Can You Fly with Pets on LATAM Airlines?

Yes, LATAM Airlines allows dogs and cats to travel with you. You have three options: cabin travel (your pet stays with you), checked baggage (your pet travels in the hold), or cargo (dedicated pet transport). Each option has different rules, costs, and requirements.

LATAM is one of South America's largest carriers, operating across Latin America, North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. If you're relocating, visiting family, or taking your pet on vacation, understanding LATAM's pet policy is essential before booking.

Cabin Travel: Flying with Your Pet in the Cabin

This is the most popular option for small dogs and cats. Your pet stays in a carrier under the seat in front of you throughout the flight.

Who Can Fly in the Cabin?

  • Dogs and cats only — other animals require special arrangements
  • Minimum age: 16 weeks old
  • Maximum weight (pet + carrier combined): 10 kg (22 lbs)
  • One pet per passenger — you cannot bring two pets in the cabin
  • Not pregnant or in heat — visibly pregnant animals are not accepted

Carrier Requirements for Cabin Travel

Your carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. LATAM specifies these maximum dimensions:

  • Length: 43 cm (17 inches)
  • Width: 32 cm (12.6 inches)
  • Height: 25 cm (9.8 inches)
  • Combined weight (pet + carrier): 10 kg (22 lbs)

Carrier type: Soft-sided carriers are preferred for cabin travel because they compress to fit under seats. Hard-sided carriers may be too rigid. The carrier must have adequate ventilation (mesh panels on the sides) so your pet can breathe easily.

Inside the carrier: Include an absorbent mat or liner to manage accidents during the flight. Your pet will be stressed and may have bathroom accidents — this is normal and expected.

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic (Snub-Nosed) Breeds

LATAM does not allow the following breeds in the cabin:

  • Bulldogs (English and French)
  • Pugs

These breeds have shortened airways and are at high risk of respiratory distress during air travel. If you have a brachycephalic breed, see the brachycephalic breed flying guide for alternatives.

Health Certificate & Vaccinations

You must have a health certificate issued by a veterinarian within 10 days of departure. This certificate should confirm:

  • Your pet is healthy and fit to fly
  • Vaccination records (rabies vaccination is typically required, especially for international flights)
  • No signs of infectious disease

Get this certificate as close to your departure date as possible. Some destinations may require it to be issued within 7 days, so don't wait until the last minute.

Advance Booking & Fees

You must book your pet at least 48 hours before departure. You cannot show up at the airport with a pet without prior arrangement. Availability is limited — LATAM restricts the number of pets per flight based on aircraft type.

Cabin pet fee: Approximately USD $125 one-way, though this varies by route and destination. Always confirm the exact fee when booking, as some routes may cost more.

Checked Baggage: Your Pet Travels in the Hold

If your pet is too large for cabin travel or you prefer this option, your pet can travel in the aircraft hold as checked baggage. This is less stressful for some pets but requires more preparation.

Who Can Travel as Checked Baggage?

  • Minimum age: 10 weeks old (younger than cabin travel)
  • Not pregnant or in heat
  • Not a brachycephalic breed (same restrictions as cabin)
  • Healthy and fit to fly

Carrier Requirements for Checked Baggage

Checked baggage carriers must be hard-sided, IATA-compliant crates. Soft-sided carriers are not acceptable for hold travel. Your carrier must include:

  • Ventilation openings on at least three sides (per IATA regulations)
  • An attached water bowl or trough that can be filled from outside the crate
  • An absorbent mat or liner inside to manage accidents
  • "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows on the outside (required by IATA)

Temperature Restrictions

LATAM will not accept pets for checked baggage travel if temperatures are extreme:

  • Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F) or higher at origin or destination
  • Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F) or lower at origin or destination

If you have a vet-issued acclimation certificate, you may be able to travel in colder conditions. Always check the weather forecast for your travel dates and contact LATAM if temperatures are borderline.

Health Certificate & Advance Booking

Same requirements as cabin travel: health certificate within 10 days of departure and advance booking required (typically 48 hours minimum, though we recommend booking earlier for checked baggage).

Fees

Checked baggage pet fees are not explicitly listed in LATAM's published policy. Contact LATAM directly for pricing, as it typically depends on the pet's weight, route, and destination.

Cargo: Dedicated Pet Transport

For larger pets or long-distance international moves, LATAM offers dedicated cargo pet transport. Your pet travels in a climate-controlled cargo hold with specialized handling.

Carrier Requirements for Cargo

Cargo requires hard-sided, IATA-compliant crates only. Your crate must have:

  • Ventilation openings on at least three sides
  • An attached water bowl or trough that can be filled from outside
  • An absorbent mat or liner
  • "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows

Age & Breed Restrictions

  • Minimum age: 16 weeks old
  • Brachycephalic breeds banned: Bulldogs and Pugs
  • Not pregnant or in heat

Temperature Restrictions

Same as checked baggage:

  • Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F) or higher
  • Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F) or lower

Health Certificate & Advance Booking

Health certificate required within 10 days of departure. Advance booking is essential for cargo — contact LATAM's cargo department well in advance (at least 1–2 weeks).

Cargo Fees

Approximately USD $350 one-way, but cargo fees vary significantly by weight, route, and destination. Expect to pay USD $200–500+ depending on your pet's size and travel distance. Get a quote from LATAM Cargo before booking.

Important Rules for All Travel Options

No Sedation

Do not sedate your pet before flying. IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations prohibit sedation during air travel. A sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide. If your vet recommends sedation, discuss alternatives with both your vet and LATAM.

Pets Must Stay in Carrier

Your pet must remain in the carrier throughout the entire flight — takeoff, flight, and landing. You cannot remove your pet during the flight, even on long-haul journeys. Plan accordingly and ensure your pet is comfortable in the carrier before travel.

International Travel & Import Permits

If you're flying internationally, your destination country may require import permits, microchipping, or additional vaccinations (especially rabies). Contact your destination country's customs or agriculture department at least 4–6 weeks before travel. Some countries have strict quarantine requirements.

Key Numbers at a Glance

Metric Cabin Checked Baggage Cargo
Minimum Age 16 weeks 10 weeks 16 weeks
Max Weight (pet + carrier) 10 kg (22 lbs) Not specified Not specified
Carrier Type Soft-sided preferred Hard-sided, IATA-compliant Hard-sided, IATA-compliant
Advance Booking 48 hours minimum 48 hours minimum 1–2 weeks recommended
Approximate Fee (One-Way) USD $125 Contact airline USD $350 (varies)
Health Certificate Validity 10 days before departure 10 days before departure 10 days before departure
Heat Embargo Not specified 29.4°C (85°F) 29.4°C (85°F)
Cold Embargo Not specified -6.7°C (20°F) -6.7°C (20°F)

What You Need to Do: Actionable Checklist

4–6 weeks before travel:

  • Check if your destination country requires import permits or quarantine — contact their customs/agriculture department
  • Confirm your pet's microchip is registered and up-to-date
  • Review LATAM's current pet policy on their website or call their pet services team

2–3 weeks before travel:

  • Schedule a vet appointment for a health certificate (must be issued within 10 days of departure)
  • Ensure your pet's vaccinations (especially rabies) are current
  • If traveling to a hot or cold climate, check temperature forecasts for your travel dates
  • Book your pet

    Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 10, 2026