LATAM Unites GOL, TAP, and South African Airways to Transform Global Travel: Unbelievable New Routes and Jaw-Dropping Comfort Await!

Published on December 3, 2025

LATAM unites GOL, TAP, and South African Airways to completely transform global travel. This powerful alliance brings unbelievable new routes and jaw-dropping comfort to travelers worldwide. With this collaboration, LATAM and its partners are setting a new standard for air travel, making it easier than ever to travel between continents. Whether you’re flying from Brazil to Miami, Lisbon, or Cape Town, the options are now wider, and the journey promises to be far more comfortable. LATAM’s commitment to delivering excellent service is bolstered by the added comfort and convenience offered by GOL, TAP, and South African Airways. Together, these airlines are not just expanding routes—they’re reshaping the flying experience. For those seeking seamless connections and premium service, this partnership ensures that comfort, efficiency, and choice are now within reach like never before. Get ready for an extraordinary travel experience!

Fortaleza-Miami: A Weekly Service Returns

Fortaleza, a stunning city on Brazil’s northeast coast, is set to become even more connected to North America. Starting in April 2026, LATAM will restart its Fortaleza-Miami flight, offering one flight per week. This service is a big deal for both business and leisure travelers. Miami is a popular gateway to the United States, and this route will make it easier for people in Fortaleza to explore America.

Before this, GOL Linhas Aéreas already flew this route twice a week, using Boeing 737 jets. LATAM’s return to this route means more flights and more choices for travelers. The Boeing 787 will be used on this flight, offering top-notch comfort and entertainment to passengers.

LATAM’s Boeing 787: Comfort in the Skies

When it comes to long flights, comfort is key. LATAM Airlines uses the Boeing 787, a quiet, fuel-efficient aircraft that makes flying smoother. This plane is designed for long-haul flights, seating up to 300 passengers.

In Business Class, passengers can enjoy seats that recline into full beds, providing maximum comfort. The seats come with large 15.6 to 18-inch entertainment screens, perfect for long trips. In Economy, the seats offer good legroom, and each one has a 9 to 12-inch entertainment screen.

What makes the Boeing 787 stand out is the USB ports and electrical outlets at every seat. Passengers can charge their phones or tablets while watching movies or catching up on work. The lighting inside the aircraft is designed to reduce jet lag, making the journey even more pleasant.

GOL Airlines: A Strong Alternative with its Boeing 737

While LATAM’s Boeing 787 offers a luxurious experience, GOL Airlines provides a budget-friendly option with its Boeing 737. GOL’s 737-700 seats 138 passengers, while the 737-800 and 737 MAX can carry 186 passengers. These smaller aircraft are still very comfortable, offering internet access, movies, TV shows, and music through GOL Online.

The 737 MAX also comes with USB outlets and a device holder at each seat, ensuring passengers stay connected throughout their flight. Though it’s not as large as the Boeing 787, the 737 MAX is still packed with modern amenities that make for an enjoyable flight.

Comparing Baggage Rules: LATAM vs GOL

When flying, it’s important to know the baggage rules. LATAM’s checked baggage policy allows each passenger to carry one bag up to 23 kilograms, with a total size of 158 cm. Light fares do not include checked baggage, but Standard and Full fares allow one piece. Business passengers can take two checked bags.

GOL’s baggage policy is similar, allowing one checked bag up to 23 kg, and a carry-on bag up to 10 kg. The size limit for the carry-on is 55x35x25 cm. Both airlines also allow one personal item.

Fortaleza-Lisbon: A Connection to Europe

Fortaleza and Lisbon are connected by LATAM with flights currently operating three times a week. However, starting in April 2026, this frequency will be reduced to two weekly flights. For travelers looking for an alternative, TAP Air Portugal is a great option. TAP’s Airbus A330-900neo offers a comfortable flight across the Atlantic, with 298 seats split across three classes.

Business Class passengers on TAP’s A330 enjoy 34 full-flat seats that transform into beds, making it a great choice for long flights. Economy Class also comes with modern features, including individual entertainment screens, larger windows, and a USB port at each seat. With such a large and modern aircraft, TAP provides excellent value for money.

TAP Air Portugal: Modern Amenities for Long-Haul Flights

TAP Air Portugal is known for its high-quality service. The Airbus A330-900neo, which flies from Lisbon to Fortaleza, boasts an Airspace cabin designed for comfort. Passengers in economy enjoy 168 seats, each with a personal entertainment screen. Business Class, with 34 seats, offers full-flat beds that make long-haul flights feel like a breeze.

TAP’s baggage policy is also generous. Economy passengers can check one bag up to 23 kg, while business class travelers can check two bags of 32 kg each. Hand luggage is allowed up to 10 kg, and passengers can also carry a personal item weighing up to 2 kg.

