ANAC Portugal

The National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) of Portugal is the independent public authority responsible for the regulation, supervision, and oversight of the civil aviation sector within Portuguese territory. Its jurisdiction covers operational safety, security against acts of unlawful interference, economic regulation, and the defense of passenger rights. As a member of EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency), ANAC applies European Union regulations, ensuring the standardization of air navigation rules, crew licensing, and air transport conditions for flights departing from airports in Portugal or operated by EU carriers with destinations in Portugal.

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.

ANAC enforces the price transparency set out in Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008:

• Full Transparency: The price displayed at the beginning of the booking process must include all foreseeable taxes, charges, surcharges, and duties.
• Carry-on Baggage: ANAC maintains the directive that carry-on baggage is an essential element of passenger transport, provided it meets reasonable weight and dimension standards. Any charge for carry-on baggage that does not exceed these norms must be clearly identified and itemized as an optional service, and cannot be omitted until the payment stage.
• Checked Baggage: There is no mandatory free allowance defined by law for all fares; however, the policy chosen by the carrier must be visible from the initial quotation.

The transport of animals is governed by EU animal welfare and health security standards:

• PET Passport: For intra-EU travel, a pet passport, microchip, and a valid rabies vaccination are mandatory.
• In-Cabin vs. Hold: ANAC does not compel airlines to transport animals in the cabin. This decision rests with the carrier's internal policy, provided that ventilation and temperature standards are respected in the hold (should the animal travel in the cargo compartment).
• Assistance dogs: certified assistance dogs travel free of charge in the cabin, next to the passenger; inform the airline in advance (many ask for 48 hours).

• Seat: ask for seats together when booking, as seat-selection rules and fees vary by airline. 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.
• Equipment: many airlines carry a folding stroller and/or a car seat per child free of charge, outside the baggage allowance; check your airline's policy.
• Infants: Safety regulations stipulate that children up to 2 years of age may travel on a parent's lap using a supplementary seat belt (loop belt).

Assistance for Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM) is guaranteed by Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006:

• Advance Notice: Passengers must request assistance at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• Responsibility: Assistance at the airport is the responsibility of the airport managing entity (ANA), while the transport of mobility aids (wheelchairs, crutches) on board the aircraft is the responsibility of the airline.
• MEDIF: The Medical Information Form (MEDIF) is only required if the passenger has health conditions that could compromise flight safety or necessitate specialized medical assistance on board. ANAC requires that passenger safety assessments be conducted in a non-discriminatory manner.

• Official ANAC Portal (Passenger Rights): https://www.anac.pt/vPT/Passageiros/DireitosPassageiro/Paginas/DireitosdoPassageiro.aspx
• Civil Aviation Legislation and Regulations: https://www.anac.pt/vpt/generico/legislacaoregulamentacao/Paginas/LegislacaoeRegulamentacao.aspx
• Passenger Rights (European Commission/ANAC): https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/passenger-rights/air/index_en.htm (Note: Link provided was pt, adjusted to en for context, assuming the user wants English sources)
• EASA Safety and Accessibility Portal: https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/the-agency/faqs/special-categories-passengers-scps