TAM Airlines Baggage Policy (Historical - Pre-2012)
Note: TAM Airlines merged with LAN Airlines in 2012 to form LATAM Airlines. The following reflects TAM Airlines' baggage policy prior to the merger, based on available historical information.
Carry-On Baggage Allowance
TAM Airlines allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item per passenger, with stricter weight limits for domestic flights within Brazil.
| Route |
Class |
Allowance |
Maximum Dimensions |
Maximum Weight |
| Domestic (Brazil) |
Economy |
1 carry-on + 1 personal item |
115 cm (45 in, length + width + height) |
5 kg |
| International |
Economy |
1 carry-on + 1 personal item |
115 cm |
8 kg |
| International |
Business/First |
2 carry-ons + 1 personal item |
115 cm each |
8 kg each |
- Personal items (e.g., purse, laptop bag) must fit under the seat.
- Carry-on bags must fit in overhead bins or under the seat in front of the passenger.
- Liquids in carry-on baggage were restricted to 100 ml per container, placed in a 1-liter transparent, resealable plastic bag.
- Weight limits, especially the 5 kg domestic limit, were reportedly enforced at check-in or security, particularly at airports like São Paulo (GRU) and Buenos Aires (EZE).
- Assistive devices and outer garments did not count toward the carry-on allowance.
Checked Baggage Allowance
Checked baggage allowances varied by route and travel class, with specific rules for flights to/from Europe and North/South America.
| Route |
Class |
Allowance |
Maximum Weight |
Maximum Dimensions |
| Domestic (Brazil) |
Economy |
1 piece |
23 kg |
292 cm (115 in, length + width + height) |
| International (except Europe/USA) |
Economy |
1 piece |
23 kg |
158 cm (62 in) |
| Europe (except London/Frankfurt) |
Economy |
2 pieces |
23 kg each |
158 cm |
| London/Frankfurt |
Economy |
2 pieces |
32 kg each |
158 cm |
| North/South America |
Economy |
2 pieces |
23 kg each |
158 cm |
| All Routes |
Business/First |
2 pieces |
32 kg each |
158 cm |
| All Routes |
Infants (under 2) |
1 piece |
10 kg |
158 cm |
- Bags exceeding 32 kg (Europe) or 45 kg (North/South America) were not accepted as checked luggage.
- Infants could also bring a collapsible stroller or car seat free of charge.
- TAM Fidelidade (now LATAM Pass) elite members (e.g., Red Plus, Black) received additional allowances, such as one extra bag (15–20 kg).
Excess and Oversized Baggage Fees
Fees for excess, overweight, or oversized baggage varied by route and were subject to additional charges.
| Condition |
Fee (USD, One-Way, Approximate) |
| Extra Bag |
$50–$100 |
| Overweight (23–32 kg) |
$50–$150 |
| Oversized (158–292 cm) |
$100–$200 |
- Fees were higher at the airport compared to prepaying online.
- Bags over 45 kg or 292 cm were not accepted and required cargo transport.
- Sports equipment exceeding weight limits incurred a 33–50% surcharge on standard excess baggage fees.
Special Baggage
Sports Equipment
Sports equipment counted toward the checked baggage allowance if within limits; otherwise, excess fees applied.
- Bicycles: Accepted with flat tires, removed pedals, and aligned handlebars; one per passenger.
- Golf Equipment: One bag with clubs and shoes; 50% of excess baggage fee if over allowance.
- Ski Equipment: One pair of snow/water skis, boots, and poles; 33% of excess baggage fee if over allowance.
- Scuba Diving: Includes mask, snorkel, fins, regulator, and life jacket; oxygen cylinders only as checked baggage.
- Sporting Firearms: Unloaded, in a secure case, with documentation; subject to excess fees if over allowance.
- Items over 300 cm (e.g., canoes, kayaks) were transported via TAM Cargo.
Musical Instruments
Small instruments could be carried as cabin baggage if within size/weight limits. Larger instruments required an extra seat or checking.
- Extra seat: Reserved at the same fare, max 75 kg (165 lbs), 45 kg for Brazil/Paraguay flights.
- Checked instruments: Subject to standard baggage fees; hard cases recommended.
Pets
Pets were allowed in the cabin or as checked baggage, subject to fees and documentation.
- Cabin: $50–$100 USD one-way, in a carrier fitting under the seat, counting as carry-on luggage.
- Checked: Subject to standard baggage fees, with advance approval and health certificates.
Prohibited Items
Certain items were restricted or prohibited for safety and legal reasons.
- Carry-on: Liquids over 100 ml, sharp objects, flammable materials.
- Checked: Loose lithium batteries, hazardous materials, items banned by destination countries.
Lost, Damaged, or Delayed Baggage
TAM followed international conventions for baggage issues, with claims processed at the airport or via customer service.
- Delayed: Report at the airport’s Lost and Found desk before leaving; file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). Claims for expenses within 21 days.
- Damaged: Report within 7 days at the airport with the bag for inspection.
- Lost: File a claim within 7 days; compensation up to 1,288 SDR under Montreal Convention.
Additional Notes
- Check-in: Online check-in was available 24–2 hours before departure; airport check-in closed 60 minutes (international) or 45 minutes (domestic) before departure.
- Assistive devices (e.g., wheelchairs, strollers) were exempt from fees.
- TAM’s strict 5 kg carry-on limit for domestic flights was enforced at some airports, particularly in Brazil.
- Elite members of TAM Fidelidade (now LATAM Pass) received benefits like additional baggage allowances.
