Planning a trip with LATAM Airlines? Before you start packing, it’s worth knowing exactly what you can bring on board. LATAM’s carry‑on allowance lets economy passengers take one cabin bag, with premium cabins enjoying a slightly higher weight limit. You’re also allowed a smaller underseat bag.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through LATAM’s luggage rules and show you which CabinZero products help you travel light and stress‑free. Let’s get you ready for take‑off and on to making memories.

Overview

The Chile-based company was originally founded in 1946 as LAN (National Airline of Chile). In the 2010s, LAN signed binding agreements with Brazilian TAM Linhas Aéreas, and thus LATAM Airlines was born.

LATAM Airlines is not only the largest but also one of the oldest airlines in the Latin American region. The company serves more than 140 destinations in 25 countries with about 300 operating aircraft. Their air service has earned them Skytrax's “Best Airline in South America” award for six consecutive years.

The aviation company currently operates in domestic markets in South America, like Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. They also serve international flights to the US, Asia, the Caribbean, etc. Truly an ever-expanding network to transport passengers anywhere in the world.

LATAM Airlines Carry-On Baggage Allowance

LATAM Airlines underseat bag dimensions.

Everyone gets to bring one free personal item. Provided that it has a maximum dimension of 17.8 x 13.8 x 7.9 in / 45 x 35 x 20 cm (including pockets, wheels, handle, etc.) and fits under the seat storage. The handbag can be either a backpack, bag, purse, laptop, or baby bag. 

For Light, Full, Standard, and Premium fares, passengers can carry one piece of baggage to store in the overhead compartment (cabin bag). Basic fare travellers are not entitled to any free cabin bag. If you want one, you can purchase an additional baggage allowance up to 6 hours before the flight.

The maximum dimension accepted for carry-on luggage is 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.8 in / 55 x 35 x 25 cm.

The maximum allowed weight for the overhead baggage is as follows:

• Economy cabin: 12 kg (26 lbs)

• Premium cabin: 16 kg (35 lbs)

If the upper compartment case is not sufficient, your hand luggage might be checked without an additional fee, provided it fits the required measurements. If not, then it will still be checked, but with an additional fee to be paid directly at the gate. The prices may vary depending on where you are heading, starting at around $30. 

Transportation of medical objects for special needs, like wheelchairs or orthopaedic devices, is free of charge. If you need to carry along important medical items such as a portable oxygen concentrator (POC), please discuss with the airline beforehand via the Contact Centre.

Looking for a bag that is guaranteed to meet the requirements and able to carry everything you need even for a short day trip? Then the CabinZero 28L Backpack is the one we recommend!

Comes in many varieties that suit your needs. Whether in need for everyday commute, business travel, camping, etc., our backpacks can provide you with a light and versatile option to carry easily with a lightweight design, water-resistant coating, extra straps and smart compartments divided.

LATAM Airlines Checked Baggage Policy

The number of bags you can check in changes based on your ticket fare and destinations. Here’s a summary of what you are entitled to:

• Basic/Light Fares: no baggage allowance included, except for certain routes that include 1-2 checked baggage items of 23 kg

• Standard/Full/Premium Economy Fares: 1 x 23 kg (50 lbs) bag 

• Premium Business Fare: 1 x 23 kg (50 lbs) bag for Standard and 2 x 23 kg (50 lbs) bags for Full

Note: Some flights have different rules for the amount of checked baggage. Be sure to check LATAM airlines’ main website for more information.

Moreover, your bag must comply with the following restrictions:

• Maximum weight per package: Up to 23 kg.

• Maximum dimensions: 158 linear cm (62.2 in).

It’s possible to buy one piece of 15 kg (33 lbs) of additional items with the same dimension restrictions as above. Do note that you can’t buy this baggage at the airport, you must purchase it 6 hours before the flight via the web or app. Alternatively, their Sales Offices or Contact Centre can also arrange this, so be sure to reach out to them.

Extra checked luggage weighing 23kg can be purchased from 1 to 48 hours before the flight. The price for an additional one in domestic flights starts from around $20, while for international flights it is $50. The further you buy from the departure time, the cheaper it is.

However, these prices only apply if your flight is operated entirely by LATAM Airlines. Which means, if you have an interline flight, you will have to purchase baggage at a different price directly at the airport with the airline that operates the first flight.

According to LATAM Airlines, a passenger can bring a maximum of 10 checked bags, except for those who travel from Quito to Miami and vice versa. Special equipment will not be counted within this limitation, though.

