty program, as well as through one of its partner programs, such as Delta SkyMiles and Qatar Airways' Privilege Club.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.