Long Way Home: LATAM and the South American Journey from Japan
South Americans in Japan face marathon journeys home, with no direct LATAM flights linking Tokyo to São Paulo or Santiago. This commentary explores why LATAM has stayed away from Asia, the frustrations and adaptations of the diaspora, and how codeshares with JAL and ANA fill the gap. While nonstop service remains a dream, LATAM’s unrivaled South American network makes it the natural choice once travelers reach the Americas. A practical look at distance, demand, and connection.
For South Americans living in Japan, the journey home is nothing short of a marathon. With no direct flights from Tokyo to São Paulo or Santiago, travelers face itineraries stretching 30 to 40 hours, often with two or more layovers. The absence of LATAM Airlines — South America’s largest carrier — in Japan is felt keenly by the diaspora, who long for a nonstop option that would bridge two continents with deep cultural and economic ties.
The Reality Today
LATAM once explored Asia connections, but today its presence in Japan is limited to codeshares with Japan Airlines. This arrangement allows passengers to book single‑ticket itineraries, check baggage through, and earn LATAM Pass miles. Yet, the reality remains: South Americans in Japan must connect via North America or Europe. JAL and ANA provide the first leg, while LATAM takes over once travelers reach Miami, Los Angeles, Madrid, or Frankfurt.
Why LATAM Stays Away
The reasons go beyond geography. LATAM’s post‑COVID restructuring forced it to cut riskier routes and focus on profitable corridors. Its alliance shift — leaving Oneworld and partnering with Delta — redirected strategy toward U.S. hubs. Operationally, ultra‑long‑haul flights to Asia demand aircraft and crew rotations that strain resources. And with only around 20,000 South Americans in Japan, demand is too thin to justify nonstop service. Add to this the dominance of ANA and JAL in Japan’s international market, and LATAM’s absence becomes understandable.
Community Sentiment
Among Brazilians, Peruvians, and Chileans in Japan, frustration is common. Families dread the long itineraries, and older travelers find the multiple layovers exhausting. Many wish for a direct Tokyo–São Paulo flight, citing the strong Brazil–Japan cultural connection. Yet, most have adapted, relying on JAL/ANA codeshares and LATAM’s extensive South American network once they reach the Americas. LATAM remains the “home airline” for diaspora travelers, even if they cannot board it in Tokyo.
Opportunity Missed?
While LATAM has no Asia plans, it is expanding aggressively in North America and Europe, and even evaluating Middle East routes. This raises the question: could Asia be next? The answer, for now, is no. LATAM’s strategy is shaped by financial caution and alliance priorities. But the diaspora’s longing for direct flights suggests a potential niche market, especially during peak travel seasons.
A Practical Angle
For travelers in Japan, the absence of LATAM flights doesn’t mean the airline is irrelevant. In fact, once you reach the Americas, LATAM becomes one of the most practical choices for onward travel. Its network stretches across South America more extensively than any other carrier, making it the go‑to option for reaching destinations beyond the big hubs like São Paulo or Santiago. For South Americans living in Japan, this means that while the first leg of the journey may rely on JAL, ANA, or European carriers, LATAM often takes over as the most efficient way to complete the trip home.
A Reader’s Takeaway
Rather than focusing on what’s missing — a direct Tokyo–São Paulo flight — it’s worth recognizing what LATAM does exceptionally well: connecting travelers to the diverse landscapes and cities of South America. For readers of Points & Miles Japan, the practical takeaway is simple: when planning a trip back to South America, consider LATAM as the carrier that can carry you the last, most important stretch of the journey. Exploring booking options through established partners or LATAM’s own channels ensures smoother travel and access to its loyalty program benefits, without the need for complicated multi‑ticket arrangements.