AFAC

The Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC), a decentralized body of the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT) of Mexico, is the supreme authority responsible for the regulation, oversight, and control of civil aviation within Mexican territory. Its jurisdiction encompasses aircraft certification, crew licensing, operational safety, security against acts of unlawful interference, and the protection of passenger rights on domestic and international flights operated by Mexican carriers. The AFAC operates in compliance with the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

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.

Mexican regulations require full transparency regarding fares (Basic Fare vs. Fares with Additional Services):

• Mandatory Allowance: Passengers have the right to carry, at no additional cost, at least one piece of hand luggage (up to 10kg) on domestic flights, provided it does not violate safety measures.
• Checked Baggage: The checked baggage policy is determined by the airline; however, the AFAC mandates that any additional charges must be clearly disclosed at the time of purchase.
• Fragile Items: Airlines are responsible for damage to luggage, and passengers must be compensated for loss or damage, following the compensation schedules updated by the Civil Aviation Law.

The regulations of the AFAC and SENASICA (National Service for Agri-food Health, Safety and Quality) for 2026 are:

• Documentation: An Import Zoosanitary Certificate (for international flights) or a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian with up-to-date rabies vaccination is mandatory.
• In-Cabin Transport: Permitted for small pets, provided they are kept in a travel carrier (kennel) that fits under the seat in front of the passenger.
• Service animals: guide and assistance dogs of people with disabilities travel free of charge in the cabin, with the required documents; emotional support animals follow each airline's policy.

AFAC and the airlines operating in Mexico follow these practices:

• Seats: ask for seats together when booking; whether seat selection is charged depends on the airline and the fare.
• Baby equipment: many airlines carry a folding stroller and/or a car seat free of charge, in addition to the baggage allowance; check your airline's policy.
• Assistance: families with lap infants (under 2) usually get priority boarding.

The protection of passengers with disabilities (PWD) or reduced mobility is a fundamental pillar for the AFAC:

• Wheelchairs: The wheelchair service must be requested at least 48 hours prior to the flight. This service is provided free of charge.
• Medical Equipment: The transport of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or other life-support equipment must be declared at the time of booking.
• Medical Form (MEDIF): Completion of the MEDIF is mandatory only for health conditions that may compromise flight safety or require specialized medical assistance on board.
• Priority: Right to priority boarding and assistance with checking mobility aid equipment, which does not count toward the weight allowance of baggage.

• Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC): https://www.gob.mx/afac
• Passenger Rights (Standards and Civil Aviation Law): https://www.gob.mx/profeco/documentos/derechos-al-viajar-en-avion-395780
• Baggage and Transport Regulations (SICT): https://www.gob.mx/sct
• Sanitary Requirements for PET (SENASICA): https://www.gob.mx/senasica