Latam Airlines Baggage Policy

Carefully inspecting the Latam Airlines Baggage Policy ensures that your hand luggage and checked items pass airport checks smoothly. Whether your travels take you to the bustling streets of Santiago, the ancient wonders of Cusco, or for business in São Paulo, understanding LATAM's baggage policy for 2026 is essential to ensure a smooth and budget-friendly experience. This comprehensive guide details everything from carry-on dimensions and personal item rules to checked luggage allowances and strategies for avoiding unexpected fees.

LATAM's approach to baggage is largely influenced by your chosen fare class and specific route. Being well-informed about these nuances before you even start packing can save you significant time, stress, and money at the airport.

LATAM Baggage Allowances 2026: Quick Overview

Before diving into the specifics, here's a concise summary of LATAM's standard baggage allowances. Remember that these are general guidelines, and your exact allowance may vary based on your ticket type and destination.

Baggage Type	Maximum Dimensions (L+W+H)	Weight Limit	Key Notes
Personal Item	45 x 35 x 20 cm (17.8 x 13.8 x 7.9 in)	10 kg (22 lb)	Free for all passengers. Must fit under the seat in front.
Carry-On Bag	55 x 35 x 25 cm (21.7 x 13.8 x 9.8 in)	10 kg (22 lb) Economy 16 kg (35 lb) Premium	Included with Standard/Plus/Premium fares. Not included with "Basic" fares.
Checked Bag	158 linear cm (62 in)	23 kg (50 lb)	Typically included with Standard/Full/Premium fares. Fees apply for Basic/Light fares.
Overweight Checked Bag	Up to 158 linear cm	23.1 kg – 45 kg (51 - 99 lb)	Fees apply per bag. Max 32 kg (70 lb) for flights to/from Europe/Argentina/Oceania.
Oversized Checked Bag	>158 linear cm (62 in)	Standard weight applies	Fees apply. Max 300 linear cm (118 in) for most routes.

Cabin Baggage: Personal Items & Carry-Ons

LATAM Airlines differentiates between a personal item and a carry-on bag, and understanding this distinction is key to avoiding unforeseen charges at the boarding gate. Each type of bag has specific size and weight constraints.

Your Personal Item: Always Free, Always Under the Seat

Every LATAM passenger is entitled to bring one personal item on board, irrespective of their fare class. This item is designed to fit conveniently under the seat in front of you, ensuring easy access throughout your flight.

• Common Examples: A small backpack, a laptop bag, a purse, or a camera bag.
• Maximum Dimensions: 45 x 35 x 20 cm (17.8 x 13.8 x 7.9 inches).
• Maximum Weight: 10 kg (22 lb).

Strict adherence to these dimensions is crucial. If your personal item is deemed too large or heavy, you may be required to place it in the overhead bin and pay a carry-on fee, or even check it, incurring additional charges.

LATAM Carry-On Baggage: Size, Weight, and Fare Class Impact

The carry-on bag is the piece of luggage you store in the overhead compartment. Its allowance depends heavily on your ticket type.

• Maximum Dimensions: 55 x 35 x 25 cm (21.7 x 13.8 x 9.8 inches), including wheels and handles.
• Weight Limits:
  • Economy Class: 10 kg (22 lb)
  • Premium Economy / Business Class: 16 kg (35 lb)

Important Note for Basic Fares: If you've purchased a "Basic" or "Promo" fare, a carry-on bag is typically not included in your ticket. You are only permitted a personal item. Attempting to bring a carry-on bag to the gate with a Basic fare will result in a mandatory gate-check and significantly higher fees compared to purchasing the allowance in advance.

Connecting Flights & Multi-Airline Trips: If your itinerary involves connecting flights or partner airlines, make sure to check and compare their specific baggage allowances: Korean Airlines Baggage Policy and Lion Air Baggage Policy.

Navigating Airport Security: Liquids and Prohibited Items

When packing your cabin baggage for a LATAM flight, remember to adhere to international airport security regulations. The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) in the US and similar authorities globally enforce rules for liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on bags. The "3-1-1 rule" applies: containers must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, fit in one quart-sized bag, and be limited to one bag per passenger.

Additionally, certain items are universally restricted or prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage, including dangerous goods like flammable materials, explosives, and certain chemicals. Lithium-ion batteries, often found in power banks and smart bags, have specific rules: they must generally be carried in the cabin (not checked) and often have watt-hour limits. Always check with LATAM and your departure country's security guidelines for the most current information.

