Brasil

The Brazilian airport sector is one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, operating under an extensive network of airports managed by both private concessions and the state-run Infraero. Air traffic is regulated by ANAC (National Civil Aviation Agency), which sets safety and service quality standards. The rules governing the relationship between passengers and airlines are primarily consolidated by ANAC Resolution No. 400 and the Consumer Defense Code (CDC). Oversight regarding punctuality and passenger assistance is strictly enforced.

ANAC Resolution 400 defines mandatory assistance for flights within Brazilian territory or international flights departing from the country:

• 1-hour delay: Access to communication (internet, phone).
• 2-hour delay: Provision of food (voucher or meal).
• 4-hour delay (or cancellation/denied boarding): Accommodation (in case of an overnight stay), airport-hotel transfers, and options for rebooking, full refund, or completion of the service by an alternative mode of transport.
• Moral Damages: Passengers have the right to seek compensation through judicial channels if contractual non-compliance results in material or non-material damages.
• Denied Boarding: If an airline is unable to accommodate a passenger due to overbooking, immediate financial compensation is mandatory, in accordance with current tables (denominated in Special Drawing Rights - SDR).

Current regulations allow airlines to freely set their baggage allowances, provided they meet specific obligations:

• Carry-on baggage: Passengers are entitled to bring one piece of carry-on luggage up to 10 kg free of charge, provided it meets the airline’s dimension requirements (to ensure safety in the overhead bins).
• Checked baggage: There is no minimum mandatory free allowance. Airlines may charge for any checked item. The fees must be clearly stated at the time of ticket purchase.
• Valuables: It is recommended that high-value items (electronics, jewelry, documents) be carried in hand luggage and kept under the passenger's personal supervision.

For the entry of dogs and cats into Brazil, Vigiagro (Ministry of Agriculture) requires the following:

• International Veterinary Certificate (CVI): Issued by the country of origin, attesting to the animal's health.
• Vaccination: Proof of rabies vaccination (administered more than 30 days and less than one year prior to arrival).
• Microchip: Recommended for international identification (ISO 11784/11785).
• Health Certificate: Issued by an official veterinarian in the country of origin within the days prior to departure.
• *Note:* For domestic flights, each airline sets its own rules regarding weight and size for cabin or hold transport, typically subject to an additional fee.

• Domestic Travel: Minors under 16 can travel unaccompanied within the country with judicial authorization or in accordance with the ECA (Statute of the Child and Adolescent) rules.
• International Travel: Minors under 18 require an International Travel Authorization, signed by both parents with notarized signatures or via electronic means (Electronic Travel Authorization - AVE), as per the National Council of Justice (CNJ) regulations.
• Seat Rights: Infants (up to 2 years old) pay a reduced fare and must travel on an adult's lap.

• Statute of the Person with Disabilities (LBI): Guarantees full accessibility to airports, service desks, and aircraft (use of lifts/boarding chairs).
• Priority Service: Seniors over 60, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and individuals with reduced mobility are entitled to priority lines and assisted boarding.
• Companions: Passengers requiring third-party assistance for physiological needs or feeding may be entitled to a discounted seat for an accompanying person (as per ANAC regulations).

• Passport: Must have a minimum validity of 6 months at the time of entry into Brazil for most nationalities.
• Visas: Brazil maintains a reciprocity policy for tourist visas. In 2026, citizens of countries that require visas for Brazilians must obtain a prior visa from a consulate.
• Exemptions: Many countries are exempt from tourist visas for stays of up to 90 days.
• Electronic Authorization: The Brazilian government is in the process of implementing digital immigration registration systems; it is essential to check the list of visa-exempt countries on the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal before traveling.

• ANAC (National Civil Aviation Agency) - Passenger Rights: https://www.gov.br/anac/pt-br/assuntos/passageiros
• Vigiagro Portal (Pet Entry): https://www.gov.br/agricultura/pt-br/assuntos/vigilancia-agropecuaria/animais-estimacao
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Visas): https://www.gov.br/mre/pt-br/assuntos/portal-consular/vistos
• National Council of Justice (Minor Travel Authorization): https://www.cnj.jus.br/corregedoria/autorizacao_viagem/
• Federal Government Portal (Travel Services): https://www.gov.br/pt-br/temas/viagens