Brazil's Anac Mandates Free Adjacent Seating for Minors Under 16
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Brazil's National Civil Aviation Agency (Anac) has officially regulated a rule ensuring that passengers under 16 years old can sit next to their guardians or family members without any additional charge for seat selection. This regulation, published in an extraordinary edition of the Official Gazette of the Union, addresses a judicial decision and reinforces a rule that has been in effect since 2023. Airlines will face fines if they charge for seat marking for these minors. The obligation applies both at the time of ticket purchase and in cases of reservation changes. However, Anac clarifies that this free adjacent seating does not apply if the passenger chooses seats with extra benefits, such as increased legroom, or opts for a different travel class. In such scenarios, airlines are permitted to charge the standard fees for these upgraded services.
This regulatory update by Anac addresses a potential financial burden on families traveling with minors, aligning with a judicial mandate. By ensuring free adjacent seating for children under 16, the agency aims to enhance passenger comfort and reduce ancillary fee complexities. The regulation balances consumer protection with commercial flexibility, allowing airlines to charge for premium seating options. This move reflects a broader trend in aviation regulation, where oversight is increasingly focused on passenger rights and equitable access, particularly for vulnerable groups. Future considerations may involve standardizing such protections across different age groups or travel scenarios to further streamline the passenger experience and prevent potential disputes over ancillary charges.
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