Starting next month, LATAM Pass will introduce miles-based upgrades on an auction basis.

This can be interesting, as you can potentially get a bargain for few miles, especially on poorly booked flights. At the same time, however, LATAM has announced that such upgrades will take priority over complimentary upgrades offered free of charge to elite members – which, for many elite members, is clearly the most important benefit of participating in the program.

We will have to wait and see how this plays out in practice, but it is certainly to be feared that at LATAM, a passenger who uses a few miles (and thus reduces the company’s financial liabilities) will be considered more valuable than a loyal frequent flyer.