Rules on board
What you can and can't bring on a plane
From the X-ray to deplaning, what's allowed and what's forbidden. Some rules are law and apply to everyone; others vary from airline to airline.
1
Allowed
At the airport and the X-ray
- Carrying liquids in your carry-on on domestic flights in Brazil. There's no volume limit on them, unlike international flights.
- Bringing food to eat at the airport or on the plane.
- Going through with an empty bottle and filling it after the X-ray.
- Asking for a manual search if you have a pacemaker or medical equipment.
- Leaving your bag unattended at any time. It may be removed and destroyed.
- Carrying a bag or package for strangers, even if they ask nicely.
- Joking about bombs or weapons. It is treated as a real threat and can lead to arrest.
- Carrying sharp or dangerous objects in your carry-on, such as knives, pocketknives, tools and bats. See the table below.
2
Allowed
At boarding
- Getting priority if you are 60 or older, pregnant, with a baby in arms or have a disability. It's the law in Brazil.
- Taking the stroller to the aircraft door, on most airlines.
- Traveling with a guide dog at no cost, always.
- Arriving at the gate after boarding has closed. The airline may not let you board.
- Boarding visibly drunk or under the influence of drugs. The airline can deny boarding.
- Sitting in the emergency exit row if you are a minor, traveling with a child or unable to help open the door. The minimum age is set by the airline.
3
Allowed
During the flight
- Using your phone in airplane mode, in all phases of flight, if the airline allows it. In-flight Wi-Fi can be turned on in airplane mode.
- Reclining your seat during cruise.
- Going to the restroom and stretching when the seat belt sign is off.
- Asking for water and help from the flight attendants at any time.
- Smoking, including e-cigarettes, anywhere on the plane, restrooms included. It is prohibited by law and there are smoke detectors.
- Disobeying the crew. Safety instructions are mandatory. Anyone who causes trouble can be removed from the plane and face legal action.
- Standing up with the seat belt sign on, during takeoff or landing.
- Drinking alcohol you brought yourself. On board, only drinks served by the crew are allowed.
- Tampering with doors, exits or smoke detectors. It is a crime against flight safety.
- Leaving your bag in the aisle or on the floor of the emergency row.
Carry-on or checked bag?
| Item | Carry-on | Checked bag |
|---|---|---|
| Power banks, lithium batteries and e-cigarettes | ✓ Allowed | ✕ Not allowed |
| Phone, laptop and tablet | ✓ Allowed | Avoid |
| Medicines | ✓ Allowed, with prescription | ✓ Allowed |
| Liquids on a domestic flight | ✓ Allowed | ✓ Allowed |
| Liquids over 100 ml on an international flight | ✕ Not allowed | ✓ Allowed |
| Lighter or box of matches | Only 1, carried on you | ✕ Not allowed |
| Knives, pocketknives and large scissors | ✕ Not allowed | ✓ Allowed |
| Tools, bats and sticks | ✕ Not allowed | ✓ Allowed |
| Firearms and ammunition | ✕ Not allowed | Only with authorization and special check-in |
| Fireworks, gases, paints and flammable products | ✕ Not allowed | ✕ Not allowed |
| Food | ✓ Allowed | ✓ Allowed |
On international flights, duty-free products can go in your carry-on if they are sealed with the receipt. Power banks: at most 2 per person, up to 100 Wh. From 100 to 160 Wh, only with airline approval; above that, they are forbidden. Since April 2026, ANAC has banned recharging power banks on board and recommends not using them to charge other devices. Some airlines ban their use during the flight. Other countries may restrict food at entry. Always check the rules of your airline and your destination.
