New baggage payment rules. X. Carriage of baggage and hand luggage. Free carriage of items along with hand luggage

At the end of last year, amendments were made to general rules air transportation of baggage.

According to the law, everything Russian airlines must obey the same standards.

What baggage rules are relevant in 2020?

New baggage rules allow a bag/suitcase up to 30 kg for one passenger seat on an airplane. Each passenger, according to the rules, is issued individual luggage.

Russian and international airlines generally divide baggage into the following weight categories:

For a child under 2 years old, you can check in separate luggage up to 10 kg.

The allowed baggage weight depends on the ticket category:

In economy class – 20 kg per passenger.
In business class – up to 30 kg.
In first class - up to 30 kg.

If the weight of baggage exceeds the permissible limits, it is called excess baggage; luggage over 30 kg is heavy.

Most carriers allow a slight excess of luggage of 1-2 kg. If the excess weight is more than 2 kg, you will have to pay extra.

In case of excess baggage, the passenger pays extra for each extra kilogram. There are no uniform tariffs: each airline sets its own price.

Depending on the airline's policy and the specific flight, the excess charge can be calculated as follows:

Based on the cost of the maximum economy class fare. With this approach, 1 kg of excess weight costs 1.5% of the ticket price.
Based on the fixed amount established by the air carrier. This amount may differ on different flights and ranges from 5-15 € per kg.

In addition to weight, luggage may exceed the standard dimensions, including the sum of 3 dimensions (length + height + width). Such baggage includes:

Sports Equipment;
some musical instruments (double bass, guitar);
large household appliances.

The maximum dimensions of checked baggage for all classes must be 158 cm.

To transport large cargo, a preliminary agreement with the airline is required. On the day of departure, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance, since such cargo takes longer to register.

The company may refuse to transport oversized cargo if there is not enough space in the luggage compartment.

How much does luggage cost on a plane if the ticket does not include luggage?

Many airlines provide a baggage-free travel service, according to which the passenger flies only with hand luggage.

The advantages of this service include the reduced cost of the flight. The downside is the fact that the tickets are non-refundable.

You are allowed to carry any items in your luggage, except those that are classified as dangerous in international practice. A list of them is provided on the air ticket.

It is also important to understand that there is no single global standard for baggage transportation for all airlines. You need to focus on the country to which the passenger is flying.

For example, when flying to Dubai, it is prohibited to take on board items and books of a religious nature other than Islam.

According to the rules, most airlines prohibit transporting in the luggage compartment of an aircraft:

Most airlines do not allow you to take a mercury thermometer into the cabin. It must be checked in as luggage, packed in a plastic case, and placed so that it is not damaged under any circumstances.

Most airlines prohibit the carriage of all types of knives, from pocket knives to kitchen and hunting knives. But there are also airports that allow the carriage of penknives and folding knives without fixation up to 6 cm in length.

To transport knives longer than 10 cm (household knives, hunting knives, etc.) in luggage, you must first obtain special permission. If a knife is carried in luggage as a bladed weapon, then it must also be in a case.

It is also permitted to transport in checked baggage, subject to the required conditions, such sharp objects as:

scissors;
razors;
swords and checkers;
bayonets and swords;
scimitars;
crossbows;
simulators of any type of weapon.

According to the transportation rules, it is not advisable to put in luggage:

Important! Take these items with you in your hand luggage or leave them at home.

Airplane baggage restrictions

Liquids include:

You are allowed to carry any of these liquids in your luggage. There are no restrictions on volume, however, general permissible weight standards must be observed (see above).

You can carry medicines in your luggage that are not prohibited by customs regulations and are freely available, i.e. sold without a prescription.

Customs regulations prohibit the carriage of narcotic and psychotropic substances on planes. A prescription from a doctor indicating the dose is required for the following products:

Official bans in many countries include potent substances that may be contained in some medications, for example, such as:

codeine;
phenobarbital, ;
pseudoephedrine;
chlorphenamine maleate;
diazepam.

The permitted amount of medications on an airplane is very conditional: for your own use during the trip. If more than 5 packs of medicines are found in luggage, then customs services will most likely have questions for the passenger.

To avoid fines and confiscations, obtain documents proving the need to transport medications in these quantities.

All medications transported on an airplane must be in their original packaging and comply with the expiration date stated on the packaging.

Note! To ensure smooth transportation of insulin, you should apply for a diabetic passport before traveling.

