Brazil's National Civil Aviation Agency, known as Anac, now prohibits airlines from charging fees to seat passengers under 16 years old next to their guardians [1].
The regulation addresses a long-standing point of contention for families, as many airlines previously charged premiums for guaranteed adjacent seating. By removing these costs, the agency ensures that child safety and supervision are not contingent on a passenger's ability to pay extra fees.
The new resolution was published in an extra edition of the Diário Oficial da União on July 8, 2026 [2]. The rule applies to all airlines operating under Brazilian jurisdiction, meaning both domestic and international carriers must comply when operating in the country [3].
Under the new guidelines, airlines are obliged to assign seats adjacent to the responsible adult for any passenger up to 15 years of age [1]. This mandate follows a judicial decision aimed at protecting the rights of minors and ensuring they travel with necessary supervision without additional financial burdens [4].
Anac has also established an enforcement mechanism to ensure compliance. The agency is now authorized to issue fines to airlines that continue to charge for these specific seating arrangements [5].
The move simplifies the booking process for families and eliminates the risk of children being separated from their parents due to automated seat assignment algorithms. It shifts the responsibility of seat coordination from the consumer to the carrier, provided the passenger meets the age requirement [1].
“Anac now prohibits airlines from charging fees to seat passengers under 16 years old next to their guardians.”
This regulatory shift indicates a priority for passenger rights over airline revenue models in Brazil. By codifying the right to free adjacent seating for minors, Brazil is challenging the 'unbundling' trend where airlines monetize basic seating preferences. The inclusion of financial penalties suggests that the government intends to strictly enforce these protections rather than relying on voluntary airline compliance.
