Complete Guide to LATAM Airlines Baggage Policy and Other Rules

LATAM Airlines Group is a huge name in South American skies. It’s a massive airline that came about when Chile’s LAN Airlines and Brazil’s TAM Airlines joined forces. This airline does a fantastic job connecting the continent, with major hubs in important cities like Santiago, São Paulo, Lima, and Bogotá. From these central spots, their routes spread out, covering not only Latin America but also reaching across to North America, Europe, Africa, and Oceania. So, whether you’re heading to Machu Picchu, flying for business to São Paulo, or going on a beach holiday in the Caribbean, you’ll likely fly with LATAM.

What really makes LATAM Airlines stand out is its unmatched network within South America. If you want to visit several countries on the continent, no other airline offers the same level of connections and flight frequency. This wide reach is a major plus, both for tourists and business travelers. Besides its routes, the airline is known for its modern planes, different fare options that give you choices in pricing and what’s included, and its loyalty program, LATAM Pass. This program rewards frequent flyers with lots of benefits. The airline really tries to blend its Chilean and Brazilian heritage, offering a service that shows off the warmth and diversity found in Latin America.

This guide aims to be your go-to resource for flying with LATAM. We’ll cover the important policies you need to know before you travel. We’ll go into detail about their baggage rules, explaining the different systems and costs, and what you can bring in the cabin. We’ll also look at the food options you can expect at 30,000 feet, how to travel with your pets, and explain other key policies like cancellations and special assistance. Lastly, we’ll wrap it up with useful tips to make your travel smooth and enjoyable.

LATAM Airlines Checked Baggage Policy

Knowing the rules for checked luggage is a big part of planning your trip. It’s important to know the standard LATAM Airlines baggage dimensions so you don’t run into unexpected fees at the airport.

Weight Concept

This concept is most common on domestic flights within South America. Here, the focus is on the total weight of all your checked luggage combined, not how many bags you have. It’s useful if you have several smaller bags. Keep in mind that even with this concept, it’s best if each bag doesn’t weigh more than 23 kg so baggage handlers can manage them safely. If a single item weighs over 32 kg (70 lbs), it might not be accepted or might need special cargo handling with extra fees.

Your typical allowance depends on your seat class and the fare you bought (Light, Plus, or Top). For most economy fares, checked bags aren’t included in the basic “Light” fare and you need to buy them separately.

Piece Concept

This concept is used for most long international flights, including those to North America, Europe, and Oceania. Your allowance here is a specific number of bags, each with its own weight limit. This system is usually more straightforward for people used to international flight standards. Going over the number of pieces or the weight for each piece will mean paying extra baggage fees.

Your allowance will change a lot based on your seat class and fare type. Members with elite status in the LATAM Pass program might also get extra allowances. Importantly, LATAM Airlines Baggage Weight for any single bag must never be over 45 kg (99 lbs) for safety; bags heavier than this must be sent as cargo. Bags weighing between 32 kg (70 lbs) and 45 kg (99 lbs) will have an overweight fee.

LATAM Airlines Prohibited Items in Checked Baggage

For everyone’s safety, LATAM Airlines has strict rules about what you can pack in checked luggage. If you pack something that’s not allowed, it could cause delays, the item might be taken away, and you could even face legal trouble. Always check the rules for both where you’re flying from and where you’re going, because regulations can differ.

• Explosives and Flammable Stuff: Things like fireworks, flares, ammunition, blasting caps, fuses, gasoline, lighter fluid, flammable paints, and aerosol cans (except for small personal care items) are totally forbidden.
• Gases: Compressed gases like oxygen tanks (unless you have special permission for medical reasons), propane, and butane camping canisters are not allowed.
• Corrosive and Oxidizing Materials: This includes things like acids, alkalis, bleach, and peroxides.
• Poisons and Infectious Substances: Arsenic, pesticides, and biological samples are not permitted.
• Radioactive Materials: Anything that emits radiation is not allowed in passenger bags.
• Lithium Batteries: Extra or loose lithium-ion batteries (like power banks or e-cigarette batteries) must go in your carry-on bag and are not allowed in checked luggage because of the fire risk. Batteries that are already in devices are usually okay.
• E-cigarettes and Vaping Devices: These devices are not allowed in checked baggage and must be carried in your cabin bag. You can’t use them or charge them on the plane.

