TAM Airlines, now part of LATAM Airlines Group following the merger with LAN Airlines, operates as the Brazilian brand of LATAM, with hubs in São Paulo, Brasília, and Fortaleza. The missed flight policy for TAM bookings is governed by LATAM’s Conditions of Carriage and applicable regulations, such as EU Regulation 261/2004 for flights departing from the EU and Brazilian Civil Aviation regulations. Below is an overview of what happens and your options when you miss a TAM Airlines flight, based on available information.
No-Show Policy
If you miss a TAM Airlines flight without notifying the airline at least one hour before departure, you are considered a "no-show." This typically results in the forfeiture of the ticket value, and subsequent flights in your itinerary, such as return or onward flights, may be canceled, as the airline treats the itinerary as a single contract. Most TAM fares, particularly economy, are non-refundable.
- Notification: To avoid no-show penalties, contact LATAM at least one hour before departure via their Contact Center, website, mobile app, or airport counter. Prompt notification may allow rebooking or preserve the validity of remaining flight segments.
- Fees: For non-refundable fares like Basic or Light, a no-show results in the loss of the ticket value. Rebooking may incur a change fee, which varies by fare type and route, plus any fare difference. Flexible fares, such as Top or Premium Business, may allow changes with a fee.
- Impact on Itinerary: Missing a flight may lead to the cancellation of the entire reservation, including connecting or return flights, as per the airline’s policy.
Rebooking Options
If you miss a flight due to reasons within your control, rebooking is possible but subject to availability and fare rules. You can manage changes through the LATAM website under My Trips, mobile app, Contact Center, or airport counter. Additional charges may include:
- Change Fee: Non-refundable fares like Basic or Light may require purchasing a new ticket or paying a change fee, which varies by route and fare conditions. Flexible fares like Plus or Top may allow changes with a fee, often lower than for economy fares.
- Fare Difference: You must pay any difference between the original fare and the new flight’s fare. No refund is provided if the new fare is lower.
- Standby: If you arrive at the airport shortly after missing your flight, LATAM may allow standby for the next available flight, subject to availability and fees, though this is not guaranteed. For domestic flights in Brazil, Gold Plus, Platinum, Black, and Black Signature LATAM Pass members can move flights forward or postpone through My Trips or the LATAM app, subject to availability.
If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay caused by TAM/LATAM, and both flights are on the same booking, the airline will rebook you on the next available flight at no additional cost, as required by EU Regulation 261/2004 for flights departing from the EU or Brazilian regulations for domestic flights. They may also provide meals, accommodation, or transport for significant delays within their control. For separate bookings, LATAM is not responsible for missed connections, and you may need to purchase a new ticket.
Compensation and Refunds
Refunds or compensation for missed flights depend on the fare type and circumstances:
- Non-Refundable Tickets: Basic and Light fares are non-refundable if you miss the flight, resulting in the loss of the ticket value. Plus and Top fares may allow cancellations with a fee.
- Refundable Tickets: Flexible fares like Premium Business or Top may be eligible for refunds if canceled before departure, subject to fare rules and a fee. Refunds are processed to the original payment method.
- 24-Hour Cancellation Rule: For bookings to or from the U.S., you can cancel within twenty-four hours of purchase for a full refund, regardless of fare type, if booked at least seven days before departure. This does not apply to missed flights but can prevent no-shows if you anticipate missing the flight.
- Airline-Caused Delays: If you miss a connecting flight due to a TAM/LATAM delay within their control and arrive three or more hours late, you may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004 for flights departing from the EU, ranging from one hundred twenty-five euros to six hundred euros, depending on flight distance. For domestic Brazilian flights, the Brazilian Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) may entitle you to rebooking or refunds. Submit claims via the LATAM website’s requests and claims form or Contact Center.
- Airport Taxes and Fees: If you miss a flight, you may request a refund for taxes and fees, typically free of charge, via the LATAM website.
- LATAM Pass Benefits: Elite members (Platinum, Black, Black Signature) may receive preferential treatment, such as waived fees or priority rebooking, subject to availability.
Steps to Take if You Miss a Flight
If you miss your flight, follow these steps:
- Contact LATAM Airlines immediately via their Contact Center, My Trips portal, mobile app, or airport counter to explore rebooking options or confirm travel on subsequent flights.
- Review your ticket’s fare rules on the LATAM website under My Trips to understand applicable fees and refund eligibility.
- If the missed flight was due to an airline-caused delay, submit a compensation or refund request via the LATAM website’s requests and claims form, providing your booking reference and supporting documents like receipts or boarding passes.
- For tickets purchased through a travel agent, contact the agent directly for changes or refunds, as verification may be required.
- Check in online twenty-four hours to one hour before departure, as check-in counters close one hour before international flights and forty-five minutes before domestic Brazilian flights, to avoid missing deadlines.
Additional Information
For flights departing from the EU, if you miss a connecting flight due to a TAM/LATAM-caused delay and arrive three or more hours late, you may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004, provided the delay was within the airline’s control. Compensation is not provided for extraordinary circumstances, such as weather or air traffic control issues. Customer reviews on platforms like ConsumerAffairs and Tripadvisor highlight challenges with LATAM’s customer service, including slow refund processing, unhelpful staff, and difficulties rebooking after missed flights or delays. For example, passengers have reported being rebooked on inconvenient flights or facing lost luggage after missing connections, with poor communication from the airline. TAM operates a frequent flyer program, LATAM Pass, which offers benefits like priority rebooking for elite members. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the LATAM Airlines website or contact their Contact Center.
