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I wonder if it is possible to book flights in South America with LATAM or Avianca?
I am aware that Iberia allow to book LATAM reward flights with Avios, however Leticia airport, which is where I want to fly to from Bogota, does not come up on the Iberia website when logged in.
Any ideas?
You can also book Avianca via any Star Alliance miles. If you participated in Aegean promos in recent years you might have for one-way.
For some LATAM awards you need to call Iberia. They might be able to book it for you. You can also book with BA, but it requires a call and also QR, it also requires a call and you can’t search online.
I’d check award availability on Expertflyer before calling, not sure if LATAM have been removed recently along with a bunch of other airlines.
Theoretically, you should be able to also use Delta miles, but I’ve never been able to find reward seats.
Depending on cost of flights buying lifemiles in a sale might be worthwhile
From what I’ve read it’s pretty much impossible in reality to get Iberia to book LATAM (by phone only)
United.com is best website for searching award availability for Star Alliance
@SamG I’ve booked LATAM via Iberia both online and over the phone in the last year. It’s not impossible at all.
I’ve also booked Santiago-Lima on LATAM with BA ten days ago over the phone.
Thank you for the feedback. I have Avios only,so other schemes other than Virgin Atlantic would not be an option for me.
@SamG I’ve booked LATAM via Iberia both online and over the phone in the last year. It’s not impossible at all.
I’ve also booked Santiago-Lima on LATAM with BA ten days ago over the phone.
Interesting ! A friend tried via calling multiple times to BA and Iberia a few weeks ago and no dice. There wasn’t much in it vs cash so didn’t try too hard. Lots of similar DP on FT . Guess it’s a HUACA situation like many slightly niche things
A somewhat related question to the above topic I was hoping someone could help me with.
I’ve booked a couple of LATAM flights through Iberia using avios and trying to confirm that these fares will include a checked bag. On the Iberia booking page it said it would (noted as an “blue fare”) and the confirmation ticket Iberia sent over email does state that 1 Piece of baggage is included.
However, when I put the reservation number into the LATAM website to manage my booking it seems to be suggesting it’s a hand bag only booking which would be problematic….
Wondering if anyone else has had this issue or could confirm that a checked bag is definitely included on LATAM reward flights booked through Iberia? The two routes I’ve booked are Quito to Cuzco (via Lima) and Lima to Rio. Don’t really want to end up trying to negotiate this at the airport for obvious reasons
And to help the OP, I have a few LATAM flights I booked through Iberia on Avios as noted above. Was able to find these flights online on the Iberia reward flight search. I looked for a few other routes I’m flying as well as part of a month trip to South America that are definitely served by LATAM but found zero availability whereas the routes I booked all showed 9+ seats. My guess is that there are just some routes where LATAM aren’t offering reward seats (or not to partners anyway) but you could try calling Iberia I guess.
Was able to get 2p and almost 4p per avios for the redemptions I booked as cash fares were expensive so worth doing if you can find availability
I have a friend who works for Avios and i asked whether they its possible to book Latam flights over the phone. They can see some availability with Latam, but are actively discouraged by the managers not to book them for customers.
If you have Amex Membership points, these can be transferred to Delta and booked via their website. Availability is pretty good. We booked the other day for my wifes parents a one way ticket. Rio Branco – Brasilia – Fortaleza; 10k points and $6 taxes per person. In cash it would have cost over $900.
I also see some flights at times with Qatar, but availability is low
Why are they discouraged from booking them (I assume that’s what you mean)?
@newel I only booked Lima-Cusco route and indeed it included one bag even on LATAM website. I did look up on Peru website in Spanish. Maybe it’s that or a glitch.
@krautboy They can see all the availability that is available to partners and yes it’s a matter of HUACA or you can give them the exact date and they can’t lie to you.My biggest problem is the fact that partners (Iberia, BA, Delta) have no business or premium economy availability on longer routes within South America whereas it’s wide open with LATAM Pass. I’d really like to try LATAM on 787.
Why are they discouraged from booking them (I assume that’s what you mean)?
LATAM exited Oneworld 2-3 years ago due to Delta taking a stake, but it’s not a member of Skyteam either and it retains partnerships with most OW airlines apart from American Airlines.
@newel I only booked Lima-Cusco route and indeed it included one bag even on LATAM website. I did look up on Peru website in Spanish. Maybe it’s that or a glitch..
Thanks and yes I think it’s some sort of glitch. I called up LATAM in the end and they confirmed check in bags included for both flights and even sent me ticket confirmations via email. They also answered my call within about 20 seconds so pretty impressed overall.
What would be the best way to book LATAM Avios flights which can be cancelled with Avios refunded?
As of yet, I have never been successful to find any reward availability via Iberia to fly Avianca. I have seen some LATAM, but not on the routes I require or only with a massive diversion and significantly required Avios due to the diversion.
I usually cannot plan a year ahead, but only a few months, which is a hindrance.
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