How to cancel your LATAM airlines flight from ireland and claim your refund

Why you might cancel your LATAM flight and what your options are

You book a LATAM Airlines ticket from Ireland for a connecting flight to Buenos Aires or São Paulo, then circumstances change: a family emergency, a work conflict, or simply a change of plans. LATAM is one of South America's largest airline groups, serving routes across Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe and beyond. If you are based in Ireland and travel regularly to South America, you may have booked with LATAM directly or through a travel agent. The airline operates LATAM Pass, a frequent-flyer loyalty programme with tiered membership benefits available in select Latin American markets.

Your ability to cancel depends on several factors: the fare type you purchased (refundable or non-refundable), how far in advance you booked, and whether you purchased travel insurance. Understanding your cancellation rights under Irish consumer law is the first step toward securing a refund quickly. Yafee has helped thousands of Irish travellers navigate airline cancellations by breaking down the legal framework and the practical steps you must follow.

Refundable versus non-refundable fares explained

LATAM sells both refundable and non-refundable fares. A refundable fare allows you to cancel and receive a full refund of the ticket price (minus any applicable service fees, which LATAM is legally entitled to retain under Irish law). A non-refundable fare typically permits a refund only if LATAM cancels the flight; if you cancel, you forfeit the ticket price or receive a credit voucher instead. Some fares fall between these categories: they permit a refund with a penalty, or allow a free change to another flight but no cash refund. Your confirmation email should state the refund policy in your booking terms. If it does not, contact LATAM directly to establish which category applies to your ticket.

When LATAM cancels the flight or changes your departure time

If LATAM cancels your flight or changes your departure time by more than 3 hours, you are entitled to a full refund under EU Regulation 261/2004, regardless of your fare type. This regulation applies to all passengers whose flight departs from an EU airport (including Ireland) or arrives in the EU on a European airline. LATAM must refund you within 14 days of the cancellation or delay notification. Yafee advises that you document all communication from LATAM about the cancellation or delay, as you may also be entitled to compensation up to €250 to €600 depending on flight distance.

Your consumer rights when cancelling a LATAM booking from ireland

This section outlines the legal protections available to you as an Irish consumer and how to use them to strengthen your cancellation claim.

Consumer rights act 2015 and the 14-day cancellation window

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, you have a statutory right to cancel any flight booking made online or by distance communication (phone, email, web form) within 14 calendar days of receiving your booking confirmation. Importantly, this 14-day window begins on the date you receive the confirmation, not the date of your flight. If you booked your ticket 60 days in advance but did not open your confirmation email until day 5, your cancellation window runs from day 5 to day 19.

LATAM must refund you in full if you exercise this right, including all taxes, fuel surcharges, and administrative fees. The airline has 14 days from receiving and acknowledging your cancellation request to return your money. If LATAM does not refund you within this period, you can file a complaint with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), Ireland's consumer enforcement body.

Your legal position: If you cancel within 14 days of your booking confirmation, LATAM cannot refuse the refund or offer only a credit note. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 is mandatory; LATAM's terms of carriage cannot override it. However, LATAM may deduct a "reasonable charge" for the service provided during those 14 days if the airline can prove it has incurred a cost. In practice, most airlines waive this charge for flight bookings.

EU regulation 261/2004 protections for denied boarding and delays

If you were denied boarding, or if your flight was cancelled and LATAM did not offer you an alternative flight within 1 hour, you are entitled to compensation and a full refund under EU Regulation 261/2004. The compensation ranges from €250 (flights up to 1,500 km) to €600 (flights over 3,500 km). You must claim this compensation within the timeframe set by Irish law; the CCPC can advise on the precise deadline in your case.

Consequently, if LATAM cancels your flight, do not immediately accept a credit note or rebooking. Request a full refund in writing, citing EU Regulation 261/2004 and the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Yafee recommends sending this request by email to LATAM's customer service, copying LATAM's Irish contact address (if they have one) to create a formal record.

Distance-selling rules and your right to cancel the booking

Since you booked your LATAM flight from Ireland (a distance transaction), you benefit from the Consumer Rights Act 2015 even if the flight departs from a non-EU airport or is operated by a non-EU airline. The law applies because the contract was formed in Ireland. This is a significant protection: you are not subject to LATAM's terms of carriage if those terms conflict with Irish consumer law. If LATAM's booking conditions state "no refunds for non-refundable fares," that clause is unenforceable if you cancel within the 14-day statutory window.

