Senate approves free dispatch of luggage up to 23 kg on domestic flights

The Federal Senate approved, this Tuesday (17), the conversion bill (PLV 5/2022), arising from the provisional measure (MP) of the Simple Flight, which restores to passengers the right to carry luggage weighing up to 23 kilograms on domestic flights and up to 30 kilograms for international trips. The text had been approved by the Chamber of Deputies in April.

Currently, consumers traveling to national destinations can take 10 kilos of luggage in the cabin, without paying additional fees. If it is necessary to dispatch, the consumer will have to pay a fee that varies according to the weight of the bag.

In addition to free dispatch, the measure also provides for changes to the Brazilian Aeronautical Code and other laws that govern air transport, with the objective of simplifying and updating processes and procedures related to the air sector and the performance of the National Civil Aviation Agency (Anac ).

Authored by Deputy General Peternelli (União-SP), the text has Senator Carlos Viana (PL-MG) as rapporteur. Measure now returns to the Chamber.

Criticism of the project

After being approved by the Chamber, the National Secretary of Civil Aviation of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Ronei Glanzmann, said earlier this month that the return of free baggage clearance in commercial aviation is a “great setback”, which feeds the scenario of legal uncertainty. in Brazil, one of the reasons why new airlines have not yet set up shop in the country, he said.

“Attracting a new airline to Brazil is a work of many years, sometimes of decades”, stated Glanzmann in a public hearing promoted by the Committees on Infrastructure and Economic Affairs of the Senate.

He recalled that Brazil faces structural issues, such as the high price of fuel in the assessment. “There is homework being done,” the secretary said. “The baggage has to do with the competitiveness agenda. We need more airlines in Brazil, today we have three,” he said.

aircraft leasing

Also this Tuesday, the Federal Senate approved the Provisional Measure that provides exemption from Income Tax Withheld at Source (IRRF) for payments for leasing (leasing) of aircraft by Brazilian companies to companies abroad. Text goes to the sanction or veto of the presidency of the Republic.

The tax reduction is valid until the end of 2026, but for 2022 and 2023, the MP reduces the rate from 15% to zero. The proposal also provides for a rate of 1% for 2024; 2% for 2025 and 3% for 2026.