LATAM Airlines Extra Baggage Fee

Knowing the costs for extra luggage is important for your trip budget. So, how much does LATAM Airlines charge for extra baggage? The price can change a lot. It depends on where you’re flying, your fare type (Light, Plus, or Top), when you buy the extra allowance (online in advance or at the airport), and whether your bag is just an extra piece, too heavy, or too big. Buying your extra baggage online in advance is always the cheapest way, often saving you about 50% compared to airport prices.

Fees are usually charged for each extra bag and for each part of your flight.

• Buying Your First Bag (on “Light” fares):

  • Domestic Flights (e.g., within Brazil, Chile, Colombia): Prices can start around $15-$30 USD if you buy online more than 48 hours before the flight. At the airport, this can go up to $40-$60 USD.
  • Regional Flights (within South America): Expect to pay between $30-$50 USD online, and $60-$80 USD at the airport.
  • International Flights (e.g., to North America/Europe): The first bag on a Light fare can cost from $70-$100 USD online and $90-$120 USD at the airport.

• Buying a Second or Additional Bag:

  • Domestic/Regional Flights: A second bag usually costs a bit more than the first, often around $25-$60 USD online.
  • International Flights (to North America/Europe): A second bag can be much more expensive, often starting at about $90-$120 USD online and potentially reaching $200 USD or more at the airport, especially for third or fourth bags.

• Overweight Baggage Fees:

  • If your bag is heavier than the limit for your class (23 kg for Economy, 32 kg for Business), you’ll pay an overweight fee. This is a fixed fee added to any other baggage charges.
  • For bags between 23 kg and 32 kg (50-70 lbs), the fee usually ranges from $60 to $120 USD depending on the route.
  • For bags between 32 kg and 45 kg (70-99 lbs), the fee is higher, often $120 to $240 USD. Bags over 45 kg are not allowed as checked baggage.

• Oversized Baggage Fees:

  • If your bag is bigger than the standard dimensions of 158 cm / 62 inches (when you add up height, width, and length), it will have an oversized fee.
  • For bags between 158 cm and 300 cm (62-118 in), this fee is similar to the overweight fee, generally between $80 and $150 USD, depending on the route.
  • Items larger than 300 cm need to be sent as cargo.

These prices are just estimates and can change. Always use the baggage calculator on the official LATAM Airlines website for the most accurate cost for your specific flight.

LATAM Airlines Carry-On Baggage Policy

LATAM Airlines has a clear and pretty standard policy for carry-on bags, designed to keep things safe and comfortable in the cabin. Everyone flying gets one piece of carry-on luggage and one personal item, but the weight limits are different depending on your cabin class. Sticking to these limits makes boarding much smoother.

LATAM Airlines Carry-On Baggage Additions

Besides your main carry-on bag, every passenger can bring one personal item on board. This item needs to fit easily under the seat in front of you.

• Examples of a Personal Item: This could be a purse, a laptop bag, a small backpack, a camera bag, or a diaper bag. The maximum size is usually 45 x 35 x 20 cm (17.7 x 13.7 x 7.8 in).
• Other Allowed Items: You can also bring these items without them counting towards your allowance:
  • A jacket or coat.
  • An umbrella.
  • Reading material for the flight.
  • A small bag from duty-free shops.
  • Mobility aids like canes, crutches, or walkers.

LATAM Airlines Carry-On Baggage Restrictions

To follow international aviation security rules, there are several restrictions on what you can pack in your carry-on bag. The most common question is about the LATAM Airlines liquid allowance.

