TAM Airlines, now operating as LATAM Airlines following its 2012 merger with LAN Airlines, no longer exists as a separate entity. Therefore, the baggage policy for TAM Airlines is governed by LATAM Airlines' current baggage policy. Below is a concise overview of LATAM Airlines’ baggage policy based on available information, effective as of the latest updates:
Carry-On Baggage
Allowance:
- All passengers can bring 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item (e.g., purse, laptop bag, or small backpack).
- Basic fare (cheapest tier) includes only a small personal item (45 x 35 x 20 cm).
Size Limit:
- Carry-on: Maximum 55 x 35 x 25 cm (21.6 x 13.7 x 9.8 in, including handles and wheels).
- Personal item: Must fit under the seat (45 x 35 x 20 cm).
Weight Limit:
- Economy Class: 8 kg (17 lbs), except in Brazil, where it’s 10 kg (22 lbs).
- Premium Economy/Business Class: 16 kg (35 lbs).
Additional Notes:
- Assistive devices and outer garments do not count as personal items.
- Bulkhead seats lack under-seat storage, so carry-on must be stowed in overhead bins during takeoff and landing.
- If carry-on exceeds limits, it may be checked for a fee starting at $30 (domestic) or $60 (international).
Checked Baggage
Allowance (varies by fare, class, and route):
Domestic Flights (within Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru):
- Basic Fare: No checked baggage included.
- Plus Economy: 1 bag up to 23 kg (50 lbs).
- Top Economy: 2 bags, each up to 23 kg.
International Flights:
- Economy (Basic/Light): No checked baggage included.
- Economy (Plus): 1 bag up to 23 kg.
- Economy (Top): 2 bags, each up to 23 kg.
- Premium Economy/Business: 2–3 bags, each up to 23 kg (some routes allow 32 kg).
Infants (under 2 years, no seat): 1 bag up to 23 kg (158 cm) plus a stroller, car seat, or bassinet if space allows.
Excess Baggage Fees
Additional Bags:
- Domestic: Starts at $15–$20 per bag (pre-purchase recommended for savings).
- International: $50–$200 per extra bag, depending on route (e.g., US to South America).
Overweight/Oversized Baggage:
- Bags 23–32 kg: $50–$110.
- Bags over 32 kg or 158 cm: $100–$200, or not accepted on some routes (e.g., to/from Europe, Argentina, Oceania, where 32 kg is the maximum).
- Excess weight fees for some routes: $12–$23 per kg.
Pre-Purchase: Add baggage via “Manage Your Booking” on LATAM’s website at least 6 hours before the flight for lower fees.
Special Baggage
Sports Equipment:
- Items like bicycles, golf equipment, scuba gear, skis, snowboards, or surfboards count as checked baggage if within 300 cm (118 in) and weight limits.
- Excess fees apply if limits are exceeded (e.g., 33–50% of standard excess baggage fee for sports equipment).
Musical Instruments:
- Small instruments within carry-on limits (55 x 35 x 25 cm, 8–16 kg) allowed in the cabin.
- Larger instruments require an extra seat (up to 75 kg max, 45 kg in Brazil/Paraguay) or must be checked as cargo.
Pets:
- Pets in the cabin or hold require specific documentation and fees; check LATAM’s pet policy for details.
Lost or Damaged Baggage
- Report issues immediately at the airport’s baggage claim area.
- Lost baggage: File a claim with passport/ID, boarding pass, and baggage receipt. Track online using the case number.
- Damaged baggage: Report within 7 days of flight arrival.
Additional Notes
- Codeshare Flights: For flights operated by partner airlines, the baggage policy of the first carrier (or most significant carrier for non-US/Canada routes) applies.
- Policy Variations: Allowances and fees vary by route, fare type, and elite status. Always check LATAM’s official website (www.latamairlines.com) for specific flight details.
- Strictness: LATAM is generally lenient with carry-on size/weight, especially on South American routes, but stricter enforcement may apply in Europe.
