Four years into Delta–LATAM: what the partnership means for lounge access in South America

Delta and LATAM have marked four years of their joint venture. Between October 2022 and July 2026, the two airlines flew 83,000 flights together and carried 17.4 million passengers, according to Delta's Oct. 5 announcement. The joint network now has 28 routes, and combined capacity in 2026 is about 31% higher than in 2023.

Reciprocal lounge access

The part that matters most to lounge-goers is that the two loyalty programs recognize each other. Eligible SkyMiles and LATAM Pass members get lounges on both networks. On the U.S. side that's nearly 60 Delta Sky Clubs. In South America and Miami it includes LATAM's lounges:

• São Paulo-Guarulhos (international)
• Santiago
• Lima
• Bogotá
• Buenos Aires-Ezeiza
• Miami

Delta says entry depends on your cabin, your elite status and which program you belong to. The release doesn't give the exact thresholds, so check with the airline before counting on a visit. LATAM isn't a SkyTeam member, so this access comes from the joint venture's own agreement rather than alliance rules.

Brazil leads the growth

Brazil's combined capacity is up nearly 33% in 2026 compared with 2023. Routes such as São Paulo–Los Angeles and Rio de Janeiro–JFK have been part of that growth. At São Paulo-Guarulhos, Santiago and JFK, the two airlines now share terminals, which makes connections simpler.

Ecuador had the fastest growth, up 64%, and Peru was up 25%. Argentina joined the joint venture in 2025, and capacity there has risen nearly 47% since. The partners also extended status benefits like priority check-in, boarding and baggage perks across both programs.

Worth knowing

The best-rated lounge in this network, by our users' scores, is LATAM's Guarulhos international lounge. It has eight showers and a full bar. If you're connecting through São Paulo toward the U.S., it's worth leaving time to use it.