LATAM Airlines Missed Flight Policy

Overview

LATAM Airlines, a major Latin American carrier and oneworld member, operates flights across South America, North America, Europe, and other regions. Its missed flight policy is governed by its Conditions of Carriage, fare rules, ticket type, EU/UK Regulation 261/2004 for flights departing from the EU/UK, U.S. DOT regulations for flights to/from the U.S., and local regulations in countries like Brazil, Chile, and Peru. This policy outlines options for passengers who miss their scheduled flight due to personal reasons, airline-related delays, or other circumstances.

Key Policy Details

• No-Show Policy: If you fail to check in by the deadline (40 minutes before departure for domestic flights, 60 minutes for international flights) or arrive at the boarding gate (20 minutes before departure), you are considered a "no-show." For non-refundable tickets (e.g., Light, Plus), the ticket value is forfeited, and the entire itinerary, including return or connecting flights, is canceled as tickets must be used in sequence. For domestic flights in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, or Peru, you can board the return flight without prior notification if you miss the outbound leg, provided you board from the final destination of the original itinerary (intermediate segments not allowed, except in Chile). For international flights, you must notify LATAM before departure or within 1 hour after (24 hours for flights purchased in Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, or the UK; 2 hours before the next flight if it departs within 24 hours) via the My Trips section, app, or airport counter to confirm your seat. In Argentina, notification must be before departure. Failure to notify may result in a no-show fee (e.g., $25-$200 USD, depending on fare type and route) or loss of ticket value. Unused taxes and fees are refundable, less an administrative fee (e.g., $20-$30 USD).
• Non-Refundable Tickets: No cash refunds are provided for missed flights on non-refundable tickets. For Light fares, no changes are allowed, and the ticket is forfeited. For Plus fares, rebooking is possible with a fee (e.g., $15 USD per ticket) plus fare differences. For Top fares, rebooking is allowed without a fee, but fare differences apply. Changes must be made via the My Trips section, app, or airport counters before or after the flight, depending on fare rules. If the same fare class is unavailable, a higher fare applies with no refund for lower fares.
• Refundable Tickets: Refundable tickets (e.g., Top, Flex) can be refunded for the unused portion with no penalty if canceled before departure. Refunds are processed to the original payment method or as travel vouchers (valid for 12 months) within 20 days for credit card payments or 30 days for other methods through the original purchase channel. Requests must be made within 12 months of ticket issuance. For LATAM Pass Miles redemptions, miles are re-credited, but a service fee may apply.
• 24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation: For tickets purchased directly from LATAM (ticket number starting with “045”), you can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund if the flight is at least 7 days away, per U.S. DOT rules. This applies to all fare types and must be requested via the My Trips section or app. Tickets purchased through travel agencies may not qualify, and refunds may take longer.
• Missed Connections Due to Delays: If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay or cancellation of a LATAM-operated flight within the same booking (ticket number starting with “045”), LATAM will rebook you on the next available flight at no cost. If the delay exceeds 3 hours at your final destination and is within LATAM’s control (e.g., mechanical issues), you may be eligible for compensation: €250 for flights up to 1500 km, €400 for 1500-3500 km, or €600 for over 3500 km under EU/UK 261 (for flights departing from EU/UK airports), or up to $650 USD under U.S. DOT rules. For delays of 2+ hours, meals or vouchers are provided; for 3+ hours, cash compensation may apply; for 5+ hours, you may opt for a refund. For overnight delays, accommodation and transfers are offered if away from your home airport. Retain receipts for reimbursement. If baggage is delayed or lost due to a missed connection, LATAM takes responsibility and may offer compensation.
• Extraordinary Circumstances: No compensation is provided for missed flights due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather, air traffic control strikes, or security issues). LATAM will assist with rebooking or refunding unused taxes and fees, less an administrative fee. Passengers are responsible for additional expenses (e.g., accommodation, transport). Travel insurance is recommended.
• Denied Boarding: If you miss a flight due to overbooking and checked in on time with valid documentation, LATAM will seek volunteers first. If involuntarily denied boarding, you will be rebooked on the next available flight at no cost and may receive compensation ($200-$650 USD under U.S. DOT rules or €250-€600 under EU/UK 261 for flights departing from EU/UK airports, depending on delay duration). Volunteers receive agreed-upon compensation, typically a travel voucher. Meals or refreshments are provided while waiting.
• Special Circumstances: For missed flights due to medical emergencies or bereavement, LATAM may waive fees or offer refunds/vouchers with valid documentation (e.g., medical certificate, death certificate) submitted via the Customer Care form within 24 hours of notification. Refunds are processed within 30 days from the original travel date. Approval is reviewed case-by-case, and delays in documentation may lead to rejection.

Steps to Take if You Miss Your Flight

• Contact LATAM immediately via the My Trips section, mobile app, or airport counter within 1 hour of the scheduled departure (24 hours for flights purchased in Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, or the UK; 2 hours before the next flight if it departs within 24 hours; before departure in Argentina) to confirm your seat or request rebooking. Provide your booking reference (e.g., six-letter code like ABC123). Airport counters are recommended for faster processing.
• Explain the reason for missing the flight to determine eligibility for rebooking, vouchers, or fee waivers. For special circumstances, submit documentation via the Customer Care form within 24 hours.
• Check your ticket’s fare rules in the My Trips section to understand applicable fees, restrictions, or refund eligibility. Light fares are restrictive, while Plus and Top fares offer more flexibility.
• Submit compensation or refund claims via the Customer Care form, including your name, booking reference, and supporting documents (e.g., boarding passes, receipts, medical certificates). Refunds take 20 days for credit card payments or 30 days for other methods; claims are acknowledged within 7 days and processed within 30 days. Keep the reference number to track status.
• Keep all documentation for claims or expense reimbursements. Report baggage issues within 7 days for damage or 21 days for delays via the Baggage Irregularity Report form.
• Check travel insurance policies for coverage of missed flights due to valid reasons (e.g., illness, accidents). Request an Insurance Verification Form via Customer Care for insurance claims.
• For EU/UK 261 claims (flights departing from EU/UK airports), submit directly to LATAM to avoid third-party fees. If unresolved, escalate to the UK CAA, EU national authorities, or local aviation authorities (e.g., ANAC in Brazil). Claims can be filed up to 6 years after the flight.

Additional Information

If LATAM cancels or delays your flight by 3+ hours or cancels with less than 14 days’ notice, you may choose a refund, rebooking, or compensation, depending on the circumstances. For cancellations within LATAM’s control, you may receive a full refund (including fees for baggage, seats, or meals) or rebooking on the next available flight at no cost, potentially with partner airlines. Compensation for EU/UK flights (€250-€600) can be filed up to 6 years after the flight, or within 1 year for U.S. claims ($75-$650 USD). For delays over 2 hours, meals or vouchers are provided; for 5+ hours, you may opt for a refund; for overnight delays, accommodation and transfers are offered if away from your home airport. Retain receipts for expenses and submit claims within 21 days for delays or 7 days for baggage issues. For unresolved claims, escalate to local aviation authorities, the U.S. DOT, or EU/UK authorities. Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended. For more details, review LATAM’s Conditions of Carriage, Customer Service Commitment, or EU Passenger Rights section.