LATAM Pass is the frequent flyer program for the LATAM Airlines group, serving South America and beyond. Understanding how its points expire is important for members collecting points for travel within the region and internationally.

LATAM Pass Points Expiration Policy

Generally, LATAM Pass points expire if there is no accrual of new points from flights with LATAM or associated airlines within a 36-month rolling period. However, the terms often mention a 24-month inactivity rule as well, which might relate to overall account activity (earning or redeeming). The most conservative approach is to ensure some qualifying activity occurs within 24 months.

Important Note on Earning: The terms often emphasize earning points specifically from flying LATAM or partners to extend validity, or earning via a co-branded credit card. Other activities like transferring points in or redeeming might not always extend the validity of all points, or the rules can be complex.

Elite Status: LATAM Pass elite members (such as Black and Black Signature tiers) often benefit from their points not expiring as long as they maintain their status. Rules can vary by tier and may change. If you lose your elite status, the 36-month validity period for your miles will begin from the date your status ends.

Given the potential complexity, aiming for any qualifying activity every 24 months is a safe strategy, but earning points via flights or a co-branded card is the most reliable method based on typical program structures.

How to Keep Your LATAM Pass Points Active

To prevent points expiration (especially for non-elite members), ensure qualifying activity within the 24-month (or safer, 36-month earning) window:

  • Earn Points (Most Reliable):
    • Fly with LATAM Airlines or partner airlines and credit the points to LATAM Pass.
    • Use a LATAM Pass co-branded credit card for purchases (availability varies by country).
    • Earn points through non-airline partners (hotels, car rentals).
  • Redeem Points:
    • Book award flights on LATAM or partner airlines.
    • Redeem points for upgrades or other products/services via LATAM Pass.

Confirming whether non-flight earning or redemption activities extend validity is recommended by checking the latest terms.

How to Redeem LATAM Airlines LATAM Miles

LATAM Pass miles are most valuable when redeemed for flights, either with LATAM Airlines itself or with one of its partner carriers. Unlike many other airline loyalty programs, LATAM does not allow members to redeem miles for hotels, car rentals, or merchandise. While that may seem limiting, it also means that the program is focused on flight redemptions — which typically provide the best value anyway.

Redeeming Miles for LATAM Flights

The most straightforward use of LATAM miles is booking flights operated by the airline. Both domestic and international routes are eligible.

One drawback is that LATAM does not publish an award chart, nor does it explain its pricing system. In practice, award pricing appears to follow a dynamic model linked to cash fares.

For example, flights from Buenos Aires (EZE) to Bogotá (BOG) on the same date showed prices ranging from about 15,000 miles to nearly 100,000 miles, yet both delivered roughly the same value per point — around 1.2 cents per mile once taxes and fees were factored in.

This consistency suggests that LATAM ties award costs to cash prices rather than offering outsized “sweet spot” redemptions. While the value is not exceptional, it is also not poor, making flight redemptions the most practical way to use LATAM miles.

Redeeming Miles for Partner Flights

LATAM miles can also be used for flights on partner airlines, though Virgin Atlantic is currently excluded. LATAM no longer publishes an award chart for these redemptions, and pricing is opaque. Partner awards appear to be calculated by distance and by segment, but there is no clear formula.

To complicate matters, availability for partner awards is not shown on LATAM’s website. Instead, booking a partner award generally requires contacting LATAM Pass customer service directly. While this adds friction, it may still be worthwhile if you want to leverage your miles for international flights outside LATAM’s own network.

Transferring Miles to Accor Live Limitless

The only non-flight redemption option is transferring LATAM miles to the Accor Live Limitless (ALL) program. However, the conversion rate is very poor at 5:2. For example, 5,000 LATAM miles would convert to just 2,000 ALL points.

Given this weak ratio, transferring to ALL is not recommended unless you have no other use for your miles.

LATAM Elite Status

LATAM offers a range of elite status tiers designed to make travel smoother and more rewarding. From basic seat selection and priority check-in to lounge access and unlimited upgrades, each level builds on the benefits of the one before it. LATAM elite status also includes useful perks when flying with select partners, including Delta.

LATAM Gold

Gold is the entry-level elite tier. While benefits are modest, they can still improve the travel experience for frequent flyers:

  • Two upgrade coupons per year (one-class upgrades)
  • Free seat selection on domestic flights within South America
  • Priority check-in at dedicated counters
  • Priority baggage handling on international flights
  • Ability to extend status for one year during maternity leave

LATAM Gold Plus

Gold Plus expands on the Gold tier by offering:

  • Four upgrade coupons per year
  • Priority boarding ahead of general passengers
  • Flexibility to switch to earlier or later flights on the same day when flying domestically

LATAM Platinum

Platinum introduces more premium perks, making it the mid-tier sweet spot:

  • Six upgrade coupons per year
  • Free LATAM+ seat selection on domestic and international flights
  • Priority baggage for you and one companion
  • Access to LATAM VIP lounges (in major South American hubs and Miami)
  • Access to select partner lounges when flying LATAM or a partner airline
  • Fast track security at New York-JFK (for you and a companion)
  • Dedicated customer service line
  • Free bassinets for travelers with infants

LATAM Black

Black is a higher-level tier that delivers significant added value:

  • Unlimited upgrade coupons for yourself plus six for a companion
  • Free seat selection for you and one companion on all LATAM flights
  • LATAM+ seat selection for you and one companion
  • Priority baggage for you and a companion on all flights
  • Same-day flexibility on international flights
  • Preferential support via WhatsApp for rebooking during disruptions

LATAM Black Signature

Black Signature is the top tier of LATAM elite status. It builds on the Black tier with even more exclusive benefits:

  • Priority baggage for you and all travel companions
  • Enhanced rebooking support with personalized service during irregular operations

Using Upgrade Coupons

Upgrade coupons are one of the most valuable perks of LATAM elite status. Each tier provides a different allocation, with Black and Black Signature members enjoying unlimited upgrades.

  • Upgrades move you one cabin class higher, subject to availability
  • Coupons can only be used on Plus or Top fares (not the lowest fare classes)
  • Requests open 48 hours before departure, and upgrades are prioritized by status level
  • The number of coupons required depends on the route (e.g., New York-JFK to Lima requires two coupons per leg, while São Paulo-GRU to London-LHR requires three)

Official Policy

For the most accurate and detailed information, including specifics for different elite tiers and qualifying activities, always consult the official LATAM Pass documentation:

  • LATAM Pass Rules (Look for sections on points validity, expiration, and elite benefits)

Summary

LATAM Pass points generally expire after 24 to 36 months of inactivity, with the most reliable way to keep them active being to earn points from LATAM flights, partner flights, or co-branded credit card spending. Elite members enjoy additional protection, as their points typically remain valid as long as they maintain status, but expiration resumes once that status is lost.

When it comes to redemptions, LATAM miles deliver the best value when used for flights on LATAM itself, though dynamic pricing means redemptions usually average around 1.2 cents per mile. Partner bookings are possible but require contacting customer service, while non-flight options such as transfers to Accor Live Limitless offer very poor value.

Overall, the key to getting the most out of LATAM Pass is to generate qualifying activity every couple of years and focus on redeeming miles for flights rather than other options.

Disclaimer: Always use credit responsibly. Program terms and conditions, especially regarding elite benefits and qualifying activities for expiration, can change and may vary by region. This guide is for informational purposes only. Verify details directly with LATAM Airlines.