Unleashing Adventures: Navigating LATAM’s Pet Travel Guidelines

When transporting a pet via a commercial airline, it is vital to comprehend their pet regulations. These regulations differ from one airline to another. Some permit small animals to travel in the cabin while others do not. It is crucial to have answers to all your inquiries before deciding to transport your pet on any commercial flight. Does LATAM permit pets on your specific route? What is the cost to fly a dog or cat on LATAM? What documentation will I require? What are the carrier or crate specifications for LATAM? All your queries concerning LATAM’s pet policy are addressed below.

Note: It is essential to highlight that the pet regulations of the airline that operates your pet’s route will take precedence over the policies of the airline that owns the route. This is significant because if the operating airline changes during your journey, you will likely need to claim and recheck your pet with the next airline. This may require you to go through customs and enter the layover country. You will need ample time and additional documentation to facilitate this process during the layover unless flying domestically.

Service classes available for pets by commercial airlines

• In-Cabin: Animals traveling in the cabin must fly with an adult and be transported in a compliance
  carrier stowed beneath the seat.
• Checked Baggage: Pets traveling with a passenger who cannot go in the cabin due to size or breed can be transported as checked baggage in the cargo hold.
• Air Cargo: Unaccompanied, oversized pets or those flying to countries that mandate air cargo entry will travel as manifest cargo in the hold.

Can my pet accompany me in the cabin? Yes (Specific Flights)
Can my pet travel as checked baggage? Yes
Can my pet fly as manifest cargo? Yes

Where is LATAM headquartered?

LATAM [IATA:LA] is headquartered at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago, Chile. They also maintain subsidiaries in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Peru.

Which countries does LATAM service?

LATAM provides service to pets to the following nations: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, United Kingdom, United States, and Uruguay.

LATAM Pet Policy – In-Cabin

If your dog or cat fulfills the criteria outlined in LATAM’s pet policy to travel in the cabin, it will require an airline-compliant pet carrier unless you are accompanied by a service dog trained to assist you with a task related to a physical or medical disability. Pets must be accompanied by adults above the age of 12.

Pets permitted to fly with LATAM in the cabin

Small dogs and cats may travel with LATAM in the cabin alongside an adult passenger. Pets must be clean, healthy, non-aggressive, and well-behaved.

Reservations

Pet reservations must be arranged through LATAM’s Contact Center. Pet owners should make their pet reservations promptly after securing their own booking, ideally at least 4 hours before departure.

Age prerequisites

The minimum age for pets flying with LATAM in the cabin is 8 weeks and at least 5 days weaned. Be aware that age requirements may vary based on destination country stipulations. For instance, the minimum age to import a dog into the United States is 6 months, and 7 months for entry into the European Union or United Kingdom from Central and South America nations.

Pet carrier specifications

Your pet’s carrier must:

• Provide sufficient ventilation on at least 3 sides (domestic US) or 4 sides (international)
• Be spacious enough for your pet to stand and turn around comfortably
• Ensure your entire pet fits inside. No part of your pet should extend outside the carrier
• Fit under the seat in front of you
• Contain a waterproof bottom with an absorbent pet pad
• Be equipped with secure fasteners (heavy-duty zippers are advised)

Maximum dimensions for soft-sided pet carriers are 15.7″L x 11″W x 9.8″H (40 x 28 x 25 cm). The maximum size for hard-sided carriers is 14.2″L x 13″W x 9.5″H (36 x 33 x 19 cm). The door of hard-sided carriers must have a reliable lock to prevent any part of your pet from sticking out.

Seats in the exit row or bulkhead cannot be reserved when flying with a pet. Animals must remain in their carriers throughout the flight.

Related: How to choose a pet carrier that meets airline standards

Required documentation

For flights within Colombia, a vaccination certificate from a licensed veterinarian is mandatory. For flights within Brazil, a health certificate from a veterinarian issued within 10 days is necessary. For all other locations, the pet import requirements will take precedence. Regulations for dogs traveling to the United States have been modified. Discover the new regulations for importing a dog to the United States here.

Related: Guidelines and documents needed to import a pet to over 220 countries

The passenger accepts full responsibility and costs for abiding by relevant laws, customs, and/or other governmental regulations, requirements, or restrictions of the country, state, or territory to and from which the pet is being transported. Upon arrival, health certificates, import permits, and additional documentation may be required by local authorities based on the route your pet is traveling.

