If you are planning to fly on a long-awaited vacation, on business or personal matters and having enough luggage or luggage with you, it will be worthwhile to inquire about the recently introduced new rules for carrying luggage in an airplane. Now, cases are not excluded when you, it would seem, are gaining low-cost airline tickets, but a few hours before departure, it may turn out that you need to pay a considerable amount for baggage. To avoid such unpleasant surprises right before departure, we’ll talk about the new rules and rules for baggage transportation on an airplane in the general context and for several popular airlines in our article.
What the law says
The new rules for the carriage of baggage on an airplane have already been in force for Russians since the fall of 2017. We give some explanatory definitions (before proceeding to the essence of the law):
- baggage - these are suitcases, oversized bags and trunks that must be taken to the luggage compartment of the aircraft;
- hand luggage - smaller than baggage, a passenger can carry it in the cabin, after weighing and taking the mark of hand luggage.
According to the new flight regulations, free carry-on baggage is limited for all airfares. Its minimum weight is five kilograms. In order to compete for passengers, airlines are allowed to increase this weight, but cannot be reduced.
The law from the Ministry of Transport also defines the following three categories of tariffs, which take into account the general rules and rules of baggage transportation on an airplane:
- A non-refundable ticket (you cannot return the full price of such a ticket if the passenger changed his mind about flying) without the free baggage allowance. They are also called baggageless tickets. This most inexpensive flight fare is beneficial for those citizens who fly without baggage, with only hand luggage. But if there is any amount of baggage, then it must be additionally paid by the passenger. However, the law also states that non-refundable tickets merely “may not include” free baggage allowance, which means they may. The airline can adjust this moment at will.
- Non-refundable ticket with baggage allowance.
- Return ticket with baggage.
At the last two tariffs, the free baggage allowance rate remains the same and amounts to at least ten kilograms. It can also be increased by decision of the airlines.
Details on hand luggage
So, one passenger now has to carry five kg of hand luggage for free. We emphasize that this minimum may be increased by airlines, but it cannot be reduced. If cabin baggage exceeds the norms established by the air carrier, it will need to be checked in baggage.
But, in addition, according to the rules for the transport of hand luggage in an airplane, it is provided that excess baggage is carried in excess of the norm for which you do not need to pay, you do not need to weigh it and register it. The list of such things is as follows: a backpack (with the proviso that its size and weight are established by the rules of the air carrier) or a briefcase, a lady’s bag; a suit stowed in a portlet; flowers food for children and portable children's devices (the dimensions of which are also limited by the carrier and can be moved to the luggage compartment in case of non-compliance); medicines and dietary products that will be used during the flight; auxiliary mobile means in the form of walkers, crutches, folding strollers, etc .; packaged in a plastic bag goods from duty free shops.
As for mobile devices and gadgets, you can also not worry, their rules for carrying luggage on an airplane are provided for transporting in a bag (briefcase, backpack), like an umbrella. Outerwear is taken for granted, and there is no need to pay for its transport.
The luggage marking for those passengers who checked in for the flight online has been canceled. In this case, to comply with the dimensions of the carry-on and additional baggage, the possibility of weighing right before the boarding gate is provided.
For those who fly with a family or with a company of several people, it is important to know that according to the rules for carrying luggage and hand luggage on an airplane, the norms for each adult are summed up. So, making a flight together on tickets involving luggage, you can take one suitcase and load it with double rate. These norms of the law are the same for all airlines operating in the Russian market, but what specifically is set by the largest of them, we will examine further.
Liquid substances
Answering a question that interests many novice travelers about the rules for transporting liquids in the baggage of aircraft, it is impossible to give a definite answer, because in each country these rules are different and are dictated by the internal security system. If you need to fly with liquids, you need to clarify the basic principles of their air transportation, both of the source country and the one where you are going.
Liquids according to the rules of baggage transportation on an airplane in Russia can be carried with you in your hand luggage, but the volume of any liquid cannot exceed one hundred milliliters and in the total volume all liquid substances should not exceed one liter. Volumes exceeding this figure are best removed in existing luggage. Even if a small hundred-milliliter bubble of toilet water is half full, it is most likely not allowed to be transported.
