All three senior members of our Thrifty Traveler Premium flight deal alerts team have flown LATAM business class to South America in recent months … and they won't shut up about it!
So, I tasked them with explaining to our Extra Mile readers why it's the best way to fly to South America and how you readers can book it for yourselves.
This story originally appeared in our free daily newsletter, The Extra Mile – sign up now to get stories you won't see here, exclusive deals, and more in your inbox every weekday!
🇦🇷 Award Analyst Katie Rollins (pictured with her husband on the left)
If you’re set on flying business class down to South America, this is the comfiest way to get there. LATAM flies their new mini-suites on the Miami (MIA) – Buenos Aires (EZE) route and some flights to Santiago (SCL) and Sao Paolo (GRU). (Tip: Look for the 787-8 plane with 20 seats in business class for the new suites.)
I didn’t quite know what to expect when I boarded, but the seats and bedding were a big step above Delta's and American's seats flying to South America. The marble-looking finishes were a nice touch, and the sliding door was a great addition. We had some of the better business class food I’ve experienced and had very attentive flight attendants (some of whom we got on the way home, too. Shout out to Camilo!)
Overall, I highly recommend taking a look at LATAM if you’re planning a trip to South America in the future!
🍾 Chief Flight Deal Analyst Jon Shallbetter (pictured on the right)
I flew the 787-8 mini-suites last year and had an amazing experience, too. The seats are super comfortable, the food was delicious, and the service was outstanding. I’d argue it's the best way to get to South America flying business class.
I loved it so much that I talked about it on our podcast episode about the best business classes in the world. Use this link to jump straight to the LATAM discussion in that episode.
Sold? Let's show you how to book it for yourself.
💳 How to Book LATAM Business Class (with Senior Award Analyst Peter Thornton)
There are multiple ways to book these seats – some are easier than others – and the best way to book depends on the route you’re flying.
But one thing is for sure: LATAM has, by far, the best availability for lie-flat seats of any airline flying between North and South America.
We’ve recently sent Thrifty Traveler Premium deals from LATAM’s U.S gateways like Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS), Miami (MIA), and New York (JFK) to destinations such as Buenos Aires (EZE), Lima (LIM), Santiago (SCL), and São Paulo (GRU).
Here’s an overview of the best ways to book these fancy lie-flat seats:
- Easiest: Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points (book most routes online, but it requires a call for one-way flights from Lima to the U.S.). Transfer points from all major credit card points
- Best deal overall: Japan Airlines Mileage Bank (roundtrip discounts, bookable online, but it can be tricky – read our guide). Transfer points from Bilt, Capital One, and Rove.
- Solid value all-around: Cathay Pacific Asia Miles (must book by phone call or online chat). Transfer points from Amex Membership Rewards, Bilt, Capital One, Citi, and Rove.
- Best deal for transfer bonuses: Finnair Avios (must book by phone call or online chat). Transfer points from all major credit card points (either directly or indirectly via British Airways – read our guide).
With prices as low as 33,000 points one-way – or just 60,000 miles roundtrip – you don't need to be a points and miles millionaire to fly to South America in style. Sign up for Thrifty Traveler Premium today and get step-by-step booking instructions for the next great LATAM deal.
This story originally appeared in our free daily newsletter, The Extra Mile – sign up now to get stories you won't see here, exclusive deals, and more in your inbox every weekday!
