CAA UK

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is the UK's independent regulatory body responsible for overseeing the safety, security, and efficiency of the civil aviation sector. Its jurisdiction covers all British airspace, crew licensing, aircraft certification, and airport infrastructure regulation. In addition to its technical functions, the CAA acts as the consumer protection watchdog, ensuring that airlines comply with passenger rights standards—even after the UK's departure from the European Union—through the UK261 regime (the British equivalent of EU261).

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.

The CAA requires full transparency regarding the "all-in price" of a ticket at the time of booking:

• Price Transparency: Hiding mandatory fees (such as airport taxes, government taxes, and fuel surcharges) is prohibited. The value initially displayed must be the final price the consumer will pay.
• Cabin Baggage: The CAA has reinforced guidelines to ensure airlines do not mislead passengers about what constitutes "hand luggage." If there are strict size limits, these must be clearly and prominently displayed before the ticket is purchased.
• Checked Baggage: Pricing policy remains a free-market matter, but advertising must be clear regarding fare restrictions (e.g., "Basic" vs. "Premium" tickets).

In the UK, the rules for bringing in animals come from DEFRA and APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency); airlines follow these rules:

• In the cabin: to enter Great Britain by air, pets travel in the hold as cargo, on an approved route; only guide and assistance dogs may travel in the cabin (or pets on a chartered private plane).
• Assistance Dogs: The carriage of recognized assistance dogs in the cabin is mandatory and free of charge, provided that training by an entity certified by Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) can be proven.
• Documentation: to enter Great Britain from outside the European Union, the animal needs a microchip, a rabies vaccination and an official health certificate from the country of origin; from an unlisted country, also a rabies blood test and a 3-month wait. The Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is the document for taking a pet from Great Britain to the European Union.

• Adjacent Seating: no UK law currently requires airlines to seat a child next to the accompanying adult free of charge; the CAA's safety guidance is that young children should ideally sit in the same row as the adult travelling with them. On 2 October 2026, the government announced that airlines will be required to seat children under 14 with a parent or accompanying adult free of charge; the rule depends on Parliament passing the Civil Aviation Bill and is not yet in force.
• Equipment: The transport of one (foldable) pushchair and one child restraint device (car seat) is generally permitted free of charge in addition to the baggage allowance, though the exact policy should be confirmed with each airline.
• Bassinets: the availability of onboard bassinets (skycots) depends on the aircraft; request them in advance (many airlines ask for 48 hours).

Regulated by Regulation (EC) 1107/2006 (as incorporated into UK law):

• Obligation to Assist: Airports and airlines have a legal obligation to provide free assistance to Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM), provided it is requested at least 48 hours before the flight.
• Mobility Equipment: Passengers have the right to transport two pieces of mobility equipment (e.g., manual or electric wheelchairs) free of charge.
• Medical Forms: The MEDIF form is only required if the passenger needs medical support on board (e.g., supplemental oxygen or a stretcher). The CAA encourages the use of the standardized IATA form to facilitate acceptance across different carriers.

• Passenger Rights (CAA Consumer Advice): https://www.caa.co.uk/passengers/
• Assistance Guide for People with Disabilities: https://www.caa.co.uk/passengers/prm/
• Baggage and Pricing Rules: https://www.caa.co.uk/passengers/resolving-travel-problems/how-the-caa-can-help/
• Animal Transport (DEFRA/CAA): https://www.gov.uk/bring-pet-to-great-britain
• UK261 Regulation (Delays and Cancellations): https://www.caa.co.uk/passengers/resolving-travel-problems/delays-and-cancellations/