Complete Guide to Azul Baggage Policy and Other Rules

Welcome to Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras! Founded in 2008 by David Neeleman, the same person behind JetBlue, Azul quickly became a major player in Brazil’s skies. In just over ten years, it grew into Brazil’s biggest airline, serving more cities than any other. Azul connects Brazil like never before with its vast network. From key hubs like Campinas (Viracopos), Belo Horizonte (Confins), and Recife, Azul flies to over 150 places. While it focuses strongly on Brazil, it also flies internationally to places like Fort Lauderdale and Orlando in the U.S., Lisbon and Paris in Europe, and various cities in South America.

What makes Azul stand out? It mixes budget-friendly efficiency with great customer service. Unlike many low-cost airlines, Azul puts passengers first. This is the airline that gives you free, unlimited brand-name snacks and drinks on every domestic flight – a perk that travelers in Brazil love. Many of their planes also have live TV, which is nice for catching up on news or sports during your flight. Their main strength is their smart network, which not only covers big cities but also reaches smaller, often-ignored regional towns, making travel easier for millions.

This guide is your co-pilot for everything Azul. We’ll go over their policies, from baggage rules to their in-flight food. We’ll cover costs for extra luggage, how to fly with pets, and other important services like cancellations and special needs. By the end, you’ll be ready to book your ticket and have a smooth trip with Brazil’s favorite blue airline.

Azul Checked Baggage Policy

Knowing the airline’s luggage rules is key to a relaxed trip. Make sure you know the specific Azul baggage dimensions and weight limits before you pack. Azul mainly uses a “Piece Concept.” This means your baggage allowance depends on how many bags you have, the fare you bought, and where you’re flying. This system is clear and means you only pay for the luggage you really need. Your allowance changes a lot between domestic and international flights, so always check your ticket type.

Piece Concept

With the Piece Concept, your allowance is set by a specific number of bags, each with its own weight and size limits. Azul has different fare types: Tarifa Azul (the most basic) and Mais Azul (which includes one checked bag). These affect what you get on domestic and some international flights. For longer international flights, even the cheapest fare usually includes checked bags. Just remember, the standard maximum size for any checked bag on Azul is 158 cm (62 linear inches). You measure this by adding the bag’s length, width, and height. Any bag bigger than this is considered oversized and will cost extra.

To make it simpler, here’s a breakdown of checked baggage limits based on your route and cabin class.

Note: If you have top status in Azul’s loyalty program, TudoAzul, you might get an extra bag, no matter your fare. Always check your ticket for the exact allowance when booking.

Azul Prohibited Items in Checked Baggage

For everyone’s safety, Azul, like all airlines, bans or restricts certain items in checked bags. Packing something forbidden can cause delays, get your item taken away, or even lead to fines. Leave these at home:

• Explosives and Flammable Stuff: Think fireworks, flares, gunpowder, gas canisters, aerosol cans (unless they’re small personal toiletries), flammable liquids like gasoline, and fake explosive devices.
• Gases: Compressed gases, like oxygen tanks (unless medically approved), propane, and butane, are not allowed.
• Poisons and Infectious Items: Items like pesticides, weed killers, and lab specimens are forbidden.
• Corrosives: Things like car batteries, mercury, acids, and alkalis can’t go in your checked luggage.
• Radioactive Materials: Anything that gives off radiation is strictly banned.
• Lithium Batteries: Extra or loose lithium-ion batteries (like power banks or spare batteries for electronics) must go in your carry-on baggage. Protect them individually to avoid short circuits. Small lithium batteries in devices are usually okay in checked bags, but it’s always safer to keep your devices with you. I always do this.
• E-cigarettes and Vaping Devices: These need to be in your carry-on, not checked.
• Valuables and Personal Items: It’s strongly advised not to pack things like jewelry, cash, important papers, laptops, cameras, medicine, or keys in your checked bags. Keep these with you in the cabin.

Azul Extra Baggage Fee

If you pack more than your allowance, don’t worry. Azul lets you buy extra bags, but the cost can really change. The big question is, how much does Azul charge for extra baggage? It depends on when you buy it, your route, and how many extra bags you need. A good rule is: buying extra bags online beforehand is always cheaper than paying at the airport. It’s a simple way to save a bit of money.