• Liquids, Gels, and Aerosols: You can bring liquids, gels, creams, and aerosols in containers of 100 ml (3.4 ounces) or less. All these containers must fit easily inside one transparent, resealable plastic bag that holds up to 1 liter. You must show this bag separately at security.
  • Exceptions: Important medicines, baby food/milk, and special dietary items are allowed even if they are in larger containers. You need to tell security officers about them for inspection. They might ask for proof, like a prescription.
• Sharp Objects: Items that could be used as weapons are completely forbidden. This includes knives (of any size), box cutters, razor blades, scissors with blades longer than 6 cm, and metal nail files.
• Sporting Goods: Things like baseball bats, ski poles, pool cues, and hockey sticks are not allowed in the cabin and must be checked.
• Self-Defense Items: Pepper spray, mace, and tasers are not allowed in carry-on bags.
• Tools: Power tools and hand tools like drills, screwdrivers, and wrenches must be put in checked luggage.

LATAM Airlines Food Policy

The food you get on a LATAM Airlines flight really depends on how long your trip is and where you’re going. The airline offers everything from a “buy-on-board” market for shorter flights to free multi-course meals on long international flights. They try to meet different passenger needs and tastes.

On domestic flights within countries like Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador, and on some shorter international routes within South America, LATAM has a “Mercado LATAM” service. This is where you can buy various snacks, drinks, and light meals. The LATAM Airlines food menu in this market usually includes things like sandwiches, wraps, cheese plates, sweet and savory snacks like chips and cookies, and a full range of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Prices are about what you’d expect for airline food. A sandwich might cost around $8-$10 USD, a coffee or soft drink about $3-$4 USD, and a beer or small wine bottle is about $6-$8 USD.

For long international flights, like those to North America, Europe, or Oceania, meals are free for everyone. The service differs by cabin class.

• In Economy Class, passengers usually get one or two hot meals, depending on the flight length, plus free soft drinks, juices, wine, and beer. A typical dinner might offer a choice between two main dishes, perhaps “braised beef with mashed potatoes” or “ricotta-stuffed pasta with tomato and basil sauce.” It comes with a side salad, bread, and dessert. On overnight flights, a simpler breakfast is usually served before you land.
• In Premium Business Class, the dining experience is much better. Passengers get a multi-course meal created by famous chefs, with flavors inspired by South American cooking. The meal is served on real plates with proper cutlery. It includes a premium selection of appetizers, main courses, and desserts, all matched with a special list of South American and international wines.

Special meals are available for passengers with dietary needs, religious restrictions, or for children. You must request these at least 48 hours before your flight. You can do this through the “My Trips” section on the LATAM website or by calling them. Options include vegetarian (vegan and lacto-ovo), gluten-free, diabetic, kosher, and kids’ meals.

LATAM Airlines Pet Policy

LATAM Airlines knows that pets are family, so they offer ways to transport them either in the cabin or in the cargo hold. They have strict rules to make sure the animal and all passengers are safe and comfortable. You need to request this service and get it confirmed at least 48 hours in advance by calling the airline, as there’s limited space.

Pets in the Cabin (Pet in Cabin service):

• Eligible Animals: Only small dogs and cats can travel in the cabin.
• Size and Weight Limits: The pet, along with its carrier, must not weigh more than 7 kg (15 lbs). The carrier (soft or hard) must not be larger than 36 cm long x 33 cm wide x 19 cm high for soft carriers, or a bit smaller for hard ones. The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you.
• Cost: The fee for a pet in the cabin changes depending on the route. For domestic flights, it can be $40 to $80 USD. For flights within South America, it’s usually $200 USD, and for long international flights, it’s $250 USD.
• Restrictions: Certain dog and cat breeds with short noses (brachycephalic) are not allowed to travel in the cabin or hold because they can have trouble breathing. The pet must be at least 16 weeks old.

Pets in the Hold (Checked Baggage):

• Eligible Animals: Dogs and cats that are too big for the cabin but weigh no more than 45 kg (99 lbs) (including the crate) can fly in the temperature-controlled cargo hold. For flights to/from Europe, the weight limit is 32 kg.
• Crate Requirements: The crate must meet IATA standards. It needs to be a hard container with a metal door, good ventilation, and enough room for the animal to stand and turn around comfortably.
• Cost: The cost is higher than for cabin travel. It’s usually between $80 to $160 USD on domestic routes and $250 to $400 USD on international routes, depending on the combined weight of the pet and crate.
• Required Documents: For all pet travel, you need a current health certificate from a licensed vet (usually within 10 days of travel), proof of rabies vaccination, and any other entry documents needed by the destination country. To book your pet’s spot, you’ll need to give all this information when you call the airline.

