What is the LATAM Premium Economy?

LATAM premium economy represents a smart middle ground between economy and business class, designed specifically for travelers seeking enhanced comfort without the premium business price tag. If you're flying within South America or to regional destinations on LATAM, understanding what premium economy LATAM truly offers can help you decide whether it's worth the upgrade. 

What You're Getting LATAM Premium Economy

LATAM airlines premium economy is currently available exclusively on the airline's narrowbody aircraft, which are the Airbus A319, A320, and A321. These are operating regional and domestic routes primarily within South America. It's important to note that this differs from LATAM's upcoming "Premium Comfort" product launching in 2027 on Boeing 787 widebodies, which will be a more substantial premium economy offering for long-haul flights.​

The current premium economy LATAM airlines cabin is strategically positioned in the first three rows of the aircraft, creating an exclusive compartment with no more than 12 passengers. This exclusivity sets the tone for the entire experience. You're not just buying extra legroom; you're entering a distinct cabin class with its own service standards.​

Seat Configuration of LATAM Premium Economy

The centerpiece of LATAM A320 premium economy has the middle seat in each row permanently blocked, giving you either a window or aisle seat with a genuinely empty seat beside you. On a narrowbody aircraft where space is genuinely limited, this blocked middle seat dramatically changes your comfort level during a flight.​

Onboard, you will find a separate compartment for your cabin luggage and, depending on the aircraft model, an exclusively designated restroom. Additionally, for your convenience, most of our aircrafts are equipped with USB outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your portable devices.

The seat pitch ranges from 31 to 34 inches, with a width of 18 inches. While this might not sound like a massive difference, those extra inches make a tangible difference on a 4-5 hour regional flight. The seats themselves are the standard economy product, but arranged to give you more personal space and privacy.​

Baggage on LATAM Premium Economy

This is where premium economy seats truly shine against regular economy. Premium economy passengers receive 1 checked bag at 23 kg. If you're taking a regional trip and need to pack more than usual, this alone can justify the upgrade cost, since additional baggage fees on LATAM can quickly become expensive.​

Your carry-on allowance also increases to 16 kg compared to the economy's 12 kg, and you get dedicated overhead bin space. For business travelers making quick regional hops, this baggage advantage eliminates the stress of carefully packing into a tiny carry-on.​

Airport and Boarding Experience

LATAM premium economy provides priority check-in and priority baggage handling, meaning you skip standard queues and get processed faster. More importantly, you board in boarding group 1, well ahead of general economy passengers. On regional flights where aircraft turnaround time is tight, earlier boarding guarantees overhead bin space for your carry-on and a quicker exit at arrival.​ Moreover, there are exclusive lounges at Guarulhos and Lima airports.

Food and Beverage on LATAM Premium Economy

Unlike economy passengers who receive only snacks on regional flights, premium economy travelers get proper meal service. The menu varies by flight duration and route, but you can expect:​

• Breakfast service on morning flights with eggs, breakfast proteins, and fresh fruit
• Lunch or dinner service on afternoon/evening flights with sandwich options, hot dishes, or local specialties
• Complimentary beverages including wine, beer, and local soft drinks​

The meals emphasize what LATAM calls "easy to consume" service, like sandwiches complemented by cold and hot beverage selections rather than elaborate multi-course plating. It's practical food designed for the regional flight experience, and it's genuinely better than economy snacks.​

Planning a trip? Find cheap flights to Chile and enjoy premium comfort with LATAM.

Lounge Access for LATAM Premium Economy passengers 

Premium economy LATAM airlines includes access to LATAM's VIP lounges. However, Lounge access applies only to international flights within South America or select medium-haul destinations. Domestic flights within a single country don't qualify for lounge benefits. Additionally, lounge access can vary by location, like the Santiago lounge welcomes premium economy passengers, but other cities restrict premium economy access to premium business flyers only. Always verify lounge eligibility for your specific route before booking.​

Mileage Accrual: Earn While You Fly

Premium economy passengers can use the “LATAM Pass” Elite Member Segments to apply for upgrades into Premium Economy or Premium Business. 

Who Should Actually Book Premium Economy?

The real value of LATAM premium economy seats depends on your specific journey. Regional flights within South America, like Santiago to Lima, Bogotá to São Paulo, or Buenos Aires to Santiago, typically last 3-5 hours. On these routes, the blocked middle seat, priority boarding, and proper meal service create a noticeably better experience than economy.

Business travelers making frequent regional trips often find the combination of priority check-in, faster disembarking, dedicated bin space, and proper meals worth the cost. Leisure travelers might discover that booking a premium economy fare with an included baggage allowance is cheaper than booking basic economy and paying overweight or excess baggage fees.

Looking for extra comfort on long-haul routes? Check our detailed LATAM Business Class review for features and pricing.

Conclusion

For now, if you're flying LATAM within South America, the regional premium economy represents the middle ground of meaningful comfort improvements over economy without the premium business price. Whether it's worth it depends on flight duration, route, your baggage needs, and whether you value priority boarding and meal service. For most regional travelers in South America, those perks justify the modest upgrade cost. So, call ExperianAirfare and book your LATAM flight tickets without any hassle. 

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