Brazil - domestic flights Brazil - strict about size of carry on luggage?

Hey everyone,

I will be traveling a lot in Brazil the next months, usually 4 day trips.
I'd love to avoid check-in for my luggage.

How strict are the air lines when it comes to the size of carry on luggage?
TAM has a 55x40x20 cm size limit.
That's tiny, it would be great to go a little bigger!

If I were to buy a bag that's 56x45x25 cm, will this be a problem for domestic flights in Brazil?
That's the official IATA max.

Hey everyone,

I will be traveling a lot in Brazil the next months, usually 4 day trips.
I'd love to avoid check-in for my luggage.

How strict are the air lines when it comes to the size of carry on luggage?
TAM has a 55x40x20 cm size limit.
That's tiny, it would be great to go a little bigger!

If I were to buy a bag that's 56x45x25 cm, will this be a problem for domestic flights in Brazil?
That's the official IATA max.

Welcome to Flyertalk 24837!

You can find some posts in this thread about carry-on luggage on TAM.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/other-north-south-america-frequent-flyer-programs/1010084-tam-carry-luggage-brazil.html

From my own experience, they are more concerned about weight than size. When they want to be strict, 5 KG is the max. For my past 43 monthly trips, I have only had that imposed twice, most recently a week ago. After boarding, I observed others with carry-on luggage that appeared larger and heavier (as they struggle to lift it) than mine, so I figure I got a new check-in agent who was going by the rules. It can depend on the location and the check-in agent. YMMV.

thanks qfrodo!

I guess I'll take the risk and go with the slightly oversized Rimowa Salsa Cabin Multiwheel Trolley then!
http://www.rimowa.de/produktsuche/details/876.56

fingers crossed at check-in! ;)

You won't have any problems with that specific cabin multi-wheel.

I've flown down from Europe to Rio and Sampa 2x this year, and the majority of passengers from Brasil all had new luggage onboard and checked-through. Some were way over the size and weight limit, which may have warranted an eye from Customs but not from the International aircarriers.

Domestically, the flights outbound from Rio were the same, as a few fellow passengers inbound from Europe were also on our flights. No problems seen or mentioned.

Europe and North America are real shopping sprees for the Brasilians at the moment.

They are indeed strict about the weight limits for checked bags, which are lower than you'll find in the U.S. Fees for extra weight are very height. If it's part of a direct international trip (without layovers), you get much more, but for domestic flights it's low, and that seems to be mainly what you're asking about. Í've never had my carry-on bags questioned. I doubt you'll have trouble on size alone, if it's close to the limits, but there are no guarantees. Know that lots of your fellow passengers will also be bringing on large bags, so you may find limited space, if any at all, in the overhead bins. You don't say where you're flying. I've only flown on Boeing 737s (Gol) and Airbus 319s and 320s (TAM) on domestic flights in Brazil, but smaller planes (e.g., Embraer) may be used on some routes and those, of course, have small overhead bins.

You used to get actual meals on domestic flights, even on the shortest of flights, but now you can expect, at best, a foil-wrapped sandwich, and drinks (including a weak beer). Curiously, Brazilians seem to be among the most impatient in terms of standing up to get their bags and head to the door when the plane lands. I've seen many people standing up as a plane is still taxiing to the gate, with attendants doing nothing (in fact, sitting behind closed curtain).

Boa sorte.

thanks guys, much appreciated! ^

time to go on a Rimowa shopping spree now! ;)

The best way to avoid someone ask about your carry on is to check in online or on the kiosk in Brazil. I have a TravelPro 22" and several times I was questioned about my bag size, usually on very crowded flights (Friday night/Monday morning). At the gate you can usually talk them into letting you in, but on the counter it can be tougher.

The best way to avoid someone ask about your carry on is to check in online or on the kiosk in Brazil. I have a TravelPro 22" and several times I was questioned about my bag size, usually on very crowded flights (Friday night/Monday morning). At the gate you can usually talk them into letting you in, but on the counter it can be tougher.

IME Carioca is correct.

Agent checkin often has the 5KG weight limit enforced, especially for crowded flights from the northeast (IME FOR is especially prone to weight limit enforcement). Using kiosk or online checkin has been 100% effective for me. The important point is to not have a checkin agent see your carryon and insist on weighing it.

I have never had anybody notice my carryon size but I do use a 55x40 bag, but with a 12cm height or so. I do avoid flying domestically on Fridays, except on the SDU-CGH-SDU flights, but I have never had anybody even glance at my carryon there, and many people seem to carry large, heavy carryons on the shuttles.

I am usually on TAM, sometimes GOL.

YMMV, for certain. The worst thing that can happen is that you be forced to check the piece.

Nobody ever at security or in the onboard process has ever paid any attention to my carryon. Not ever.

According to recent newspaper reports Tam and other airlines are now cracking down on passengers with bags over the 5 kg weight limit by taking them away at the gate for stowage. I have already had this happen once. It is intended for those using checkin machines to circumvent the absurdly low limit.

While there is a 5kg limit for checked in luggage, hardly anybody in Brazil respects that. As a matter of fact, a lot of people abuse and take not only heavier but much larger than normal suitcases with them. That's why TAM has recently enforced the limit.

