Stuck at the airport in Brazil due to a delayed or canceled flight?
Don’t sweat it – you’ve got rights.
Here’s your need-to-know guide on how to make the best of a bad situation and get the care and compensation you deserve.
Flight disruptions happen, but Brazilian law says airlines gotta own up to the inconvenience they cause. We’re talking free food, drinks, accommodations, transportation, and communication access when delays hit certain time thresholds. Two hour delay? Have a snack on us. Four hours? We’ll set you up with a hotel room for the night. Airlines are on the hook to get you to your destination ASAP, with rebookings, refunds, or even alternate transport like a bus. And they’ve got to keep you updated every 30 minutes on delays.
What if the airline bumps you from an overbooked flight?
Mandatory compensation kicks in, up to $680 for international and $340 for domestic. And you still get first dibs on boarding the next flight.
Traveling with little ones or have special needs? You get priority assistance and accommodations.
While extraordinary circumstances like weather may limit compensation, you’ve still got a right to care.
Flight length | Denied Boarding | Delays & cancellations |
Domestic flight | 250 SDR (around $340) | _ |
Interantional flight | 500 SDR (around $680) | _ |
Moral Damage (Denied care, missed importent event, etc)
| Around $1,800 | Around $1,800 |
Care & Assistance
Flight delay | Denied Boarding | Cancel original flight & get refunded |
1 Hour | Communication (internet, phone calls, etc.) | _ |
2 Hours | Food | _ |
4 Hours
| Hotel in case of overnight stay, and round-trip transfer. Rebook with alternate transport. | ✔️ |
When can you seek compensation for moral damage after a delayed or cancelled flight?
Moral damage is granted under the Cunsumer act. It will depend on the specifics. Long delays where the airline leaves you stranded with no alternatives or support are more likely to warrant damages. For example, compensation was awarded for an over 8 hour delay without assistance, and for a 9 hour delay that caused someone to miss their father’s final hours. But another 8 hour delay didn’t merit compensation since the airline offered hotel stays and a rerouted flight. The bottom line: you have the best case if the airline leaves you high and dry for an egregiously long time. Aim for around $1,800 if you decide to pursue a moral damage claim.
Bottom line – you have options if your flight goes sideways in Brazil. Know your rights and get the care and compensation you deserve, hassle-free. ANAC 400 has got your back.
So… Who Can Apply?
Brazil’s airline regulation ANAC 400 applies to everyone – citizens and foreigners alike. As long as your journey involves a Brazilian airport, you’re covered, whether it’s a domestic or international flight, a connection, or a ticket purchased in Brazil.