LATAM Premium Economy Review Guide

Flying long distances can be exhausting, but what if there was a way to elevate your journey without breaking the bank on a Business Class ticket? Enter Premium Economy, a cabin class designed to offer a significant upgrade from standard Economy, providing more space, comfort, and enhanced services. But with so many options out there, how does LATAM Premium Economy stack up? Is it truly worth the extra investment for your next trip across Latin America or beyond?

This comprehensive LATAM Premium Economy Review Guide will dive deep into what you can expect, helping you decide if this intermediate cabin is the perfect choice for your travel needs.

What is Premium Economy and Why Consider It?

Premium Economy is an increasingly popular travel class that bridges the gap between the no-frills experience of Economy and the luxurious offerings of Business Class. It's designed for travelers seeking a more comfortable and productive flight without the premium price tag of a lie-flat seat.

Typically, you'll find benefits like:

• More Space: Enhanced legroom and wider seats.
• Improved Service: Dedicated cabin crew, upgraded meals, and complimentary beverages.
• Airport Perks: Priority check-in, boarding, and sometimes even lounge access.

Premium Economy vs. Economy vs. Business Class

Understanding the distinctions is key to making an informed decision:

• Economy Class: The most basic and budget-friendly option, offering standard seating, limited amenities, and often requiring extra payment for checked bags or specific seat selection.
• Premium Economy Class: A noticeable step up, providing more personal space, better seating comfort, upgraded meal service, and valuable airport benefits like priority services. It's ideal for medium to long-haul flights where comfort becomes a significant factor.
• Business Class: The top-tier experience (excluding First Class), featuring lie-flat or angled-flat seats, gourmet dining, extensive lounge access, and highly personalized service. This comes at a considerably higher cost.

LATAM's Premium Economy aims to deliver a superior experience that justifies the fare difference from Economy, especially on longer routes.

LATAM Premium Economy: What to Expect?

LATAM's Premium Economy offering varies slightly depending on the aircraft type and route, but generally provides a consistent set of benefits designed to enhance your journey. It's primarily available on their single-aisle aircraft (Airbus A319, A320, A320neo, and A321) for flights within Latin America, and a new "Premium Comfort" class is set to launch on wide-body aircraft (Boeing 787 Dreamliners) for long-haul international routes in 2027.

Seat Comfort and Space

One of the most significant advantages of LATAM Premium Economy is the increased space and comfort.

• Dedicated Cabin: You'll find yourself in a segregated cabin, usually located in the first few rows of the aircraft.
• Blocked Middle Seat: On single-aisle aircraft, LATAM's Premium Economy often features a blocked middle seat in a 3-3 configuration, effectively giving you more elbow room and privacy. While the seat width might be similar to Economy (around 18 inches), the extra space from the empty middle seat makes a big difference.
• Enhanced Legroom and Recline: Passengers enjoy more legroom, with seat pitches around 34-35 inches, compared to 31-32 inches in standard Economy. The seats also recline further, up to 40% more, allowing for greater relaxation.
• Amenities: You'll typically receive an ergonomic seat with an adjustable headrest, a pillow, and a blanket. Most seats are equipped with USB and charging ports to keep your devices powered throughout the flight.

For long-haul flights on Boeing 787s, LATAM is introducing a new "Premium Comfort" class in 2027, which will feature wider seats, deeper recline, increased seat pitch, and fewer seats per row (e.g., a 2-3-2 or 2-4-2 configuration instead of 3-3-3 or 3-4-3), providing even more personal space and privacy.

In-flight Entertainment

LATAM offers a variety of entertainment options to keep you engaged.

• LATAM Play: On single-aisle aircraft, you can access LATAM Play content directly on your personal mobile device without needing to download an app. This includes a wide selection of movies, TV series, music, and an interactive map.
• Individual Screens: On twin-aisle aircraft, individual touchscreens are available, offering a broad range of entertainment. The upcoming "Premium Comfort" on Boeing 787s will feature 16-inch 4K screens with Bluetooth support and USB-C charging ports.
• Wi-Fi Connectivity: Wi-Fi is available on 100% of LATAM's fleet in Brazil and is being expanded to flights within Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.

Dining Experience

The dining experience in LATAM Premium Economy is a step above standard Economy, with complimentary meals and beverages.

• Meal Service: Depending on the flight duration and route (international vs. domestic), you can expect breakfast, lunch, or dinner, often with hot dishes and a selection of fresh fruits, desserts, and artisanal breads. For flights over 4 hours, two main hot dishes are typically served.
• Beverages: A wide range of hot and cold beverages are offered, including premium coffee, tea, juices, sodas, and alcoholic drinks from noon onwards.
• Special Meals: Special dietary meals (e.g., child's food, diabetic, low-calorie, vegan) can usually be requested in advance.

Priority Services

Beyond the cabin, LATAM Premium Economy offers several valuable airport benefits:

• Premium Check-in: Access to dedicated check-in counters for a smoother, faster process.
• Premium Boarding: You'll be among the first to board the aircraft (Boarding Group 1), allowing you to settle in and store your carry-on luggage without rushing.
• Priority Baggage: Your checked luggage will receive a priority tag, meaning it should be among the first to arrive at the baggage claim carousel at your destination.
• Lounge Access: For passengers on international flights only, LATAM Premium Economy provides access to LATAM lounges at specific airports like Santiago, Bogotá, Guarulhos, Ezeiza, and Miami. In some cases, access to contracted lounges may also be available. This is a significant perk, offering a comfortable space to relax, work, or enjoy refreshments before your flight.

Baggage Allowance

The baggage allowance for LATAM Premium Economy generally includes:

• Checked Bags: Typically one checked bag of 23 kg (50 lbs). However, some sources indicate two checked bags of 23 kg each, and some "Top Fare" or "Premium Economy" bookings might include two bags of 23 kg. It's crucial to verify the specific allowance for your fare type and route during booking.
• Carry-on Bags: One carry-on bag up to 16 kg (35 lbs) and one personal item.

Elite LATAM Pass members may receive additional baggage allowances.

Is LATAM Premium Economy Worth It?

The value of LATAM Premium Economy largely depends on your travel priorities, budget, and the specific flight details.

Factors to Consider

• Flight Duration: For longer flights (medium to long-haul), the extra legroom, recline, and improved service can significantly enhance comfort and reduce fatigue. For very short domestic hops, the benefits might be less pronounced, though priority services can still be a time-saver.
• Budget: Premium Economy fares are higher than Economy but considerably lower than Business Class. If Business Class is out of reach, Premium Economy offers a comfortable middle ground.
• Personal Preference: Do you value personal space, a quieter cabin, and better food? If so, the upgrade is likely worth it. If you're simply looking for the cheapest way to get from A to B and don't mind a more basic experience, Economy might suffice.
• Route and Aircraft: As noted, the experience can vary. The blocked middle seat on narrow-body aircraft is a distinct advantage, while the upcoming "Premium Comfort" on wide-body aircraft promises a more traditional Premium Economy seat design.

When to Splurge

• Long-haul International Flights: Especially if you don't qualify for Business Class, the added comfort, improved meals, and lounge access (on international routes) make a tangible difference.
• Red-eye Flights: Being able to recline further and have more space can greatly aid in getting some rest, helping you arrive more refreshed.
• Business Travel: If you need to work or arrive feeling productive, the extra space and quiet environment can be beneficial.
• Special Occasions: For a special trip, it adds a touch of comfort without the full Business Class splurge.

When to Save

• Very Short Domestic Flights: For flights under 2-3 hours, the benefits might not justify the cost, unless priority services are paramount for your schedule.
• Tight Budget: If every dollar counts, Economy remains the most economical choice.

Tips for Booking LATAM Premium Economy

• Book in Advance: Like most cabin classes, booking early often yields better prices.
• Look for Sales: Keep an eye out for promotions or sales on Premium Economy fares.
• Consider "LATAM Plus" Seats: On some routes or fare types, you might be able to select "LATAM Plus" seats, which are located in Premium Economy and offer similar benefits, sometimes at a lower overall price than a full Premium Economy fare, especially if you don't need checked bags. This is a great "secret" for getting Premium Economy benefits.
• Check Fare Inclusions: Always double-check what's included in your specific Premium Economy fare, especially regarding baggage allowance and lounge access, as these can sometimes vary.
• Utilize Loyalty Status: If you're a LATAM Pass Elite member (Platinum, Black, Black Signature), you may be eligible for complimentary LATAM+ seat selection, additional baggage, and enhanced lounge access benefits.

Conclusion

LATAM Premium Economy offers a compelling proposition for travelers seeking a more comfortable and convenient flight experience without the high cost of Business Class. With its enhanced seating, improved meal service, and valuable airport perks like priority services and international lounge access, it provides a noticeable upgrade from standard Economy. While the exact experience can vary slightly by aircraft and route, the commitment to greater comfort and efficiency is clear.

For those longer journeys, or when you simply crave a bit more space and a smoother travel day, investing in LATAM Premium Economy can truly transform your flight from a chore into a more enjoyable part of your adventure.

Have you flown LATAM Premium Economy? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below! What was your favorite perk, and would you recommend it to others?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does LATAM Premium Economy include lounge access?

Yes, LATAM Premium Economy passengers generally receive complimentary lounge access, but only on international flights and at specific airports such as Santiago, Bogotá, Guarulhos, Ezeiza, and Miami. It's always advisable to confirm access conditions for your specific itinerary.

2. Is the middle seat blocked in LATAM Premium Economy?

On LATAM's single-aisle aircraft (Airbus A319, A320, A320neo, A321), the middle seat in Premium Economy is typically blocked, providing passengers with more space and privacy. For long-haul wide-body aircraft, a new "Premium Comfort" class launching in 2027 will feature a different seat design with fewer seats per row for increased space.

3. What is the baggage allowance for LATAM Premium Economy?

While it can vary by specific fare and route, LATAM Premium Economy generally includes one checked bag of 23 kg (50 lbs), and some fares may include two checked bags of 23 kg each. Additionally, passengers can bring one carry-on bag (up to 16 kg / 35 lbs) and one personal item. Always check your specific booking details for the most accurate information.

4. What kind of food and drinks are served in LATAM Premium Economy?

LATAM Premium Economy offers an upgraded dining experience with complimentary meals and beverages. This includes hot dishes for breakfast, lunch, or dinner on longer flights, along with fresh fruits, desserts, and artisanal breads. A selection of hot and cold beverages, including alcoholic options, is also available. Special meals can often be requested in advance.