Step-by-step guide to cancelling your LATAM flight

Follow these procedural steps to submit a formal cancellation request and protect your right to a refund.

Step 1: gather your booking documents and confirmation

Locate your LATAM booking confirmation email. This email contains your booking reference (also called a confirmation number or PNR-Passenger Name Record). Write this down; you will need it for every communication with LATAM. Also gather any receipts or invoices showing the fare breakdown, taxes, and fees paid. If you booked through a travel agent or online travel website, retrieve the original receipt from that intermediary as well.

• Open the LATAM confirmation email and copy your booking reference (usually a 6-character alphanumeric code).
• Note the passenger name(s) on the booking and the flight date(s).
• Save a PDF copy of your confirmation and receipt to a computer or cloud storage.
• Photograph or scan any printed itineraries or payment receipts you may have.

Step 2: check the refund policy in your booking terms

Review the terms of carriage included in your LATAM confirmation email. This document specifies whether your fare is refundable, non-refundable, or partially refundable. Look for the section titled "Refund Policy" or "Cancellation Terms." Note the specific refund conditions, any penalties, and the process outlined by LATAM. If the terms are unclear, or if you booked through a third-party agent, contact LATAM directly before submitting a cancellation to establish what you are entitled to receive.

• Search your email for the full LATAM booking terms (often attached as a PDF).
• If the attachment is missing, request a copy from LATAM's customer service.
• Highlight the refund policy and any restrictions on cancellation.
• Keep this document with your booking confirmation for reference.

Step 3: decide on your cancellation method

LATAM offers multiple cancellation channels. The fastest and most documented method is email, as it creates a written record of your request and the exact date you submitted it. Telephone cancellation is also permitted, but you must take notes during the call and follow up with a written confirmation email. Online cancellation through the LATAM website (if available in your region) is convenient but may lack a clear audit trail. Yafee recommends using email as your primary method, with a follow-up call only if LATAM does not respond within 5 business days.

Step 4: compose and send your cancellation request by email

Draft a clear, formal email to LATAM's customer service. Include your booking reference, full name as it appears on the ticket, the flight date(s), and your request for cancellation and refund. Reference the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and, if applicable, EU Regulation 261/2004. State that you expect a full refund within 14 days of your request being acknowledged. Send this email to the address provided in your confirmation (typically [email protected] or a regional customer service email). Copy yourself and save the sent email in a dedicated folder.

• Address the email to LATAM's customer service team.
• Include your booking reference and full name in the subject line.
• State the flight date(s) and the reason for cancellation (optional-you are not required to justify cancellation within the 14-day window).
• Request a full refund and specify your preferred refund method (credit card, bank transfer, or original payment method).
• Reference "Consumer Rights Act 2015, section 57" to establish your legal entitlement.
• Set a deadline: "I expect a response and refund confirmation within 14 days of receipt of this email, in accordance with the Consumer Rights Act 2015."
• Include your contact details (phone number and email address).
• Send the email and immediately save a copy to your device.

Step 5: contact LATAM by telephone if you prefer immediate confirmation

LATAM's customer service telephone lines operate from your region. You can call 1-866-435-9526 (North American line) or contact the Irish or European customer service centre directly through the LATAM website. When you call, have your booking reference ready. Clearly state that you wish to cancel your flight and request a full refund. Ask the agent for their name and a reference number for the call. After the call, send an immediate follow-up email summarizing the conversation and reiterating your request for a full refund within 14 days.

• Dial LATAM's customer service number during business hours (check the LATAM website for regional numbers and hours).
• Provide your booking reference to the agent immediately.
• Clearly state: "I want to cancel my booking and receive a full refund in accordance with the Consumer Rights Act 2015."
• Note the agent's name, the time of the call, and any reference number provided.
• Ask for an email confirmation of the cancellation to be sent immediately.
• Follow up with a written email within 1 hour, confirming the details of your call.

Step 6: monitor your refund status and follow up if necessary

After submitting your cancellation request, track the status of your refund. LATAM should acknowledge your request within 2-3 business days and issue the refund within 14 days. If you have not received a response after 5 business days, send a follow-up email with your original cancellation request attached, marked "FOLLOW-UP: Awaiting Refund Confirmation." If LATAM does not refund you within 14 days, escalate to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC). Yafee advises that you document every communication: dates, times, names, and reference numbers.

• Check your email daily for LATAM's acknowledgement of your cancellation request.
• If cancelling by credit card, monitor your card statement for the refund credit.
• If cancelling to a bank account, check your bank details with LATAM to ensure accuracy.
• If no response arrives within 5 business days, send a follow-up email escalating the matter.
• If no refund appears within 14 days, prepare a formal complaint to the CCPC (details below).