You can place food in airplane luggage provided that:

This product is not included in the customs prohibited list (for international flights).
This product is not on the airline's list of restrictions.
The liquid product is unopened and hermetically sealed.

If a flight is made between countries, then the transported items and products are subject to customs requirements for individuals. They are set by the host countries, and these requirements must be taken into account.

As for domestic flights, customs regulations Such baggage does not apply.

Before traveling, it is necessary to find out the requirements of the customs of the country of destination, as well as the country where the transfer is made.

Customs bans often concern epidemiologically hazardous products without original packaging. For example, it is prohibited to import meat and dairy products into EU countries; This measure was introduced to prevent the spread of infections.

US Customs does not allow a number of products from other countries to pass through, including:

meat;
eggs;
fish;
dairy products;
many types of vegetables and fruits.

For carrying exotic fruits from southern countries You will need a special container so that they are not damaged during the flight.

On domestic Russian flights, you can carry an unlimited amount of alcoholic beverages with a strength of up to 24° in your baggage (but no more than the general weight standards for baggage allow).

Strong drinks (24–70°) - up to 5 liters, with:

up to 3 liters of alcoholic beverages – duty free;
over 3 and up to 5 liters - with additional payment at customs.

The uniform vehicle rate for exceeding the norm by 3 liters is 10 € for each liter in excess of the norm.

These rules for individuals apply to any imported alcohol in luggage, including:

beer;
vodka;
champagne;
wine, etc.

Alcohol can only be transported on an airplane in its original packaging.. Homemade wines and moonshine will be confiscated at customs.

In some countries, restrictions on the export of alcoholic beverages are even stricter. For example, from Hungary you can export no more than 1 liter of strong alcohol (from 22%), and up to 2 liters of less strong alcoholic beverages.

An exception is made only for grape wine and beer: here the restrictions are less strict - you can take out up to 4 liters of wine and 16 liters of beer.

Alcohol with an alcohol content of 24–70% is only allowed in checked baggage, and this must be taken into account when traveling on Russian air carriers.

There is no limit on the number of cigarettes you can carry in checked baggage. The basic rule is not to exceed the limits of the customs service of the destination country.

One passenger is prohibited from bringing into the territory of the Russian Federation more than:

200 cigarettes (one block);
50 cigars;
250 grams of tobacco.

Important! Minors are strictly prohibited from carrying cigarettes.

These restrictions apply in all EU countries. In the USA, the limits are as follows: a passenger 21 years of age or older can carry up to 2 kg of tobacco (leaf).

As for electronic cigarettes, there are no restrictions on their transportation. Such a cigarette is equivalent to electronic devices such as a laptop or telephone.

Lighters are strictly prohibited on most airlines. The following cannot be carried in luggage:

zippo brand lighters;
souvenir lighters, even if they do not contain a single gram of gasoline;
other types of “personalized” lighters.

You can take a regular lighter filled with liquefied gas on board an airplane.

So, when planning a flight on domestic and international flights, be sure to study what and in what quantities you can carry in your luggage. The information presented above in the article will help in this matter.

Video: New rules for baggage and hand luggage on airplanes have come into force

Passenger transportation, including air, has clear baggage allowances. This is due to safety requirements to avoid overload vehicle. Airplane baggage rules are particularly strict, as seriously exceeding the baggage limit can lead to tragic consequences.

In international practice, there are standards for how many kilograms passengers are allowed to carry. However, each airline independently determines the conditions of carriage and the size of baggage and hand luggage, depending on the type of aircraft, class of service, etc. To avoid an unpleasant surprise at the airport, you need to try to determine the weight of your bags while packing. Rules for the carriage of baggage on an airplane are usually published on the carrier's website.

How many kg of luggage can you take on a plane?

All passengers can carry the nth amount of luggage free of charge. Anything over the limit will require additional payment. At the same time, the norms for carrying hand luggage and luggage itself differ. The first includes those things that passengers take into the aircraft cabin. The second is what is handed in during check-in in the baggage compartment of the airliner.

In air travel, two systems of free baggage transportation are accepted:

Weight – introduces restrictions on the weight of luggage, how many kg can be taken on board;
By number of seats – limits the number of pieces of luggage.

Weight system

This is a system that sets weight limits for all luggage. Airlines operating under this system fix the limit of free cargo carried by one person. The most common restrictions:

Economy class –23 kg;
Business class – 32 kg.

