Carry-On for São Paulo: LATAM, Azul, GOL and GRU vs CGH

São Paulo is the business and financial capital of South America — a megacity of 22 million people, home to the continent's largest stock exchange, and the hub for Brazil's domestic aviation network. Whether you're arriving for work or using it as a base for wider Brazil travel, understanding the two airports and the domestic airline carry-on rules is essential before you board.

GRU vs CGH: Two Airports, Two Situations

São Paulo has two commercial airports with radically different purposes:

GRU — Guarulhos International Airport: The main international gateway, 25 km northeast of the city. All international flights land here, as do most long-haul and medium-haul domestic routes. GRU is large — five terminals — and requires serious time: allow a minimum of 2.5 hours before international departure. Immigration queues on arrival can be 30–60 minutes. The Expresso Aeroporto bus and Grab both serve GRU efficiently off-peak.

CGH — Congonhas Airport: A compact domestic airport within the city, about 8 km from the Paulista business district. CGH handles high-frequency domestic shuttle routes — the São Paulo–Rio de Janeiro shuttle (ponte aérea) is one of the world's busiest air routes, running nearly every 30 minutes. CGH is dramatically more convenient for domestic travel: 20–30 minutes to Paulista by taxi or Grab, and a small, navigable terminal. If your trip is domestic only, CGH changes your entire travel day.

Airline Carry-On Quick Reference

LATAM allows 55×35×25 cm including protrusions. Measure the packed bag; a case exceeding the published size may be sent to the hold for a charge.

LATAM, Azul, and GOL Policies in Detail

LATAM permits one main bag up to 55×35×25 cm and 12 kg in Economy, or 16 kg in Premium Economy/Business, plus a 45×35×20 cm personal item. Basic requires a main-bag purchase. Light is included in the English main page and Spanish tables, but the Portuguese international table lists an extra cost; confirm the issued fare. The personal-item FAQ gives 10 kg, while the Brazilian regional table gives 12 kg in Premium cabins.

Azul: Azul includes one main bag up to 55×35×25 cm and 10 kg, plus one underseat personal item up to 45×35×20 cm. Azul publishes no separate personal-item weight restriction. A compliant main bag may be checked free if cabin space runs out; oversize or overweight baggage can incur checked-baggage charges.

GOL: GOL permits one 55×35×25 cm main bag up to 12 kg on tickets issued from 14 October 2025, plus a separate 43×32×22 cm personal item up to 10 kg. International Basic excludes the main bag unless purchased; Light includes it. The current table does not offer Basic domestically. Older tickets and charters use a 10 kg main-bag limit; confirm the issued conditions.

What to Pack for São Paulo

São Paulo is not a beach city — it sits at 760 m altitude in the interior of São Paulo state. The climate is subtropical: warm and humid in summer (December–March, often with afternoon thunderstorms) and mild and occasionally cold in winter (June–August). Pack differently depending on season.

Year-round business travel:

• 3–4 smart shirts or blouses (wrinkle-resistant fabric is practical in humidity)
• 1–2 pairs of smart trousers or tailored chinos
• 1 blazer or smart jacket (São Paulo offices are air-conditioned intensely)
• Leather shoes or smart flats
• 2–3 casual outfits for evenings (São Paulo has outstanding restaurants — smart-casual works for most)

Summer addition (December–March):

• 1 compact umbrella or packable rain shell — afternoon storms are sudden and heavy

Winter addition (June–August) if visiting Campos do Jordão:

• 1 warm mid-layer (fleece or wool)
• 1 windproof or waterproof outer layer
• Temperatures at Campos do Jordão can drop below 5°C

Weekend Options from São Paulo

Campos do Jordão (180 km, 3 hours by car): A Swiss-influenced mountain town at 1,600 m. Cold, charming, and very different from coastal Brazil. In winter this is a popular weekend escape for Paulistanos.

Santos and Guarujá (80 km, 60–90 min by car or bus): The nearest beaches. Santos has a charming historic waterfront; Guarujá is beach resort territory. Day trips are feasible; overnight is better.

GRU Airport Tips

GRU's international terminal (Terminal 3) is large and modern. Queues build significantly before morning international departure waves. Key timing rules:

• International flights: 2.5 hours minimum before departure. 3 hours in peak season.
• Domestic from GRU: 90 minutes is usually sufficient but can stretch in peak hours.
• Grab is reliable at GRU and significantly cheaper than official airport taxis.
• The Expresso Aeroporto bus stops at major Paulista and Jardins area hotels — useful if your hotel is near the route.

Airside at GRU Terminal 3 has a range of food options, coffee, and a reasonable duty-free. Brazilian cachaça (sugar cane spirit) is available airside — buy it here rather than before security.

Bottom Line

São Paulo is a work-trip city that rewards smart packing: one good business outfit, wrinkle-resistant fabrics, and a light layer for aggressive air conditioning. LATAM's 35 cm side limit is the most common surprise — measure before you fly. Use CGH for domestic connections and save 45 minutes each way over GRU. Compare licensed airport transport options and current fares before departure.

LATAM allowance for the booked fare

LATAM permits one main bag up to 55×35×25 cm and 12 kg in Economy, or 16 kg in Premium Economy/Business, plus a 45×35×20 cm personal item. Basic requires a main-bag purchase. Light is included in the English main page and Spanish tables, but the Portuguese international table lists an extra cost; confirm the issued fare. The personal-item FAQ gives 10 kg, while the Brazilian regional table gives 12 kg in Premium cabins.

LATAM cabin guide