South American Airline Carry-On Rules (2026)

South America has a mix of full-service network carriers and ultra-low-cost operators whose carry-on policies differ sharply. LATAM dominates the continent with its hub-and-spoke network, but Avianca, Copa, Azul, and Gol compete on key routes — and each has its own bag rules. Mexican carriers are included below for travelers with connecting segments; check each fare rather than assuming the same cabin entitlement across the region.

Carry-On Rules by Airline

LATAM Airlines

LATAM permits one main bag up to 55×35×25 cm and 12 kg in Economy, or 16 kg in Premium Economy/Business, plus a 45×35×20 cm personal item. Basic requires a main-bag purchase. Light is included in the English main page and Spanish tables, but the Portuguese international table lists an extra cost; confirm the issued fare. The personal-item FAQ gives 10 kg, while the Brazilian regional table gives 12 kg in Premium cabins.

Avianca

Avianca includes a 45×35×20 cm personal item on every fare. One main bag up to 55×35×25 cm and 10 kg is included with international Light, Classic, Flex and Business; domestic Basic requires purchase. Check original conditions for Americas Light tickets bought before 27 January 2026. Business still has one main cabin bag.

Azul Brazilian Airlines

Azul includes one main bag up to 55×35×25 cm and 10 kg, plus one underseat personal item up to 45×35×20 cm. Azul publishes no separate personal-item weight restriction. A compliant main bag may be checked free if cabin space runs out; oversize or overweight baggage can incur checked-baggage charges.

Copa Airlines

Copa permits one main bag up to 56×36×26 cm and 10 kg, including wheels and handles, with a 118 cm total limit, plus one 43×25×22 cm personal item. Each side and the total must fit. The current passenger page applies one main piece to Economy, Business and Gold; confirm any special connecting entitlement. Excess pieces or oversize baggage can incur applicable charges.

GOL Linhas Aéreas

GOL permits one 55×35×25 cm main bag up to 12 kg on tickets issued from 14 October 2025, plus a separate 43×32×22 cm personal item up to 10 kg. International Basic excludes the main bag unless purchased; Light includes it. The current table does not offer Basic domestically. Older tickets and charters use a 10 kg main-bag limit; confirm the issued conditions.

Volaris

Volaris includes a 45×35×20 cm personal item on every fare. Zero and Basic exclude the main cabin bag; Plus includes one, and Zero/Basic can purchase it. The main bag is 55×40×25 cm and at most 10 kg; both pieces together must not exceed 20 kg. Check My Trips for the actual fee and entitlement rather than assuming a fixed gate price.

VivaAerobus

Viva includes one 45×35×20 cm personal item in every bundle. Zero excludes the main bag. Switch offers one 55×40×25 cm main bag up to 10 kg OR one 15 kg checked bag; Smart includes one 15 kg main bag plus one 25 kg checked bag. Main measurements include wheels and handles. Light has been renamed Switch. Confirm the selected option and price; choosing the Switch checked bag does not also include its main cabin bag.

Airport Security at Major South American Hubs

GRU — São Paulo Guarulhos, Brazil

GRU is the busiest airport in South America. Security queues can be long, particularly in Terminal 3 during morning rush hours. Liquids rules follow the 100 ml per container in a 1-litre clear bag standard. Laptops and large electronics must be removed from bags. International arrivals go through Brazil's customs declaration system — food items, especially fresh produce, are frequently confiscated.

BOG — El Dorado, Bogotá, Colombia

Bogotá's airport has undergone significant modernization. Security is thorough, with multiple screening layers on international departures. Carry-on bags are weighed at check-in for most carriers — do not assume weight enforcement only happens at the gate.

SCL — Arturo Merino Benítez, Santiago, Chile

Santiago's airport enforces Chile's strict agricultural biosecurity rules at both the security checkpoint and customs. No fresh fruit, vegetables, or meat products are permitted entry into Chile, regardless of whether they're in carry-on or checked luggage.

Customs Rules on Arrival in South America

Arriving passengers traveling carry-on only still go through customs. Key rules to know:

• Currency: Most South American countries require declaration of cash over USD 10,000 or equivalent.
• Food: Chile and Argentina have particularly strict agricultural customs — undeclared food items can result in fines.
• Gifts and merchandise: Items purchased abroad above the duty-free limit (varies by country, typically USD 300–500) must be declared.
• Green vs. red channel: Even with carry-on only, you may be directed to the red channel for a random inspection.

Tips for South American Travel

Compare the complete booking price. Buy the entitlement you need and confirm the actual fee; there is no universal rule that the gate price is double the online price.

Weigh your bag before you go. LATAM's 12 kg Economy main-bag limit is tight if you're packing for more than a few days. Consider a lightweight carry-on frame to preserve more of your allowance for clothing and gear.

Check each Copa side. The limit is 56×36×26 cm, 118 cm total; 55×40×20 cm fails the 36 cm side despite its smaller sum.

Don't pack food for Chile. Chile's customs enforcement is among the strictest in the Americas. Fresh produce confiscation applies even to items in sealed carry-on luggage.

Confirm status benefits for the booked itinerary. Do not infer an extra cabin piece from alliance membership. Copa’s current passenger page gives one main bag including Gold; a narrow connecting exception needs confirmation.

Reviewed carrier allowance

Avianca includes a 45×35×20 cm personal item on every fare. One main bag up to 55×35×25 cm and 10 kg is included with international Light, Classic, Flex and Business; domestic Basic requires purchase. Check original conditions for Americas Light tickets bought before 27 January 2026. Business still has one main cabin bag.

Avianca carry-on guide

LATAM allowance for the booked fare

LATAM permits one main bag up to 55×35×25 cm and 12 kg in Economy, or 16 kg in Premium Economy/Business, plus a 45×35×20 cm personal item. Basic requires a main-bag purchase. Light is included in the English main page and Spanish tables, but the Portuguese international table lists an extra cost; confirm the issued fare. The personal-item FAQ gives 10 kg, while the Brazilian regional table gives 12 kg in Premium cabins.

LATAM cabin guide

Viva baggage rules