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Hand Luggage Inspection Tightened in 2025! Discover What Really Changed with the New Rules for Hand Luggage (In Practice) and Travel Stress-Free.
Traveling throughout Brazil in 2025 requires extra attention to the new hand luggage regulations. Lines, discussions, and extra costs have become common. The significant change is not in new laws, but in the much stricter inspections and the airlines’ “zero tolerance” policy. This guide explains everything clearly and directly.
Maximum Inspection and “Zero Tolerance” for the New Hand Luggage Rules
The main transformation felt by passengers in 2025 is the relentless enforcement of hand luggage rules. What was once overlooked now results in problems and costs. Airlines have intensified the use of scales and gauges (luggage measuring tools), especially at boarding gates. A “zero tolerance” policy has been adopted, where any excess, no matter how minimal, such as just 1 cm or 200g over, can result in mandatory and charged check-in of the bag. The previous flexibility has disappeared.
This strict inspection also affects personal items. Larger bags and backpacks, even when carried as personal items, are rigorously assessed. If they do not fit properly under the seat or exceed the airline’s measurements, they may be added to the main luggage, resulting in check-in as well. This stricter stance is the major reason for the perception of a new hand luggage rule.
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The ANAC Standard for Your Hand Luggage in 2025
The National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) establishes basic guidelines for safety and comfort. Generally, the main hand luggage should not exceed 10 kg. The maximum dimensions are 55 cm in height x 35 cm in width x 25 cm in depth, including all external parts such as wheels and handles. Additionally, every passenger is entitled to carry one free personal item, such as a small bag or compact backpack, which must fit under the seat in front of you. ANAC does not usually specify exact weight or dimensions for this item, focusing instead on its accommodation.
However, it is crucial to understand that ANAC defines the minimum. Airlines have the autonomy to adopt more restrictive rules or offer differentiated conditions, especially according to the fare purchased. Therefore, always check the specific rules of your airline and ticket before traveling.
Attention to the Specific Rules of Airlines (2025)
Although the ANAC standard serves as a basis, each airline has its particularities, with some important updates since May 2025.
Gol Linhas Aéreas defines its main luggage, now called “Small Bag”, with a limit of up to 10 kg and dimensions of 55x35x25 cm. The personal item can weigh up to 10 kg and measure 45x35x20 cm, and may receive a tag for identification. The “zero tolerance” policy is applied rigorously.
At LATAM Airlines, the “Small Bag” has a variable weight limit: up to 12 kg in Economy, while in Premium Economy or Premium Business, up to 16 kg. The dimensions are 55x35x25 cm. The personal item, called “Personal Item up to 10kg”, follows the limit of 10 kg and 45x35x20 cm. An important alert is for the “Basic” fare, which includes only the personal item. The “small bag” (main hand luggage) must be purchased separately and in advance; otherwise, a higher fee will be charged at the boarding gate. The “zero tolerance” policy is also a practice.
Azul Linhas Aéreas allows a main bag of up to 10 kg with 55x35x25 cm. The personal item must have maximum dimensions of 45x35x20 cm, and although Azul does not specify a weight limit, it must fit under the seat in front. Otherwise, it may be checked, possibly with a fee. On highly occupied flights, the airline may offer free check-in of hand luggage at the gate.
VoePass generally follows the ANAC standard, with luggage of up to 10 kg (55x35x25 cm) and a personal item that fits under the seat, aligning with the trend of more attentive inspections. The changes in nomenclature and detailed specifications require you to carefully read the rules of your ticket.
Direct Impacts of the New Hand Luggage Rule: High Costs and Much Irritation
Failing to comply with the rules results in financial consequences and inconveniences. If the luggage exceeds the limits at the gate, check-in is compulsory and the fees charged on site are considerably higher than those paid in advance – Gol, for example, mentions R$ 160 for check-in purchased less than 48 hours in advance. This process of verification, discussion, and payment at the gate delays boarding for everyone, generating the lines and dissatisfaction that have been observed.
Travel Without a Headache in 2025
For a smooth boarding experience, proactivity is essential. The most crucial step is to always check your airline’s rules and your specific fare before you even start packing. Check the airline’s website or your ticket confirmation. Then, weigh and measure your luggage accurately at home, using a scale and tape measure, and make sure to include wheels, handles, and external pockets. Organize your belongings efficiently, prioritizing essential items to optimize space and weight. Pay extra attention to the personal item, ensuring that it really fits under the seat in front of you and complies with the airline’s dimension and, if applicable, weight limits. As a precaution, arrive early at the airport, as the strict inspection may require extra time. And, if you already know that your hand luggage will exceed the limits, it is financially more advantageous to buy the checked luggage allowance online, in advance, than to pay high fees at the airport.
Regarding what can or cannot be taken, on domestic flights, the rules for non-medical liquids are generally more flexible than on international trips. Still, it is vital to check your airline’s policies, as some, like Gol and Azul, may have specific limits for aerosols, such as containers of up to 300ml and a total restriction. Solid foods are usually allowed, but pasty or liquid items may follow the liquid rules or be barred; also avoid those with strong odors. Medicines are permitted, especially with a prescription – which should be kept handy, especially for controlled items or large quantities of liquids. If they require refrigeration, such as insulin, contact the airline beforehand.
Electronic devices like cellphones and laptops are allowed, but loose lithium batteries (power banks) must go in hand luggage and be protected. Small sharp objects, such as nail clippers with blades up to 6cm and rounded scissors, are usually accepted. However, knives and daggers are prohibited. It is important to note that LATAM has stricter restrictions on items like metal nail files and tweezers in the cabin, and Gol does not allow acetone. E-cigarettes should be transported in hand luggage, but their use on board is strictly prohibited. When in doubt about any item, the safest rule is to check in or not take it, or to consult the airline directly.
Your Rights in Case of Problems
Even with preparation, conflicts may arise. If this happens at the airport, maintain calmness and politeness when dealing with staff. If you believe that a rule is being applied incorrectly, request to speak with a supervisor from the airline. Have your ticket confirmation on hand, in digital or printed format, and, if possible, a copy of the airline’s baggage rules. If the issue is not resolved, you can later file a formal complaint through the Consumidor.gov.br platform, which is monitored by ANAC, or directly through the customer service channels of ANAC itself.
Fazer protesto de não viajar por 90 dias para flexibilizar regras. Bagagem até 23kg para despachar gratuitamente. Só viaja quem precisa trabalhar. Estão prejudicando o comércio das cidades que visitamos. Deixamos de comprar, porque não dá para carregar. Tem às feirinnhas no Nordeste, por exemplo, que todos gostam de comprar e sustentam famílias.
Eu sei quais são os custos do meu veículo, assim também os proprietários das cias aéreas sabem o custos de suas aeronaves. Quem não quiser pagar o preço vai com seu próprio veículo.
Perfeito. As regras existem para serem respeitadas por todos. Então por que alguns acham que podem mais que os outros? Cumpra-se a lei.