LATAM opens largest airport lounge in South America

Frequent travellers passing through Santiago de Chile’s Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport are in for a treat, with LATAM this week debuting the largest airport lounge in South America.

The Chilean airline recently resumed flights between Sydney and Santiago, via Auckland, aboard its Boeing 787 Dreamliner, meaning Australians don’t have to wait to experience the new-look premium passenger retreat.

Guests at the pointy end of the 787 can enjoy a stylish lie-flat business class with mod cons including direct aisle access, a wide console for keeping laptops and other items at hand, and a shelf where that kit can be tucked out of the way until needed.

Business class onboard the LATAM 787.

Located on the fourth floor of Terminal 2, the 4,000sqm space is actually three lounges in one – divided into Signature, Premium and WorldMember – and replaces the old VIP area.

LATAM Pass Black Signature, Black and Platinum holders are all welcome inside, along with alliance partner members travelling on international flights or making stopovers in Chile. 

Among its noteworthy features are an open bar, a variety of seating, and a series of art sculptures by emerging South American artists, made mostly with recycled materials.

The new-look lounge is almost double the size of its predecessor.

Paulo Miranda, Vice President of Customers for LATAM says, “Our decision making is always guided by our customers so we’ve created an experience where every traveller can choose what is important for their trip with options for everyone to enjoy their time as they see fit.”

In line with the group’s commitment to sustainability, the lounge operates on 80% renewable energy and includes interactive games with themes around recycling and conservation, and waste reduction encouraged through recycling and reuse.

LATAM says it will also be renovating features including lockers for hand luggage, sleeping areas, showers, buffet service with Latin American cuisine, and co-work areas.

Guests can choose from a variety of seating options.

Qantas has yet to reveal when – or even if – it will restart its Sydney-Santiago route, meaning LATAM currently enjoys a monopoly on the trans-Pacific route.

LATAM’s Sydney to Santigo schedule will see three flights per week initially, although Executive Traveller understands the airline plans to boost this to five per week in July.