The Most Reliable Airlines in Latin America for 2024-2025

By Hannah Pentin | August 9, 2024

Are you searching for flights around Central or South America? Not sure which airline to go with?

We understand the worry when it comes to choosing the best flight experience. There are lots to consider – airport check-ins, on-board service, cost, connections, and of course, attention during (the all too common) delays or cancellations. 

Fear not; we are here to help. We have conducted extensive research to help you choose your ideal airline for your next trip around Latin America.

We’ll look at safety, service quality, punctuality, customer satisfaction, and our team of tour leaders will give you their first-hand experiences too.

Buckle up, time for take off..

LATAM

Our Rating: 4/5

→ As one of the most famous airlines in Latin America, LATAM receives many different reviews. But it is praised for its modern fleet, network and sustainability. Customers frequently complain about issues with gate changes and flight punctuality. 

Merging Chile’s LAN airlines and Brazil’s TAM airlines (August 2010), LATAM is the largest airline in Latin America, serving around 115 destinations in 23 countries. 

It covers the Americas, Europe and Oceania. In 2024, it was voted South America’s leading airline, and if you look at the award history, you can see that the airline’s name repeatedly appears since 2016. 

Known to take sustainability seriously, LATAM was recognised as the top-performing airline in terms of sustainability in all of Latin America and ranked seventh in the world. 

Although it has a 7.5 rating based on 2,172 verified guest reviews, some of the cons of the airline include flight delays, cancellations, and customer service when trying to amend bookings, for example their refund policy. There are also various comments relating to this statement: ‘they change gates like they change underwear’, and the lack of food options on board. 

However, they have a strong safety record, with rigorous maintenance protocols, and comply with the international aviation standards. On TripAdvisor they have a 3.5* rating from 41,505 reviews, with their highest individual rating highlighting the cleanliness (4*). 

With recent updates to their partnership with Delta Airlines, and a renewed contract with a company that leads with in-flight technologies, the airline is clearly looking ahead to enhance the passengers’ experience. 

“If I can recommend one airline it will be LATAM. If we have a delayed flight they schedule you very easily, or if something happens with your flight they give you a solution as soon as possible. The worst airline for me, in Peru, is Star Peru, because they don’t have many frequencies which is very important as an airline.” Monica, Tour Leader, Peru

Aeroméxico

Our Rating: 3/5 

→ Generally there is positive feedback regarding its professional service and large network. Often, the bad reviews focus on customer service issues and rare lost luggage problems. 

Aeromexico is the largest domestic airline in Mexico, with MEX (Mexico City International Airport) its the primary hub.

From 11,595 reviews they have a 3* rating on TripAdvisor, cleanliness being their highest rated quality. They offer entertainment and snacks on board, comfy seating, and complimentary blankets. Their app is also easy to navigate and gives you all the information you need in one place, and on the go. 

They form part of the SkyTeam alliance – which allows airlines ‘to share resources and create a more seamless travel experience by combining schedules’. This means it is possible to transfer miles from various codeshare partners.

There are a range of reviews online about this airline, but overall, there is high praise given for the in-flight service, and the complaints are about issues like lost luggage and delayed responses from customer service (similar with most Latin American airlines). 

The best are Volaris and AeroMéxico. Aeroméxico is expensive but trustworthy. There are no changes on flights and they have the best flight hours. Volaris doesn’t have the best timetable of flights, but it’s the best in terms of price and quality. The worst is Vivaerobus. They change the hours of flights and they charge extra for everything. It’s very cheap though.” Eduardo, Tour Leader, Mexico

Avianca 

Our Rating: 2.5*/5

→ The flag carrier of Colombia, but despite its long history, it has a mixed bag of reviews, with some notable negative ones regarding customer service. It also faced bankruptcy a few years ago, but is probably now, too big to fail as they say.

This is the national airline of Colombia, which was founded in 1919. It’s also one of the oldest airlines in the world. It stretches beyond Colombia, and serves South America, Central America, the Caribbean, North America, and Europe. 

