Baggage regulations on airplanes change annually. Moreover, each airline adheres to its own order, which determines not only the algorithms for booking, paying for tickets, issuing passenger transportation, but also setting the size of hand luggage. Aeroflot was no exception: the company has noticeably tightened the system of free transportation of passenger belongings from the beginning of this year.
The reasons for the changes in the regulations
Many readers who do not use air transport do not understand what is generally a cause for concern and how weighty it is. In fact, the changes directly affect the interests of thousands of travelers from Russia and other countries. According to experts, the new procedure for checking personal bags and suitcases, the establishment of restrictions on the norms of hand luggage are the result of numerous complaints from passengers about the lack of free space for storing things on board the aircraft.
The main goal of introducing the regulation is to ensure maximum flight safety. That is why passengers must present their baggage when checking in for a flight. Moreover, the size and weight of hand luggage depends on the class of service and direction of flight. Aeroflot, like any other airline, accepts passengers' belongings for transportation and is responsible for their safety. For the convenience of customers, most of the company's routes have a system for determining baggage allowance for free transportation.
The cost of transporting things is included in the airfare tariff plans. However, this does not mean that baggage that does not comply with the established dimensions cannot be transported. The passenger will have to pay extra if his bag weighs more than permitted by Aeroflot. The size of hand luggage is calculated taking into account the average parameters of things that travelers usually carry.
What is included in the concept of "passenger baggage"
Everyone who plans a trip needs to prepare for the flight, having familiarized themselves with the rules for controlling passenger belongings in advance. First you need to figure out what the difference is between luggage and hand luggage.
Many passengers do not distinguish between these terms. Hand luggage - these are small-sized bags, briefcases that can be carried right into the cabin and fly without parting with them. Typical tags are attached to items recognized as carry-on baggage. Labeling is important for airline and airport staff, so you cannot remove it. Those things that are not allowed in the cabin are baggage. When registering on board, they are handed over to the luggage compartment.
Inspection of things that citizens want to carry with them is a mandatory procedure, from which it will not be possible to refuse. For security reasons, luggage and cabin baggage are checked at the front desk, and at some airports, searches are also carried out in front of passport control and at the boarding gate.
Baggage Requirements
Representatives of Aeroflot are serious about safety rules, so any thing that a passenger wants to bring with him to the cabin is subject to thorough verification. The dimensions of hand luggage should not go beyond strictly specified parameters: 55 x 40 x 25 cm. In order to make measurements, airport workers use a special frame. If the bag fits in it, then you can take it with you to the salon.
In the event that the norms of hand luggage are exceeded, things are transferred into the status of passenger baggage. By the way, not so long ago, the height indicator was 20 cm, but according to numerous complaints from passengers it was increased to 25 cm. In this sense, Aeroflot’s hand luggage dimensions can be called the most democratic, which can’t be said about Pobeda and Ural Airlines , "UTair" and others in which updated parameters do not work.
In addition to the dimensions of hand luggage, its weight matters. Aeroflot sets a limit of 10-15 kilograms, depending on the category of service. For example, for business class passengers, 15 kg is allowed in the cabin, and for citizens with tickets economy and comfort - no more than 10 kg.
Do five centimeters really matter?
Most of the modern suitcases that passengers travel with airliners meet certain standards. The most popular series, which is produced by almost all branded manufacturers, is Cabin luggage. This line includes models of suitcases, bags, backpacks that meet the generally accepted rules for the transport of hand luggage in an airplane.
Aeroflot and other airlines, as already noted, reduced the height standard by five centimeters at the beginning of the year. The reaction of citizens was not long in coming. Dissatisfied user comments appeared on social networks, including threats of boycotting the airline. People who happened to be the first to feel the changes right at the check-in desk made scandals at the airport and demanded a refund for the tickets. Indeed, for the suitcases with which they had already flown more than once, they had to pay extra as for baggage. The airline had no choice but to take into account the position of passengers. Now, according to the new Aeroflot rules, hand luggage has the previous dimensions - 55 x 40 x 25 cm. However, there were no official statements from the company in this regard.
The only advice that can be given to citizens planning a flight: in order not to pay several thousand rubles from above, buy the “right” bag, backpack or suitcase that will pass the test without any problems. If carry-on baggage has standard sizes, it will fit on the luggage rack above the passenger seats. Seats for hand luggage are allocated per citizen. That is why most domestic and foreign manufacturers produce bags and suitcases of standard sizes so that they do not need to be taken to the luggage compartment, but could be taken with you to the salon.
The restrictions that Aeroflot did not apply for economy-class carry-on baggage for a long time can often be found in the rules for carrying things at low-cost airlines, airlines that offer low ticket prices due to savings on passenger comfort.