Here are the approximate fees you can expect. Prices can change and are often in Brazilian Reais (BRL) for domestic flights and USD/EUR for international routes.

For Domestic Flights in Brazil:

These prices are for basic “Azul” fare passengers or for those on “Mais Azul” fare who need a second or third bag.

• First Bag (for Azul fare):
  • Online/App (more than 6 hours before flight): Around R$99
  • Online/App (less than 6 hours before flight): Around R$140
  • At the Airport: Around R$140
• Second Bag:
  • Online/App (more than 6 hours before flight): Around R$129
  • At the Airport: Around R$160
• Third Bag and More (per bag):
  • Online/App (more than 6 hours before flight): Around R$159
  • At the Airport: Around R$190

For International Flights (South America):

• First Bag (for Economy fare):
  • Online/App: Around USD 30
  • At the Airport: Around USD 50
• Second Bag:
  • Online/App: Around USD 40
  • At the Airport: Around USD 60

For International Flights (USA & Europe):

Economy passengers already get two bags. These fees are for extra bags.

• Third Bag:
  • Online/App or at the Airport: Around USD 150
• Fourth Bag and More:
  • Online/App or at the Airport: Around USD 150

Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees:
If your bag is too heavy or too big, extra fees will apply on top of any extra bag charges.

• Overweight Baggage (23.1 kg to 32 kg / 51 to 70 lbs): This is usually a flat fee per piece. For domestic and international flights, expect to pay about R$220 or USD/EUR 60. Bags over 32 kg (70 lbs) might be accepted as cargo for an extra fee. On flights to/from Europe and the US, bags over 32 kg aren’t taken as checked baggage.
• Oversized Baggage (over 158 cm / 62 in): A flat fee also applies for bags that are too large. This is generally around R$220 or USD/EUR 60 per piece. The absolute max size for special baggage is 292 cm (115 in).

Azul Carry-On Baggage Policy

Azul keeps its carry-on policy simple and consistent for all flights and cabin classes. Each passenger can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item for free. Stick to the size and weight limits, as gate agents might check. Oversized bags will be checked into the hold, often for a hefty fee. It’s good to double-check before you get to the gate.

The total weight of 10 kg is for your main carry-on bag. Your personal item usually doesn’t count towards this, as long as it’s actually small. This seems fair.

Azul Carry-On Baggage Additions

Besides your main carry-on bag, you can bring one personal item. This item must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. This helps keep the overhead bins free for bigger carry-on bags. Allowed personal items include:

• A handbag, purse, or small backpack
• A laptop bag with a laptop
• A briefcase
• A diaper bag for passengers with an infant
• A small bag with items bought at the airport’s duty-free shops.

You can also carry on mobility aids like crutches, a cane, or a foldable walker, plus an overcoat or a small blanket.

Azul Carry-On Baggage Restrictions

For cabin safety, certain items are not allowed in your carry-on. The most common restriction is for liquids. Azul’s liquid allowance for carry-on bags follows global rules to prevent security risks.

• Liquids, Gels, Pastes, and Aerosols: All these items must be in containers of 100 ml (3.4 ounces) or less.
• The 3-1-1 Rule: These small containers must fit into one transparent, resealable plastic bag, about 20 cm x 20 cm (quart-sized). Each passenger gets only one such bag.
• Exceptions: Medications, baby formula, breast milk, and baby food are exceptions for essential needs. You must tell security officers about these items, and they might need extra checks. It’s important to remember this.

Other forbidden items in carry-on bags include:

• Sharp Objects: Knives (including pocket knives), box cutters, scissors with blades over 6 cm (4 inches), razor blades, and anything with a sharp edge or point.
• Sporting Goods: Items like baseball bats, golf clubs, hockey sticks, and pool cues need to be checked.
• Firearms: All firearms are banned from the cabin.
• Self-Defense Items: Pepper spray and mace are not allowed in either carry-on or checked bags on most routes.
• Tools: Real tools like drills, saws, and wrenches must go in checked baggage.

