LATAM Launches Travel eSIM, A First in Latin America

‍SANTIAGO — LATAM Airlines Group (LA), the largest airline in Latin America, has introduced a new digital travel feature that may change how some of its passengers stay connected while flying abroad. 

Starting July 15, 2025, travelers flying with LATAM can now purchase their eSIM directly from the airline’s website. No need for third-party apps or those annoying last-minute airport Wi-Fi hunts. According to the airline, this new offering, named eSIM LATAM, marks a first for any carrier in Latin America.

The service was developed in partnership with Gigs, a mobile-tech platform that helps companies offer connectivity as part of their services. LATAM customers can now buy mobile data plans ranging from 1GB to 10GB, usable across a vast number of destinations, both regional and global.

Digital Tool Built into LATAM’s Platform

Unlike many travel eSIM services that redirect to third-party apps, LATAM’s version is built directly into its website and app. This means that travellers can access and activate mobile data during their usual booking or check-in process.

The service also connects to LATAM Pass, allowing passengers to collect frequent-flyer miles when purchasing a data plan. This small incentive ties the feature into the airline’s broader loyalty ecosystem.

Ramiro Alfonsín, LATAM’s Commercial VP, said that the launch is part of the airline’s goal to simplify and support the whole journey, not just the time in the sky. "We're extending our mission beyond flights," he said.

Avoiding Surprise Roaming Fees

Mobile roaming fees still tend to catch travelers off guard, especially when crossing several borders in one trip. LATAM’s eSIM, as listed on its official website, allows users to pay upfront for a set amount of data. There’s no contract involved, and activation happens almost immediately. The pricing appears competitive with what’s offered in the broader travel eSIM market.

The launch also lines up with LATAM’s broader push into digital tools tied to its loyalty ecosystem. By bundling more travel services under the same platform, the airline appears to be aiming for better engagement, although how widely passengers will take up this kind of offer remains to be seen.

Gigs: The Company Behind the Tech

Gigs is a mobile service infrastructure company that collaborates with fintech and travel companies, such as Klarna and Nubank, to integrate digital connectivity into their ecosystems. It was founded in 2020 and is backed by investors including Google and Y Combinator. Their tech handles billing, customer support, and global mobile network integration.

Rafa Plantier, Vice President of Go-to-Market at Gigs, noted that airlines are now viewing connectivity as a crucial aspect of travel, rather than a separate entity. “People turn airplane mode off before they can take their seat belts off,” he said.

A Quick Look at eSIM History

eSIMs, or embedded SIM cards, have been available since around 2016 but gained mass adoption only in the last few years. Unlike physical SIM cards, an eSIM is built into the device and can be programmed remotely.

That means you can switch networks or buy a local plan without having to fiddle with tiny chips. According to sources, Apple helped push the tech forward by removing SIM slots entirely from some of its US iPhone models in 2022.

Several airlines globally have been experimenting with eSIM offerings, but usually through third-party apps or external marketplaces. For instance, Emirates (EK) and Singapore Airlines (SQ) have at times promoted eSIM services through partners, but haven’t embedded them directly into their platforms, unlike LATAM.

LATAM isn’t just linking to another site; it’s offering the entire process, from selection to purchase to activation, all within its platform.

Part of a Larger Airline Tech Trend

As digital services become increasingly central to how people book, fly, and wait at airports, airlines are reevaluating their roles. LATAM’s move into eSIMs reflects a broader trend where carriers try to be more like travel platforms than just flight operators. Instead of outsourcing every add-on, they’re bringing key services in-house.

While it’s too early to say how widely the LATAM eSIM will be adopted, it shows how regional airlines are starting to innovate more aggressively in the digital space. It also provides LATAM with a potential revenue stream in a sector typically dominated by telecom giants.

eSIM LATAM is available now through latam.com, with deeper integrations expected later in the year. And next time you land, your phone will already be online before the seatbelt sign even goes off.

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