What else can I bring with me?
There is no strict list of things that can be taken in hand luggage. What is in this category? Everything that fits the standardized dimensions and does not apply to prohibited items. In addition to hand luggage, each passenger has the right to carry with him to the cabin:
- one bunch of flowers;
- a ladies bag, backpack or small briefcase, the weight of which does not exceed 5 kg;
- a closed package with purchases from a duty-free store (a point of sale where goods are sold without duties and excise taxes);
- baby food in an amount calculated on the flight time;
- solid foods (snacks, chips, fruits, etc.)
- a stroller for children with dimensions of 42 x 50 x 20 cm and weighing up to seven kilograms;
- crutches, canes, walkers;
- medicines in the amount necessary for the flight period;
- any outerwear;
- suit in a portpled.
During business trips, businessmen and diplomats require additional suits, which are placed in special covers - portlets. Taking the suit with him, the passenger can not worry about its safety and cleanliness.
Small musical instruments (for example, violin, saxophone, guitar) - this is what can be transferred into cabin baggage by plane at no extra cost. For transporting larger instruments, coordination with Aeroflot representatives will be required. Moreover, you need to get permission no later than 36 hours before departure. As a rule, bulky musical instruments become the only hand luggage. Everything else can be carried in the luggage compartment.
What changes have occurred
What can not be taken in hand luggage? In addition to bags, backpacks and small suitcases, it was separately allowed to take a camera, laptop or umbrella with you to the salon. Now airport officials are demanding that these items be put in hand luggage. In accordance with the new rules, the umbrella-cane must be handed over to the luggage compartment, since it will not fit in a suitcase or backpack.
The method of transporting liquids
Strict transport requirements apply to all things and objects, including liquids. They must be transported as follows:
- regardless of volume, all liquids should be packaged in 100 ml containers;
- the optimal packaging is considered transparent packages that allow airport employees to familiarize themselves with the contents on the spot.
The rules for transporting liquids affect ordinary drinking water, juices, drinks, as well as liquid household chemicals, detergents and cosmetics, creams, gels, shampoos.
Pets on board the plane
Before buying tickets, you need to know exactly what you can take with you and what you can’t. Aeroflot’s hand luggage has quite strict requirements, but much more stringent restrictions apply to passengers who would like to transport animals.
Firstly, the presence of a pet on board the aircraft will have to be agreed with Aeroflot beforehand. It is necessary to notify company employees several days before the flight date. The application for transportation of the animal itself is usually considered within 1-2 business days. If the company makes a positive decision based on the results of consideration of the application, the passenger is notified of the amount of the surcharge. For the transportation of a pet you will have to pay a considerable amount, which depends on the direction of the flight and the class of service. For example, in foreign flights, the cost of transporting an animal is about 75 euros, and transportation through Russia will cost a citizen about 4-4.5 thousand rubles.
Secondly, you can’t fly on an airplane with pets of certain species and breeds. Passengers with rodents, reptiles, fish and arthropods will not be allowed on board. In addition, the list of prohibited animal species contains 17 dog breeds, including pugs, Pekingese, boxers and other animals with a flat face. Representatives of brachycephalic breeds may start an asthma attack in an airplane, as they are more sensitive to changes in temperature, pressure and humidity than their relatives with a long nose.
Animals can be transported on board in special carriers. There are also restrictions on the weight of pets, which should not exceed eight kilograms together with the cage. Pets of large breeds, along with carrying, are poisoned in the luggage compartment, with the exception of guide dogs.
Baggage Allowance
Everything that cannot be taken in hand luggage is sent to the luggage compartment. At Aeroflot, the norms for the transportation of bulky items depend on the class of service selected. So, for example, for the baggage of one passenger flying in business class, two pieces of 32 kg are required. The airline provides two seats of 23 kg per bag for comfort class tickets. Baggage in the economy is limited to one seat up to 23 kg.
Regardless of the class of passenger service, the dimensions of their luggage should be within 158 cm in the sum of three parameters - width, height and thickness. The amount of free space in the luggage compartment plays a key role in Aeroflot flights. If the dimensions and baggage weight are significantly exceeded, the passenger will have to pay extra for the transportation of such things. Each airline establishes separate excess baggage rates. For example, passengers pay between 2500-7000 rubles for one extra seat in the luggage compartment, depending on the direction of the flight (domestic or international). In the presence of two free seats and the need for a third, when the luggage exceeds 32 kg, a higher tariff applies - 7500-14 000 rubles.
