LATAM Now Claims South America’s Leading Airline Title for Eleventh Straight Year in Major 2026 Triumph

LATAM Airlines has secured five international honours in 2026, with its eleventh consecutive South America’s Leading Airline title placing its passenger experience in the spotlight. Three awards were received at the World Travel Awards 2026, recognising the airline, its brand and LATAM Lounge Santiago.

Two further prizes were awarded for its mobile app and website at the World Travel Tech Awards. The results highlighted work across cabin design, regional food, onboard connectivity and digital services.

For travellers flying within or beyond South America, the recognition draws attention to how the airline has developed services across different stages of the journey.

LATAM Airlines Secures Three Major Honours at World Travel Awards 2026

At the World Travel Awards 2026, LATAM was recognised as South America’s Leading Airline for the eleventh year running. The title was accompanied by South America’s Leading Airline Brand, which was awarded to the group for the fifth time. A third honour was presented to LATAM Lounge Santiago, named South America’s Leading Airline Lounge 2026.

The awards were determined through voting by travel and tourism professionals and consumers. Established in 1993, the programme recognises travel, tourism and hospitality businesses through national, regional and international categories. Its results therefore represent recognition within an established industry awards system.

For LATAM Airlines, the three distinctions cover more than the flight itself. They acknowledge the airline’s wider identity and the experience offered before boarding. Such breadth matters because a journey is shaped by several services, not simply the time spent in an aircraft. The latest results bring those parts of the travel experience together.

South American Culture Inspires LATAM’s Premium Cabins and Regional Dining

A stronger South American identity has been incorporated into LATAM’s passenger experience through its service initiatives. New cabin interiors have been developed using colours, textures and design elements associated with the continent’s landscapes and cultural heritage. The changes are intended to give the onboard environment a clearer regional character.

The Premium Business experience was renewed, with the updated offering unveiled in December 2025. Its design and service approach were inspired by South America, extending that theme into premium travel. Rather than being limited to visual presentation, the airline’s regional emphasis has been carried into its food offering.

Through the Sabores que Transportan programme, dishes created by emerging South American chefs are introduced every three months. The meals are offered in both Premium and Economy cabins on long-haul flights departing from Chile, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. Regional ingredients and flavours are used to connect onboard dining with the destinations served.

LATAM Lounge Santiago Recognition Highlights Airport Comfort and Onboard Services

The recognition of LATAM Lounge Santiago places the airport experience alongside the airline’s work in the cabin. The lounge has three distinct areas and features a design influenced by South American culture. Comfort and environmental considerations are also reflected in the space, according to the airline’s description.

Its award at the World Travel Awards 2026 illustrates how pre-flight facilities form part of a broader passenger experience. A lounge is used before departure, yet its design and atmosphere can reinforce the regional identity presented onboard. The Santiago facility was recognised apart from the airline and brand awards, underlining the categories assessed by the programme.

Onboard services have also been developed beyond food and furnishings. Wi-Fi access has been expanded across domestic and regional flights, with complimentary connectivity offered to LATAM Pass members on equipped aircraft. LATAM Play provides entertainment associated with Disney+, Max and Paramount+, alongside wellness, educational and regionally focused productions.

LATAM Wins Two Digital Travel Awards for Its Mobile App and Website

Digital services accounted for two awards. At the World Travel Tech Awards 2026, the LATAM app was named Latin America’s Best Airline App for the fourth time. LATAM.com was recognised as Latin America’s Best Airline Website for the third time. Both honours focused on platforms used by customers before and during travel.

The airline has presented its website and app as tools to make travel information and services accessible. These services are designed to simplify travel planning and journey management. This places digital tools alongside improvements to lounges and onboard services.

The awards were added to other international recognition cited by LATAM Airlines. Air Transport World had named the group Airline of the Year, making it the first Latin American recipient. Skytrax had recognised it as Best Airline in South America for a seventh consecutive year and Best Airline Staff Service in South America for a fifth consecutive year.

LATAM’s Five Awards Reflect Its Wider Passenger Experience Strategy

LATAM Airlines’ five awards in 2026 bring together recognition for its airline operations, brand, Santiago lounge and digital platforms. The eleventh consecutive South America’s Leading Airline title remains the headline achievement, while the other prizes show the range of services considered.

Across cabins, dining, entertainment and online tools, improvements have been presented as part of a more connected passenger experience. LATAM Lounge Santiago and the airline’s regional design choices have reinforced its South American identity. The awards recognise those initiatives, although they should not be treated as independent measures of every journey. Together, they document the group’s current service priorities.

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