São Paulo-Miami: A Competitive Route

The São Paulo-Miami route is one of LATAM’s busiest. Starting in May 2026, LATAM will increase the frequency of this route from 14 flights per week to 15, and then to 16 flights per week in July. This makes São Paulo-Miami almost a daily service, with frequent departures both in the morning and evening.

American Airlines also operates this route, using its Boeing 777-300ER. This aircraft can carry 304 passengers across four cabins, including First Class, Business, Premium Economy, and Economy. With Flagship First suites and business-class seats that recline into flat beds, American Airlines offers an exceptional flying experience.

American Airlines: Onboard Comfort and Baggage

American Airlines’ Boeing 777-300ER is equipped with state-of-the-art features. Each seat has an entertainment screen and Wi-Fi, so passengers can stay connected and entertained. Premium Economy seats are wider, offering extra legroom, while Economy seats have standard pitch and width.

For baggage, American allows passengers to check up to five bags on international flights to Brazil, with each bag weighing 23 kg. Business and First Class passengers can check two bags of 32 kg each. AAdvantage members and premium passengers can also check bags for free.

São Paulo-Cape Town: A Direct Link to South Africa

One of the most exciting updates from LATAM is the São Paulo-Cape Town route, which is scheduled to launch in July 2026, two months ahead of the original plan. This flight will operate three times a week, making it the first direct flight connecting Brazil to Cape Town.

Cape Town Air Access, a government-linked initiative, has welcomed this new route, which is expected to boost tourism and trade between Brazil and South Africa. The Boeing 787-9 will be used for this service, offering fast connections and more comfortable travel options for those looking to explore the vibrant city of Cape Town.

South African Airways: A Comfortable Alternative to Cape Town

Before LATAM starts its direct service, South African Airways (SAA) offers connections through Johannesburg. SAA’s Airbus A330-300 aircraft provides comfortable seating for long flights. Economy Class has 203 slimline seats, each with a 10-inch personal screen for entertainment.

Business Class on SAA features beds that recline almost two meters long, with noise-cancelling headsets, gourmet meals, and personal stowage. This makes the longer connecting journey more bearable, offering a premium flying experience even on connecting flights.

Baggage Rules: SAA vs LATAM

SAA offers generous baggage allowances. Business Class passengers can check two pieces of baggage, each weighing up to 32 kg. Economy passengers are allowed one piece up to 23 kg. On LATAM, passengers flying economy generally get one checked bag weighing up to 23 kg. Premium passengers have a higher allowance.

Timetable Planning: When to Book

LATAM’s expanded flights provide passengers with more options and flexibility. In April 2026, LATAM will operate one weekly Fortaleza-Miami flight, two Fortaleza-Lisbon flights, and São Paulo-Miami flights will increase to 16 weekly services by July. TAP Air Portugal operates multiple flights on the Fortaleza-Lisbon route using Airbus A330-900neo, while South African Airways offers daily Johannesburg-Cape Town connections. Always check departure days before booking to avoid missing your preferred flight.

Inflight Entertainment: Enjoy Movies, Music, and Connectivity

LATAM offers a wide range of inflight entertainment options, from films to TV shows. On the Boeing 787, passengers enjoy large 15.6 to 18-inch screens, while GOL’s 737 has smaller personal devices. TAP’s A330 features modern lighting and personalised entertainment screens, and American Airlines’ Boeing 777-300ER provides Wi-Fi and seatback screens for all passengers.

Seating Capacity: Know Your Aircraft

LATAM’s Boeing 787 seats around 300 passengers. GOL’s Boeing 737-700 seats 138, while its 737 MAX seats 186. TAP’s A330-900neo accommodates 298 passengers across three classes. American Airlines’ 777-300ER carries 304 passengers, and South African Airways’ A330-300 seats 203 in economy class.

Economic Impact: The Power of Air Connectivity

Increased connectivity between Brazil, North America, Europe, and Africa has economic benefits. New routes foster trade, tourism, and investment. Cape Town is set to benefit from increased Brazilian tourism, while Fortaleza will see more flights to key international hubs like Miami and Lisbon.

Sustainability in Aviation

With modern aircraft like the Boeing 787 and Airbus A330, airlines are making strides towards sustainability. These aircraft reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions, offering a greener way to travel. As Brazil expands its global connectivity, sustainable aviation practices are key to keeping air travel eco-friendly.

Booking Tips: How to Get the Best Deals

To get the best fares, book early. Compare prices and flight schedules from LATAM, American Airlines, and TAP Air Portugal. Consider joining frequent flyer programs like LATAM Pass or AAdvantage for extra benefits and rewards.

Conclusion

LATAM’s network expansion offers travelers in Brazil new opportunities to connect with the world. From São Paulo to Cape Town, Fortaleza to Miami, and beyond, LATAM is making travel more accessible. Whether you choose LATAM, GOL, TAP, or South African Airways, there’s never been a better time to explore the world.