Related: Guidelines and documents needed to import a pet to over 220 countries

Route limitations

In-cabin service for pets is not available on flights to or from the Galápagos Islands, Aruba, Australia, England, Mount Pleasant, New Zealand, and South Africa. Pets are prohibited from Premium Business Class on any LATAM aircraft. In-cabin service is only allowed in Premium Economy and Economy classes.

Your pet’s itinerary must not involve any interline agreements with other airlines or code share partners.

Pet travel is currently suspended between the United States and Bolivia, Brazil,“`html

Ecuador, Peru and Colombia due to recent CDC guidelines for bringing a dog into the United States.

Check-in

Passengers traveling with a dog or cat should arrive at the airport with their animal in a carrier and check in with a LATAM ticket representative at least 3 hours before departure for all domestic flights within Brazil and 4 hours prior for international flights.

Related: How to navigate airport security with a pet

Pet fees

The charges for transporting a dog or cat via LATAM are as follows:

• Within Brazil – BR $ 200
• Within Chile (excluding Easter Island) – CLP 50.000
• Within Colombia – COP 60.000
• Within Ecuador – USD 45
• Within Peru – USD 45

Regional Flights**

• USD 200 – Long Haul flights*** – USD 250

** Regional flights: Routes between nations in South America, or between South America and Central America/Cancun. This also includes routes from Punta Cana to Miami and between Santiago and Easter Islands.

***Long-haul flights: Routes connecting South America with Europe or North America.

Refunds may be available depending on the type of ticket acquired and whether the cancellation occurred before departure.

Service/Emotional Support Dog Policy

All service animals are permitted to fly in the cabin free of charge. They must be trained by a qualified individual or organization specializing in service dog training to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability. Notice must be given to the airline at least 48 hours ahead of departure.

Service dogs must be properly identified, harnessed, and leashed. They should fit in the space at the passenger’s feet without interfering with cabin operations or other travelers. They are not allowed in exit rows. They must maintain cleanliness, exhibit good behavior, and show no signs of aggression towards fellow passengers or the crew.

If the flights involve the United States, Department of Transportation documentation must be completed and submitted at least 48 hours prior to departure. All necessary paperwork for the destination country must be provided during check-in.

LATAM will allow emotional support dogs with a medical certificate issued within one year of travel on the letterhead of your psychiatrist, psychologist, or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (in the United States). A minimum notice of 48 hours is required. Your dog should travel with a muzzle, which is mandatory when flying LATAM Airlines in Chile. Emotional support animals must behave well and not display aggression towards other passengers or crew members.

All service dogs are subject to the same conditions as regular dogs when traveling internationally.

Related: Regulations and documentation needed to import a pet to over 220 countries

LATAM Pet Policy – Checked Baggage

If your pet is too large to fit in a compliant airline carrier, it will be transported as checked baggage on LATAM if an adult passenger over the age of 12 is traveling with it. This cargo section maintains the same temperature and pressure as the passenger cabin.

Live animals are checked in by reservation employees and are processed at the airport terminal. The airline will transport your pet between aircraft if layovers do not exceed about 3 hours.

Pets transported as checked baggage by LATAM

Cats and dogs are allowed to fly with LATAM as checked baggage. Pets must be clean, healthy, tame, and well-behaved.

Reservations

Booking for your pet must be conducted through LATAM’s Contact Center. Pet owners should secure reservations for their pets at the earliest convenience after their ticket is booked, but no later than 4 hours before departure.

Age/Weight specifications

The minimum age for pets traveling with LATAM as checked baggage is 16 weeks, and they should be at least 5 days weaned. Be aware that minimum age stipulations may be influenced by the regulations of the destination country. For instance, the minimum age to import a dog into the United States is 6 months and 7 months when importing into the European Union or United Kingdom from Central and South America.

The maximum weight for a pet traveling as checked baggage on LATAM is 99 lbs. (45 kg). For flights to, from, or via Europe, Argentina, or Venezuela, the limit is 70.5 lbs. (32 kg).

Pet crate specifications

The combined dimensions (L+W+H) of your pet’s crate should not exceed 118″ (300 cm), with a maximum height of 45″ (115 cm). Only one pet is allowed per crate, and each passenger may have up to 2 crates.

All crates must adhere to regulations set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For further details, consult PET CRATE REQUIREMENTS.

