About LATAM Airlines
LATAM Airlines is South America's biggest legacy carrier, built from the 2012 merger of Brazil's TAM and Chile's LAN. It's not a low-cost airline — think full-service, with business class cabins on long-haul and a proper frequent flyer program — but it competes hard on price across its home region. The network is genuinely massive: 678 non-stop routes across 168 airports, totaling over 1.4 million kilometers of coverage. Brazil dominates with 343 routes, and GRU in São Paulo alone handles 87 of them. If you're flying anywhere in South America, LATAM is almost certainly involved.
Why fly LATAM Airlines?
The honest reason most travelers pick LATAM is simple: it goes where other airlines don't. Outside of a few major international corridors, competing options thin out fast. That 678-route network means you can connect through LIM or SCL without routing through the US or Europe — a massive time and money saver on intra-South America trips. The LATAM Pass program earns miles on every fare class and has solid redemption value for premium cabins within the region. Business class on longer routes is genuinely good. And if you're positioning to Australia, the SCL-SYD route at 11,341 km is one of the longest single-leg options in the Southern Hemisphere — useful for points redemptions if you can snag availability.
LATAM Airlines hub airports
- GRU Sao Paulo — 87 LATAM Airlines routes from Brazil
- LIM Lima — 52 LATAM Airlines routes from Peru
- SCL Santiago — 48 LATAM Airlines routes from Chile
- BSB Brasilia — 40 LATAM Airlines routes from Brazil
- CGH Sao Paulo — 27 LATAM Airlines routes from Brazil
Top destination countries on LATAM Airlines
- Brazil — 343 LATAM Airlines routes
- Chile — 81 LATAM Airlines routes
- Peru — 74 LATAM Airlines routes
- Colombia — 62 LATAM Airlines routes
- Argentina — 27 LATAM Airlines routes
- Ecuador — 24 LATAM Airlines routes
- USA — 20 LATAM Airlines routes
- Mexico — 6 LATAM Airlines routes
Tips for booking LATAM Airlines
Watch your fare class carefully — LATAM's cheapest economy buckets often block mileage accrual entirely, so if you're collecting points, spend two minutes confirming you're in an earning fare before buying. Baggage rules differ between domestic Brazil flights and international routes, so don't assume your international allowance carries over. LIM is a genuinely efficient connecting hub for Andean routes — I've had smoother connections there than at GRU, which gets congested. LATAM also codeshares with several major carriers, so check whether booking through a partner airline gives you better award availability or status credit before you commit to booking direct.
Frequently asked questions about LATAM Airlines
What regions does LATAM Airlines serve?
LATAM Airlines operates 678 routes primarily across South America, with a strong focus on Brazil, Chile, and Peru. The airline connects major cities throughout these countries and offers regional service across the continent.
What is LATAM Airlines's main hub?
LATAM Airlines's primary hub is São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) in Brazil, which serves as the central connection point for most of its network.
Is LATAM Airlines a legacy carrier or low-cost airline?
LATAM Airlines is a legacy full-service carrier, operating an extensive network across South America with multiple fare classes and traditional airline services rather than a budget model.
When is the best time to book LATAM Airlines flights?
For domestic and regional South American flights, booking 4-6 weeks in advance typically offers better fares. LATAM offers multiple fare classes, so consider booking flexible or premium options if you need schedule changes.
What should I know about baggage and check-in with LATAM Airlines?
Baggage allowances vary by fare class and route; checked bag policies are typically more generous on longer flights. Online check-in is available 24 hours before departure, and passengers are advised to arrive 2-3 hours before international flights.