LATAM Airlines Excess Baggage Policy

Always double-check with the airlines before carrying your baggage on board. Photo by Prostock-studio

Each baggage is considered to be excessive when it weighs over 23kg (50 lb) and its dimensions, total length + width + height, are more than 158 linear cm (62 in). In some destinations like Europe, Argentina, Aruba, or Oceania, the baggage allowance is up to 32 kg (70.5 lb) per bag.

Your checked bag will be charged for excess luggage if it weighs more than 23kg (or 32kg, as stated above) or the dimensions exceed 158cm linear. If your luggage is over 300cm linear, it will not be accepted on board and will be shipped as cargo.

For carry-on bags, the overweight fee is charged if they weigh 13kg or more per piece. Passengers will need to pay a fee starting from $40 and $45 on domestic and international flights, respectively. The amount you have to pay varies depending on which countries you are flying to and from.

You have to pay the excess fee in the local currency following the exchange rate. To learn more about the specific amount of the charge fee, please refer to the airline’s main website. As long as you depart with LATAM, the fee will apply on interline flights. If you start your trip with another company, the fee amount will adhere to that airline’s rules.

Sports equipment And CPAP

Sports equipment, musical instruments, audiovisual equipment, and urns are all counted as special baggage. For these, the price is fixed based on your travel route. You can expect a fee of around $30 for domestic flights and starting from $65 for international flights.

Keep in mind that your special luggage can only be up to 300cm linear inches and doesn’t exceed 45kg per piece. Or else, they won’t be transported on flights. 

LATAM Airlines has stated very specifically which equipment is counted as special baggage, so you can visit their website for more details. Things that are not stated can be transported as regular hold baggage, following the usual requirements.

For medical devices, as we stated above, wheelchairs and mobility support items won’t be counted as regular baggage. LATAM Airlines allows you to bring them on board with no additional cost, though if it has a battery, some requirements need to be checked. The same for orthopaedic positioning devices. Unless you don’t use them, they will be counted as your baggage.

LATAM Airlines doesn’t require a medical certificate for respiratory assist medical devices, except for portable oxygen concentrators. These devices are allowed to be used on board, as long as it has enough battery to operate on their own and fit under the seat.

To make sure your medical devices are allowed on the plane, it’s best to contact LATAM Airlines directly for confirmation. If you are on an interline flight, don’t forget to also check with the other airlines also.

Booking and Check-in Process

To book a flight with LATAM Airlines, the process is similar to that of other airlines. All you need to do is visit their website, fill in your flight information, like where you are heading, when you will go, how many passengers, etc. A list of flights with different times will appear for you to choose from.

Each flight will have different fares, with specific benefits, including charges and taxes. Depending on the fares you chose, you will get to choose your own seat or not. The option for extra luggage or special baggage will also be available in the next step. After finishing choosing everything, the platform will show you the total price you’ll need to pay.

For the checking-in process, LATAM Airlines goes above and beyond by offering an automated check-in process for domestic flights. The boarding pass will be provided through My Trip or in their app 48 hours before the flight. With this feature, you won’t need to visit the counter unless you have checked luggage.

However, for international flights, you still need to check in manually up to 48 hours before the flight. You can either do this online through the My Trip app and the LATAM Airlines app, or offline at their counter. When you check in for the departure flight, the system will save your information and check in automatically for your return flight.

FAQs

1. What is the baggage allowance for the LATAM economy?

For economy fares, the maximum weight for hand luggage is 12kg (26lb) and for checked luggage is 23kg (50lb).

2. Does Latam allow a free carry-on?

Yes, they do allow a personal item for free, as long as it fits the dimensions of 17.8 x 13.8 x 7.9 in / 45 x 35 x 20 cm. Higher class tickets offer an extra carry-on luggage with the limitation of 12kg.

3. Can I buy extra baggage on LATAM Airlines?

Yes, of course, you can buy extra baggage on LATAM Airlines. You can either do so online when purchasing the tickets, checking in, or offline at the counter or at the gate. The longer before the flight you buy, the cheaper the fee you need to pay.

4. Can I take two bags as hand luggage?

Yes, you can take a bag that fits under the seat as your personal item, and one that fits the head compartment as carry-on luggage. However, you can only do this if your fares include a carry-on bag or you have purchased one. Or else, only the personal item bag is free.

5. Can I split my 23kg into two bags?

No, you can’t. According to LATAM Airlines' policy, your 23kg allowance is stated specifically for 1 bag. If you split it into 2, you must purchase or have an allowance for another checked luggage.

Thuc Huong