The Most Reliable Airlines in Latin America (updated for 2026)

Author Hannah Pentin | Posted on August 9, 2024 (updated on March 24, 2026)

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..

(If you are finding it tricky to decide which airline is best for you, drop us a line and we will offer you some advice)

 

Key Takeaways for 2026 Travelers

• Best for Punctuality: Copa Airlines and Aeroméxico are the undisputed industry leaders in operational reliability and schedule completion.

• Best for Connectivity: LATAM offers the most comprehensive route coverage across South America, despite occasional gate changes at busy hubs like Bogotá or Santiago.

• Budget Travelers: Ultra-low-cost carriers like JetSMART offer low fares, but strict size limits on carry-on luggage and non-refundable ticket policies require careful planning during layovers.

 

LATAM

Our Rating: 4/5

→ Largest regional network, strong safety record, top sustainability performer. LATAM 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 remains the largest carrier in South America and maintains strong operational metrics (achieving over 82% OTP), operating over 580,000 annual flights while expanding its joint venture with Delta Air Lines.

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: 4/5 

→ Reliable service, great network, but mixed reviews.

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.

Aeroméxico won the title of World’s Most On-Time Global Airline for consecutive years (2024 and 2025) according to Cirium analytics, boasting a 90.02% global on-time arrival rate.

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

→ Mixed customer service ratings, but solid safety and strong past punctuality.

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. 

Avianca’s operational performance remains solid, though its shift toward a low-cost seating model continues to generate mixed passenger feedback regarding ground support and seat comfort.

“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

 

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!

 

Copa Airlines

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

→ Top choice; renowned for punctuality across the Americas.

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. 

Cirium recognized Copa Airlines as the Most Punctual Airline in Latin America for the 11th time (achieving 90.75% on-time performance), surpassing virtually all regional competitors

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 

→ Ultra-low-cost, strict luggage rules, expanding route network. 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.

etSMART continues to expand low-cost domestic and regional routes across Chile, Argentina, Peru, and Colombia in partnership with American Airlines, retaining ultra-budget baggage policies.

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, good service, strong domestic network in Brazil.

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!