LATAM is Latin America’s biggest airline, and I’ve found their service reliable and comparable to major US airlines. It’s not as fancy as some top luxury airlines, but it’s good. The airline operates Airbus A319, A320 and A321 aircraft for medium- and short-haul flights, plus Boeing 787 Dreamliners, 777-300ERs and 767s for long-haul routes.
LATAM offers two classes of service on widebody planes and two different classes on narrowbody planes, tailored to the routes they cover. I’ve found the onboard experience comfortable. Some older planes have varied cabin designs, but they’re well-maintained, and the friendly staff always ensures a good experience regardless of which seat model you get.
LATAM's alliances and partners
As the dominant carrier in South America, LATAM is often the most convenient (and sometimes only) option for certain routes. It was formed from the merger of Chile’s LAN and Brazil’s TAM, creating a massive network that connects the continent to North America, Europe, and Oceania.
Here’s something that trips up a lot of travelers: LATAM used to be part of the oneworld alliance but left recently. Currently, it’s not a member of any of the three major airline alliances (oneworld, Star Alliance, or SkyTeam). However, it has a major joint venture with Delta Air Lines, which is a SkyTeam member. This means you can often earn and redeem Delta SkyMiles on LATAM flights and get reciprocal benefits if you have elite status with either airline. They also have partnerships with other airlines like Qantas and Japan Airlines, so it’s always worth checking the specifics for your route.
LATAM Premium Business
The airline only offers LATAM Premium Business on widebody Boeing 787, Boeing 777, and Boeing 767 routes. The business class cabin is perfect for longer flights and includes Premium Check-in at dedicated counters, Premium Boarding as Group 1 and Priority Baggage labeled to be among the first collected at your destination.
LATAM lounges are another advantage of Premium Business tickets. Modern, well-equipped, and rarely overcrowded, they’re ideal for long layovers where you can shower, eat, work, relax, and recharge.
Seating in Premium Business class
LATAM’s newer Premium Business class features spacious open suites with seats that convert into fully flat beds. I value LATAM’s 1-2-1 widebody configuration because it gives everyone direct aisle access. After paying for a premium ticket, no one wants to climb over a sleeping seatmate. Just be sure to check the aircraft type and seat layout for your flight. LATAM still operates some older 2-2-2 business cabins on some 787-8s and 787-9s.
For longer flights, LATAM’s new open suite is more comfortable at 24” wide with 45” of personal space in the upright position and a 77” long bed. I like that these seats are easy to nest in. One of the first things I do when I get on the plane is settle in, putting my things in the storage cubbies where they’ll be handy when I need them. I tend to work through at least part of the flight and the seat offers good table space, a universal power outlet, and a USB charging point to keep my laptop and smartphone going.
LATAM in-flight entertainment is better than average. The newer seat has up to an 18-inch touchscreen, and the airline provides noise-canceling headphones. While the content catalog isn’t the most extensive in the sky, it’s broad enough to keep you entertained on a long haul.
If you end up on a plane with the 2-2-2 configuration, the seat is 23” wide with 74” of seat separation in the upright position and a fully flat 72” long bed. That extra room helps make up for navigating around the person next to you. Of course, if you’re traveling as a couple, that might not be an issue. For solo travelers, the center seats are the best choice to guarantee aisle access. Taller passengers may want to book a bulkhead seat in the first row. Those have larger footwells so that you can stretch your legs.
LATAM Premium Business meals
In-flight dining choices in Premium Business vary by flight length. On flights between 1 and 7 hours, you’ll get one full meal service (breakfast, lunch, or dinner), while flights over 7 hours typically include two meals. It’s not exactly fine dining, but it is good food, though some might find the portions a bit small. The beverage selection is fair and includes quality wines from Chile, Argentina and Uruguay, selected by Master Sommelier Héctor Vergara.
LATAM Economy cabins on long-haul flights
The economy experience varies by aircraft type on LATAM’s widebody planes. The 777s have a ten-across 3-4-3 configuration, the 767s offer a less crowded seven-across 2-3-2, and the 787 Dreamliners sit in the middle with nine-across 3-3-3.
Since you can’t choose which plane you’ll get, I’m offering some tips to help you plan your seating strategy once you know your aircraft type.
Picking your seat in Economy on a long-haul flight
Most of the airline’s economy class seats are narrow, 17” wide, with 31” of personal room forward. Depending on your size, it may feel a bit crowded. I’m short and still feel cramped after a few hours in this configuration. However, the airline offers LATAM+ seats towards the front of its economy cabins. They have a more generous personal space, with seat separation (pitch) up to 35”. Most of the airline’s economy seats recline. That is great if you’re the one reclining but not if you’re the one reclined upon. This is less of an issue on LATAM+ seats, which are set apart further.
