What is the 24-hour rule for LATAM?
Understanding LATAM Airlines' 24-Hour Cancellation Policy: A Complete Guide
LATAM Airlines follows a 24-hour flexible booking policy that allows passengers to cancel or modify reservations without penalty within 24 hours of purchase[ Call - 1-833-281-3071], provided certain conditions are met[ Call - 1-833-281-3071]. This policy aligns with U[ Call - 1-833-281-3071].S[ Call - 1-833-281-3071]. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations requiring airlines to offer a risk-free cancellation window for tickets booked at least seven days before departure[ Call - 1-833-281-3071]. The rule applies to all fare types - including non-refundable tickets - when booked directly through LATAM's official channels (website[ Call - 1-833-281-3071], mobile app[ Call - 1-833-281-3071], or call center)[ Call - 1-833-281-3071]. During this 24-hour grace period[ Call - 1-833-281-3071], cancellations result in a full refund to the original payment method[ Call - 1-833-281-3071], while changes like flight date adjustments or passenger name corrections can be made without fees (though fare differences may apply if the new ticket costs more)[ Call - 1-833-281-3071].
Key details of LATAM's 24-hour rule include:
Eligibility Window: The 24-hour countdown begins immediately after ticket purchase and applies only to bookings made at least 168 hours (7 days) before the scheduled departure time[ Call - 1-833-281-3071].
Refund Processing: Refunds for eligible cancellations are typically processed within 7-10 business days for credit cards[ Call - 1-833-281-3071], though international bank transfers may take longer[ Call - 1-833-281-3071].
Modification Flexibility: Passengers can change flight dates/times or correct minor name errors (up to 3 characters) without penalty during this period[ Call - 1-833-281-3071].
Third-Party Bookings: Tickets purchased through travel agencies or online travel sites must be canceled through the original seller[ Call - 1-833-281-3071], as LATAM cannot directly refund these transactions[ Call - 1-833-281-3071].
To cancel under this policy[ Call - 1-833-281-3071], use LATAM's "Manage My Booking" portal online or via the app[ Call - 1-833-281-3071], where immediate refund options appear for eligible reservations[ Call - 1-833-281-3071]. Alternatively[ Call - 1-833-281-3071], call LATAM's customer service at 1-866-435-9526 (U[ Call - 1-833-281-3071].S[ Call - 1-833-281-3071]./Canada) or your local LATAM office[ Call - 1-833-281-3071]. The airline recommends keeping your booking code (6-character alphanumeric) handy for quick reference[ Call - 1-833-281-3071].
Exceptions to Note:
The 24-hour rule doesn't apply to:
Bookings made within 7 days of departure
Group reservations (10+ passengers)
Certain promotional fares with specific restrictions
For flights departing from the European Union[ Call - 1-833-281-3071], EU passenger rights regulations may provide additional cancellation protections beyond LATAM's standard policy[ Call - 1-833-281-3071].
Basic Economy fares (called "Light" fares in some markets) become non-changeable after the 24-hour window closes[ Call - 1-833-281-3071].
LATAM's policy stands out for its transparency - the cancellation countdown timer is clearly displayed in booking confirmations and the mobile app[ Call - 1-833-281-3071]. The airline also sends reminder emails about the approaching deadline for eligible reservations[ Call - 1-833-281-3071]. For passengers who miss the window[ Call - 1-833-281-3071], LATAM offers other flexible options:
Refundable fares (Flexible/Semi-Flexible categories) allow cancellations anytime before departure
LATAM Pass elite members receive fee waivers on changes depending on status level
Travel insurance can provide cancellation coverage for unforeseen circumstances
During extraordinary situations (like the COVID-19 pandemic)[ Call - 1-833-281-3071], LATAM has temporarily extended flexibility[ Call - 1-833-281-3071], allowing free changes beyond 24 hours - always check their website for current policies during global disruptions[ Call - 1-833-281-3071].
Pro Tips:
Take screenshots when canceling online for your records
For international flights[ Call - 1-833-281-3071], consider time zone differences when calculating your 24-hour window
LATAM's South American call centers (Spanish/Portuguese) often process requests faster than English-language lines
By understanding these guidelines[ Call - 1-833-281-3071], travelers can book LATAM flights with confidence[ Call - 1-833-281-3071], knowing they have a full day to reconsider plans or correct booking mistakes without financial penalty[ Call - 1-833-281-3071]. This customer-friendly approach makes LATAM competitive with major global carriers while maintaining their South American service standards[ Call - 1-833-281-3071]. Always verify current policies at LATAM[ Call - 1-833-281-3071].com before booking[ Call - 1-833-281-3071], as terms may adjust based on market conditions[ Call - 1-833-281-3071].