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GOL Linhas Aéreas

Brazil's low-cost airline, flying from São Paulo

  • BrazilCountry
  • G3IATA Code
  • GLOICAO Code
  • IndependentAlliance
  • Low-CostAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About GOL Linhas Aéreas

GOL is one of Brazil’s largest airlines, flying an all-Boeing 737 fleet from São Paulo, Brasília and Rio across Brazil, South America and the Caribbean. Since October 2025 it sells Light, Classic and Flex fares at home and adds Basic and Premium Economy on international routes, where Basic includes only a personal item. This guide covers fares, baggage, power bank rules, Smiles and how GOL compares with LATAM and Avianca.

GOL was founded in 2001 and brought low-cost flying to Brazil. It is part of Abra Group with Avianca and completed its Chapter 11 restructuring in 2025.

GOL flights to São Paulo
Photo: Raphael Nogueira / Unsplash

Power Bank Rules on GOL

GOL follows the ICAO power bank rules in force worldwide since 27 March 2026:

  • A maximum of two power banks per passenger, in cabin baggage only.
  • Up to 100 Wh without approval; 100–160 Wh only with the airline’s approval.
  • No charging power banks, or devices from them, during the flight.
  • Never pack power banks in checked bags.

Congonhas or Guarulhos?

Congonhas sits inside São Paulo and is best for domestic trips. Guarulhos, about 25 km away, handles international flights. Fares can differ between the two, so compare both, and allow plenty of time for traffic.

How to Find Cheap Flights in Brazil

Cheap GOL flights: airplane flying in a blue sky
Photo: Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash
  • Avoid Carnival, Christmas and July school holidays.
  • Watch for Smiles sales.
  • Book northeast beach trips early for summer.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see GOL next to LATAM, Avianca and others.

GOL vs LATAM vs Avianca

Three big names in South American flying.

GOLLATAMAvianca
HubSão PauloSão Paulo, Lima and SantiagoBogotá
GroupAbra Group (with Avianca)LATAM GroupAbra Group (with GOL)
LoyaltySmilesLATAM PassLifeMiles
Best forDomestic BrazilBrazil and South AmericaColombia and Central America

See our LATAM Airlines guide and Avianca guide to compare.

Arriving in São Paulo

Congonhas is close to the city centre by taxi. Guarulhos is linked by train, airport buses and taxis, though traffic can be heavy.

You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.

Is GOL a Good Airline?

Yes. GOL offers a large domestic network, frequent flights and the popular Smiles programme. Its cheapest international fare includes only a personal item, so compare the full price.

For more options, see our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.

Facts checked in October 2026 against Olhar Digital on GOL’s fare changes and ICAO’s 2026 power bank rules. Rules change, so check the official GOL website before you travel.

Airline Partnerships

GOL is not a member of a global airline alliance, but it partners with airlines such as American Airlines, Air France–KLM and Avianca.

Codeshare & Interline Partnerships

GOL is part of Abra Group with Avianca and codeshares with partners such as American Airlines and Air France–KLM.

Hubs & Focus Cities

GOL's main hubs are São Paulo Congonhas (CGH) and Guarulhos (GRU), Brasília (BSB) and Rio de Janeiro Galeão (GIG).

Popular GOL Linhas Aéreas Routes

GOL's busiest routes link São Paulo Congonhas with Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont, Brasília and Porto Alegre, plus São Paulo with Salvador, Recife and Buenos Aires. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.

Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.

GOL Linhas Aéreas Reschedule & Cancellation Policy

Since October 2025, GOL sells Light, Classic and Flex fares on domestic flights, and adds Basic and Premium Economy on international routes. Basic, sold only on some international routes, includes just a personal item; Light, Classic and Flex include a carry-on bag, and Flex is the most flexible fare.

When you change, you pay any fare difference plus any change fee for your fare type. In Brazil, ANAC rules give passengers assistance rights, such as meals and accommodation, during long delays and cancellations.

  • Basic (international only) Personal item under the seat only.
  • Light Carry-on bag included.
  • Classic Carry-on bag included.
  • Flex Carry-on bag included; the most flexible fare.
  • Premium Economy (international only) Carry-on bag included.
  • ANAC rules Assistance rights during long delays and cancellations in Brazil.
  • Flights to or from the USA The US 24-hour rule applies.
  • How to change or cancel Use Minhas viagens on voegol.com.br or the GOL app.

GOL Linhas Aéreas Seat Selection & Additional Services

Seat selection is paid on cheaper fares, and you can buy GOL+ Conforto seats with extra legroom. Wi-Fi is available on many aircraft, and extras are cheaper when bought online before you fly.

  • Seat selection Paid on cheaper fares.
  • GOL+ Conforto Extra legroom seats.
  • Wi-Fi Available on many aircraft.
  • Extras Cheaper when bought online.
  • Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help in advance.

GOL Linhas Aéreas Baggage Allowance

Light, Classic, Flex and Premium Economy fares include a carry-on bag plus a personal item. Basic, sold only on some international routes, includes just a personal item under the seat.

Checked bags depend on the fare, so check what yours includes before you pay. Your exact allowance is shown on your booking.

  • Basic (international) Personal item only.
  • Light, Classic and Flex Carry-on bag plus a personal item.
  • Premium Economy Carry-on bag plus a personal item.
  • Checked bags Depend on the fare.
  • Check your ticket The exact allowance is shown on your booking.

Smiles: GOL Linhas Aéreas Loyalty Programme

Smiles is GOL's free loyalty programme and one of the biggest in Brazil. You earn miles on GOL and partner flights, cards and shopping, and redeem them for flights and other rewards. Frequent promotions can make award flights very good value.

  • Membership Free to join.
  • Earn Miles on GOL, partner flights and everyday partners.
  • Redeem GOL and partner flights.
  • Elite tiers Priority services and more benefits.
Join or log in on the GOL Linhas Aéreas website

GOL Linhas Aéreas: Frequently Asked Questions

01What are GOL Linhas Aéreas’ IATA and ICAO codes?

The airline's two-character IATA code is G3. It appears in flight numbers (for example G3 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is GLO, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.

02Which airline alliance is GOL Linhas Aéreas part of?

It is not a member of a global airline alliance, although it may still have codeshare or interline agreements with individual airlines.

03Where is GOL Linhas Aéreas headquartered?

The airline is headquartered in São Paulo, Brazil.

04When was GOL Linhas Aéreas founded?

The airline was founded in 2001.

05What are GOL Linhas Aéreas’ main hubs?

Its main hubs and focus cities are: São Paulo (GRU) – Main Hub.

06What fares does GOL sell?

Light, Classic and Flex on domestic flights, plus Basic and Premium Economy on international routes.

07Does GOL Basic include a carry-on bag?

No. Basic, sold only on some international routes, includes just a personal item under the seat. Light and higher fares include a carry-on.

08Which São Paulo airports does GOL use?

Both Congonhas (CGH), close to the city centre, mainly for domestic flights, and Guarulhos (GRU) for domestic and international flights.

09What is GOL's loyalty programme?

Smiles, one of Brazil's biggest loyalty programmes, which earns on GOL, partner airlines, cards and shopping.

GOL Linhas Aéreas, its logo and trademarks are the property of GOL Linhas Aéreas S.A. and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by GOL Linhas Aéreas unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.