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.
Related reading:
- When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?
- The best airline credit cards
- What exactly are airline miles, anyway?
- 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
- Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
- The best credit cards to reach elite status
- What are points and miles worth? TPG's monthly valuations
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app