Flying with LATAM Airlines: 5 longest routes

LATAM Airlines is one of the largest and most prominent airlines in Latin America, offering a vast network of domestic and international flights to destinations across the region and around the world. Formed through the merger of Chile's LAN Airlines and Brazil's TAM Airlines, LATAM boasts a fleet of modern aircraft and provides passengers with a high level of service and comfort. With its hub airports in Santiago, Chile, and Sao Paulo, Brazil, LATAM Airlines plays a crucial role in connecting travelers to key destinations throughout Latin America, as well as to major cities in North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania.

LATAM’s recently unveiled its new business class (https://media.businessclass.com/2021/12/LATAM_Business_Class_02.jpg)

For long-haul international flights, LATAM relies on a fleet of wide-body aircraft, primarily from the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350 XWB families. These state-of-the-art planes are equipped with advanced technology and amenities, including spacious cabins, enhanced in-flight entertainment systems, and improved fuel efficiency. The Dreamliner and A350 are used to serve destinations across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Oceania, providing passengers with a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience on long-haul journeys.

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5. Sao Paulo (GRU) to Johannesburg (JNB) – This route spans approximately 4,891 miles (7,867 kilometers) and connects Sao Paulo, Brazil, with Johannesburg, South Africa, offering travelers convenient access between South America and Africa.

The flight takes around 8:45h on board of LATAM’s large fleet of B787s.

4. Lima (LIM) to Madrid (MAD) – This route has a distance of approximately 5,547 miles (8,931 kilometers) and connects Lima, Peru, with Madrid, Spain, providing travelers with a direct connection between South America and Europe.

LATAM operates this 11:20h flight with a Boeing 787.

3. Sao Paulo (GRU) to Madrid (MAD) – Covering a distance of roughly 6,027 miles (9,702 kilometers), this route connects Sao Paulo, Brazil, with Madrid, Spain, serving as an important link between South America and Europe.

Surprisingly, despite its longer distance, the flight with the Boeing 787 only takes around 9:50h to complete.

2. Santiago (SCL) to Auckland (AKL) – With a distance of around 6,745 miles (10,855 kilometers), this route connects Santiago, Chile, with Auckland, New Zealand, providing a vital link between South America and Oceania.

Flying westwards from Santiago de Chile, this flight will take you to New Zealand in around 12:30h onboard another B787.

Drumroll, please…

1. Santiago (SCL) to Sydney (SYD) – This route takes the first place in LATAM’s network and covers a distance of approximately 7,065 miles (11,358 kilometers), connecting South America with Australia.

Now, granted, this is not a nonstop route - however, this is not a classic stopover with a departure on another plane. Instead, flight LA801 is marketed as a SCL-SYD flight with just a short logistical stopover to refuel.

While I would not recommend necessarily to fly these routes in economy, in a proper lie-flat business class seat this might paint a different picture. Unfortunately, back in 2020 LATAM left the OneWorld alliance and its current partner network is rather small.

You can use your Delta miles to book these flights or try to get your hands on LATAM’s own mileage currency. Alternatively, watch out for some promotional campaigns on the LATAM* website to snatch yourself some business class seats on the cheap!