About the number of suitcases that you can take with you, say the special designation of the ticket. Many have noticed encrypted combinations like 1PC, 2PC, 3PC, but not everyone knows what they mean. RS is an abbreviation for the English word piece, which translates to "thing." Consequently, 1PC means the transportation of one baggage, the cost of which is included in the fare plan of the ticket.
What is oversized baggage?
In this case, we are talking about a non-standard bag, a suitcase, the dimensions of which exceed the established limits. Oversized baggage weight should not exceed 50 kg, and its parameters should not exceed 203 cm in total in three dimensions. Upon check-in, non-standard items are handed over to the place where they sent the large cabin baggage.
At Aeroflot, baggage requiring special conditions is allowed in the cabin. With the weight of the item up to 80 kg and dimensions 135 x 50 x 30 cm, it can be fixed on the seat, subject to payment for two passenger seats. Luggage must be carefully packed to avoid the possibility of damage during transport. The transport of things requiring special storage and transportation conditions is discussed in advance with representatives of the airline.
To oversized baggage and hand luggage, Aeroflot Company includes:
- Sports equipment, ski equipment, a bicycle, uniform for hockey, etc. (the passenger has the right not to pay for the transportation of one set of these items).
- Fishing tackle, fishing rods (transportation of two fishing rods and one set of tackle for amateur or sport fishing is allowed).
- Melee weapons and firearms, ammunition (if you have the appropriate possession license, free transportation of one weapon per passenger is allowed). It is necessary to coordinate transportation by plane and obtain the permission of the company in advance, no later than 36 hours before the departure time).
- Baby carriage.
- Wheelchair.
Many people think that alcohol cannot be transported on board an airplane. In fact, no Russian airline has such a ban. Alcohol must be sealed, have a one-piece package of acceptable size. Aeroflot does not allow alcohol to be included in carry-on baggage, but 5 liters of strong drinks can be transported in the trunk without problems.
Hand luggage does not meet the requirements: what to do?
At Russian airports, special metal frames are installed for passengers, which are created according to regulatory parameters. To determine whether hand luggage is suitable for the new dimensions in Aeroflot, just put your bag in this frame. If the suitcase easily enters the basket, there will be no problems during registration, and if not, you will have to prepare it for sending to the luggage compartment.
When boarding a flight, airline employees do not allow a single passenger with cabin baggage. Checks are even subject to handbags, cases and briefcases. If your carry-on baggage is a soft backpack, you can try to squeeze it into a metal frame, pressing and giving the desired shape. Sometimes frameless bags seem larger than they actually are because of bulky items (such as sweaters or a down jacket). Even if the airport employee considers the backpack dimensions to be non-standard, the passenger has the right to check it for compliance with the dimensions. If the bag fits in an iron basket, you can carry it with you to the salon.
Another way to pass control is to transfer some of the things into another suitcase or put them in a bag. But even if this does not help, you must make the final decision: hand over the bag to the luggage compartment or pay extra for non-standard sizes.
The first option can hardly be called suitable if the bag contains digital equipment, a laptop, lenses for the camera and other devices that require careful handling. There is no guarantee that transportation in the luggage compartment will not subsequently affect the functionality of expensive devices.
There is one more way out of the situation - to pay extra for hand luggage that exceeds the established norms. This option may seem preferable, but more often it always turns out to be completely unprofitable. The cost of carrying such baggage is several thousand rubles, and during international flights it can reach about 150 dollars (about 10,000 rubles). That is why you should make sure in advance whether the passenger can carry the bag with him. Perhaps, in some cases, it is more expedient to leave some things at home so as not to overpay fabulous sums for their transportation.
Also, do not forget that every passenger, regardless of the class of service on board, has the right to an additional bag (backpack, bag, briefcase, etc.) that weighs less than 5 kg and does not exceed 80 cm in total height, width and length . Having transferred a few things and freeing up space in your hand luggage, you can carry it with you and not leave it in your luggage. Moreover, the number of attempts to measure is not limited: you can combine and shift things as many times as needed.
If baggage is lost ...
Aeroflot is responsible to passengers for the safety of transported items. If there is a loss of baggage, a citizen will have to go through several formal procedures to return the missing property.
First of all, you need to contact the airport search service at the place of arrival. The passenger will be given a sample application. After the registration of the appeal, a search file is formed, which is assigned an individual number. Information about the progress of the search should be constantly available to the passenger. Aeroflot has a personal account for customers on the company's official website, through which the passenger has the ability to track the status of the search.
The maximum period during which the company is obliged to find the lost things is 21 days. The luggage found is delivered by the company’s employees at the place of residence or client’s stay. If after three weeks luggage was not found, the passenger has the right to present a written claim to Aeroflot with a request to pay monetary compensation.