What is LATAM's carry-on size limit?

LATAM allows one carry-on bag up to 55 × 35 × 25 cm and 8 kg in economy class on most routes.

Does Volaris include a free carry-on bag?

No. Volaris charges for carry-on bags on base fares. Only a small personal item fits under the seat for free.

What is the carry-on weight limit on Copa Airlines?

Copa Airlines allows one carry-on up to 56 × 36 × 23 cm and 10 kg in economy class.

Do I need to declare items at South American customs if I only have carry-on luggage?

Yes. Customs declarations apply regardless of whether you use carry-on or checked luggage. Declare food, currency over the local limit, and any commercial goods.

Which South American airline has the most generous carry-on policy?

Avianca, Azul, Copa, and Gol all allow 10 kg, making them more generous than LATAM's 8 kg limit. Kenya Airways and Ethiopian fly to Africa, not South America.

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. Ultra-low-cost carriers like Volaris and VivaAerobus, though primarily serving Mexico and the US, also operate into South American markets and apply their famously strict no-free-carry-on model.

Carry-On Rules by Airline

LATAM Airlines

LATAM is the largest airline group in South America, flying to virtually every country on the continent.

Class	Size Limit	Weight
Economy (Light fare)	55 × 35 × 25 cm	8 kg
Economy (Plus/Top fares)	55 × 35 × 25 cm	8 kg
Premium Business	55 × 35 × 25 cm	10 kg

LATAM enforces its 8 kg weight limit more consistently than many of its peers, particularly at major hubs like São Paulo GRU, Lima LIM, and Santiago SCL. A personal item (small bag, purse, or laptop bag) fitting under the seat is included in addition to the carry-on.

Avianca

Avianca, headquartered in Bogotá, serves most of South America and is a Star Alliance member.

Class	Weight	Notes
Economy	10 kg	Plus one personal item
Business	14 kg	Plus one personal item

Avianca does not publish a strict dimensional limit on its main website, though standard overhead bin fit applies. Its 10 kg allowance is more generous than LATAM's, making it a better option for heavier carry-on packers.

Azul Brazilian Airlines

Azul serves more Brazilian cities than any other airline and has grown significantly in the past decade.

Fare	Weight	Size
Economy	10 kg	Standard overhead bin
Plus	10 kg	Standard overhead bin

Azul's 10 kg allowance is consistent across economy fare classes, which simplifies planning. One personal item is also permitted.

Copa Airlines

Copa, based in Panama City, is the primary hub carrier for connections between South America and North America.

Class	Size Limit	Weight
Economy	56 × 36 × 23 cm	10 kg
Business	56 × 36 × 23 cm	10 kg

Copa is a Star Alliance member and enforces rules consistently at its PTY hub. The 56 × 36 × 23 cm limit is slightly shorter in depth than some competitors — worth double-checking if you're carrying a rolling carry-on that's 25 cm deep.

Gol Linhas Aéreas

Gol is a major Brazilian low-cost carrier operating across South America.

Fare	Weight	Notes
Básico	10 kg	One bag
Conforto / Avançado	10 kg	One bag + personal item

Gol's 10 kg allowance is generous for a budget carrier. Enforcement varies by airport, with stricter checks at São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro during busy periods.

Volaris

Volaris is a Mexican ultra-low-cost carrier that operates some South American routes.

Fare	Allowance
Base fare	Personal item under seat only (55 × 40 × 35 cm total, including handles)
Carry-on add-on	Up to 10 kg, additional fee required

There is no free carry-on bag on Volaris base fares — only a personal item that must fit under the seat in front of you. If you need overhead bin access, purchase the carry-on add-on during booking. Adding it at the gate costs significantly more.

VivaAerobus

VivaAerobus, another Mexican ultra-low-cost carrier, applies a similar structure to Volaris.

Fare	Allowance
Base fare	45 × 35 × 25 cm personal item under seat
Carry-on purchased separately	55 × 40 × 25 cm, 10 kg

VivaAerobus is among the strictest carriers flying in Latin America on free allowances. Always purchase carry-on access in advance to avoid gate surcharges.

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

Buy carry-on add-ons in advance on Volaris and VivaAerobus. Gate prices are typically double the online price. These carriers are serious about enforcement.

Weigh your bag before you go. LATAM's 8 kg 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.

Watch Copa's depth dimension. Its 23 cm depth limit is narrower than the 25 cm allowed by LATAM and others. Some popular rolling carry-ons that pass LATAM's gauge will fail Copa's.

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.

Use the Star Alliance benefit where applicable. Flying Avianca or Copa as a Star Alliance elite member may qualify you for an extra piece or higher weight allowance — check your status benefits before assuming the standard economy rules apply.