LATAM Checked Baggage Policy: Allowances and Restrictions

The rules for your checked luggage on LATAM are primarily dictated by your ticket's fare bundle and your specific flight route. Understanding these nuances is crucial for budgeting your trip and avoiding unexpected costs.

Standard Checked Luggage Allowance

For most LATAM flights where checked baggage is included or purchased, the standard allowance is:

• Maximum Weight: 23 kg (50 lb) per bag.
• Maximum Size: 158 linear cm (62 inches), which is the sum of the length, width, and height of the bag.

Each bag must meet these requirements individually. LATAM does not permit passengers to "pool" weight allowances between multiple bags or fellow travelers.

Understanding LATAM Fare Bundles and Your Allowance

LATAM offers various fare bundles, each with different baggage inclusions:

• Basic: Typically includes only a personal item. Checked bags and carry-ons incur additional fees.
• Light: Often includes a personal item and sometimes a carry-on, but checked bags are usually an extra cost.
• Standard / Plus / Full: Generally include at least one checked bag (23 kg) and a carry-on, in addition to a personal item.
• Premium Economy / Business Class: These premium fares usually offer a generous allowance of two or more checked bags, each up to 23 kg or even 32 kg on some routes, plus an enhanced carry-on allowance.

Always review the specific baggage allowance associated with your ticket at the time of booking or by checking your itinerary through the "My Trips" section on the LATAM website.

Excess Baggage Fees: The Cost of Extra Bags

If your fare doesn't include a checked bag, or if you need to check additional bags beyond your allowance, LATAM applies a dynamic pricing model. This means the fee you pay depends on when you purchase the extra allowance:

• More than 48 hours before departure: This is generally the cheapest option, offering the most significant savings, sometimes up to 40% less than airport rates.
• Between 48 hours and 6 hours before departure: Fees are moderately higher than the advance purchase rate.
• Less than 6 hours before departure or at the airport: This is the most expensive option, with fees often doubling or tripling compared to online advance purchases.

Traveler's Tip: To avoid paying premium prices, plan your baggage needs in advance. Use the "My Trips" portal on the LATAM website to purchase any additional baggage allowance as early as possible. Paying at the airport should be a last resort.

Overweight and Oversized Baggage Charges

Exceeding the standard 23 kg weight limit or 158 linear cm size limit for checked bags will result in additional fees. These charges are cumulative, meaning you might pay both an overweight and an oversized fee if your bag surpasses both restrictions.

• Overweight Baggage (23.1 kg to 32 kg / 51-70 lb): A fixed fee applies per bag.
• Heavier Overweight Baggage (32.1 kg to 45 kg / 71-99 lb): A higher fee is charged. However, for flights to/from Europe, Argentina, and Oceania, the absolute maximum weight for any single checked bag is 32 kg (70 lb). Bags exceeding this limit on these routes will not be accepted as checked luggage and must be shipped as cargo.
• Oversized Baggage (>158 linear cm / 62 in): A separate fee applies for dimensions, irrespective of the bag's weight (as long as it's within the standard weight limits). The maximum linear dimension for most oversized items is 300 cm (118 in).

Remember, these fees are applied per individual bag. A bag weighing 30 kg and another at 16 kg, when two 23 kg bags are allowed, does not mean you avoid fees. The 30 kg bag will be subject to an overweight charge.

Special Baggage and Unique Items

LATAM provides specific guidelines and fees for transporting items that fall outside the standard baggage categories, such as sports equipment, musical instruments, and medical devices.

Sports Equipment & Musical Instruments

Many specialized items like surfboards, bicycles, golf clubs, and guitars are classified as "Special Baggage."

• These items may count towards your checked baggage allowance if they meet the standard weight and linear dimensions. However, this is rare for larger equipment.
• If they exceed standard dimensions (up to 300 linear cm), a dedicated Special Baggage Fee will apply. These fees vary significantly by route and the type of equipment. Expect costs to range from $50 to $150 USD or more per item.
• It is highly recommended to declare and pay for special baggage in advance through the "My Trips" section to secure the best rates and confirm acceptance.

Traveling with Infants, Children, and Medical Equipment

LATAM offers specific allowances for passengers traveling with young children and those requiring medical assistance:

• Infants (under 2 years old, on lap): One stroller, car seat, or travel crib can be checked free of charge. These items can often be gate-checked.
• Children (2 years and older): Standard adult baggage rules apply.
• Medical Equipment: Essential medical devices such as wheelchairs, CPAP machines, and portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) are generally allowed free of charge, in addition to your standard baggage allowance. It's crucial to notify LATAM in advance and have medical documentation ready for inspection. Ensure any battery-powered devices comply with lithium battery regulations.

