Brazil's airlines to introduce checked baggage fees next month

Starting next month, airlines that run domestic flights in Brazil will start charging for checked baggage and offer fare discounts for passengers not using the service. They were authorized to introduce the charges on April 28, when a court overturned an injunction against the new baggage regulations.

As of June 20, Gol Linhas Aéreas will offer a cheaper fare (called “Light”) for passengers who do not check in baggage. The regular fares, on the other hand, will include a checked baggage allowance of 23 kilos. If customers who purchased Light tickets decide to check in baggage later, they will be charged separately—R$30 ($9.50) for one bag weighing up to 23 kilos, for tickets bought from travel agencies or on self-service channels. For payments over the check-in counter, the fee will be twice that amount.

Azul will offer up to 30% cheaper fares as of June 1 for non-baggage passengers of flights departing from Viracopos Airport in Campinas, São Paulo, to 14 Brazilian destinations. Passengers buying this fare will still be able to choose to buy additional 23-kilo baggage check services if they change their mind, for a fee of R$30 ($9.50). The new option will be introduced gradually to other flights to expand coverage to all routes. Customers who purchase regular fares will still be allowed to check in luggage weighing up to 23 kilos.

LATAM Airlines said its baggage rules remain unchanged, and any future changes will be announced through the company's official channels. The company had previously announced it was going to introduce a R$50 ($15.70) charge later this year for one 23-kilo bag checked in by passengers on domestic flights.

Avianca said it wants to think the issue over in the coming months so it can create custom fare products that suit the needs of different customer groups. The company said it will adhere to all the rules approved by the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) within the deadline.

Consumers

National Civil Aviation Agency said the baggage policy change could benefit customers by reducing the air fares offered in the country. But the Brazilian Consumer Protection Institute (IDEC) contends that the decision to split baggage charges are intended to increase profits for airlines rather than adding transparency.

Translated by Mayra Borges