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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