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LATAM Airlines, the largest airline group in Latin America,[1_83 384518 58 operates under a detailed and structured cancellation policy that varies based on several factors such as fare type, region, method of booking, and timing of the cancellation. Whether you’ve booked a domestic flight within South America or a long-haul international journey, understanding the fine print of LATAM’s cancellation policy can help you avoid unnecessary fees and make informed decisions in case your plans change. If you're considering canceling a flight with LATAM or want to know your rights in case of a cancellation by the airline, it’s essential to grasp the core rules and options available to passengers.
To begin with, the LATAM cancellation policy is largely influenced by the type of fare purchased. LATAM offers various fare classes, each with its own rules. Generally, the most restrictive are “Promo” or “Light” fares, which are typically the cheapest and most limited in flexibility. These fares are often non-refundable, meaning that if a passenger cancels, they are not entitled to a refund of the base fare. However, LATAM still allows the refund of unused government-imposed taxes and fees for these tickets, which can be claimed through a formal request. On the other hand, “Plus” or “Top” fares usually offer more leniency. These may allow cancellation with a partial refund, deducting a cancellation fee that varies depending on the route and time of the request. The most flexible options come with “Premium Economy” or “Business” fares, which are often fully refundable or cancellable with minimal penalty. These higher fare classes are more expensive but designed to provide peace of mind and adaptability for travelers who may need to change plans.
LATAM also honors a 24-hour risk-free cancellation policy in specific regions, particularly the United States, Brazil, Colombia, and certain other countries with local consumer protection laws. If you book your ticket directly through LATAM’s official channels—like its website or customer service line you are eligible to cancel your booking within 24 hours of purchase for a full refund,[1_83 384518 58 as long as the flight is scheduled to depart at least seven days later. This policy applies to most fare types, including non-refundable fares, and is a helpful safety net for passengers who change their minds shortly after booking.
If you’re canceling outside of this 24-hour window, LATAM applies cancellation fees depending on the fare rules. For instance, canceling a “Plus” fare may incur a penalty of approximately $50 to $200, depending on the specific route and how close to departure you are. In some cases, passengers are given the option to receive the remaining balance as a travel credit or voucher instead of a cash refund. These credits are typically valid for 12 months and can be used toward future LATAM bookings. Meanwhile, if you have a non-refundable fare and wish to cancel, you might only be eligible for a refund of the unused taxes and fees, unless special circumstances apply.
Special circumstances such as medical emergencies, bereavement, or serious personal issues may qualify passengers for additional flexibility. LATAM allows fee waivers or special refunds if valid documentation is provided. For example, in the event of a hospitalization, serious illness, or the death of the passenger or an immediate family member, LATAM may consider offering a refund or free change, depending on the specific case. Passengers must submit hospital or death certificates, and the airline reviews such requests on a case-by-case basis.
If your flight is canceled by LATAM itself, the policy becomes more favorable to passengers. In cases of involuntary cancellations whether due to mechanical issues, weather, strikes, or other operational problems LATAM offers passengers the choice between a full refund and a rebooking on the next available flight at no extra cost. If the rebooked itinerary is not convenient, you are entitled to decline it and opt for a refund instead. In some jurisdictions, especially within the European Union or countries that follow similar consumer laws, you may even be entitled to compensation in addition to a refund, depending on the cause and timing of the cancellation.
It is important to note that where you purchased your ticket also affects how you cancel. If you booked your flight directly through LATAM’s website, app, or call center, you can cancel or modify your booking via the “My Trips” section of the LATAM site. However, if you purchased your ticket through a travel agency or third-party website (like Expedia or Kayak), LATAM will usually require you to contact that agency directly to initiate the cancellation ,[1_83 384518 58 or refund process. This can sometimes result in slower processing or additional third-party service fees, so travelers are encouraged to book directly when possible for easier management of changes and refunds.
When it comes to receiving refunds, LATAM generally processes cash refunds to the original payment method within 7 to 30 business days, depending on the bank or credit card company. Refunds issued in the form of travel credits are often processed more quickly and appear in the passenger’s LATAM Travel Bank or associated account. For unused add-ons such as seat selection, extra baggage, or priority boarding, LATAM typically refunds those charges if the entire flight is canceled or if the add-on could not be used due to a change initiated by the airline.
