LATAM Express
A Chilean scheduled carrier within the LATAM group, historically focused on domestic and regional flying through Santiago with Airbus A320-family aircraft.
About LATAM Express
LATAM Express was the commercial identity associated with Chilean operator Transporte Aéreo S.A., previously known to travellers as LAN Express. The airline traced its origins to Ladeco, founded in 1958, and later became part of the LAN group before the wider business adopted the LATAM brand. Its published identifiers included IATA code LU, while services were closely integrated with LATAM Airlines Chile rather than marketed as a separate network.
Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport was the principal hub for its operations. The carrier primarily supported domestic links from the Chilean capital to northern mining centres, central and southern cities, and destinations in Patagonia. Typical points within this network included Antofagasta, Calama, Iquique, Concepción, Puerto Montt and Punta Arenas, with schedules sold through LATAM’s shared booking channels.
Operations were built mainly around Airbus A320-family narrow-body aircraft, particularly the A319 and A320, which suited Chile’s mixture of high-frequency trunk routes and thinner regional services. Cabins generally followed LATAM’s short-haul format, centred on Economy with additional benefits or preferred seating available on eligible fares. Aircraft assignments, seating layouts, meals and other inclusions could vary by route and fare category.
LATAM Express did not maintain an independent global-alliance identity; its passengers used the broader LATAM network and commercial platform. LATAM Airlines Group left the Oneworld alliance in 2020, although bilateral partnerships remain available on selected journeys. The group’s loyalty programme is LATAM Pass, through which members can earn and redeem miles and receive status-related benefits subject to the operating carrier, route and fare rules.
Its main strength was integration with LATAM’s extensive Chilean operation, giving domestic passengers coordinated schedules, through-ticketing opportunities and connections to international flights at Santiago. The corresponding challenge is that the LATAM Express name and LU code are not consistently visible in current sales channels. Travellers may therefore see LATAM Airlines Chile or another group operator listed on their itinerary and should check the operating-carrier details before departure.
Good to know
Flying with LATAM Express — what to expect
Check The Operator
Flights associated historically with LATAM Express may appear under LATAM Airlines Chile or another LATAM group operator. Review the operating-carrier line on the itinerary, especially when connecting.
Fare-Based Baggage
Cabin and checked-baggage entitlements depend on the fare purchased and the route. Confirm the allowance shown in the booking instead of assuming that every Economy ticket includes checked luggage.
Santiago Connections
Santiago is the principal connection point for domestic and international itineraries. Allow adequate time for terminal procedures, security and any baggage formalities when transferring.
Narrow-Body Cabins
Most domestic services use Airbus A320-family aircraft in a short-haul configuration. Seat pitch, preferred-seat options and onboard inclusions can differ by aircraft and fare.
LATAM Pass Credit
Eligible flights can earn LATAM Pass miles and qualifying points, but the booking class and operating carrier matter. Keep the boarding pass until the flight posts to the account.
Route network
Popular routes operated by LATAM Express
Notable destinations on LATAM Express's network.
LUSantiagodirectLUAntofagastadirectLUCalamadirectLUIquiquedirectLUAricadirectLULa SerenadirectLUConcepcióndirectLUTemucodirectLUPuerto MonttdirectLUPunta ArenasdirectLUCopiapódirectLUBalmacedadirectDestination list is indicative of LATAM Express's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
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FAQ
LATAM Express — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Santiago was the dominant departure and connecting airport. Important domestic stations also included Antofagasta, Calama, Concepción, Puerto Montt and Punta Arenas.
- There is no reliably maintained current longest route for LATAM Express as a standalone brand because its flying was integrated into LATAM’s Chilean operation. Longer domestic sectors generally linked Santiago with far-northern or Patagonian destinations.
- LATAM Express was centred on Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago. The hub connected Chilean domestic services with LATAM’s wider regional and long-haul network.
- A dependable current standalone total is not available because LATAM Express operations were integrated into LATAM’s Chilean network. The number shown in booking systems can also vary by season and operating carrier.
- Fares are often lower outside major holidays and peak summer or winter travel periods in Chile. Comparing flexible dates and booking earlier for busy domestic routes can improve the chance of finding a lower fare.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee to the prices it displays.
- Carry-on entitlement depends on the LATAM fare type, route and current baggage rules. Travellers should check the allowance printed in their booking and measure and weigh bags before arriving at the airport.
- Its network was primarily domestic within Chile, linking Santiago with cities such as Antofagasta, Calama, Iquique, Concepción, Puerto Montt and Punta Arenas. Current itineraries may be marketed under LATAM Airlines Chile rather than the LATAM Express name.