A child under 2 years old is allowed 10 kg of baggage, even if he is flying without a separate ticket.

Airlines are developing loyalty programs in which, in addition to various bonuses, regular customers increased Weight Limit luggage

With a weighing system it is possible to combine the luggage of two or three passengers. For example, you can take one suitcase for two weighing 30 kg.

By number of luggage spaces

IN Western countries Baggage transportation using the seat system is common, and it is also used on most flights within Russia. Its essence is that each passenger can carry a limited number of pieces of luggage free of charge:

IN economy class– 1 or 2 pieces of baggage (depending on the fare), the weight of which does not exceed 23 kg and with the amount overall dimensions 158 cm;
In business class - 2 or more pieces of baggage, which can weigh no more than 32 kg each, with dimensions of 203 cm.

To determine the dimensions, measure the height, width and length of the “space” and add their values.

The specificity of the system is that the seat parameters do not add up. If the volume of one is greater than the established values, you will have to pay for the excess, even if the limit of the second place has not been exhausted. The same applies to the dimensions: if the suitcase is large, even if it is light in weight, you will have to pay the full price for the extra. place.

Example! 1 suitcase weighs 10 kg, and the second 30 kg. Despite the fact that their total weight does not exceed the general limit (23 + 23 kg = 46 kg), payment will be required for overweighting a 30 kg suitcase.

In addition, in countries with a developed trade union movement there is a ban on loaders lifting more than 32 kg of weight. Those. If the luggage weighs even 33 kg, then you won’t be able to get away with paying for excess weight; it will simply not be accepted on the plane.

Hand luggage

Before the flight, you should also find out the rules for transporting hand luggage on the plane, established by the company. The average size of luggage that can be taken on a plane is 15 kg (business) with dimensions up to 115 cm.

Carry-on luggage usually includes important documents, gadgets, reading books, essential items, medicines, and outerwear. If you are taking a backpack or small bag with you on a plane, weigh it first to see if you are exceeding the carry-on baggage allowance. Otherwise you will have to check something in your luggage.

The weight of hand luggage on an airplane does not count towards the entire cargo carried. Full rules for carrying hand luggage on an airplane must be published on the airline's website.

Important! The standards described above apply to most airlines. However, there are so-called low-cost airlines that use an unconventional transportation system, which allows them to significantly reduce ticket prices. Such carriers limit as much as possible the weight of luggage allowed for transportation and its quantity. When flying on such flights, people experience inconvenience, but they pay significantly less for the ticket.

Charter flights are also a special type of flight when the company chartering the aircraft (in in this case tour operator) itself determines how much weight passengers can carry for free.

Excess baggage

If you take with you more than you should, the passenger must understand that the extra kilos will have to be paid for. If overweight cannot be avoided, it is better to find out in advance what rules are accepted in a particular airline: in some places a slight overload is allowed, but in others it is strictly not allowed. At the same time, carriers' tariffs for the weight of baggage on an airplane per person that exceeds the norm can reach impressive amounts. It is better to check excess baggage at the airport in advance, since weighing, payment and processing will take time. If there is a lot of such baggage, then it is registered in a separate document as unaccompanied and sent on a separate cargo flight. The passenger will be able to receive it at the destination using a special air waybill.

Oversized luggage

This includes baggage on an airplane whose dimensions exceed the established sum of three dimensions. Oversized instruments are considered to be musical instruments, large sports equipment and equipment, a baby stroller, Appliances etc. If the cargo is valuable, it is recommended to carry it as hand luggage or with the purchase of an additional ticket. This point must be agreed with the airline in advance. The carrier will need time to accept a passenger with skis or, for example, a double bass.

If you purchased a separate ticket for oversized cargo, this does not increase the allowable weight of baggage on the plane, which you can carry for free.

Important! The air carrier has the right to refuse to transport oversized cargo. There may be no free space on the plane, or the type of vessel may be unsuitable (the loading hatches are too small).

Any oversized items will be charged additionally at a separate rate. However, it happens that on planes flying to seasonal holiday destinations ( ski resorts, diving, etc.), airlines offer free transportation of sports equipment.

What is prohibited from being carried in luggage?

