LATAM Change Flight: Everything You Need to Know Before Rescheduling

Plans change, and so do flights. If you're traveling with LATAM and need to reschedule your trip, understanding the LATAM change flight process can save you from stress and unnecessary fees. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about changing a flight with LATAM, including eligibility, fees, steps to modify your booking, and tips to avoid extra costs.

Why You Might Need to Change Your LATAM Flight

Life happens—meetings get moved, family emergencies arise, and travel plans shift. Fortunately, LATAM provides several options for modifying your itinerary. You might need to change your LATAM flight due to:

Sudden work obligations
Family or medical emergencies
Travel restrictions or visa issues
Weather-related disruptions
Mistaken booking dates or times

Understanding how the LATAM change flight process works can help you navigate your travel plans more confidently and flexibly.

LATAM Change Flight Policy: An Overview

LATAM allows travelers to change their flight date, time, and even destination, depending on the fare conditions of their ticket. However, your eligibility to change your flight depends on:

Fare type: Basic fares tend to have stricter conditions, while Flex or Premium Economy fares are more flexible.
Ticket status: Non-refundable or promotional tickets may have change restrictions.
Time of request: Changes made closer to departure may incur higher fees.

Here are the general rules that apply:

Flight changes must be made before check-in closes.
Name changes are not allowed, but correcting typos may be permitted.
Fees and fare differences may apply based on your new itinerary and ticket type.

How to Change a LATAM Flight

Changing your LATAM flight is fairly straightforward. You can modify your booking online, via the mobile app, or through customer support. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Online through the LATAM Website

Visit the official LATAM website.
Go to the "My Trips" section.
Enter your booking reference and last name.
Choose the flight you want to change.
Select your new date, time, or destination.
Review any fare difference or change fees.
Confirm the changes and make any necessary payments.

2. LATAM Mobile App

Open the app and log in.
Tap “My Trips” and locate your booking.
Follow similar steps as the website to adjust your itinerary.

3. Customer Service

If you're unable to make changes online or have a complex itinerary, calling LATAM customer service may be your best bet. Agents can assist with:

Multi-leg flights
Codeshare partner bookings
Special requests or accessibility needs

LATAM Flight Change Fees

Understanding LATAM's flight change fees is key to budgeting correctly. The fees depend on several factors:

Domestic vs. international travel
Fare class (Basic, Light, Plus, Top)
How close to departure you're making the change

For example:

Basic Fare: Often non-changeable or comes with high fees
Light Fare: Changeable with a fee and fare difference
Plus/Top Fare: Usually includes one or more free changes

Note: If your new flight is cheaper than the original, LATAM typically does not refund the difference. If it's more expensive, you must pay the additional cost.

Flight Changes Due to COVID-19 or Other Disruptions

During and post-pandemic, LATAM has offered more flexibility to travelers. If your flight is canceled or rescheduled by the airline due to operational issues or travel restrictions, you may:

Reschedule your flight without paying change fees
Request a travel voucher or credit
Choose an alternative route at no extra cost

Check LATAM's current travel alerts or flexible booking policies before making any decisions.

Tips to Avoid High Change Fees

Changing a flight doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Here are some expert tips to avoid or reduce LATAM change flight fees:

Book a flexible fare upfront: If your plans aren't 100% fixed, spend a little more on a fare that allows free changes.
Change early: The earlier you request the change, the more likely you are to pay lower fees.
Avoid peak times: Rescheduling to off-peak travel times might help you avoid fare hikes.
Monitor promotions: LATAM occasionally waives change fees for specific travel periods or regions.
Use travel insurance: If you're changing due to illness or emergency, insurance may cover the fee.

Can You Change Your LATAM Flight on the Same Day?

Yes, same-day changes are possible but are subject to availability. LATAM allows same-day flight changes for eligible tickets, generally within the same route and with certain restrictions. This is ideal if:

You arrived early at the airport
Your original flight is delayed
You found an earlier or later option that suits you better

A same-day change fee and any fare difference may apply.

What Happens if LATAM Changes Your Flight?

If LATAM changes your flight due to operational reasons, you have a few options:

Accept the new flight schedule
Change to another available flight for free
Request a refund or travel credit if the change is significant

Always check your email and the LATAM app for notifications about schedule updates.

LATAM Change Flight for Award Tickets

If you booked using frequent flyer miles or points, the process to change your flight is slightly different:

Contact the LATAM Pass support team.
Changes are usually allowed, but award availability for the new flight must exist.
Fees may apply, both in miles and cash, depending on your fare level.

It’s best to check your fare conditions at the time of booking to see what’s allowed.

Final Thoughts on LATAM Change Flight

Travel plans are bound to change, and LATAM offers several options to make the process as smooth as possible. By understanding your ticket type, knowing when and how to request changes, and following best practices, you can avoid unnecessary stress and fees.

Whether you're rescheduling for personal reasons or adjusting due to external circumstances, LATAM provides enough flexibility to meet most travelers’ needs. Just remember to read the fine print and act early for the best outcome.