Finding better Economy seats on LATAM’s 767
On the Boeing 767, rows 16 and 22 don’t have windows directly aligned with the seat. For row 22, that’s less of an issue since it’s the row behind the lavatories offering more legroom, and the window is just ahead of you if you want to get up for a look. LATAM+ bulkhead row 12 is a great pick, offering both extra legroom and a window.
Finding better Economy seats on LATAM’s 777
On the Boeing 777, rows 18, 24 and 39 have window alignment issues. That said, rows 24 and 39 are exit rows with lots of room. Row 24 is just behind the lavatories, so be warned that people might gather there. My personal trick on this plane is to book a seat in rows 50 or 51, which are in a 2-4-2 configuration. Grabbing one of those two-seat pairs by the window is the way to go.
Finding better Economy seats on LATAM’s 787 Dreamliners
Bulkhead row 16 and exit rows 25 and 26 offer the most legroom on the 787-8 Boeing Dreamliner. Middle row 25 only has three seats. You'll be right behind the lavatory, so be aware of crowding. Row 36 is arranged 2-3-2. These twins are further away from the triple seats in front, offering more space, as they have a gap between the wall and the window.
The airline has two cabin versions on the Boeing 787-9, with one having 283 economy seats. The higher capacity version also features separate twins at the back with more room on row 43.
The B787-9 with 273 economy seats has triple seats throughout, even at the back. The best option for longer flights is exit rows or LATAM+.
LATAM long-haul Economy in-flight meals
LATAM serves a complimentary meal on its long-haul international flights. On twin-aisle aircraft, the service includes breakfast (with two main dish options) or lunch/dinner (with two main dish options). Flights over 14 hours and daytime flights over 10 hours include additional mid-flight snacks. The food quality is good, but the portions are small. If you have a large appetite, I’d recommend packing some of your own snacks.
Flying with LATAM on medium- and short-haul routes
On narrowbody flights within South America, LATAM’s passenger experience is good and comparable to flying economy with major US and European airlines.
LATAM Premium Economy
This premium cabin is only available on narrowbody planes serving medium- and short-haul flights. It’s located at the front of the aircraft in a 3-3 layout with the middle seat blocked for greater privacy and comfort. If you’ve ever traveled within Europe in business class, the seat arrangement is similar to what you’d find on those flights. The seats themselves are identical to the rest of the plane at 18” wide.
Other perks include in-flight meals, Premium Check-in, Priority Boarding (Group 1), Priority Baggage, and lounge access on international flights. It’s a good option for longer regional flights or when you have a tight connection and need to be first off the plane.
In Premium Economy, the airline offers snacks and beverages. On domestic flights lasting more than 2 hours, the snack service is replaced with a hot sandwich accompanied by savory chips or fruits. On international Premium Economy flights, catering varies by duration, ranging from cold snacks to hot dishes. Again, don’t expect anything fancy, and if you have lounge access on international flights, enjoy the buffet before you board.
Premium Economy passengers enjoy LATAM lounge access in Santiago, Bogotá, Guarulhos, Ezeiza, and Miami. Check ahead for access to partner lounges in other cities.
LATAM Economy
All of LATAM’s narrowbody planes have a 3-3 configuration. The main difference is just the size of the plane, from the 144-seat Airbus A319 to the 224-seat A321.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) in-flight entertainment
LATAM’s narrowbody planes don’t have seat-back screens. Instead, the LATAM Play entertainment system streams content wirelessly to your own device via the “LATAM Play” Wi-Fi network. Some aircraft have USB outlets for charging devices, but not all, so it’s smart to bring a portable charger. I would book a window seat and let the view entertain me.
Wi-Fi connectivity is currently available only on domestic and regional flights within South America operated by narrowbody aircraft. It’s not available on widebody aircraft used for long-haul international routes. You’ll find it on all domestic flights within Brazil and on a growing number of flights in Colombia and Chile. Where it is offered, I recommend signing up for the LATAM Pass loyalty program before you board to get free messaging. All LATAM Pass members receive free text messaging (WhatsApp, iMessage, Facebook Messenger, Viber) on flights equipped with Wi-Fi, while elite members (Gold, Gold Plus, Platinum, Black, and Black Signature) receive free unlimited browsing.
In-flight dining
When flying economy on LATAM’s narrowbody planes, onboard food service is complimentary on domestic and international flights, though specific items vary by route and length. On domestic flights in Economy Class, service typically consists of a snack or buy-on-board options through Mercado LATAM depending on the route. On longer flights, additional food options may be available.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others. Find more perspectives in our user reviews below.
