It seems that it is common that the baggage allowance on flights to Brazil is more generous (both in number of pieces and weight) than to other countries. In fact many airlines, have a specific exception to their general rules for Brazil. Examples:
I've heard a rumor, that this may be related to international treaties, but I'm not sure. Does anyone know the answer?
Related question: Why is TAM Airlines baggage allowance so much? [closed]
Evidently it's a ANAC (National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil) regulation. From KLM's website:
For tickets whose itinerary originates in Brazil (for both the outbound and inbound journeys), the Civil Aviation Authority Agency (ANAC) determines that for each adult passenger, the free bagagge allowance consists of 2 pieces* of max. weight of 32kgs (70 lbs) each. The sum of the 3 dimensions of each piece cannot exceed 158 cm (62 in.) and the sum of the dimentions of both pieces cannot exceed 273 cm (107 in.).
As to why this is, there's speculation that it allows more people to shop both in Brazil and overseas and bring stuff back to Brazil / take it from Brazil - meaning more tax can be charged on these items. But that's just speculation.
The worldwide luggage limit was 70 pounds or 32 kilos for decades. Airlines smelled blood in the water and figured out how to squeeze every last drop of revenue from their passengers by restricting and charging for accompanied luggage.
Brazil gave the airlines a hearty middle finger and kept the rules the same as they have always been.
If any airlines don't like it or don't want to respect the rule, they're not welcome to fly to Brazil. Very Simple.
For ONCE Brazil was right and the rest of the world was wrong. ;-)
True until recently, in late 2017 / early 2018 airlines now have implemented new baggage allowances for Brazil, down from 70 pounds (32Kg) to 50 Pounds (23Kg). Check each airline for number of bags per type of ticket.
