Every time someone asks "which airline is better, LATAM, GOL, or Azul," the honest answer is: it depends on the route, the date, and what you value most in your trip. All three operate differently, and comparing them without factoring that in is a shot in the dark.
That doesn't mean the choice is random, though. Each airline has its own route network, baggage policy, and loyalty program — understanding these differences helps you decide with more confidence instead of choosing out of habit.
Route coverage
Route network makes a big difference
LATAM and GOL tend to concentrate stronger frequencies between major capitals, with plenty of time-slot options throughout the day. Azul, on the other hand, has built a more spread-out network, with a meaningful presence in mid-sized and inland cities that the other two serve less frequently. If your destination is a busy capital, all three are likely to compete closely. If it's a smaller city, one of them may be practically the only direct option.
Total price
The ticket price doesn't tell the whole story
Each airline organizes its fares into different families, with its own rules for checked baggage, rebooking, and seat selection. A promotional fare might look cheaper on screen and end up costing more overall once you add the checked bag you actually need. The right way to compare is to look at the final price of the whole trip, not just the first number that shows up in the search.
Miles
Loyalty programs matter more for frequent flyers
LATAM Pass, Smiles, and TudoAzul each have different rules for earning and redeeming points. For people who travel only a few times a year, this factor usually matters less than the ticket price itself. But for those who fly regularly with the same airline, it's worth factoring the program into the decision — as long as that doesn't mean paying noticeably more just to rack up points.
In practice
4 steps to decide without guesswork
- 01
Compare the total price, not the sticker price
Add checked baggage and seat selection, if you'll need them for your trip, before deciding which one is actually cheapest.
- 02
Check the arrival time
A cheaper flight that lands in the middle of the night can cost more in transportation or extra lodging — factor that into the total cost of the trip.
- 03
Check whether the flight is direct on all three
On some routes, one airline offers a direct flight while the others require a connection. That changes both the price and travel-time comparison.
- 04
Reconsider if you fly a lot with the same airline
If you consistently rack up miles in one program, it's worth using that as a tiebreaker when prices are close.
Heads up
3 common mistakes when comparing airlines
- —
Choosing based only on brand or habit
Always flying the same airline out of habit can get expensive when another one has a better fare for that specific route.
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Comparing prices on different days
Ticket prices change throughout the day. For the comparison to be valid, search all three airlines at the same time, for the same date.
- —
Ignoring the rebooking policy
If there's a chance you'll need to change your travel date, it's worth checking each fare's rebooking rules before buying — they vary a lot between airlines.
“The right question is never "which airline is the best," but "which one is best for this specific trip." You can only answer that by comparing them side by side.”
Equipe Viajante Promo
Editorial team
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Which airline is cheapest in Brazil?
There's no fixed answer — the lowest price shifts from route to route and month to month, because LATAM, GOL, and Azul adjust fares based on demand. The most reliable approach is to compare all three at the same time for the date you want to travel.
Does Azul serve more destinations than LATAM and GOL?
Azul has a more spread-out network, with a strong presence in mid-sized and inland cities that the other two serve less frequently. LATAM and GOL, in turn, tend to offer more time-slot options between the main capitals.
Is it worth keeping miles in more than one program?
If you always fly the same airline, concentrating your miles in a single program usually leads to faster redemptions. Travelers who fly a mix of airlines tend to benefit more from comparing prices at the time of purchase than from spreading points across several programs at once.
Do GOL, LATAM, and Azul charge for checked baggage the same way?
No. Each airline sets its own allowance and fee rules for checked baggage, and those rules vary depending on the fare class you choose. That's why it's always worth checking the final price including the baggage you'll actually need, not just the advertised ticket price.
Can I compare all three airlines in one place?
Yes. On Viajante Promo you can compare LATAM, GOL, and Azul prices at the same time, for the same route and date, with no agency fee, and complete your purchase directly with the airline you choose.
Who wrote this
Who wrote this
Ana Ribeiro
Writes about buying behavior and price trends in the Brazilian airfare market.
Equipe Viajante Promo
We turn price and availability data into simple guidance to help you save on your next trip.