Airline Baggage Guide 2026: Latin America
Avoid airport surprises by comparing baggage policies for the top airlines operating in Latin America before you buy your ticket.
Airlines with free checked baggage (economy class)
Some airlines include at least one checked bag in all economy tickets:
- Copa Airlines: 1 bag × 23kg
- Aeromexico: 1 bag × 25kg
Low-cost carriers: Watch out for extra fees
Spirit, Volaris, and Wingo do not include carry-on or checked bags in their base fares. The base price looks cheap, but add-on fees can exceed the cost of the ticket itself.
Checked bag fee comparison (one-way, economy class)
| Airline | 1st bag | 2nd bag | Excess weight/kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avianca | $30 | $45 | $10 |
| LATAM | $35 | $50 | $12 |
| Copa | Free | $45 | $10 |
| Aeromexico | Free | $55 | $12 |
| Volaris | $20 | $30 | $8 |
| American | $40 | $45 | $13 |
| Spirit | $45 | $55 | $14 |
| Wingo | $20 | $30 | $7 |
Weight limits by airline
Most airlines in LATAM allow 23kg bags in economy and 32kg in business. Exceptions:
- Volaris: 25kg in economy
- Aeromexico: 25kg in economy
Carry-on baggage
Carry-on bags are included free on almost all airlines, averaging 10kg limit. Exceptions:
- Spirit: Not included in basic fare (~$35 USD extra)
- Volaris: Not included in basic fare (~$15 USD extra)
- Wingo: Not included in basic fare (~$12 USD extra)
A personal item (small backpack that fits under the seat) is always free on every airline. Use it to carry your essentials at no extra cost.
Tips to save on baggage fees
- Book early: Purchasing extra baggage online is 20-40% cheaper than at the airport
- Weigh at home: Use a scale to avoid excess weight fees ($10-14 USD/kg adds up fast)
- Redistribute weight: If traveling with a companion, balance weight between bags
- Consider carry-on only: For short trips, 10kg in a carry-on may be enough
- Compare total cost: A low base fare + baggage fees can cost more than a pricier ticket that includes a bag
Maximum carry-on dimensions
| Airline | Dimensions (L × W × H) |
|---|---|
| Avianca | 55 × 35 × 25 cm |
| LATAM | 55 × 35 × 25 cm |
| Copa | 56 × 36 × 23 cm |
| Aeromexico | 55 × 40 × 25 cm |
| American | 56 × 36 × 23 cm |
| Spirit | 56 × 46 × 25 cm |
Frequently asked questions
On the basic fare, the first bag costs about $30 per leg (round trip: $60). The amount varies by route and booking date.
Yes, Copa includes 1 checked bag up to 23 kg on all economy fares. The second bag costs about $45 per leg.
The ultra-low-cost carriers Spirit, Volaris, and Wingo do not include a carry-on in basic fares: it costs about $35, $15, and $12 USD respectively. On the other airlines in the region, a carry-on up to 10 kg is included.
Excess weight fees range between $7 and $14 per kg depending on the airline. Wingo and Volaris charge less ($7-8/kg); American and Spirit charge more ($13-14/kg).
Related calculators
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