For passengers who miss their flight without canceling in advance a situation known as a “no-show”—LATAM usually treats the entire ticket as forfeited, particularly for non-refundable fares. Some higher fare classes may allow partial credit or rebooking after a no-show, but in general, it is advisable to cancel or modify your itinerary before the flight’s scheduled departure if you are unable to travel.
There are additional nuances for partial itineraries. For example, if a passenger flies the outbound segment of a round-trip ticket but cancels the return leg, LATAM's ability to provide a refund depends on the fare conditions and how much of the ticket was used. In some cases, passengers may be eligible for a partial refund or travel credit for the unused portion, though this is rarely applicable for non-refundable tickets.
LATAM’s policy has been subject to criticism, especially when it comes to delays in refund processing and limitations imposed on cheaper fares. Some travelers have reported long waits and communication difficulties when attempting to obtain refunds, particularly when booking through third-party agencies. To avoid complications, it's recommended that passengers keep records of their transactions, monitor emails for changes, and contact LATAM customer support promptly if any issues arise. In regions with consumer protection laws like the United States, Brazil, or the European Union—passengers have the option to escalate disputes to the local aviation authority or pursue chargebacks through their credit card companies if LATAM fails to issue a refund in a timely manner.
In summary, LATAM’s cancellation policy is structured yet adaptable, with multiple variables influencing your eligibility for refunds or changes. Non-refundable fares are the most restrictive but may still offer partial recovery through taxes or travel credits. Flexible fares offer more freedom to cancel or rebook, often with lower or no penalties. The 24-hour risk-free cancellation policy is a vital tool for those who need short-term flexibility. Cancellations initiated by the airline tend to offer the most favorable terms, including full refunds or alternative flights. However, the key to navigating LATAM’s policy successfully lies in knowing your fare conditions, acting early, documenting everything, and booking directly when possible. This layered understanding can help you minimize financial loss, save time, and make smoother travel decisions when disruptions occur.
LATAM Airlines, the largest airline group in Latin America,[1_83 384518 58 operates under a detailed and structured cancellation policy that varies based on several factors such as fare type, region, method of booking, and timing of the cancellation. Whether you’ve booked a domestic flight within South America or a long-haul international journey, understanding the fine print of LATAM’s cancellation policy can help you avoid unnecessary fees and make informed decisions in case your plans change. If you're considering canceling a flight with LATAM or want to know your rights in case of a cancellation by the airline, it’s essential to grasp the core rules and options available to passengers.
To begin with, the LATAM cancellation policy is largely influenced by the type of fare purchased. LATAM offers various fare classes, each with its own rules. Generally, the most restrictive are “Promo” or “Light” fares, which are typically the cheapest and most limited in flexibility. These fares are often non-refundable, meaning that if a passenger cancels, they are not entitled to a refund of the base fare. However, LATAM still allows the refund of unused government-imposed taxes and fees for these tickets, which can be claimed through a formal request. On the other hand, “Plus” or “Top” fares usually offer more leniency. These may allow cancellation with a partial refund, deducting a cancellation fee that varies depending on the route and time of the request. The most flexible options come with “Premium Economy” or “Business” fares, which are often fully refundable or cancellable with minimal penalty. These higher fare classes are more expensive but designed to provide peace of mind and adaptability for travelers who may need to change plans.
LATAM also honors a 24-hour risk-free cancellation policy in specific regions, particularly the United States, Brazil, Colombia, and certain other countries with local consumer protection laws. If you book your ticket directly through LATAM’s official channels—like its website or customer service line you are eligible to cancel your booking within 24 hours of purchase for a full refund,[1_83 384518 58 as long as the flight is scheduled to depart at least seven days later. This policy applies to most fare types, including non-refundable fares, and is a helpful safety net for passengers who change their minds shortly after booking.
