CM vs LA · 2026 comparison
Copa vs LATAM
Copa wins on a bigger carry-on and a carry-on on its cheapest fare; LATAM wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit and a bigger personal item. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.
Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction
Copa
CMWins 2 categories
- A bigger carry-on
- A carry-on on its cheapest fare
LATAM
LAWins 2 categories
- A more generous carry-on weight limit
- A bigger personal item
Quick verdict
Copa wins on a bigger carry-on and a carry-on on its cheapest fare; LATAM wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit and a bigger personal item. Check the cheapest fare's bag rules before you compare prices.
- Carry-on size
- Copa: 22 × 14 × 10 in · LATAM: 55 × 35 × 25 cm
- Carry-on on the cheapest fare
- Copa: Included on every fare · LATAM: Costs extra on basic fares
- First checked bag (regular economy)
- Copa: 1 free bag · LATAM: 1 free bag
Side by side
| Copa | LATAM | |
|---|---|---|
| Bags | ||
| Carry-on size | 22 × 14 × 10 in | 55 × 35 × 25 cm |
| Carry-on on the cheapest fare | Included on every fare | Costs extra on basic fares |
| Carry-on weight limit | 10 kg (22 lb) | 12 kg (26.5 lb) |
| Personal item | 17 × 10 × 9 in | 45 × 35 × 20 cm |
| First checked bag (regular economy) | 1 free bag | 1 free bag |
| Network | ||
| Alliance | Star Alliance | None |
| Loyalty program | ConnectMiles | LATAM Pass |
| Main hubs | PTY | SCL, GRU, LIM, BOG |
Highlighted values are better for travelers. Fees are for U.S. domestic economy flights; on-time data is 2025 U.S. DOT figures for each airline's own flights.
Bags and fees
Copa allows a carry-on up to 22 × 14 × 10 in (56 × 36 × 25 cm), and LATAM up to 55 × 35 × 25 cm (21.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 in), so Copa's is roomier.
Copa includes it on every fare, while LATAM charges for it on its cheapest fare.
Carry-on weight limits: 10 kg (22 lb) on Copa, 12 kg (26.5 lb) on LATAM.
Personal items: 17 × 10 × 9 in (43 × 25 × 23 cm) on Copa, and 45 × 35 × 20 cm (17.7 × 13.8 × 7.9 in) on LATAM.
Copa includes one bag with Economy Classic on flights between the U.S. and Latin America, and LATAM includes one bag with Standard on flights between the U.S. and South America.
Basic economy
Copa (Economy Basic): Economy Basic includes a carry-on and a personal item, but no checked bag.
LATAM (Basic): Basic fares include only a personal item.
Loyalty and where they fly
Copa is in Star Alliance and LATAM is not in an alliance.
Loyalty programs: ConnectMiles (Copa) and LATAM Pass (LATAM).
Copa's main hubs are Panama City (PTY). LATAM's are Santiago (SCL), São Paulo (GRU), Lima (LIM), Bogotá (BOG). The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.
Which should you book?
Choose Copa if you want…
- a bigger carry-on
- a carry-on on its cheapest fare
- to earn and use Star Alliance miles and status
- nonstops from PTY
Choose LATAM if you want…
- a more generous carry-on weight limit
- a bigger personal item
- nonstops from SCL, GRU, LIM
On a route both fly, the cheaper ticket isn't always the cheaper trip: add the bags you'll actually bring, and check the fare rules before you book.
Copa vs LATAM FAQ
It depends on what matters most to you. Copa wins on a bigger carry-on and a carry-on on its cheapest fare; LATAM wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit and a bigger personal item. If they fly the same route, compare the total price with bags included.
Keep comparing
Bag rules and fees
Sources
Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Airlines change their rules without notice, so confirm with the airline before you fly.
- Copa Airlines official baggage policy
- Upgraded Points: carry-on size chart for 63 airlines (updated May 16, 2026)
- LATAM Airlines official baggage policy
Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.
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