Understanding LATAM's refund timeline and methods

This section clarifies how and when LATAM processes refunds and what to expect at each stage.

Typical refund timeline from submission to receipt

Once LATAM acknowledges your cancellation request, the refund process typically follows this timeline. The airline has 14 calendar days to return your money under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. In practice, most refunds appear within 7 to 10 business days if you booked directly with LATAM and paid by credit card. Refunds to bank accounts may take 3 to 5 additional business days due to inter-bank processing times. If you booked through a travel agent or third-party website, the refund may flow from LATAM to the intermediary first, adding 5 to 10 days to your timeline. Consequently, budget for up to 4 weeks from submission to receipt if your booking involved a reseller.

Refund methods: credit card, bank transfer, and voucher credits

LATAM offers three refund methods. The fastest is a credit to your original payment card (3 to 5 business days for the credit card issuer to process). A bank transfer refund to your Irish bank account takes 5 to 10 business days. LATAM may also offer a credit voucher (a LATAM credit note that you can use toward a future flight). However, under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, you have the right to a cash refund, not a voucher. Do not accept a voucher unless you explicitly choose to do so. If LATAM offers only a voucher without your consent, escalate to the CCPC immediately. Yafee strongly recommends requesting a refund to your original payment method, which is the fastest and most straightforward option.

What to do after your cancellation is confirmed

This section guides you through the steps to take once LATAM acknowledges your cancellation and what to monitor as your refund processes.

Confirm receipt of your cancellation acknowledgement

When LATAM acknowledges your cancellation request, you will receive an email confirming that your booking has been cancelled. This email should include a new reference number for the cancellation transaction, the refund amount, the refund method, and an estimated refund date. Read this email carefully and verify that the refund amount matches your original ticket price (including taxes and fees). If the amount is lower than expected, contact LATAM immediately to query the discrepancy. Save this confirmation email in a dedicated folder for your records. You will need it if you later escalate a dispute to the CCPC or pursue a chargeback with your credit card issuer.

Track the refund to your payment method

Monitor your credit card statement or bank account for the refund credit. If you requested a credit card refund, check your card statement 3 to 7 business days after receiving LATAM's confirmation. If you requested a bank transfer, log into your Irish bank account and verify the incoming transfer within 10 business days. If the refund does not arrive by the date LATAM specified, contact LATAM's customer service again and ask for a refund status update. Provide the cancellation reference number and the date you submitted your request. If LATAM cannot locate the refund, request a resend or ask for the funds to be transferred to an alternative account (such as a different credit card or bank account).

Manage any remaining LATAM account credit or miles balance

If you hold LATAM Pass miles or account credit from a previous booking, your cancellation does not automatically apply those funds to your refund. You must manually request that LATAM apply any existing miles or credit to a future booking, or ask LATAM to deduct them from the refund amount if you prefer. Note that this is optional: you can keep your miles or credit for a future flight and request a full cash refund of your current booking separately. Yafee advises clarifying this in your original cancellation email to avoid confusion.

Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling your LATAM flight

Many Irish passengers inadvertently delay their refunds or weaken their legal position by making simple procedural errors. Being aware of these pitfalls will protect your claim and speed up your refund.

Accepting a voucher or credit note instead of a cash refund

LATAM frequently offers a travel voucher or credit note as an alternative to a cash refund. Do not accept this unless you genuinely plan to fly LATAM again soon and are happy to use the credit on a future flight. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, you have the right to a cash refund within 14 days of cancellation. A voucher is not a legal substitute for cash. If LATAM insists on offering only a voucher, respond in writing that you "reject the voucher offer and insist on a cash refund in accordance with the Consumer Rights Act 2015, section 57." If LATAM continues to refuse a cash refund after this notice, escalate the matter to the CCPC.

Failing to document your cancellation request in writing

Telephone cancellations are valid, but they are harder to prove if a dispute arises. If you cancel by phone, always follow up with a written email within 1 hour, summarizing the conversation and restating your request for a full refund. Do not rely on the airline's promise to "send you a confirmation email later." Send your own confirmation immediately and keep it on file. If LATAM later claims it received no cancellation request, your follow-up email will be evidence that you did submit one.