Other LATAM Airlines Services & Policies

LATAM Airlines Cancellation Policy

LATAM’s rules for canceling or changing flights depend directly on the fare type you bought: Light, Plus, or Top.

• Light Fare: This is the most restrictive fare. Tickets are usually non-refundable. You might be able to make changes, but there’s a big change fee plus any difference in the fare. Sometimes, the change fee can cost more than the ticket itself, making it hard to change.
• Plus Fare: This fare is more flexible. While it’s not fully refundable if you cancel, you might get a credit for future travel. Changes are allowed, but you’ll pay a change fee (which is less than for Light fares) and any difference in the new fare.
• Top Fare: This is the most flexible and most expensive fare. Top Fare tickets are often fully refundable (sometimes with a small admin fee) and allow changes with no change fee, although you’ll still pay if the new fare is more expensive. This is the best choice if your plans might change.

For flights to and from the United States, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s “24-hour rule” applies. This rule lets you cancel your booking with no penalty and get a full refund if you book at least seven days before the flight and cancel within 24 hours of booking. Always check the specific fare rules when you book to fully understand your ticket’s conditions.

LATAM Airlines Wheelchair Assistance

LATAM Airlines wants to make sure all passengers have a comfortable and dignified travel experience, including those who need extra help. Wheelchair assistance is a free service offered by the airline, but you must request it at least 48 hours before your flight. You can do this online through the “My Trips” portal or by calling the airline.

When you request the service, you’ll need to say how much help you need:

• WCHR (Wheelchair Ramp): You can walk short distances and climb stairs but need a wheelchair for longer distances inside the airport.
• WCHS (Wheelchair Steps): You can walk short distances but can’t climb stairs. You’ll need help getting on and off the plane.
• WCHC (Wheelchair Cabin): You are unable to walk and need help from check-in to your seat on the plane, and back again. This includes using a special aisle chair to move within the cabin.

You can bring your own manual or electric wheelchairs. Manual, foldable wheelchairs can sometimes be stored in the cabin if there’s space. Electric wheelchairs must be checked in, and there are special rules for handling their batteries (spillable or non-spillable). Letting the airline know in advance ensures they have the right staff and equipment ready for you at both departure and arrival airports, making your trip easier.

Tips for Passengers

First and foremost, it’s really important to know that airline policies, fees, and schedules can change. While this guide gives you a detailed look at LATAM Airlines’ procedures, the most reliable place for information is always the airline itself. Before you book, and again before you travel, go to the official LATAM Airlines website. You’ll find the most current baggage calculators, fee charts, travel updates, and specific terms for your fare. Using their online tools is the best way to avoid surprises at the last minute and make sure you have the right information for your trip.

One common travel problem is dealing with luggage, especially if you have a long layover or arrive in a city hours before you can check into your hotel. Instead of being stuck with your bags while trying to explore, think about using an international luggage storage service. A good option is Qeepl, which has secure spots in hotels, shops, and cafes in cities all over the world. Wherever you arrive, you can find a nearby Qeepl location, safely store your bags for a few hours or a whole day, and then explore the city without the hassle. It’s a simple solution that can turn a boring waiting time into an extra chance to see the sights.

To make your journey with LATAM as smooth as possible, keep a few other things in mind. Always check in online 24-48 hours before your flight to save time at the airport and to pick or confirm your seat. Download the LATAM Airlines app to your phone; it’s a great tool for managing your booking, getting your digital boarding pass, and seeing flight updates in real time. If you fly even occasionally in South America, consider joining the LATAM Pass loyalty program to start earning miles and benefits like priority boarding and extra baggage allowance. Lastly, always check the visa and entry rules for your destination country well before your travel date.