Of course, there are exceptions when it comes to baby food, medicinal liquid preparations and liquid preparations for special dietary consumption.
Alcohol-containing drinks also more than a hundred milliliters must be prudently put into luggage bags according to the rules for transporting alcohol in the baggage of an airplane. In most world companies they are: if the strength of the drink is up to 24 degrees, its quantity is not limited, from 24 to 70 degrees it is allowed to take five liters per adult traveler, drinks more than 70 degrees are forbidden.
Russian customs regulations allow duty-free import of three liters of alcohol, a total of five liters per adult is allowed (a duty will be imposed on the fourth and fifth liters). The standards for imported alcohol in all countries are different. For example, the volume of strong alcohol-containing drinks according to the rules of baggage transportation by plane to Thailand and Turkey cannot exceed one liter, to Europe - from one liter of strong alcohol, four liters of wine and up to 16 liters of beer. However, it is not forbidden to carry small bags of alcohol from duty free in a carry-on baggage in a container with a volume of not more than one hundred milliliters and closed in a special bag. But it will not be possible to use and even open the packaging with such drinks on board due to the existing prohibitions in most Russian airlines.
Remember that only the passenger is responsible for the transportation of substances that do not meet the required transportation requirements and pose a potential hazard. This means that the airline has the right to exclude such items from transportation, as well as to fine a passenger for them.
Aeroflot
Of course, one of the oldest airlines, Aeroflot, has also touched on the new rules for baggage transportation on an airplane. The passenger, using the services of this company, is required to present all his baggage, hand luggage and extra items (in excess of the norm for hand luggage and not payable) during the registration process. Compliance of the dimensions and weight of hand luggage with the Aeroflot standards will be checked during the landing procedure using special instruments. And the company’s overall standards at the moment are as follows: length - 55 cm, width - 40, height 25 (was 20).
According to the company’s employees, these dimensions are analyzed and optimal according to the rules of baggage transportation on Aeroflot’s planes. Also, such a control system takes into account complaints of some passengers about cramped spaces in the cabin due to things of other passengers.
Aeroflot’s carry-on baggage is ten kilograms for economy class and 15 for business class passengers, provided that these personal belongings occupy one place.
As for the baggage weight standards, they practically did not change after the law came into force. The rules of baggage transportation on Aeroflot aircraft for economy and comfort class allow free baggage (weight up to twenty-three kg), which takes 1-2 seats (depending on the tariff), 32 kg and two seats are allowed for business class. It is important to note that the dimensions of baggage should not exceed dimensions 55 x 40 x 20 (length x width x height), and the sum of these three measures should not be more than 158 cm.
The dimensions of a backpack carried in excess of the norm for free luggage should be no more than 80 cm, if you add its length, width and height, and weight not more than five kg. Purchases from duty-free shops should be sealed in only one package, not exceeding the sum of three sides of 115 cm. For things that do not fit into the established norms (although company representatives are quite “generous”, but there are different cases) or taking up additional places You have to pay extra. The amount may be from 2.5 to 7.5 thousand rubles.
S7 Airlines
Another popular airline is S7 Airlines. This company is known to many as “Siberia”. This company is distinguished by dividing the main tariff into “flexible” and “basic”. The rules of baggage transportation on an S7 aircraft for the economy class “basic” fare allow baggage to be carried only for a fee (baggage-free ticket), and free hand luggage is provided for up to ten kg and dimensions of 550 mm x 400 mm x 200 mm. According to the latest data, the amount of luggage for such a ticket will be 2500 rubles. for one place with a maximum permissible weight of not more than 23 kg. The “flexible” econometric fare includes the transportation of one piece of baggage weighing up to twenty-three kg in the ticket price. Baggage should not be larger than 203 cm in size if you add the length, height and width.
