Estados Unidos

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*).

U.S. regulations do not mandate cash compensation for delays or cancellations. Rights are governed by each airline’s *Contract of Carriage*, but the DOT sets the following guidelines for 2026:

• 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: There is no federal law requiring airlines to provide hotel or meal vouchers for weather-related or mechanical delays. However, most major airlines have voluntarily committed to the DOT’s *Airline Customer Service Dashboard* to provide meal vouchers after 3-hour delays and lodging for overnight disruptions.
• 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: Since 2024/2026, rules have been streamlined but remain stringent. All dogs must be at least 6 months old, healthy, and have a *CDC Dog Import Form* submitted online prior to arrival.
• 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 its own minimum age (typically between 5 and 14 years old) for "Unaccompanied Minor" services. Additional fees apply.
• Family Seating: The DOT requires airlines to guarantee, at no additional cost, that children under 14 are seated next to an accompanying adult on the same reservation, whenever possible.
• 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.).
• Assistance: Passengers with special needs have the right to request airport assistance with at least 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.

• Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended date of departure from the U.S. (exceptions apply to *Six-Month Club* countries).
• 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.

• 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