Missing the 14-day cancellation window under the consumer rights act 2015

The 14-day statutory cancellation window under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 is counted from the date you receive your booking confirmation, not the date your flight is scheduled to depart. If you receive your confirmation email on day 1 and wait until day 20 to cancel, the statutory window has closed. After 14 days, your cancellation rights depend entirely on your ticket's fare conditions and LATAM's discretionary refund policy. Consequently, if you think you may cancel, submit your request as soon as possible, ideally within the first 5 days of receiving your confirmation.

Cancelling through a third-party website instead of LATAM directly

If you booked through Expedia, Kayak, or another third-party travel website, cancelling through that website may delay your refund significantly. Many travel agencies process cancellations slowly or apply their own administrative charges before forwarding the refund to LATAM. Instead, cancel directly with LATAM using your booking reference. Most third-party bookings can be accessed via LATAM's website if you provide your booking reference and email address. Cancelling directly with LATAM ensures you receive your refund within the statutory 14-day period.

Providing incomplete or incorrect bank details

If you request a bank transfer refund, provide your full Irish IBAN and SWIFT code clearly. A wrong IBAN will cause LATAM's payment to be rejected and returned, delaying your refund by up to 2 weeks. Double-check your IBAN with your bank before submitting it to LATAM. Your bank's app or online banking portal will display your IBAN. Write it down carefully or copy-paste it directly to avoid transcription errors.

If LATAM refuses to refund you: escalation steps

This section outlines your options if LATAM denies your cancellation request or fails to refund you within the statutory timeframe.

Formal complaint to LATAM in writing

If LATAM refuses to refund you, or fails to respond within 14 days, send a formal written complaint. Address the email to LATAM's complaints department (not general customer service). State that you are making a formal complaint under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and EU Regulation 261/2004 (if applicable). Outline the facts: the date you submitted your cancellation request, the booking reference, the refund amount due, and the number of days that have passed without a refund. Demand a response within 7 days. If LATAM does not respond, proceed to escalation with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.

Escalation to the competition and consumer protection commission (CCPC)

The CCPC is Ireland's independent consumer enforcement body. If LATAM fails to refund you within 14 days or refuses your cancellation request, you can file a formal complaint with the CCPC. The CCPC has power to investigate LATAM's conduct and compel a refund if it finds that the airline has breached the Consumer Rights Act 2015. To file a complaint, visit the CCPC website (www.ccpc.ie), download the complaint form, and submit it by email or post. Include copies of your booking confirmation, cancellation request email, and LATAM's responses. The CCPC does not charge you to investigate; this service is free to consumers. Yafee recommends keeping the CCPC contact information on file: you may need it if LATAM's refund process stalls.

Chargeback claim via your credit card issuer

If you paid by credit card and LATAM refuses to refund you after 30 days, contact your Irish bank or credit card issuer and request a chargeback (also called a "dispute claim" or "reversal"). Explain that LATAM has failed to refund your ticket in violation of the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Provide your booking confirmation, cancellation request email, and LATAM's refusal to refund. Your card issuer will investigate the dispute and, in most cases, will reverse the transaction and credit your account. This process takes 4 to 8 weeks but is often faster than waiting for LATAM's response. Note that a chargeback does not replace a complaint to the CCPC; you can pursue both routes simultaneously.

Your checklist before and after cancelling your LATAM flight

Use this checklist to ensure you follow every procedural step and protect your refund claim.

Summary and next steps

Cancelling your LATAM Airlines flight from Ireland is straightforward if you follow the correct legal procedure. You are protected by the Consumer Rights Act 2015, which gives you the right to cancel within 14 days of booking and receive a full refund. Submit your cancellation request in writing (email is best), reference the Consumer Rights Act 2015, and track your refund carefully. If LATAM delays or refuses the refund, escalate to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. Yafee has helped thousands of Irish consumers cancel airline bookings and recover refunds by following these exact steps. Begin your cancellation process today by composing a clear, formal email to LATAM's customer service, and remember: you have the law on your side.

LATAM customer service contact details for irish customers

Use these contact details to submit your cancellation request. Email is the recommended method, as it creates a documented record.

• Email: [email protected]
• Telephone (North America): 1-866-435-9526 (available for international calls)
• Telephone (alternative): 1-802-341-3448
• Postal address (for written cancellations): Ave. Americo Vespucio 901, Piso 3-A, Renca, Santiago de Chile, Chile
• LATAM website: Visit www.latam.com to access your booking online or find regional customer service contact details

For additional support in asserting your consumer rights, contact the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission at www.ccpc.ie or telephone 01 402 5555 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Irish time).