Air passenger rights
Did you know that airlines have legal obligations to you when something goes wrong with your flight?
Here are some of the main rights guaranteed by ANAC (Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency):
1. Flight delays and cancellations
If your flight is delayed by at least 1 hour, you are already entitled to assistance:
- From 1 hour: free communication (phone, internet)
- From 2 hours: food (voucher, snack, etc.)
- From 4 hours: accommodation (if needed) and transportation to and from it
- Cancellation: the right to rebooking, a full refund, or travel by another means
2. Lost baggage
- The airline has up to 7 days (domestic flights) or 21 days (international flights) to locate your bag.
- If it is not found, you are entitled to compensation.
- During that period, the airline must cover emergency expenses.
3. The right to information
The airline must promptly and clearly explain the reason for the problem, the expected resolution time, and the options available.
4. Refunds
You can request a refund in cases such as:
- Cancellation by the airline
- Delays longer than 4 hours
- A flight change that no longer works for you
5. Changes made by the airline
If the airline changes your flight time less than 72 hours before departure, you are entitled to:
- A full refund
- Rebooking on another flight
- Transportation by another means
Conclusion
Air travel should be a smooth experience—and knowing your rights is the first step toward making that happen. If you encounter a problem, do not hesitate to ask for what you are entitled to. If necessary, file a complaint through ANAC or Procon.
Come back to this guide whenever you need it. Information is your best ally for traveling with safety, confidence, and peace of mind. 💚