Pet Travel Policy

LATAM allows certain small pets to travel in the cabin, provided they meet size, weight, and breed requirements, and are in an approved carrier. Larger animals typically travel as checked baggage in the cargo hold. All pet travel requires advance booking, veterinary certificates, and incurs specific fees. Note that emotional support animals are no longer recognized as service animals for flights to/from the USA; only trained service dogs are accepted free of charge with proper documentation.

Maximize Your Allowance: LATAM Pass Elite Benefits

Frequent flyers and members of the LATAM Pass loyalty program can enjoy enhanced baggage allowances. Elite status tiers (such as Gold, Platinum, Black, and Black Signature) often come with additional free checked bags, regardless of the fare class purchased. For example, a Gold member might receive one extra checked bag, while a Platinum member could get two. Always check your specific LATAM Pass benefits to leverage these valuable perks and save on baggage fees.

Smart Strategies to Avoid Unexpected LATAM Baggage Fees

Navigating airline baggage policies can feel like a puzzle, but with a few smart strategies, you can minimize costs and ensure a smooth journey with LATAM.

1. Choose the Right Fare Bundle: Before booking, carefully compare "Basic" and "Light" fares against "Standard" or "Plus" fares. While cheaper upfront, Basic fares often become more expensive once you add carry-on or checked baggage. Calculate the total cost, including anticipated bag fees, to determine the true best value.
2. Adhere to the 48-Hour Rule: This is perhaps the most critical tip. Always purchase any additional checked baggage allowance or special baggage through the "My Trips" section on the LATAM website at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure. This ensures you pay the lowest possible rate, avoiding significantly higher airport fees.
3. Invest in a Luggage Scale: LATAM ground staff are known for being strict with weight limits. A portable luggage scale is an inexpensive tool that can prevent costly overweight baggage fees. Weigh your bags at home to ensure they are within the 23 kg (50 lb) limit, or 10/16 kg for carry-ons.
4. Pack Smart and Efficiently: Maximize space by rolling clothes, using packing cubes, and wearing your heaviest items (like coats and boots) on the plane. Distribute weight evenly across multiple bags if you have a multi-bag allowance to avoid any single bag exceeding limits.
5. Leverage LATAM Pass Elite Status: If you're a frequent flyer, ensure your LATAM Pass number is linked to your booking. Elite status offers valuable benefits, including complimentary extra checked bags. Don't leave these benefits on the table!

Connecting Flights and Interline Baggage Rules

When your LATAM itinerary includes connecting flights, especially with partner airlines (e.g., Delta, Iberia, or other Oneworld alliance members), baggage rules can become complex. Generally, the "Most Significant Carrier" (MSC) rule applies, meaning the baggage policy of the airline operating the longest or most significant segment of your international journey dictates the rules for your entire trip. However, this rule has exceptions, particularly for flights originating or ending in the US.

Crucially, if you have booked separate tickets for each leg of your journey (even if with LATAM or a partner airline), you will almost certainly need to claim your checked bags at the layover airport and re-check them with the connecting airline, adhering to each airline's individual policy and fees. Always confirm the specific interline baggage agreement for your itinerary with LATAM or your travel agent before departure.

Final Checklist for a Hassle-Free Journey

To ensure your LATAM flight is as smooth as possible, take a moment to review this final checklist:

• Verify Your Fare: Confirm your personal item, carry-on, and checked bag allowances based on your specific LATAM fare bundle.
• Measure and Weigh: Double-check all your bags against LATAM's dimensions and weight limits at home.
• Purchase in Advance: Buy any extra baggage allowance online via "My Trips" at least 48 hours before your flight.
• Review Special Items: If traveling with sports equipment, musical instruments, or medical devices, confirm specific rules and fees.
• Check Security Rules: Be aware of TSA guidelines for liquids and prohibited items for your carry-on.
• Connecting Flights: Understand the baggage policy for your entire itinerary, especially when connecting with other airlines.
• Official Sources: For any doubt, consult the official LATAM Airlines website for the most up-to-date information.

By following these guidelines, you're well-equipped to navigate LATAM's baggage policy, avoid unnecessary expenses, and enjoy your travel experience.