Azul Food Policy

One of Azul’s most loved features is its generous and unique approach to in-flight meals, especially on domestic flights. The airline has earned a loyal following by offering more than just a free cup of water. Whether you’re on a short flight between Brazilian cities or a long trip to Europe, you can expect a different dining experience. The Azul food menu changes a lot depending on the route and flight time, but they always aim to please.

On Domestic Brazilian Flights:
This is where Azul really stands out. On all domestic flights, no matter how long, passengers get free and unlimited snacks. Instead of a pre-packaged snack box, flight attendants bring out big baskets filled with goodies, letting you pick your favorites. The selection usually includes:

• Aviõezinhos: Their famous snack! These are airplane-shaped gummy candies that are a big hit with everyone.
• Potato Chips: A classic salty option.
• Goiabinha Cookies: Small, tasty cookies with guava paste inside.
• Whole-Wheat Snacks: A healthier, savory cracker-like snack.
• Peanuts: Another popular savory choice.

To go with the snacks, Azul offers a full range of free drinks, including sodas, juices, water, and fresh coffee. This whole service is free, and you can ask for more.

On International Flights:
For longer international trips, Azul offers a full meal service that’s as good as legacy carriers.

• Economy Class: On flights to the USA and Europe, passengers get at least one free hot meal. The service usually includes a choice between two main dishes, like chicken or pasta, with a side salad, a bread roll, and a dessert. Before landing, a second, lighter meal or a snack box is usually served. Wine and beer are also free.
• Business Class: The experience in Azul’s Business Class is a real culinary journey. It starts with a welcome drink, followed by a fancy multi-course meal. The menu, created by famous chefs, features high-quality starters, a choice of several amazing main courses, a cheese plate, and delicious desserts. This is paired with a selection of premium wines, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks.

Special Meals and Purchases:
Azul does offer options for passengers with dietary needs. Special meals, like vegetarian (VGML), gluten-free (GFML), and children’s meals (CHML), can be requested on international flights. You need to ask for this at least 72 hours before departure by calling the airline. On domestic flights, the standard snacks offer some variety, but specific dietary meals aren’t available. Right now, Azul doesn’t have a buy-on-board menu for extra food, as their free service is meant to be enough for the flight.

Azul Pet Policy

Azul knows pets are family, and their “Pet na Cabine” (Pet in Cabin) service lets you travel with your small dog or cat. The airline has clear rules for the comfort and safety of both the animal and other passengers. Traveling with a pet needs good planning, as there are strict rules for size, paperwork, and booking.

Cost of Transport:
There’s a non-refundable fee to bring a pet in the cabin. The fee changes based on the route:

• Domestic Flights (within Brazil): The fee is about R$250 per pet, per flight. This is a reasonable cost.
• International Flights: The fee is about USD 150 / EUR 150 per pet, per flight.

Size, Weight, and Carrier Limits:
Azul has specific requirements for pets and their carriers to ensure they fit safely under the seat.

• Weight Limit: The pet and its carrier together must not be more than 7 kg (15.4 lbs).
• Carrier Type: You can use a hard-sided or soft-sided carrier. It must be clean, leak-proof, and well-ventilated.
• Carrier Dimensions:
  • Hard-sided carrier: Max size is 43 cm x 31.5 cm x 20 cm.
  • Soft-sided carrier: Max size is 43 cm x 31.5 cm x 20 cm. The soft bag should be flexible enough to fit under the seat.

Required Documents:
Proper paperwork is vital for traveling with a pet.

• For Domestic Flights:
  • Proof of Anti-Rabies Vaccination: Given more than 30 days and less than a year before the flight.
  • Health Certificate (Atestado de Saúde): Issued by a licensed vet no more than 10 days before the flight, saying the animal is fit to travel.
• For International Flights:
  • All domestic requirements apply.
  • International Veterinary Certificate (CVI) or Pet Passport: This is crucial for international travel, and its specific rules depend on the destination country. Check the import rules of your destination well in advance.
  • Some countries may need extra treatments, microchips, or blood tests. It’s your job to meet all these requirements.