If you’re canceling outside of this 24-hour window, LATAM applies cancellation fees depending on the fare rules. For instance, canceling a “Plus” fare may incur a penalty of approximately $50 to $200, depending on the specific route and how close to departure you are. In some cases, passengers are given the option to receive the remaining balance as a travel credit or voucher instead of a cash refund. These credits are typically valid for 12 months and can be used toward future LATAM bookings. Meanwhile, if you have a non-refundable fare and wish to cancel, you might only be eligible for a refund of the unused taxes and fees, unless special circumstances apply.
Special circumstances such as medical emergencies, bereavement, or serious personal issues may qualify passengers for additional flexibility. LATAM allows fee waivers or special refunds if valid documentation is provided. For example, in the event of a hospitalization, serious illness, or the death of the passenger or an immediate family member, LATAM may consider offering a refund or free change, depending on the specific case. Passengers must submit hospital or death certificates, and the airline reviews such requests on a case-by-case basis.
If your flight is canceled by LATAM itself, the policy becomes more favorable to passengers. In cases of involuntary cancellations whether due to mechanical issues, weather, strikes, or other operational problems LATAM offers passengers the choice between a full refund and a rebooking on the next available flight at no extra cost. If the rebooked itinerary is not convenient, you are entitled to decline it and opt for a refund instead. In some jurisdictions, especially within the European Union or countries that follow similar consumer laws, you may even be entitled to compensation in addition to a refund, depending on the cause and timing of the cancellation.
It is important to note that where you purchased your ticket also affects how you cancel. If you booked your flight directly through LATAM’s website, app, or call center, you can cancel or modify your booking via the “My Trips” section of the LATAM site. However, if you purchased your ticket through a travel agency or third-party website (like Expedia or Kayak), LATAM will usually require you to contact that agency directly to initiate the cancellation ,[1_83 384518 58 or refund process. This can sometimes result in slower processing or additional third-party service fees, so travelers are encouraged to book directly when possible for easier management of changes and refunds.
When it comes to receiving refunds, LATAM generally processes cash refunds to the original payment method within 7 to 30 business days, depending on the bank or credit card company. Refunds issued in the form of travel credits are often processed more quickly and appear in the passenger’s LATAM Travel Bank or associated account. For unused add-ons such as seat selection, extra baggage, or priority boarding, LATAM typically refunds those charges if the entire flight is canceled or if the add-on could not be used due to a change initiated by the airline.
For passengers who miss their flight without canceling in advance a situation known as a “no-show”—LATAM usually treats the entire ticket as forfeited, particularly for non-refundable fares. Some higher fare classes may allow partial credit or rebooking after a no-show, but in general, it is advisable to cancel or modify your itinerary before the flight’s scheduled departure if you are unable to travel.
There are additional nuances for partial itineraries. For example, if a passenger flies the outbound segment of a round-trip ticket but cancels the return leg, LATAM's ability to provide a refund depends on the fare conditions and how much of the ticket was used. In some cases, passengers may be eligible for a partial refund or travel credit for the unused portion, though this is rarely applicable for non-refundable tickets.
LATAM’s policy has been subject to criticism, especially when it comes to delays in refund processing and limitations imposed on cheaper fares. Some travelers have reported long waits and communication difficulties when attempting to obtain refunds, particularly when booking through third-party agencies. To avoid complications, it's recommended that passengers keep records of their transactions, monitor emails for changes, and contact LATAM customer support promptly if any issues arise. In regions with consumer protection laws like the United States, Brazil, or the European Union—passengers have the option to escalate disputes to the local aviation authority or pursue chargebacks through their credit card companies if LATAM fails to issue a refund in a timely manner.
In summary, LATAM’s cancellation policy is structured yet adaptable, with multiple variables influencing your eligibility for refunds or changes. Non-refundable fares are the most restrictive but may still offer partial recovery through taxes or travel credits. Flexible fares offer more freedom to cancel or rebook, often with lower or no penalties. The 24-hour risk-free cancellation policy is a vital tool for those who need short-term flexibility. Cancellations initiated by the airline tend to offer the most favorable terms, including full refunds or alternative flights. However, the key to navigating LATAM’s policy successfully lies in knowing your fare conditions, acting early, documenting everything, and booking directly when possible. This layered understanding can help you minimize financial loss, save time, and make smoother travel decisions when disruptions occur.