Nevertheless, I don't think you'll have a problem with your little Rimowa. Go ahead!

24837

I just returned from a business trip to Brasil with no luggage problems on TAM or GOL with Rimowa. I am beginning to see much more Rimowa here with fellow passengers.

Service is another issue these days, with indifferent FA staff, and clean seating. How I miss Varig !

My combination of a Rimowa Porsche 2-wheel roller, with a Rimowa Notebook case on the top continues to work very well. Using Rio as a base with a larger checked case staying behind, I sometimes remove the file folders inside the Notebook which are velcro-attached, for extra room. That could include more clothing room. Collect the first cab and go: No need to wait for checked-luggage.

Back to Fall weather, warm stockings, gloves, and layering over suits !

They are indeed strict about the weight limits for checked bags, which are lower than you'll find in the U.S. Fees for extra weight are very height. If it's part of a direct international trip (without layovers), you get much more, but for domestic flights it's low, and that seems to be mainly what you're asking about. Í've never had my carry-on bags questioned. I doubt you'll have trouble on size alone, if it's close to the limits, but there are no guarantees. Know that lots of your fellow passengers will also be bringing on large bags, so you may find limited space, if any at all, in the overhead bins. You don't say where you're flying. I've only flown on Boeing 737s (Gol) and Airbus 319s and 320s (TAM) on domestic flights in Brazil, but smaller planes (e.g., Embraer) may be used on some routes and those, of course, have small overhead bins.


Could someone tell me what the allowance is for domestic economy on TAM? Flying SP-RJ this week and will have 2 checked bags. Their website says 23kg, but no mention of how many bags can be checked?

They are indeed strict about the weight limits for checked bags, which are lower than you'll find in the U.S. Fees for extra weight are very height. If it's part of a direct international trip (without layovers), you get much more, but for domestic flights it's low, and that seems to be mainly what you're asking about. Í've never had my carry-on bags questioned. I doubt you'll have trouble on size alone, if it's close to the limits, but there are no guarantees. Know that lots of your fellow passengers will also be bringing on large bags, so you may find limited space, if any at all, in the overhead bins. You don't say where you're flying. I've only flown on Boeing 737s (Gol) and Airbus 319s and 320s (TAM) on domestic flights in Brazil, but smaller planes (e.g., Embraer) may be used on some routes and those, of course, have small overhead bins.


Could someone tell me what the allowance is for domestic economy on TAM? Flying SP-RJ this week and will have 2 checked bags. Their website says 23kg, but no mention of how many bags can be checked?

NYEsq it is only one bag but you can try to check two if they are both light weight and not odd sized, if you are an elite member on Star Alliance or if you say you are connecting in an international Star Alliance flight.

Good luck!

NYEsq it is only one bag but you can try to check two if they are both light weight and not odd sized, if you are an elite member on Star Alliance or if you say you are connecting in an international Star Alliance flight.

Good luck!

Thanks!!

I am connecting to a OneWorld intnl flight (4 days later) and am OneWorld elite, but doesn't sound like that will probably help. I am checking 2 bags - one 23kg the other 16kg. Any idea how much I can expect to be charged for the 2nd bag?

NYEsq it is only one bag but you can try to check two if they are both light weight and not odd sized, if you are an elite member on Star Alliance or if you say you are connecting in an international Star Alliance flight.

Good luck!

Thanks!!

I am connecting to a OneWorld intnl flight (4 days later) and am OneWorld elite, but doesn't sound like that will probably help. I am checking 2 bags - one 23kg the other 16kg. Any idea how much I can expect to be charged for the 2nd bag?

No idea how much it would cost. Again, depending on who checks you in, may givebyou some slack or none at all.

Unfortunatelly Oneworld won't help much. TAM used to be the local parter for American Airlines but now Gol Airlines is.

Flying Gol would increase your chances to avoid charges.

We used the Ebags Motherlode convertable backpacks which are designed to be carry ons. Although they weighed a lot more than 5kgs due to the photography gear, we never got them weighed on check in and no one seemed concerned about the weight. They fit easily into the overhead lockers on both GOL and TAM.

You won't have any problems with that specific cabin multi-wheel.

I've flown down from Europe to Rio and Sampa 2x this year, and the majority of passengers from Brasil all had new luggage onboard and checked-through. Some were way over the size and weight limit, which may have warranted an eye from Customs but not from the International aircarriers.

Domestically, the flights outbound from Rio were the same, as a few fellow passengers inbound from Europe were also on our flights. No problems seen or mentioned.

Europe and North America are real shopping sprees for the Brasilians at the moment.

Two important points:
1) the weight limit for bags to/from Brazil originating anywhere is 32KG, regardless of class. Thus there are lots of heavey bags. If you continue on the same itinerary domestically you have the same weight limit.

2) the domestic size carry on limit is generally not a problem but is the same as international carry on. However, the 5 KG carry on limit is a rule. It is usually enforced in remote stations and usually not in major airports. However, YMMV. I have been caught at FOR, MAO, but never in the south. Be prepared! IME if forced to check the carryon they never have charged me to do so. However, YMMV on that too.Whatever you do be nice and courteous. If you know a word or two of Portuguese, use them.