LATAM is Latin America’s biggest airline. I've found their service to be reliable and comparable to major North American airlines. It's not as fancy as some top luxury airlines, but it's good.
The airline uses Airbus A320s for medium- and short-haul flights and Boeing 787 Dreamliners, 777-300ERs, and 767s for long-haul flights.
LATAM offers two classes of service on its widebody planes and two different classes of service on narrowbody planes tailored to the length of the routes they cover.
I’ve found the airline’s onboard experience is comfortable. Some older planes have varied cabin designs, but they are well-maintained. The seat models might differ, but the friendly staff always ensures a good experience.
LATAM Premium Business
The airline only offers LATAM Premium Business on its widebody Boeing 787, Boeing 777, and Boeing 767 routes. The business class cabin is perfect for longer flights. The airline's lounges are another advantage of Premium Business tickets. Modern, well-equipped, and rarely overcrowded, they are ideal for a long layover. You can shower, eat, work, relax, and recharge. Premium Business also offers dedicated check-in, early boarding, and priority luggage.
Seating in Premium Business class
LATAM's new Premium Business class offers spacious open suites with seats that convert into beds. I value the airline's 1-2-1 widebody configuration for all-aisle access. After paying for a premium ticket, no one wants to climb over a sleeping companion. But check the aircraft type and seat layout for your flight. LATAM still operates some 2-2-2 business cabins on 787-8s and 787-9s.
For longer flights, the airline's new open suite is more comfortable. It is 61 cm wide with 114 cm of personal space in the upright position and a 195.5 cm 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's in-flight entertainment is better than average. The newer seat has an 18” touchscreen, and the airline provides noise-cancelling headphones. While LATAM doesn’t have the most extensive content catalogue, it is broad enough to entertain you on longer flights.
If you are booking one of the airline’s planes still flying in 2-2-2 configuration, the seat is 58 cm wide with 188 cm of seat separation in the upright position and a fully flat 183 cm-long bed. That extra room makes up for navigating around the person next to you. Of course, if you’re travelling as a couple, that may not be an issue. For singles, the best choice is to book the centre seats, which guarantees 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
LATAM Premium Business in-flight dining choices vary depending on the flight length, but the airline will serve two meals: breakfast, lunch or dinner on all flights.
It’s not fine dining, but it is good food, though some might find the portions small. The beverage selection onboard is fair and includes fine Chilean wines.
LATAM Economy cabins on long-haul flights
The economy experience varies according to aircraft type on LATAM's widebody planes flying long-haul. The airline’s 777 planes have a ten-across 3-4-3 configuration. The 767s offer a less crowded seven-across 2-3-2, and the 787 Dreamliners are somewhere in the middle with a nine-across 3-3-3 configuration. Of course, you don’t choose the plane; the airline does, so I’m offering some tips to help you plan your seating.
Picking your seat in Economy on a long-haul flight
Most of the airline’s economy class seats are narrow, 43 cm wide, with 79 cm 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 89 cm. Most of the airline’s economy seats recline. That is great if you’re the one reclining, but not if you are the one reclined upon. This is less of an issue on the LATAM+ seats, which are set apart further.
Finding better Economy seats on LATAM’s 767
On the LATAM Boeing 767, rows 16 and 22 don’t have windows directly by 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 provides the best of both worlds with extra legroom and a window.
Finding better Economy seats on LATAM’s 777
On the Boeing 777, rows 18, 24 and 39 have window issues. That said, rows 24 and 39 are exit rows with lots of room, and the exit door in front of you offers a view. Row 24 is just behind the lavatories. Other passengers may gather there, which could get annoying if you’re trying to sleep. Row 39 is near the galley and may be less crowded. Rows 50 and 51 are in a 2-4-2 configuration on this plane, so I’d book one of these twins.
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 breakfast and lunch or dinner on widebody planes. The food quality is good, but the portions are small. If you tend to have a large appetite, pack snacks.
Flying with LATAM on medium- and short-haul routes
LATAM offers a good passenger experience on its narrowbody flights within South America, comparable to flying economy with the North American and European major airlines with a few unique touches.
LATAM Premium Economy
This premium cabin is only available on the airline’s narrowbody planes, which serve medium- and short-haul flights. It's the first three rows in a 3-3 layout, but the middle seat is blocked. If you’ve ever travelled within Europe in business class, the seat arrangement is similar to what you’d find on those flights. The seats are identical to the rest of the plane, 46 cm wide. Other perks include in-flight meals, priority check-in, priority bags, and lounge access. It’s a good option for longer regional flights or when you have a tight connection and must be the first off the plane.
In Premium Economy, the airline offers a selection of snacks and beverages, with a hot sandwich served on flights over two hours. Again, don’t expect anything fancy, and enjoy the buffet at the lounge before the flight.
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
The density of LATAM’s various narrowbody planes varies from 144 passengers on the Airbus A319ceo to 224 passengers on the A321ceo. All have a 3-3-3 configuration.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) in-flight entertainment
LATAM's narrowbody planes don't have seat-back screens. The airline’s in-flight entertainment streams wirelessly throughout the cabin. On some planes, seats have USB power outlets, so you can watch movies or listen to music without draining your battery. I would book a window seat and let the view entertain me.
In-flight dining
When flying economy on LATAM's narrowbody planes, you can expect limited selections of beverages and light snacks. On longer narrowbody flights, the airline will serve a hot sandwich.
Wi-Fi availability
The airline’s Wi-Fi is limited and unavailable on long-haul flights. There are connections on all narrowbody flights in Brazil, most in Colombia, and some in Chile, where it’s being introduced. Where it is offered, I recommend signing up for the airline’s loyalty program before you board so you can get free messaging.
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.
