Can I earn Avios and BA tier points if I fly with LATAM?

In this article we’ll look at how you can earn Avios and British Airways tier points by flying with LATAM and whether it’s worth it compared to flying British Airways.

It is no longer possible to earn BA tier points on LATAM instead of their own mileage reward currency. This is because LATAM has left the oneworld alliance.

However, you can still earn Avios on LATAM flights. You can Avios with flights on  the following LATAM airlines: LATAM Chile (LA), LATAM Argentina (4M), LATAM Colombia (4C), LATAM Ecuador (XL), LATAM Peru (LP) and LATAM Brasil Airlines (JJ.

When you book or manage your flights with LATAM, you will be able to add your British Airways Executive Club number. Upon completion of your flights you will automatically be credited the correct Avios.

However, you will earn a different amount of Avios on LATAM compared to if you fly British Airways. This is because they have different earning rates. On LATAM, you will earn Avios at a maximum of 125% of miles flown if you fly business class. On British Airways flights, however, business class fares can come with 150% of miles flown.

Here is the full chart of earning rates, sourced from the British Airways website.  We are comparing the earnings when you take a flight on LATAM compared to taking a flight on British Airways.

Economy lowest – 25% on both airlines

Economy low – 50% on both airlines

Economy flexible – 100% on both airlines

Premium Economy – 100%-110% vs 100%-150% on British Airways

Business – 125% vs 150%-250% on British Airways

First – LATAM does not have first class – 250%-300% on British Airways

As you can see, economy earning rates are the same for both airlines.  For flights in LATAM business class you will suffer some severe losses, earning up to a third fewer on LATAM than you would on a British Airways flight.

You will NOT get a status bonus when you fly with LATAM.  This means that Bronze, Silver and Gold members of the Executive Club will do even worse compared to flying BA.

(This article is part of our ‘BA Q&A’ series which explains how British Airways Executive Club works.  You can see all of our ‘BA Q&A’ articles here. )

(Head for Points is the UK’s biggest frequent flyer website with 1.8 million monthly page views.  Want to learn more about earning and spending Avios?  Click here to read our latest news stories, click here to join our email list and click here to read our ‘Avios Redemption University’ series.)

How to get 20,000 Avios from Amex Gold or 30,000 Avios from Amex Platinum (December 2021 offer)

The sign-up bonus on American Express Preferred Rewards Gold converts to 20,000 Avios and the card is free for the first year. You can apply here.

American Express Preferred Rewards Gold

Your best beginner’s card – 20,000 points, FREE for a year & two airport lounge passes Read our full review

You don’t qualify for the Amex Gold bonus if you have a British Airways American Express card. You DO qualify for the bonus on The Platinum Card, which converts into 30,000 Avios. You can apply here.

The Platinum Card from American Express

30,000 points and an unbeatable set of travel benefits – for a fee Read our full review

If you have your own small business, the best way of earning Avios is via the Capital On Tap Business Rewards Visa. It has a sign-up bonus which converts to 10,000 Avios:

Capital On Tap Business Rewards Visa

The most generous Avios Visa or Mastercard for a limited company Read our full review

You should also look at the British Airways Accelerating Business card, because it currently has a limited time offer of 60,000 Avios when you sign up by 14th November. You can apply here.

British Airways Accelerating Business American Express

30,000 Avios sign-up bonus – plus annual bonuses of up to 30,000 Avios Read our full review

You can find out more about ALL UK credit cards which offer travel rewards in this article, updated monthly.