When travel plans change unexpectedly, understanding airline refund policies becomes crucial. In this detailed article, we’ll walk you through Latam refund policy, covering everything from ticket types and refund eligibility to timelines and procedures. Whether you're dealing with cancellations, no-shows, or flight disruptions, knowing your rights under the LATAM refund policy can save you time, stress, and money.
Understanding LATAM's Ticket Types and Refund Eligibility
LATAM Airlines offers various fare classes, and each class has specific refund conditions. The eligibility for a refund heavily depends on the fare type purchased:
Basic Fare: Generally, non-refundable. No cash refund is offered for cancellations.
Plus and Top Fares: Partially or fully refundable depending on the route and timing of the cancellation.
Premium Business: Typically offers greater flexibility, often allowing full refunds minus a cancellation fee.
It’s essential to review the fare conditions at the time of booking to understand the refund implications.
Voluntary Cancellations: How to Get a Refund
If you decide to cancel your flight, LATAM allows for a refund under certain conditions:
Within 24 Hours of Booking
If you booked your ticket at least 7 days before departure, you can cancel it within 24 hours and receive a full refund, regardless of the fare class.After 24 Hours
The refund depends on your fare class. Non-refundable tickets are not eligible for cash refunds but may offer credit vouchers for future travel.How to Request
Log into your account on the website.
Navigate to “My Trips.”
Select the flight and choose “Cancel and Refund.”
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your request.
Always ensure that the credit card or payment method used is active, as refunds are issued to the original payment source.
Involuntary Cancellations & Disruptions
When LATAM cancels or significantly changes your flight schedule, you may be entitled to a full refund under the Latam refund policy:
Flight cancellations
Schedule changes of over 60 minutes
Missed connections caused by LATAM delays
Overbooking scenarios
In these cases, LATAM typically offers:
Full refund to original payment method
Travel voucher for future use
Alternative rebooking at no extra cost
Passengers are notified via email or phone and must respond promptly to choose their preferred resolution.
Refund Timeline: How Long Does It Take?
Once your refund request is submitted and approved, the processing time varies:
Credit card refunds: 7–14 business days
Bank transfers or cash payments: Up to 20 business days
Travel vouchers: Typically issued within 72 hours
Delays may occur depending on the financial institution involved. LATAM will notify you via email when the refund is processed.
No-Show Policy and Refund Options
If you miss your flight without notifying the airline, you are considered a “no-show.” In most cases, the ticket becomes non-refundable. However:
If the return leg of a round-trip ticket remains unused, you may still be eligible for a partial refund or a credit voucher.
Passengers with premium or flexible fare types might still request a LATAM refund by contacting customer service and explaining the situation.
Documentation, such as a doctor’s note for medical emergencies, can support your case and potentially make you eligible for a partial refund.
Refund for Flights Booked via Third-Party Platforms
If your LATAM flight was booked through an online travel agency (OTA) like Expedia or a travel agent, you must:
Contact the booking platform directly for cancellations and refund processing.
LATAM may still assist, but only for involuntary disruptions or fare differences.
Always keep the booking confirmation and payment receipt ready when initiating the process.
LATAM Refund Policy for Award Tickets
For flights booked using LATAM Pass miles:
You can cancel your ticket and get your miles redeposited for a small service fee.
Taxes and fees are refunded according to your ticket conditions.
Miles expire after a certain period, so act quickly to retain their value.
Contact LATAM customer service or log into your LATAM Pass account to initiate the refund.
Special Considerations During COVID-19 and Force Majeure Events
LATAM has adapted its refund policies in response to global events like the COVID-19 pandemic:
Flexibility for rescheduling or cancellation
Travel vouchers valid for 12–24 months
No change fees for certain fare classes
Passengers affected by force majeure events are encouraged to check the latest updates on the LATAM website or contact customer support for personalized assistance.
Contacting LATAM for Refund Assistance
To resolve refund-related issues efficiently, reach out through the following channels:
LATAM Website: Use the “Contact Us” or “Refunds” section
Customer Service Hotline: Available 24/7 in most countries
Social Media Channels: Facebook and Twitter support teams are often responsive
Airport Service Desks: Useful for last-minute cancellations or emergencies
Having your booking reference and travel documents handy can speed up the process.
Conclusion
Understanding the Latam refund policy ensures that you’re prepared for any changes in your travel plans. While refund eligibility varies by fare class and booking conditions, LATAM generally provides flexible options, especially for involuntary cancellations or emergencies. We advise all travelers to review fare terms thoroughly and act promptly in case of disruptions.