Registration Procedure:
You can’t book a pet spot online. You must book your own ticket first, then call Azul’s call center to request and pay for the “Pet na Cabine” service. Do this early, as only 3 pets are allowed per flight. The service is only for dogs and cats, and the animal must be at least 4 months old.

Other Azul Services & Policies

Besides baggage and pets, Azul offers other services and has specific policies you should know. Understanding cancellation rules and how to ask for special help can greatly improve your travel experience.

Azul Cancellation Policy

Life happens, and sometimes travel plans change. Azul’s cancellation policy mostly depends on the fare you bought and when you cancel.

• 24-Hour Rule (Brazil): For tickets bought in Brazil, you can cancel for a full refund without penalty if you do it within 24 hours of purchase, as long as you bought the ticket at least 7 days before the flight.
• Fare-Based Penalties: Outside this 24-hour window, cancellation fees and refund eligibility depend on your fare rules.
  • “Azul” Fare: This is the most restrictive fare. Cancellations usually have a high fee, and the remaining value is often a travel credit for later, not a cash refund. The credit typically lasts a year.
  • “Mais Azul” Fare: This fare is more flexible. Cancellation fees are generally lower, and you’re more likely to get a larger part of the ticket value back as credit.
  • Business Class: These tickets are the most flexible, with lower fees and easier rules.
• No-Show Fee: If you miss your flight without canceling, you’re a “no-show”. You’ll likely lose the entire value of that flight segment and any following ones on the same booking.
• How to Cancel: You can manage your booking and cancel through the “My Trips” section on the Azul website or app, or by calling customer service. Fees are usually taken from the refund or credit.

Azul Wheelchair Assistance

Azul is committed to making sure all passengers have a safe and comfy trip, including those with limited mobility. The airline offers full wheelchair help for free. However, you must request it in advance so they can arrange staff and equipment.

• Requesting Assistance: The best time to ask for wheelchair help is during booking. If you’ve already booked, you can add a request via “My Trips” or by calling customer service at least 48 hours before a domestic flight and 72 hours before an international flight.
• Types of Assistance: The service covers you from check-in to your seat on the plane. Staff will help you through security, to the gate, and during boarding. When you arrive, they’ll help you get off the plane and guide you to baggage claim.
• Traveling with Your Own Wheelchair: You’re welcome to bring your own mobility device.
  • Manual Wheelchairs: You can use these up to the aircraft door, and then they’ll be stored in the cargo hold for free.
  • Battery-Powered Wheelchairs/Scooters: Special rules apply for battery-powered devices. You must tell the airline about the battery type (spillable, non-spillable, or lithium-ion), as different safety rules apply. This info is important and must be given when you request assistance. Azul staff are trained, but telling them early makes things smoother. I find it always pays to be prepared.
• Onboard Wheelchairs: Azul’s larger planes used for long international flights have an onboard wheelchair to help you move between your seat and the restroom during the flight.

Tips for Passengers

To make your trip with Azul as smooth and enjoyable as possible, a little planning goes a long way. Keeping a few key tips in mind can save you time, money, and hassle, letting you focus on your travel excitement.

First and most importantly, airline policies on luggage, fees, and services can and do change. While this guide offers a good overview, the most current information is always on the airline’s official website. This is especially true for baggage fees and international travel requirements.

Imagine you just landed in sunny Rio de Janeiro, but you can’t check into your hotel for five more hours. Or maybe you have a late flight out of Orlando and want to visit the theme parks one last time without your bags. In these situations, lugging your suitcases around is the last thing you want. This is where an international luggage storage service like Qeepl can help. Qeepl works with local shops, cafes, and hotels to offer secure and convenient places to store your luggage in cities worldwide. No matter where you land—São Paulo, Lisbon, or Fort Lauderdale—you can easily find a Qeepl spot nearby, store your bags for a few hours or a whole day, and explore the city hands-free. It’s a really useful service.

Finally, here are a few more practical tips for flying Azul. Always try to check-in online using the Azul app or website. It saves time at the airport and lets you pick your seat. If you fly in Brazil often, think about joining the TudoAzul loyalty program to earn points and get perks like priority boarding and extra baggage. And don’t forget to grab an extra packet of those famous airplane gummies on your way out—they make a great travel souvenir!