The rules for carrying baggage on an S7 airplane for a business class are also divided into the “flexible” and “basic” tariffs. The “basic” business tariff makes it possible to occupy one piece of baggage weighing less than 32 kg and the total length, height and width of 203 cm. Instead of one, the “flexible” business tariff includes two pieces of the same weight and size. For passengers flying in business class, free baggage can be transported up to five kg and dimensions no more than 55 x 40 x 20 cm. But you can carry equipment for skiing or snowboarding weighing no more than 32 kg and in the amount of one set. It is also allowed to carry prams and carriages at no extra charge, but if a child is present on the flight.
Baggage in excess of the limits must be paid additionally. Rates can be from 2500 rubles. for each baggage bag, and flights inside Siberia Airlines with transfers are paid twice as much. Carriage of all pets, except a guide dog, is paid as excess baggage, it is better to check the price for their transportation a few days before departure on the company's website.
"Victory"
The well-known "daughter" of Aeroflot - the airline "Victory" - quickly won the love of passengers due to the low prices for flights. The new rules for the carriage of baggage on Pobeda aircraft were introduced almost immediately after the law was approved, and since the end of September 2017 the company has been selling non-refundable baggageless tickets. If there is baggage weighing up to ten kg and 203 cm (this is the result of adding the width, length and height), the passenger will be able to register it and pay. It will be possible to book the service on the website, in this case the price will start from 499 rubles. for one place. The price of baggage weighing up to 20 kg will be 1499 rubles. An excess for each kilogram according to the rules of baggage transportation on the Pobeda airplane is paid (500 rubles). According to the latest data, luggage can be taken even heavier than 5 kg, but it should fit into the dimensions 26 x 30 x 27 cm. Checking the sizes is carried out through a special calibrator, which should fit the traveler's personal belongings. Theoretically, you can carry at least a heavy dumbbell, if only it fits in the calibrator.
You do not have to pay for the air transportation of crutches, folding chairs, prams and other portable devices, and you do not need to measure them beforehand. A flight according to the rules of baggage transportation on a Pobeda aircraft with such equipment as a bicycle, fishing tackle or ski is payable from 1499 rubles. A pet must be transported in a special container, and its transportation fee will be 1999 rubles if the animal weighs less than eight kg.
Red Wings
Red Wings Airlines is a Russian air carrier whose aircraft are mainly based in Domodedovo. Red Wings divides its air tickets into three categories - the “basic”, “standard” and “light” fares. Of which the “Light” fare tickets are a baggage category that provides for the free transportation of only hand luggage weighing up to ten kg and dimensions of 550 mm x 400 mm x 200 mm (length x width x height).
The rules for the carriage of baggage on a Red Wings airplane according to the “base” tariff scale allow you to carry two baggage pieces, each of which can weigh up to 23 kg (that is, a total weight of up to forty-six kg) and the size of 1 piece - not more than 203 cm in total three sides. But in the “standard” ticket fare there is only one place for bags up to 23 kg and up to 203 cm according to the measurement results of three sides. Also, these tariffs provide for the free transportation of one set of equipment for skiing weighing no more than 23 kg. However, hand luggage in the last two tariffs of the Red Wings airline can be transported free of charge only in weight up to 5 kg, with the previous dimensions of 550 mm x 400 mm x 200 mm. If you are traveling with a child up to two years old without a separate seat, the company provides a baggage transportation service without additional charges (1 seat) weighing up to ten kilograms, dimensions up to 203 cm according to the results of three measures.
Any excess baggage in size or weight entails an additional payment, the minimum of which is 2500 rubles. Animals or birds as passengers of the Red Wings company are transported for a fee (except guide dogs) and only in the container. If there are several animals or birds in the container, transportation of each animal or bird is paid.
Ural Airlines
Ural Airlines, headquartered in Yekaterinburg, is one of the five most popular Russian passenger airlines. Let us consider in more detail the rules for the carriage of baggage on an aircraft of Ural Airlines according to their tariff schedule, which consists of five categories:
- “Promo” - allows you to carry things for free as luggage weighing up to five kilograms and dimensions: 55 cm long, 40 cm wide and 20 cm high. It is also not forbidden to use one piece of baggage weighing up to ten kg and the sum of measurements of three sides up to 203 cm without payment. Sports equipment at this rate can be paid for and carried as excess baggage.
