Tam Linhas Aéreas

I would have given TAM 3 stars based on my one intra-​South America flight with them, but they are edging into 4 star territory. The reason for doing so has to do with logistics.
The entire experience on my one TAM flight was unremarkable, meaning everything went according to plan — easy purchase at a reasonable price, on time performance, typical economy seating, pleasant service, and bags showing up on the carousel in short order.
TAM stands for Transportes Aereos Mercosur, of which Mercosur is the name for the economic trading bloc in South America, albeit mostly the Southern Cone. TAM picked up a lot of routes from Varig which, for years, was Brazil’s flag carrier. Watching Varig cease operations saddened me. It had the coolest website at one time where the spoiler featured the shadow of a jet moving over the ocean and into the jungle forest at the edge of that beach. It was almost sexy … but then it’s Brazilian. But that’s not all. I grew up with them connecting the West Coast of the States to Brazil.
TAM Linhas Aereas is, as of late, also in bed with LAN. LAN has also spread its wings. It used to mostly be known as LAN Chile. There is now LAN Peru and possibly others. Either way, both TAM and LAN are part of the One World alliance, which we may know through American Airlines. (TAM used to be part of Star Alliance, dominated by United, and has seceded). With these musical chairs, South America is now dominated by One World, whether you’re flying down there on American Airlines or moving to points within it on either TAM or LAN-(insert name of country).
The only other major carrier, and one that I enjoyed using and has some decent routes within South America, is Aerolineas Argentinas and they are now part of Sky Team, of which Delta is the major player. However, for economy segments, they may award only 25% to 50% of the miles flown (into a Sky Team carrier account). On the other hand, TAM, and LAN, typically award 100% of the miles flown on most economy tickets (into a One World carrier account) and their route system is more comprehensive. That’s why I think TAM Linhas Aereas is edging into 4 star territory.

Props to Tam Airlines for their service on my domestic flight from Rio to Sao Paolo. We got delicious food and drinks, and great service from the staff, even if it was 40 minutes, and I wish airlines in the US cherished customer service like Tam does.
Props!