Brazil's Aviation Agency Wants to Allow Air Companies to Charge for Checked Luggage

03/11/2016 - 09h53

Brazil's National Civil Aviation Agency (Anac) will publish a proposal by the end of this week to change the rules of passengers' rights in domestic flights.

The proposed changes include allowing air companies to charge for luggage that passengers check in - today, all companies are required to permit each passenger to take up to 23 kilos in their luggage which is stored in aircraft's cargo hold.

The proposal is to end the mandatory limit - each company will decide when they will charge for the luggage or allow passengers to take luggage free of charge (for frequent flyers, for example). The measure is common in the U.S and Europe.

The limit for carry-on items also could change. The proposal calls for an increase in the weight limit from today's 5 kilos per passenger to 10 kilos.

Anac also proposed to limit to 24 hours the assistance provided by air companies to passengers in case flights are cancelled or delayed. The assistance period today is unlimited.

The proposals will be in public hearing for a period of 30 days so that any person may suggest inclusions and alterations in the new rule.

Anac's Chief Executive Officer, Marcelo Guaranys, says that the change aims to create conditions to reduce the judicialization of the conflicts between air companies and customers and also to increase the possibility of companies of different segments, such as those of low-cost tickets, to enter the country.

The more flexible rules tend to reduce the costs of air tickets at a moment that Brazilian companies are facing successive losses.

Translated by THOMAS MUELLO

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	Marcos Moraes/Brazil Photo Press/Folhapress
	Anac will publish a proposal to change the rules of passengers' rights in domestic flights