- “Economy” and “Premium” - 1 place of baggage up to five kg, one place up to twenty-three kilograms and dimensions up to 203 cm by the sum of the sides, as well as a set of equipment for sports.
- “Business Light” - two pieces of personal belongings as baggage up to five kg, each not exceeding dimensions 550 mm x 400 mm x 200 mm, one piece of baggage weighing up to thirty-two kg (according to the sum of the dimensions of the sides no more than 203 centimeters), and also a set of equipment for sports.
- “Business” - two places for personal belongings as baggage up to five kg and two pieces of luggage up to thirty-two kilograms by weight and totaling no more than 203 cm each, as well as one set of equipment for sports.
Before buying a ticket, it is better to check on the company's website the rules for free baggage transportation in certain directions. It is important to know that according to the rules of baggage transportation on a Ural Airlines plane, the baggage allowance does not include such types of baggage as a car, motorcycle, scooter, moped, sports or hunting boats and spare parts for them, musical instruments, seedlings, greens (meaning food) weighing more than five kilograms.
UTair
The rules for baggage transportation on a UTair aircraft - another major airline holding company in the air transportation market - include air transportation of baggage and hand luggage at the following types of tariffs: Business, Economic, and Light.
For tickets of the “Light” fare it is allowed to carry hand luggage with dimensions of 550 mm x 400 mm x 200 mm and weighing up to ten kg free of charge. Things of a small child under two years of age at this fare can only be carried in the cabin. «» . , 2500 .
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North Wind is a subsidiary of the well-known tourist alliance Pegas Touristik. It was formed not so long ago, only a decade ago, but is already among the ten largest passenger air carriers in Russia. The rules for baggage transportation on the North Wind aircraft subdivide baggage transportation into three categories of tariffs. These are the Economy, Comfort, and Business fares for airline passengers. Each tariff grid is further subdivided into “Promo” and “Optimum”. Among all the tariffs of the company, the most facilitated travel option is the Economy Promo tariff. Having bought a ticket in this category, a passenger can carry only personal belongings in luggage at no extra charge, the weight of which will not exceed five kg, and the total size of three measures will not exceed 115 cm (dimensions on three sides: 55 centimeters x 40 centimeters x 20 centimeters).
“Economy Optimum”, in addition to five kilograms of luggage, involves the transportation of one place weighing up to twenty kg and measuring 203 centimeters as a result of adding three measures. The rest of the tariffs allow you to carry luggage and baggage with you at the double rate (only in the Comfort Promo and Business Promo tariffs it is allowed to carry one piece of baggage).
It is important to consider that the employees of the North Wind register separate luggage for each traveler. Cargo can be combined after proving that passengers are traveling together, and the combined baggage will not exceed the norms applicable in the company. Exceeding the norms should be paid (starting from 2 thousand rubles and above).
Finally
Despite the seemingly strict boundaries of the rules and regulations adopted in the fall of 2017, the rules for carrying baggage on airplanes and hand luggage from many popular passenger air carriers allow you to take not so little. As can be seen from the review of the norms of luggage and luggage, only one or two companies have introduced minimum limits of the norm. So before the upcoming flight, we advise you to carefully think through and reasonably approach the things and objects necessary for the trip, and also not to bother yourself with excess baggage. When booking a ticket, it is better to clarify everything that is included in its price and what is not included. With electronic reservation, just click on the price icon or write your question to the airline technical support service.
The law is designed to expand the choice of fares for passengers and directs airlines to create a favorable pricing policy for travelers. Although for that short time the law has not yet seen big changes and benefits for ordinary passengers, perhaps more new companies will appear with low ticket prices, unlike the existing one or two popular low-cost airlines. We hope that these times are just around the corner. Soon, perhaps, traveling by plane will become more accessible for most Russian citizens, even if for the sake of this they will have to give up the amount of personal items allowed for transportation. Nevertheless, it’s better to get new vivid impressions, emotions, really have a good time on vacation, than to take countless things with you to another country or city on vacation, most of which are likely to be unnecessary.