United States

The United States has the busiest aviation system in the world, operating under a liberalized market model characterized by high competition among airlines. The sector is primarily regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), which sets consumer protection policies, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), responsible for safety and air traffic management. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) manages airport security. Unlike the European Union, the U.S. does not have a single piece of legislation governing monetary compensation for delays, focusing instead on contractual transparency (the Contract of Carriage).

• Passport: as a rule, it must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of departure from the US; citizens of Six-Month Club countries only need a passport valid for the stay.
• Visas: The B1/B2 visa remains the standard for tourism and business.
• ESTA (Visa Waiver Program): Citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program must obtain an ESTA electronic authorization via the official website. The ESTA is valid for 2 years or until the passport expires.
• Note: In 2026, ensure you complete only the official DHS form. There is no implementation of ETIAS in the U.S. (that system is European); the U.S. equivalent remains the ESTA.

U.S. regulations do not require cash compensation for delays or cancellations. Rights are set by each airline's Contract of Carriage and by the Department of Transportation (DOT) rules:

• Cancellations and Significant Delays: If an airline cancels a flight or makes a significant itinerary change (and the passenger chooses not to travel), the passenger is entitled to a full refund (including fees) in the original form of payment.
• Material assistance: no federal law requires meal vouchers or hotels during delays. However, most large airlines have committed, on the DOT's Airline Customer Service Dashboard, to provide a meal voucher for waits of 3 hours or more and a hotel for overnight stays when the problem is caused by the airline.
• Involuntary Denied Boarding (Bumped): If you are denied boarding due to overbooking against your will, the airline is legally required to provide compensation (which may be up to 400% of the one-way fare, depending on the length of the arrival delay).

There is no federal law mandating a free checked baggage allowance. Policies are determined commercially by the airlines.

• Carry-on Baggage: Airlines are required to allow passengers to bring essential items (such as medication, medical devices, and electronics containing lithium batteries) into the cabin.
• Transparency: The DOT requires airlines to clearly disclose all baggage fees at the time of ticket purchase. Passengers with elite status or airline-branded credit cards often receive fee waivers.

The entry of dogs and cats into the U.S. is regulated by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the USDA (Department of Agriculture).

• Dogs: stricter CDC rules have applied since 1 August 2024: every dog must be at least 6 months old, microchipped and have the receipt of the online CDC Dog Import Form. Dogs from high-risk rabies countries face extra requirements (certificates, serology and arrival through specific airports).
• Vaccination: Dogs must be microchipped and possess recognized proof of rabies vaccination.
• Quarantine: Generally not required, provided all documentation is in compliance. It is recommended to check for specific restrictions in states with stricter independent laws (e.g., Hawaii).

• Unaccompanied minors: each airline sets the ages for its unaccompanied-minor service (usually 5 to 14) and charges a fee.
• Family seating: no federal rule currently guarantees a free seat next to a child (DOT proposed one in 2024). Several airlines have committed to seating children aged 13 and under next to an adult on the same booking at no cost; check DOT's Airline Family Seating Dashboard and the airline's policy.
• Travel Authorization: Although not required by the U.S. government for entry, it is highly recommended that minors traveling with only one parent or a third party carry a notarized consent letter, especially if dual citizenship or requirements from other countries are involved.

The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) prohibits discrimination against passengers with disabilities.

• Accessibility: Airlines must provide wheelchair assistance, priority boarding, and space for assistive devices (walkers, canes, etc.).
• Advance notice: wheelchair and boarding assistance is free and does not require advance notice, but telling the airline when booking helps; some services (such as medical oxygen) may require up to 48 hours' notice.
• TSA Cares: Passengers requiring special assistance during the security screening process can utilize the TSA Cares program to schedule personalized support at the checkpoint.

• DOT - Airline Consumer Rights: https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer
• Airline Customer Service Dashboard: https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/airline-customer-service-dashboard
• CDC - Bringing Dogs into the U.S.: https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/dogs.html
• TSA - Traveler Information: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/travel-tips
• ESTA - Department of Homeland Security: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/
• Travel.State.Gov (Visa Information): https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html