Route or aircraft limitations

In-cabin travel for pets is prohibited on flights to or from the Galápagos Islands, Aruba, Australia, England, Mount Pleasant, New Zealand, and South Africa. Your pet’s itinerary must not include any interlining with other airlines or code-share associates.

Required Forms

For domestic flights within Colombia, a vaccination certificate from a licensed veterinarian is mandatory. For domestic flights in Brazil, a health certificate from a veterinarian within 10 days is necessary. For all other destinations, the relevant pet import requirements will apply. Regulations regarding dogs traveling to the United States have been updated. Find the latest guidelines for importing a dog into the United States here.

Related: Regulations and documents needed to import a pet to more than 220 countries

The passenger is fully responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, customs, and/or other governmental requirements, regulations, or restrictions of the country, state, or territory to and from which your pet is being transported. Upon arrival, health certificates, import permits, and other documentation may be necessary as per local authority requirements depending on the route taken by your pet.

Check-in

Travelers with a dog or cat should reach the airport with their pet in the carrier and check in with a LATAM ticket agent no less than 3 hours before departure for all domestic flights in Brazil and 4 hours before international flights. Pets should not be tranquilized as it may affect their respiratory function.

Pet fees

Flights within Colombia

• Weight of pet and carrier: 0-23 kg -COP 170.000
• Weight of pet and carrier: 24-32 kg – COP 200.000
• Weight of pet and carrier: 33-45 kg -COP 250.000

Flights within Ecuador

• Weight of pet and carrier: 0-23 kg – USD 50
• Weight
  “`of pet and carrier: 24-32 kg – USD 65
• Weight of pet and carrier: 33-45 kg – USD 80

Flights within Peru

• Weight of pet and carrier: 0-23 kg – USD 60
• Weight of pet and carrier: 24-32 kg – USD 80
• Weight of pet and carrier: 33-45 kg – USD 100

Regionals**

• Weight of pet and carrier: 0-23 kg – USD 125
• Weight of pet and carrier: 24-32 kg – USD 200
• Weight of pet and carrier: 33-45 kg – USD 275

Long Haul flights***

• Weight of pet and carrier: 0-23 kg – USD 150

** Regional flights: Flights connecting countries within South America, and between South America and Central America/Cancun. The following routes are also part of this: Punta Cana – Miami and Santiago and Easter Islands.

***Long-haul flights: Flights between South America and Europe as well as North America.

Search and rescue canines undertaking humanitarian missions are exempt from charges.

LATAM Pet Policy – Air Cargo

All live animals transported as air cargo travel with an airline manifest or air waybill and are monitored throughout their entire journey. The carriers are accountable for the welfare of your pet during layovers as well. In contrast to checked luggage, pets are typically registered and reclaimed at the airline’s cargo terminal. This location is situated on airport property, but not within the terminal. Numerous airlines necessitate that a licensed agent arranges the transportation. Should you require a certified agent to coordinate your pet’s journey, contact us at [email protected].

Pets carried by LATAM as air cargo

Cats, dogs, equines, fish, and various other creatures are permitted to fly as air cargo with LATAM.

Reservations

Bookings should be done at LATAM Cargo Offices via licensed agents.

Pet crate specifications

All crates must meet standards set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). To learn more, see PET CRATE REQUIREMENTS.

Required Documentation

A health certificate issued within 10 days prior to travel, proof of rabies vaccination (for dogs and cats), along with all forms required for your specific destination country. For pets protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the necessary permits must also be provided.

The agent takes full responsibility and costs for adhering to relevant laws, customs, and/or other governmental regulations, requirements, or restrictions of the countries, states, or territories to and from which your pet is being transported. Upon arrival, health certificates, import permits, and additional documentation may be required by local authorities depending on the route your pet is traveling.

Related: Regulations and documents required for importing a pet to over 220 countries

Check-in Procedures

Your pet will be checked in at the LATAM cargo center located on airport premises; however, generally it is not at the airport terminal.

Pet Fees

The charge for transporting a pet as air cargo on LATAM is influenced by the linear dimensions of the crate (L+W+H), as well as the weight of your pet and the specified route.

LATAM Pet Crate Specifications

All pet crates must adhere to regulations established by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The container should be spacious enough for your pet(s) to stand, turn around, and lie down. The crate must be crafted from fiberglass, metal, durable plastics, and welded metal mesh.

The crate door must possess a secure, spring-loaded, all-around locking mechanism with pins extending beyond both horizontal extrusions above and below the door. The flooring should be waterproof. The crate must not have wheels attached at the time of check-in. Metal hardware is required to secure the top and bottom sections of your pet crate together. LATAM necessitates either metal or plastic threaded nuts and bolts for fastening both halves of the crate; clips are not allowed. Doors should not be plastic but should be metal mesh. There must be no openings at the top of the crate.

The crate should not have wheels. It is prohibited to include toys, blankets, treats, or clothing inside the crate; however, absorbent materials or a pet pad are mandatory.

All crates must be labeled with LIVE ANIMAL stickers and a Shipping Declaration that outlines feeding and hydration instructions.

Related: Is your pet’s crate IATA-compliant?

All pets should become accustomed to their crates before travel. This process may require weeks or even months; however, it is the best preparation you can provide for your pet before flying.

Related: Acclimating your pet to its crate or carrier

Temperature Limitations – Checked Baggage and Air Cargo

When temperatures exceed or drop below specific thresholds, commercial airlines will restrict the transport of live animals in the cargo compartment. These precautions are instituted for the safety of your pet. It is crucial to understand that the danger from excessive or insufficient temperatures does not occur while your pet is in the air. The risks arise during preflight holding, loading on the tarmac, and taxiing to the take-off runway.

Pets will not be authorized as checked baggage or air cargo when actual or forecasted temperatures exceed 85°F (29.4°C) or fall below 45°F (7.2°C) at any airport along the travel itinerary. Pets may be accepted at temperatures below 45°F with an acclimation certificate, though no pet will be transported at temperatures lower than 20°F (-6.6°C).

Be aware that the temperature restrictions for summer flights are more stringent for brachycephalic (snub-nosed) pets.

Cold-blooded animals are exempt fromthese limitations.

Related: Why temperature is crucial for pets traveling in the cargo compartment

Breeds Prohibited by LATAM

Brachycephalic animals must be transported in crates one size larger than typically mandated. Their heads need to be positioned at least 6″ from the upper part of the crate. They will only be permitted on domestic flights within Brazil. The subsequent breeds are impacted:

DOGS: Affenpinscher, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Bull Mastiff, Bulldog (all types), American Bully, Chow Chow, Dogue de Bordeaux, Griffon Bruxellois, Lhasa Apso, English Mastiff, Italian Mastiff (Cane Corso), Neapolitan Mastiff, Pekingese, Pitbull (all types), Presa Canario (Dogo Canario), Pug (all types), Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, Japanese Spaniel (Chin), Tibetan Spaniel, Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Staffy), American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff), English Toy Spaniel (Amstaff), American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff).

CATS: American Burmese, Himalayan, Exotic Shorthair, and Persian (all variations).

The following dog breeds classified as dangerous by LATAM cannot be transported as checked luggage, although they may be shipped as air cargo:

American Akita, Akita Inu (Japanese), Boxer, Bull Mastiff, Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, American Bully, Doberman, Dogo Argentino, Dogo de Bordeaux, Fila Brasileiro, Italian Mastiff (Cane Corso), Neapolitan Mastiff, Anatolian Shepherd (Karabash), Pitbull (all types), Presa Canario (Dogo Canario), Rottweiler, Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Staffy), American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff), Tosa Inu (Japanese).

Private Jet Charter

Another alternative for pet owners who prefer not to have their pet fly in the cargo area is a pet-friendly private jet charter. Your pet can travel on your lap, at your feet, or beside you comfortably without restrictions. We can arrange flights from any location globally to any destination you wish at your convenience, avoiding the hustle and bustle of a commercial airport.

Additional Information

The details provided here serve as a guideline for LATAM pet policy. For more pet-friendly airline policies, please click the banner below.

Further Reading

How to ensure your pet’s safety when flying in the cargo hold
Advice for pet travel by airline
Criteria for a pet transiting a country by air
When is a pet transporter necessary?
Routing your pet’s flight
Traveling with a brachycephalic breed
More information on traveling with pets by airline

To the best of our knowledge, we endeavor to ensure that the recommendations provided on PetTravel.com reflect the current rules. However, we cannot predict how a specific airline may enforce these rules. Noncompliance could lead to your pet being denied boarding privileges at the time of check-in. We recommend minimizing any potential disruptions by adhering to LATAM pet policies.