FAA

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the United States government agency responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation. Its jurisdiction covers all U.S. airspace, as well as airfields, aircraft, and aeronautical personnel operating under U.S. regulations anywhere in the world. The FAA’s primary responsibilities include:

• Aviation Safety: Establishing and enforcing safety standards for aircraft, pilots, airlines, and airport infrastructure.
• Air Traffic Control: Managing the national air traffic control system to ensure the safe and efficient flow of aircraft.
• Certification: Certifying aircraft, parts, airlines, and personnel to ensure they meet safety requirements.
• Environmental Regulation: Developing and implementing regulations to minimize the environmental impact of aviation.
• Consumer protection: passenger rights rules (refunds, baggage, fares and accessibility) are set by the Department of Transportation (DOT), of which the FAA is part; the FAA handles safety.

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.

In the U.S., consumer rules on fares and baggage are set by the Department of Transportation (DOT); the FAA handles safety (what may or may not go in baggage). The main guidelines:

• Fare transparency: airlines must clearly disclose baggage and other optional service fees before purchase, on their own websites and through online travel agencies.
• Checked and hand baggage: there is no allowance required by federal law; each airline sets weight, size and fees, and must state them clearly.
• Restricted items: liquids, lithium batteries and dangerous goods follow the security rules (TSA and FAA); spare batteries and power banks only in hand baggage.
• Complaints: airlines must explain how to file a complaint; if unresolved, you can complain to DOT.

Rules for the transportation of pets are a combination of FAA regulations (focused on cabin safety and aircraft operation) and regulations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for health requirements.

• Cabin Safety: The FAA allows airlines to set their own policies for pet transportation. Generally, small pets may be transported in the cabin, provided they remain in a carrier approved by the airline, which must fit under the seat in front of the passenger.
• Service and emotional support animals: since 11 January 2021, the Department of Transportation (DOT) rule recognises as a service animal only a dog trained to help a person with a disability. Emotional support animals can be treated as ordinary pets, depending on each airline's policy.
• Health and Documentation Requirements: Passengers are responsible for ensuring that the animal meets all health requirements, including health certificates, vaccinations, and other documentation required by veterinary authorities at the destination. Airlines may request copies of these documents.
• Breed and Size Restrictions: Some airlines may impose breed restrictions (due to respiratory conditions or behavior) and size restrictions for animals transported in the cabin.
• Cargo Compartment: Larger animals or those that do not qualify for the cabin may be transported in the cargo compartment, under specific temperature and pressure-controlled conditions defined by the airline.

The FAA, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), establishes guidelines to protect the rights of children and families traveling by air:

• Free Seats for Minors: On domestic flights operated by U.S. airlines, children under the age of 2 may travel on the lap of a fare-paying adult at no additional cost. If the adult desires, they may purchase a seat for the child at the applicable fare. The FAA strongly recommends that parents with infants purchase an additional seat and use an FAA-approved Child Restraint System (CRS), such as a car seat.
• Stroller and car seat allowance: airlines generally let parents bring a stroller and a car seat at no extra cost, checked at the gate or at the check-in counter.
• Assistance for Families: While there is no federal rule mandating priority boarding for families, many airlines offer this courtesy. It is advisable to check the airline’s policy in advance.
• Child Restraint Systems (CRS): the FAA recommends using car seats approved for aircraft. The label must state that the device is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft (“This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft”).

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), of which the FAA is part, enforces the Air Carrier Access Act, which guarantees proper assistance to passengers with disabilities.

• Wheelchairs and Mobility Equipment: Airlines are required to allow passengers to use their own wheelchairs and other mobility equipment up to the boarding gate. These items must be accommodated and returned to the passenger upon arrival. Equipment that does not fit in the cabin baggage compartment is transported in the cargo hold.
• Assistance for Passengers with Reduced Mobility: Airlines must provide free assistance to passengers with reduced mobility, including help moving between check-in and the boarding gate, boarding, and deplaning.
• Seating: under the DOT rule, the airline must provide certain seats to passengers who need them, on request: an adjoining seat for a companion who gives essential help, a row with a movable armrest for those who use the aisle chair, and a seat with suitable space for those travelling with a service dog or with an immobilised leg.
• Medical Forms (MEDIF): In cases where a passenger’s medical condition may affect flight safety or require special assistance, the airline may request a Medical Information Form (MEDIF) completed by the passenger’s physician. This form helps determine the assistance needs and flight safety requirements.
• Request deadlines: basic assistance (wheelchair, help with boarding) does not require advance notice, but telling the airline when booking helps; some services, such as medical oxygen or stretcher transport, may require up to 48 hours' notice.

• Traveler's Information - FAA: https://www.faa.gov/travelers
• Passenger Rights - U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT): https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/fly-rights
• Baggage - FAA: https://www.faa.gov/hazmat/packsafe
• Transportation of Pets - FAA: https://www.faa.gov/travelers/fly_pets (Note: The FAA provides general safety guidelines; baggage and pet transport policies are primarily determined by the airlines).
• Disability & Accessibility - U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT): https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/passengers-disabilities
• Aviation Consumer Protection & Enforcement - U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT): https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer