I am planning a trip to Ecuador later this year which includes the Galápagos Islands; and I was about to purchase several fares for two people with LATAM — but I encountered information which to me seems vague and somewhat contradictory.
Information Which Seems Vague and Somewhat Contradictory
According to the official Internet web site of Delta Air Lines as shown in the screen shot above, members of the Delta Air Lines SkyMiles membership program who have earned either Gold Medallion, Platinum Medallion, or Diamond Medallion elite status are entitled to an additional piece of luggage with LATAM Airlines over the standard baggage allowance on the fare or route booked. I am one of those members who currently has Medallion elite status.
I do not check baggage. Before I book my flights — all of which will be domestic flights within Ecuador with LATAM Airlines — does this mean that I can purchase a Basic fare and still be allowed to carry aboard a handbag and a carry-on bag weighing up to twelve kilograms thanks to my Medallion elite status with Delta Air Lines; or must I spend more money and purchase a Light fare?
Under the Basic fare for one of the flights of which I am considering booking tickets, I see a warning in red that “Benefits do not apply for member categories”.
Also, if allowed, does the baggage allowance extend to companion travelers?
I tried asking this question:
- In the LATAM | LATAM Pass forum on FlyerTalk on Friday, June 13, 2025. I have yet to receive a response.
- With LATAM directly. This is the response I received: “Hello, thank you for contacting us. We have looked into your inquiry, and unfortunately, since you are asking for information regarding the benefits of Delta’s program, you will need to reach out to them directly, as they are the only ones who can confirm whether you will receive those benefits on our flights. We want to reassure you that we are here to assist you. Please feel free to get in touch again if you have any further questions.”
- With Delta Air Lines via its official X social media account. This is the response I initially received: “Hello! Most info about baggage can be located on our site. Please feel free to review the link. You are welcome to message back if you have any questions. Also, when you check in for the flight, it will provide you with baggage allowance.”
- In the Delta Air Lines | SkyMiles forum on FlyerTalk on Saturday, June 14, 2025: Most of the responses from members of FlyerTalk advise that I purchase the more expensive Light fare with LATAM Airlines for all of the tickets to avoid problems. I was also told that the extra baggage allowance is for checked baggage and not for carry-on baggage.
I also called the Medallion telephone number of Delta Air Lines; and the customer service representative was not completely sure of the rules after I told her the aforementioned information. She asked me to be on hold for some time, which lasted almost 20 minutes — which is not a problem, as she was nice and was trying to find out the answer for me.
When she returned, she said that if I have Medallion elite status with Delta Air Lines, I will not be allowed to carry a bag aboard the airplane with LATAM Airlines other than what they call a handbag…
…but if I have elite status with both Delta Air Lines and LATAM Airlines, then I will be permitted to bring a carry-on bag aboard the airplane in addition to the handbag.
Um…could I not have that privilege anyway if I only had earned elite status with the LATAM Pass membership program directly?
Final Boarding Call
I have no problem with paying more for airline tickets. However, I do not appreciate when a low fare is advertised but is very restrictive — especially if that fare is for a flight whose duration is several hours. That is my main complaint about basic economy fares, which are essentially similar to mandatory resort fees for lodging companies in that a low fare is advertised — but many customers will have no choice but to spend more money on a higher airfare.
I also do not understand why some airlines will offer extra baggage allowance at no extra charge for checked baggage but not for carry-on baggage. Checked baggage is usually larger and heavier than carry-on baggage. Why penalize passengers who do not check baggage and follow the rules for carry-on baggage?
Finally, I do not like when rules and policies are nebulous at best — especially between airline partners. The whole point of partnerships is to streamline travel as seamlessly as possible. Delta Air Lines allows passengers on Basic Economy fares to carry both a personal item and a carry-on bag at no extra charge. Why does LATAM Airlines not follow a similar policy — especially when Delta Air Lines owns 60,722,284826 shares of the company, which is a stake of ten percent? Policies should be clear, with a full explanation of the rules.
Companies in the travel industry need to reduce the pain points of planning travel so that customers can spend less time — and be less frustrated — with booking tickets and reservations.
What are your thoughts?
All photographs ©2019 and ©2022 by Brian Cohen.
