CASA

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is the independent government authority responsible for the regulation of civil aviation safety in Australia. Its jurisdiction covers the entire Australian territory and the airspace under the country’s control, as well as the oversight of Australian-registered aircraft operating internationally.

Unlike ANAC (Brazil), which also handles passenger rights, CASA focuses on aviation safety. Commercial and consumer protection matters (such as refunds and fare disputes) belong to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). CASA operates under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR) 1998.

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.

CASA regulates baggage from a safety perspective (weight, balance, and dangerous goods), while price transparency follows ACCC regulations.

• Lithium batteries: spare batteries and power banks may only travel in hand baggage; those of 100 to 160 Wh need the airline's approval, and those over 160 Wh are forbidden. Several airlines also restrict using power banks during the flight.
• Fare transparency: under Australian consumer law, the advertised price must include compulsory fees, and optional costs, such as checked baggage, must be disclosed before purchase.
• Baggage allowance: there is no free allowance required by law in Australia; each airline sets weight limits and must clearly disclose excess baggage fees.

The transport of animals in Australia is highly regulated due to the country’s strict biosecurity laws.

• Assistance Dogs: Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and CASA regulations, certified guide and assistance dogs have the right to travel in the cabin with their handlers at no extra cost, provided they carry identification badges and meet hygiene requirements.
• Pets (general): most travel in the hold, in an IATA-standard container, according to the airline's policy. Bringing animals into the country follows the biosecurity rules of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
• Emotional Support Animals (ESAN): Australia does not recognise them as assistance animals; they follow the same transport rules as ordinary pets.

CASA prioritizes the physical safety of minors during flight:

• Car seats: child seats used on board must be approved (for example under the Australian standard AS/NZS 1754 or an equivalent accepted by the airline). Strollers and car seats are usually carried free of charge, according to each airline's policy.
• Infant Seatbelts: Infants (under 2 years old) may travel on a lap using a supplementary belt provided by the crew, or in their own seat if a child restraint device (such as a CARES harness) is used.
• Seat allocation: CASA does not set commercial seating rules; ask for seats together when booking, as policies vary.

Airlines operating in Australia must provide access facilitation plans for passengers with disabilities.

• Wheelchairs: Transport of mobility equipment (manual or electric wheelchairs) is free and does not count towards the baggage allowance. For motorized wheelchairs, the passenger must inform the airline of the battery type (gel, dry-cell, or lithium) at least 48 hours in advance.
• MEDIF (Medical Information Form): Passengers with unstable medical conditions or those requiring supplemental oxygen must submit a MEDIF form signed by a physician. CASA requires airlines to have clear protocols for the use of approved Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs).
• Priority Boarding: Priority boarding is guaranteed for passengers with reduced mobility, allowing them to settle in before the main flow of passengers.

For updated data and technical inquiries, please use the official CASA channels:

• CASA Home Page: https://www.casa.gov.au
• Passenger and Baggage Safety: https://www.casa.gov.au/operations-safety-and-travel/travel-and-passengers
• Transport of Batteries and Dangerous Goods: https://www.casa.gov.au/packright/dangerous-goods
• Drone and RPAS Regulation: https://www.casa.gov.au/knowyourdrone
• Assistance Dogs and Accessibility: https://www.casa.gov.au/operations-safety-and-travel/consumer-and-passenger-advice/passengers-disability-and-reduced-mobility/travel-assistance-animals