LATAM Airlines has a cancellation policy that varies depending on the type of ticket purchased and when the cancellation occurs. Passengers who book tickets directly through LATAM’s official website, customer service, or sales offices benefit from a 24-hour risk-free cancellation period. This means that if a booking is canceled within 24 hours of purchase, and the flight is scheduled to depart at least seven days later, travelers are entitled to a full refund with no penalties. This rule provides flexibility for passengers who may need to change their plans shortly after booking.
When it comes to ticket types, LATAM divides fares into refundable and non-refundable categories. Refundable tickets, often called flexible or premium fares, allow passengers to cancel at any time before departure and receive a full refund. These tickets tend to be more expensive but provide travelers with peace of mind because they can recover their money if their plans change. Cancellation fees for refundable tickets are usually minimal or nonexistent.
Non-refundable tickets, which include many economy or discounted fares, generally do not qualify for cash refunds. If passengers cancel these tickets after the 24-hour window, they will usually receive a travel credit or voucher to use for future LATAM flights instead of getting their money back. These credits have an expiration date and may be subject to cancellation fees, so it is important to check the fare conditions when booking. Using travel credits allows passengers to rebook flights later without losing the value of their original ticket, but it is not the same as receiving a cash refund.
If LATAM cancels a flight or makes a significant schedule change, passengers are entitled to options without penalty. They may reschedule the flight to a later date with the same cabin class and route, keep an open ticket valid for up to 12 months from the original booking date, or request a full refund of the unused ticket portion, including any additional fees paid for seat selection or baggage.
In special situations such as medical emergencies or the death of an immediate family member, LATAM may offer greater flexibility for cancellations or rebooking. Passengers in these cases should contact customer support and provide appropriate documentation to request special consideration.
To cancel a LATAM flight, travelers can use the “My Trips” section on the LATAM website, call customer service, or contact the travel agent through whom they booked their tickets. For those who prefer, cancellation can also be done at LATAM airport counters or customer service centers. After canceling, refunds are generally processed within 7 to 10 business days for credit card payments. Other payment methods may take longer, sometimes up to 20 to 25 business days, depending on banking and processing times.
Overall, LATAM’s cancellation policy offers passengers some flexibility, especially through the 24-hour cancellation window and refundable ticket options. Non-refundable tickets, however, mostly provide travel credits rather than cash refunds. Understanding these policies helps travelers make better booking decisions and manage changes without unexpected losses. It is always recommended to read the fare conditions carefully before purchasing and to act promptly if a cancellation is needed to maximize refund possibilities.