Delta Air Lines has made a major change to its Buenos Aires service. For years, travelers enjoyed direct Delta flights from the United States to Argentina’s capital. The landscape is different now.
This guide explains everything you need to know. We will cover the new flight schedule, how to book your trip, and what these changes mean for your 2026 travel plans to Buenos Aires.
The Big Change: A New Way to Fly
Delta no longer flies its own planes to Buenos Aires. In late 2024, the airline stopped its non-stop service from its main hub in Atlanta.
This was a strategic decision. Instead of operating the route itself, Delta deepened its partnership with LATAM Airlines, a major carrier in South America.
For you, the traveler, this means a new experience. Your journey will now involve a connection. You will fly on a Delta plane to a gateway city, then transfer to a LATAM flight to reach Buenos Aires.
Your 2026 Flight Path: The New Route
So, what does a trip look like now? You will start your journey on a Delta aircraft from a U.S. city like New York (JFK), Atlanta (ATL), or Los Angeles (LAX).
Your connection will be in South America. The primary hubs for transferring to a LATAM flight are São Paulo, Brazil (GRU) and Santiago, Chile (SCL). These are modern airports designed for smooth connections.
Your final leg will be on LATAM. After your connection, you will board a LATAM plane—such as a Boeing 787 Dreamliner—for the flight into Buenos Aires’ Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE).
Total travel time will increase. A trip that was once a 10-hour non-stop from Atlanta may now take 14 to 16 hours, depending on your layover.
How to Book Your 2026 Tickets
The booking process is still simple. You should search for and book your entire trip through the official Delta Air Lines website or mobile app.
Look for the “Operated by” note. Your search results will show flights with a Delta number (like DL 3000) but will clearly state “Operated by LATAM Airlines.”
You book and pay Delta directly. The fare, rules, and baggage allowance will be Delta’s. You will receive a Delta confirmation code and e-ticket for the whole journey.
Managing your trip is easy. You can often check in and select seats via Delta’s system. For the best control, you can also use your Delta code on LATAM’s website to manage the LATAM portion of your flight.
The Benefits of the New Partnership
This change is not all bad news. There are several key advantages for travelers.
You get access to a much larger network. Through LATAM’s hubs, you can now easily connect to dozens of other cities in South America from Buenos Aires, making multi-country trips simpler.
Your frequent flyer benefits are protected. If you are a Delta SkyMiles member with Medallion status, you will receive priority services on LATAM flights. This includes priority check-in, extra baggage, and lounge access where available.
Your baggage will be checked through. Even with two airlines involved, you can check your bags from your starting airport all the way to Buenos Aires.
The airlines work together if plans change. If your first flight is delayed and you miss your connection, Delta and LATAM will work to rebook you on the next available flight.
Important Things to Consider
Be prepared for a longer journey. The added connection time is the most significant change. Plan accordingly, especially if you are traveling for business.
You may need to clear immigration during your connection. If you connect in São Paulo or Santiago, you will likely need to go through that country’s passport control before catching your flight to Argentina. Always check visa requirements for transit passengers.
Choose your layover time wisely. It is recommended to book a connection with at least 2.5 to 3 hours between flights. This gives you a buffer for immigration and getting to your next gate.
The in-flight experience will be different. LATAM offers excellent service, but the seats, food, and entertainment will differ from what you may be used to on a Delta-operated long-haul flight.
Preparing for Your Trip in 2026
Start with your documents. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. U.S. citizens must pay Argentina’s Reciprocity Fee online before their trip. Always verify the latest entry rules.
Pack smart for the journey. Keep medications, a change of clothes, and essential electronics in your carry-on bag in case of any delays.
Use technology to your advantage. Download both the Delta and LATAM mobile apps. You can often view your full itinerary and get boarding passes for all flights in one place.
At the airport, confirm the details. When you check in with Delta, verbally confirm that your bags are tagged to Buenos Aires (EZE) and that you have boarding passes for every segment of your trip.
What the Future Holds
This partnership model is here to stay for the foreseeable future. For 2026, the schedule of Delta-marketed, LATAM-operated flights is expected to be stable and reliable.
The aviation industry is always evolving. New, more efficient aircraft or shifts in travel demand could one day make non-stop flights viable again. For now, the partnership offers a solid and well-connected way to reach Buenos Aires as a Delta customer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Delta restart direct flights to Buenos Aires soon?
No. The current plan for 2026 involves flights operated exclusively by partner airline LATAM, with connections in South America. There is no announcement of Delta’s own direct service returning.
Do I still earn SkyMiles on these flights?
Yes. When you book a ticket with a Delta flight number, you will earn SkyMiles as usual. The miles will be based on the fare you purchased and will credit to your account automatically after travel.
What if my flight is delay and I miss the connection?
The Delta-LATAM partnership includes agreements for such situations. If you miss your connection due to a delay, airline staff will rebook you on the next available flight to Buenos Aires at no extra charge.
Can I use my Delta Sky Club membership?
Your Sky Club access applies to Delta-operated segments at U.S. airports. For the international leg, Diamond and Platinum Medallion members may access LATAM’s partner lounges in São Paulo or Santiago when traveling in any cabin.
Is the baggage allowance the same?
Yes. The baggage rules that apply are Delta’s publish policy based on your fare class and SkyMiles status. LATAM will honor this allowance when you check in for their operated flight.
Leave a Reply