AESA

The Agencia Estatal de Seguridad Aérea (AESA) is the public body affiliated with the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility of Spain. Its mission is to oversee and ensure that civil aviation safety standards are met throughout Spanish territory, aligning strictly with the regulatory framework of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). AESA has jurisdiction over Spanish airlines, national airports, and the protection of passenger rights for flights departing from Spanish airports or arriving in Spain on flights operated by EU carriers.

Official changes from this authority that affect passengers appear in this guide's updates as they are published. Each one is checked against the official document before it goes live.

In 2026, AESA maintains alignment with the jurisprudence of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) regarding hand luggage:

• Transparency: Airlines are obligated to display the final ticket price (including mandatory taxes and surcharges) from the first step of the booking process.
• Hand baggage: under European case law, hand baggage of reasonable weight and size is an essential part of carriage. Spain's Ministry of Consumer Affairs fined airlines in 2024 for charging separately for it (the decision is being challenged in court); check what your fare includes.

The transportation of animals in the cabin is governed by health and cabin safety regulations:

• Documentation: A European Pet Passport, microchip, and up-to-date rabies vaccination are mandatory.
• Limitations: AESA allows each airline to define its weight and size policies for pets in the cabin (generally up to 8-10kg including the carrier), but requires the carrier to be ventilated and escape-proof.
• Assistance Dogs: Free transport in the cabin for duly certified assistance dogs is mandatory, without the need for a carrier, regardless of size.

In Spain, European Union rules and airline policies apply:

• Seats: Spain's Ministry of Consumer Affairs considers it abusive to charge for seating a child next to the accompanying adult and fined airlines for it in 2024 (the decision is being challenged in court). Even so, ask for seats together when booking. From 23 October 2027, Regulation (EU) 2026/2202 requires the airline to offer anyone accompanying a child under 14 on the same booking a seat next to the child free of charge.
• Allowance: a stroller and a car seat usually travel free, one of each per child, according to the airline's policy.
• Assistance: many airlines offer early boarding for families with young children.

AESA applies Regulation (EC) 1107/2006, ensuring the right to mobility for Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM):

• Assistance (PRM): Assistance requests must be made at least 48 hours in advance of the flight. The service is free of charge and must be requested from the airline or travel agency.
• MEDIF: The MEDIF (Medical Information Form) is only required if the passenger needs medical oxygen, a stretcher, or special care that may affect flight safety.
• Equipment: The free transport of up to two mobility aids (e.g., manual or electric wheelchair, crutches) in addition to the permitted baggage allowance is mandatory.

• Official AESA Portal (Passenger Rights): https://www.seguridadaerea.gob.es/es/ambitos/derechos-de-los-pasajeros
• PRM Guide (Accessibility): https://www.seguridadaerea.gob.es/es/ambitos/derechos-de-los-pasajeros/personas-con-movilidad-reducida
• Safety and Baggage Regulations (EASA/AESA): https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/document-library/general-publications/easy-access-rules-air-operations
• Conflict and Complaint Resolution: https://sede.seguridadaerea.gob.es/sede-aesa/catalogo-de-servicios/reclamaciones-de-pasajeros-por-incumplimiento-del-reglamento-261-2004