Americans can now match airline elite status to LATAM
Quick summary
Statusmatch — a platform that facilitates status matches between airline and hotel elite status programs — is back with another new status match offer.
This time, airline elites in the U.S. and Chile can match airline status to LATAM Pass, one of Latin America's largest airline loyalty programs.
Let's take a closer look at this new status match opportunity.
LATAM Pass status match
Existing airline elites can match their status to the equivalent tier in the LATAM Pass program, excluding the top-tier Black Signature level.
Status matches cost $39 and are effective within six business days of your request. Status matches are valid through March 31, 2023, and you have until Oct. 31, 2022, to take advantage of this offer.
A wide range of U.S., European and Latin American airline loyalty programs are eligible for this status match offer. In the U.S., this includes Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Southwest and United Airlines. Other eligible loyalty programs include Air Canada, Air France-KLM Flying Blue and WestJet, among others.
Here's how the status match breaks down for U.S. and Canadian carriers:
| Airline | Gold Plus | Platinum | Black |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Canada | Prestige 25K. | Elite 35K and Elite 50K. | Elite 75K and Super Elite 100K. |
| Alaska Airlines | MVP. | MVP Gold. | MVP 75K and MVP 100K. |
| Delta Air Lines | Silver Medallion. | Gold Medallion. | Platinum Medallion, Diamond Medallion and Delta 360. |
| JetBlue | Mosaic. | Mosaic+. | |
| Southwest | A-List. | A-List Preferred. | Companion Pass. |
| United Airlines | Premier Silver. | Premier Gold. | Premier Platinum, Premier 1K and Global Services. |
| WestJet | Silver. | Gold. | Platinum. |
To request a status match, head to the LATAM Statusmatch page and follow the on-screen prompts. You'll have to enter your LATAM Pass account information, verify your existing elite status and pay the $39 processing fee.
Related: How I earned elite status with all 3 major alliances — without taking any flights
Should I match my elite status to LATAM?
Having another elite status in your back pocket is never a bad thing. However, this status match has a $39 enrollment fee. You should only take advantage of this status match if you have plans to fly with LATAM and receive more than $39 worth of benefits before your elite status expires on March 31, 2023.
LATAM services many major cities in Latin America, with hubs and focus cities throughout major cities in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru. In the U.S., LATAM serves Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Miami International Airport (MIA), New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Orlando International Airport (MCO).
If you're eligible for a status match to Black — the second-highest LATAM elite status tier — some benefits include 100% bonus mileage earning on international flights, free checked bags, upgrade coupons and complimentary seat selection.
LATAM elites also have limited benefits on Delta Air Lines. Those with Black and Platinum elite status have Sky Priority benefits, free checked bags and lounge access on select flights. This could make the status match worthwhile if you have upcoming travel with Delta.
Related: Quick Points: Shortcut elite perks with status matches
Bottom line
It's always good to have more options when you travel.
If you have upcoming travel with LATAM or Delta, you might find this status match worthwhile. However, since there's a $39 processing fee, only take advantage of this status match if you can actually use the benefits of LATAM elite status.