On 4 November 2025, Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies approved, in a surprise late-night vote, Bill 5.405/23, which would once again oblige airlines to carry at least one piece of checked baggage of up to 23 kg on all domestic itineraries at no extra cost. The proposal still needs Senate approval and presidential sanction, but it has already sparked an intense debate between consumer-rights advocates and a financially fragile airline industry.
Background – Brazil eliminated mandatory free baggage in 2017, part of a wider liberalisation intended to attract low-cost carriers and reduce average ticket prices. Airlines such as LATAM, GOL and Azul quickly adopted “basic economy” fares without a bag, arguing that the unbundled model expanded choice and stimulated demand. Since then, however, airfares have risen faster than inflation while carriers accumulated heavy losses; Azul entered judicial recovery protection in October and GOL only recently exited bankruptcy-court oversight.
![Brazilian Congress advances bill to reinstate free checked bags on domestic flights]()
What the bill says – If enacted, passengers on domestic routes would once again be entitled to check one bag (23 kg for narrow-body aircraft; 30 kg for wide-bodies) or one item of sporting equipment without paying an ancillary fee. Airlines that fail to comply face fines of up to R$ 15,000 per infringement. The bill preserves airlines’ freedom to charge for additional or overweight items and does not affect international itineraries.
Industry reaction – Brazil’s airline association (ABEAR) warned the measure will "reverse a decade of commercial freedom," eliminate entry-level fares and deter new low-cost entrants such as JetSmart. Airlines claim baggage fees today represent roughly 6 % of their revenue and help offset the high cost of jet fuel and airport charges. Consumer groups and the bill’s sponsors counter that promised fare reductions never materialised and that re-regulation will restore fairness and transparency for travellers.
Practical implications – Corporate travel managers should prepare for possible fare restructuring and contract renegotiations if the bill becomes law. Companies that negotiated "hand-luggage-only" discounts may see those disappear, while travel policies that reimbursed bag fees will need updating. Multinationals relocating staff domestically could benefit from lower relocation costs, but airlines may respond by increasing base fares. The Senate is expected to consider the text later in November; observers anticipate fierce lobbying on both sides.
Background – Brazil eliminated mandatory free baggage in 2017, part of a wider liberalisation intended to attract low-cost carriers and reduce average ticket prices. Airlines such as LATAM, GOL and Azul quickly adopted “basic economy” fares without a bag, arguing that the unbundled model expanded choice and stimulated demand. Since then, however, airfares have risen faster than inflation while carriers accumulated heavy losses; Azul entered judicial recovery protection in October and GOL only recently exited bankruptcy-court oversight.
What the bill says – If enacted, passengers on domestic routes would once again be entitled to check one bag (23 kg for narrow-body aircraft; 30 kg for wide-bodies) or one item of sporting equipment without paying an ancillary fee. Airlines that fail to comply face fines of up to R$ 15,000 per infringement. The bill preserves airlines’ freedom to charge for additional or overweight items and does not affect international itineraries.
Industry reaction – Brazil’s airline association (ABEAR) warned the measure will "reverse a decade of commercial freedom," eliminate entry-level fares and deter new low-cost entrants such as JetSmart. Airlines claim baggage fees today represent roughly 6 % of their revenue and help offset the high cost of jet fuel and airport charges. Consumer groups and the bill’s sponsors counter that promised fare reductions never materialised and that re-regulation will restore fairness and transparency for travellers.
Practical implications – Corporate travel managers should prepare for possible fare restructuring and contract renegotiations if the bill becomes law. Companies that negotiated "hand-luggage-only" discounts may see those disappear, while travel policies that reimbursed bag fees will need updating. Multinationals relocating staff domestically could benefit from lower relocation costs, but airlines may respond by increasing base fares. The Senate is expected to consider the text later in November; observers anticipate fierce lobbying on both sides.
