Country: Chile ·
Hub: Santiago (SCL) and São Paulo (GRU) ·
Alliance: None (left oneworld; Delta JV) ·
IATA code: LA
24-hour free cancellation: Yes — a full refund is typically available within 24 hours of booking if departure is at least 7 days away, under the US DOT rule for tickets purchased in the United States.
Typical refund timeline: Typically 7–20 business days for credit card refunds; cash refunds may take up to 8 weeks.
LATAM is South America's largest airline group, hubbed in Santiago (SCL) and São Paulo (GRU), with US gateways at Miami, New York and Los Angeles. It left the oneworld alliance and now operates a joint venture with Delta, which shapes how many US–South America connections are handled. Its fare families run Basic, Light, Plus and Top in economy, above which sit Premium Economy and Premium Business. The LATAM Pass program governs award value, upgrades and elite perks. For US travelers heading to Chile, Brazil, Peru and beyond, the fare family you choose largely dictates change and cancellation costs.
How LATAM change and cancellation fees actually work in 2026
LATAM's charges depend mainly on your fare family. Basic is the most restrictive and may block changes, while Light, Plus and Top add flexibility as you climb. As an indicative 2026 guide, economy changes run near $130 and cancellations near $200; Premium Economy typically $90 and $150; Premium Business roughly $50 and $125.
Any fee is added to the fare difference when the new flight is pricier. Because LATAM left oneworld and now leans on its Delta joint venture, connection reaccommodation may route through those partners. LATAM Pass award tickets follow separate rules. All figures are indicative and can vary by route, season and issuing office.
LATAM 24-hour free cancellation rule
For tickets purchased in the United States, LATAM typically follows the US DOT 24-hour rule: cancel within 24 hours of booking, with departure 7 or more days away, and you may receive a full refund with no penalty. This can void even an otherwise non-refundable Basic fare if you act in time.
Once the window closes, normal fare rules and charges apply. Tickets booked through a third-party site may be handled under that agency's own 24-hour policy rather than LATAM's, so verify quickly. When in doubt, calling to record the cancellation inside the 24 hours is the surest way to secure a full refund before penalties apply.
Refund timelines and credits
Refundable LATAM tickets, and those cancelled under the 24-hour rule, are typically credited to a card within about 7 to 20 business days; cash refunds may take up to 8 weeks. Non-refundable fares usually convert to a travel credit or residual value rather than cash back.
LATAM Pass award miles and any prepaid taxes may be redeposited on their own timeline. If LATAM cancels a flight or significantly changes your schedule, you may be owed a full refund even on a restrictive fare, with Delta joint-venture rebooking sometimes available. These figures are indicative and depend on payment method, fare rules and issuing office.
When calling beats booking online
LATAM's website manages simple changes, but it often stumbles on complex ones. Tickets issued by an online travel agency, partially-flown trips, or itineraries combining LATAM with Delta may not be self-serviceable. A live agent can read your fare rules aloud and quote the fare difference before you commit.
Calling is especially useful after an involuntary schedule change through Santiago or São Paulo, where a free rebooking or refund may exist that the site doesn't surface. As an independent agency, we can walk through the options and help coordinate the change, while LATAM always sets the final fees and fare conditions.
LATAM Airlines change & cancellation fees in detail (2026)
| Fare class | Change fee | Cancellation fee |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | $130 | $200 |
| Premium Economy | $90 | $150 |
| Business | $50 | $125 |
| First / Suites | $0 | $100 |
Indicative fees per passenger per direction. Fare difference may apply. Refundable fare types have different rules — call to verify your specific ticket.
Common reasons US travellers call about LATAM Airlines
- Change a LATAM flight to South America via Santiago or São Paulo without portal friction
- Cancel a Basic or Light fare and learn what LATAM Pass value may remain
- Rebook after a LATAM schedule change or a cancelled connection in SCL or GRU
- Get a real-time fare-difference quote before committing to a new date
- Resolve an OTA-booked or partially-flown LATAM itinerary the website won't process
LATAM Airlines FAQ
As an indicative 2026 figure, LATAM economy changes typically run around $130, plus any fare difference. The exact cost depends on your fare family — Basic is most restrictive, while Plus and Top are more flexible.
A full refund is most likely on a refundable fare, within the 24-hour DOT window, or when LATAM cancels or significantly changes your flight. Basic and Light fares usually yield a credit instead. Outcomes are indicative.
Credit card refunds typically post within about 7 to 20 business days, while cash refunds may take up to 8 weeks. Timing depends on your payment method and the office that issued the ticket.
You can generally choose a free rebooking or a full refund, even on a non-refundable fare, and rebooking may route via LATAM's Delta joint venture. Specific remedies depend on the route and circumstances.
No. LATAM left the oneworld alliance and now operates a joint venture with Delta on many routes. This affects how connections and reaccommodation are handled, so partner options differ from its former oneworld ties.