LATAM Airlines provides a 24-hour cancellation policy that allows passengers to cancel their flight reservations within 24 hours of booking and receive a full refund, provided certain conditions are met. This policy applies when the booking is made at least seven days prior to the scheduled departure date. It is designed to offer travelers a short grace period to reconsider or correct their bookings without incurring any financial penalties. However, the 24-hour cancellation rule only applies to reservations made directly through LATAM’s official platforms, such as their website, mobile application, or customer service centers. Tickets purchased through third-party travel agencies or online booking platforms generally do not qualify for this risk-free cancellation option.
If a passenger cancels within the 24-hour window and meets the eligibility criteria, LATAM will refund the full amount paid for the ticket back to the original form of payment. Refund processing times vary depending on the payment method but typically take about seven business days for credit or debit card payments. Other payment methods, such as bank transfers, may take longer to process. If the cancellation is made after the 24-hour period, or if the flight departure is scheduled to take place within seven days of the booking date, the 24-hour cancellation rule no longer applies, and the refund eligibility depends on the fare conditions and ticket type.
For non-refundable tickets canceled after the 24-hour grace period, passengers usually only receive a refund of applicable taxes and fees, while the base fare is forfeited. Refund policies can vary significantly between different fare classes, and promotional or discounted tickets may come with additional restrictions or non-refundable clauses. LATAM encourages passengers to carefully review the terms and conditions of their tickets at the time of purchase to understand cancellation fees, refund eligibility, and any other restrictions that might apply.
To initiate a cancellation within the 24-hour timeframe, travelers can use the “Manage Booking” section on LATAM’s official website or mobile app. Alternatively, they can contact LATAM’s customer service directly by phone or email. For bookings made through third-party agencies, passengers must contact the agency directly to request cancellations and refunds, as LATAM does not handle these transactions. It is important for travelers to keep all confirmation emails, booking references, and communication records to help ensure their cancellation and refund requests are properly processed.
LATAM’s 24-hour cancellation policy aligns with international consumer protection standards, including regulations by the U.S. Department of Transportation for flights involving the United States. This means passengers booking flights to or from the U.S. are guaranteed this risk-free cancellation option under the stipulated conditions. Additionally, LATAM may provide travel credits or vouchers in some cases instead of cash refunds, which can be used for future bookings within a specified validity period.
Passengers should be aware that certain special fares, group bookings, or corporate travel arrangements may have unique cancellation terms that differ from the standard 24-hour policy. In the event of flight cancellations or schedule changes initiated by LATAM, affected travelers are typically eligible for refunds or rebooking options regardless of the original ticket’s refundability. During extraordinary situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, LATAM has also offered increased flexibility, waiving fees and extending refund or rebooking options to accommodate passengers.
In summary, LATAM Airlines’ 24-hour cancellation policy offers valuable flexibility for travelers to change or cancel their bookings shortly after purchase without financial loss, provided the booking is made at least seven days before departure and directly through LATAM. Understanding the rules and acting promptly within this window helps passengers avoid fees and ensures a smoother travel experience. Beyond the 24-hour period, cancellation and refund conditions depend on the ticket type and fare rules, making it essential to read all terms carefully before confirming any booking.