LATAM Airlines Compensation for Flight Delays and Cancellations

Passengers of LATAM Airlines who have faced a flight cancellation or delay have a legal right to compensation. According to EU 261/2004, an airline is obliged to compensate passengers in case of a significant disruption. Here, we’ll examine your rights and the steps you should follow to get the compensation you have a right to from the airline.

LATAM Airlines Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation

Before claiming the LATAM Airlines compensation, you should be aware of the conditions and the amount of compensation you may expect to get in the event of delay or flight cancellation.

LATAM Airlines Compensation for Flight Delay

According to UK and EU regulations, passengers may be entitled to up to €600 in compensation per person if their flight experiences a delay. It’s essential to note that this flight delay compensation depends on the flight’s landing time, not the departure time, so the key to your claim relies on the actual time you arrive at your final destination.

Let’s take a look at how much compensation you may receive if your flight is delayed. The amount of compensation varies based on various criteria, including the duration of the delay and the distance of your flight:

Less than 3 hours	Between 3-4 hours	Over 4 hours	Distance
€0	€250	€250	All flights up to 1500 km
€0	€400	€400	All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km
€0	€400	€400	All intra-EU flights over 3500 km
€0	€300	€600	All non-EU flights over 3500 km

Keep in mind you might not receive compensation for every flight delay. LATAM Airlines isn’t required to pay compensation when extraordinary circumstances beyond their control arise. This includes severe weather conditions, problems at the airport, or a strike by air traffic controllers. In these instances, you will generally not be compensated as it is not the airline’s fault.

LATAM Airlines Compensation for Flight Cancellation

EU 261 states that airlines have to inform passengers of cancellations at least 14 days before the scheduled flight. If the airline doesn’t provide timely notification, you might be eligible for flight cancellation compensation ranging from €250 to €600 per passenger, according to the flight distance. However, if the airline provides you with an alternate flight, it could potentially avoid compensation for the cancelled flight if the following conditions are met:

Advance Notice	Re-routing Requirements
14 Days	None
7 – 13 Days	Alternative flight departing no more than 2 hours before and arriving less than 4 hours after the original flight
Less than 7 Days	Alternative flight departing no more than 1 hour before and arriving less than 2 hours after the original flight

When accepting a different flight, passengers retain their claim for compensation if they still experience significant delays at their final destination. The amount of compensation is calculated according to two factors: the flight distance and the length of the delay, in line with the table below:

Under 2 hours	2-3 hours	3-4 hours	Over 4 hours	Never arrived	Distance
€125	€250	€250	€250	€250	All flights 1,500 km or less
€200	€200	€400	€400	€400	Internal EU flights over 1,500 km
€200	€200	€400	€400	€400	Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km- 3,500 km
€300	€300	€300	€600	€600	Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km

LATAM Airlines is not obliged to compensate you if they offer an alternative flight that departs and arrives near the same time as your original flight. Additionally, you usually won’t receive compensation if the flight is cancelled due to circumstances beyond the airline’s control, such as adverse weather conditions or when airline staff goes on strike.

Are LATAM Airlines Flights Covered By EU 261/2004?

EU Regulation 261 applies to all flights departing from EU airports. It also applies to flights arriving in the EU if the airline originates in the EU. This includes airlines from European Union member states as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.

Nevertheless, LATAM Airlines is not a European airline. Therefore, they are not obliged to pay you compensation if their flights operate outside of Europe. This is true even for their flights to Europe if they start outside the EU.

Itinerary	Covered by EU 261
Flights departing from EU airports	✔️ Yes
Flights arriving at EU airports	❌ No

How to Claim Compensation from LATAM Airlines

If your travel plans have been affected by a flight cancellation or delay with LATAM Airlines, it’s crucial to know that you might be entitled to compensation under EU laws. For this reason, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the process of claiming compensation. Here’s what you need to do:

• Complete our form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered.
• Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will handle the rest. We are well-versed in the EU laws thoroughly and will strive to get you your compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.

These steps will help you file your claim quickly and improve your chances of receiving the compensation you’re owed. There may be plenty of time after your flight to make a claim, but it’s best to complete it as soon as you can while you still remember all the details.

What You Can Get Besides EU Flight Compensation

LATAM Airlines goes the additional mile to help passengers during travel disruptions by providing services that complement flight compensation.

Right to Care

When flight disruptions occur, LATAM Airlines is committed to ensuring passenger comfort through the Right to Care provision. This right, established under EU Regulation 261/2004, kicks in when flight delays exceed two hours. The services provided include:

• Food and Drinks: Passengers are provided with meals and beverages appropriate to the length of delay. This may include vouchers for airport restaurants or direct distribution of snacks and drinks.
• Communication: LATAM Airlines offers two free phone calls, emails, or fax messages to keep passengers connected with family or business contacts.
• Accommodation: If the delay extends for the night or requires an additional stay, LATAM Airlines arranges hotel accommodation. This includes transportation to and from the airport and the hotel.
• Special Assistance: Extra care is given to passengers with reduced mobility or special needs.

To access these services, you can simply approach airline staff at the airport for instant assistance.

Rebooking and Refunds

When LATAM Airlines cancels a flight, passengers can choose to get a full refund or rebook on an alternative flight. This option is crucial for minimizing travel disruptions and supporting passengers to handle unforeseen circumstances effectively.

• Full Refund: if you request a refund, you can get full reimbursement for the parts of your trip that you didn’t use, including any tickets you only partly used. Also, if the cancellation means your trip no longer serves its original purpose, you may get a flight back to where you first started at the earliest chance.
• Rebooking: if you choose to continue your trip, LATAM Airlines shall provide rebooking on the next available flight to your destination. You also have the option to choose an alternative route if there are seats available. If the next available flight is scheduled for the following day or later, LATAM Airlines will arrange accommodation and transfers as necessary. Additionally, you have the right to be rebooked, including in a higher class, at no additional cost to you if that’s the only available option.

It’s crucial to keep in mind some additional considerations. If you’re rebooked on a lower class than originally booked, you’re eligible for a partial refund of the cost difference. Furthermore, if your booking includes connecting flights, LATAM Airlines will assist in rebooking your entire journey, not only the cancelled segment.

Whether choosing a refund or arranging a new flight, the procedures are designed to make this process as smooth as possible, understanding the stress and inconvenience caused by cancellations.

Recent Flight Delays and Cancellations