In fact, Cirium presented the 2023 On-Time Performance (OTP) Award for global airlines to Avianca. And they have had historic on-time performance, which is above average compared to others. Although they are lacking in terms of customer service quality, they have a solid safety record. 

They’ve only achieved a 3.5* on Tripadvisor and 3/10 on Skytrax. This seems like a big fall since 2017 when Tripadvisor awarded them as the best airline in Latin America. 

Although it has some favorable reviews, as some believe it is good value for money, it faces a lot of criticism in terms of customer service while on the ground. It’s actually hard to find a really positive review of this airline. 

“Clic also includes bags in all tickets at the moment”, if you’re looking for an alternative to Avianca in Colombia” Mala, Special Programs Manager

Copa Airlines

Our Rating: 4/5 (Our number 1 choice)

→ Well-known Panamanian carrier, extensive network, and reliable service – given that it has been awarded for its on-time performance. 

Based in Panama, this airline has efficient connections across the Americas. It was founded in 1947 and is one of Latin America’s leading carriers in on-time performance. They are a member of the Star Alliance and have various agreements with United Airlines as well as others.  

Conde Nast Traveler actually recognized it as the ‘top international airline’ in their 2023 readers’ choice awards. 

The reviews are generally positive, with 3.5* on Tripadvisor and 4/10 on Skytrax. Most reviews highlight the on-flight service as being high quality, with a friendly and welcoming crew, and pilots keeping all passengers informed throughout. Some even compare Copa to Avianca, saying that Avianca flights have unfriendly staff, and highlighting Copa’s overall welcoming crews. 

“Copa is probably my favorite as they have been super punctual for me. Their customer service is not the best but I place being on time at the top of my what-I-need-from-an-airline list.” Simon, Kagumu Founder.

JetSMART

Our Rating: 2.5/5 

→ It has the most routes in the region for a low-cost airline. But as it’s a budget carrier, you must pay for everything so this means bags, seats and meals. They also have super strict rules for luggage, so don’t get caught out! 

JetSMART is now Latin America’s largest ultra-low-cost airline.

Originally serving Argentina, Peru and Chile, it has expanded to new markets in Brazil and Colombia. It has a partnership with American Airlines, so it’s enhancing its network within the Americas – allowing wider access to flight benefits for customers.

As it’s a budget airline, don’t expect a lot. On Skytrax, it has low ratings online for the food and beverages on board, as well as the entertainment provided. 

There are mentions of issues with their refund policy, as they only offer vouchers not actual refunds. So, if you’re planning connections with them, make sure to leave lots of time with the layover, as you don’t want to miss a flight and lose your money! 

 “In Peru, for example, the airlines that work the best are LATAM and Sky, then I would say JetSMART, which is a low-cost airline and charges for everything. But we had a big problem with them with a school from the USA, in June.” Angel, Tour Leader, Peru

“It’s difficult to say as in Argentina, we have Aerolineas Argentinas which cover most of the routes. Then we have JetSMART, which is a low-cost airline and something has the same rates as Aerolineas” Romina, Partner Operator, Buenos Aires

Gol 

Our Rating: 4/5

→ Low-cost airline, with great advances in technology, a wide network, and relatively good customer service. 

Gol introduced the first mobile check-in service, and designed a website which features accessibility resources to assist people with visual and motor impairments.  

Founded in 2001, it provides services to the most passengers in Brazil, operating around 900 flights a day. Its main hub is Sao Paulo Congonhas Airport, and it reaches out to markets in South America, the Caribbean and the US – 75 destinations.

Gol has many interline partnerships, which means that you can save yourself the hassle of checking in and out your bag, during connections. 

It’s got a 4/10 rating on Skytrax, and the thing bringing the number down the most is the inflight entertainment. It seems like it’s an efficient service and provides good value for money – with more-or-less friendly crews, and well-maintained aircrafts. It’s also got a 7.3 on Kayak – with comfort being the highest number, and food being the lowest. 

All ready for takeoff? If you are still finding it tricky to decide which airline is best for you, drop us a line and we will offer you some advice!