The baggage rules also determine the list of items and substances that are not allowed for transportation:

explosives (explosives, cartridges, fireworks, sparklers, gas and alcohol burners, etc.);
firearms;
flammable substances (gasoline, diesel fuel, solvents, gasoline lighters, etc.);
gases and liquids under pressure (pepper sprays, sprays, deodorants, etc.);
toxins, poisons, acids;
radioactive objects and substances;
dangerous objects that can be used for attack (pocket knives, straight razors, scissors, etc.). However, they can be transferred to the luggage compartment.

Checked baggage may contain captured bladed or throwing weapons (for example, a saber, sword or crossbow). However, they must be specially decorated, and the passenger must have permission to transport them.

The full list of prohibited items is determined by legislative acts approved by the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation.

Transportation of fragile luggage

Among free luggage You can carry fragile items on an airplane if their weight falls within the permissible limits. They can even be checked into the luggage compartment by notifying the airport employee during check-in. In this case, an identification mark will be affixed to the cargo, and the loaders will bring it to the luggage compartment with special care. However, the airline is not responsible for the safety of baggage, even if it has a “fragile” status. Therefore, it is recommended to take it on board as hand luggage.

If the cargo is lost

Even if a passenger, knowing how many kg he can take on the plane, weighed his luggage, paid for the overweight, and issued an oversized invoice, he is still not protected from the loss of luggage. Bags and suitcases get lost during loading and unloading and may be sent on another flight by mistake.

Algorithm of action in case of missing luggage:

You must have a luggage tag or receipt on hand (it is usually issued upon boarding);
You must go to the baggage search office and write a search application;
The airline must find the lost item within 21 days and return it free of charge to the specified address. If the client is asked to go pick up the luggage themselves or pay shipping costs, this is a violation of the law;
If, at the end of the three-week period, the luggage is not found, or it is returned damaged, you need to write an application for compensation of the loss;
If the company refuses to compensate for the damage, you need to get their written refusal and go to court with it.

Baggage transportation: main rules

So, to make your trip go smoothly, you should remember the basic rules:

Try to buy a standard-sized suitcase or travel bag. Make sure that its dimensions fit into international standards;
Study the carrier's baggage allowances in advance. Pay particular attention to this issue when flying with LowCost;
Knowing how much you can take with you on the plane, it is better to take a couple of kilograms less;
When flying with small children, you can safely request that 10 kg be included in their luggage;
If possible, fly light, only with hand luggage. You will spend much less time boarding and landing, and will get rid of the unpleasant hassle of losing your luggage.

Video

Changes have been made to the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR), according to which the minimum weight of hand luggage carried free of charge is reduced from 10 to 5 kg. Also, the very concept of hand luggage was added to the FAP.

Before the relevant amendments were made, the passenger had the right to free carriage of at least 10 kg of baggage for both refundable and non-refundable tickets.

The air carrier independently determined how these 10 kg would be transported

- in hand luggage or in luggage compartment aircraft.

Now the carry-on baggage allowance is “at least 5 kilograms.” Thus, the air carrier is legally obliged to accept on board as hand luggage items up to 5 kg per passenger. At the same time, at the request of the carrier, the rate can be increased “as a competitive advantage.” In particular, S7 airlines intend to maintain the current weight of free hand luggage at 10 kg, reports.

The amendments also establish three types of tariffs for air tickets: return ticket no baggage allowance, non-refundable ticket with luggage and a return ticket with luggage weighing from 10 to 30 kilograms.

Passengers who have purchased a non-refundable ticket will be able to carry hand luggage weighing up to 5 kg on board free of charge.

In addition to hand luggage, a passenger has the right to take with him into the aircraft cabin a backpack, a woman’s handbag or briefcase, as well as outerwear, a bouquet of flowers, baby food for a child, a suit in a suitcase, a cradle or stroller, a cane, crutches, and other “technical means” for rehabilitation”, medicines and those goods that were purchased in duty free shops.

The norms for the permissible volumes of packages with duty free goods will be determined by the air carriers themselves - this measure is related to ensuring safety on board.

As for phones, cameras and other gadgets, they, as well as umbrellas and books, will not be included as separate categories in the list of items carried in hand luggage, since passengers can put them in already registered bags and backpacks.

Following the adoption of amendments to the FAR, when checking in for a flight or boarding an aircraft, a passenger may be required to provide their carry-on luggage for weighing by the airline. At the same time, the “hand luggage” tag will not be attached to items located directly with the passenger.

Carry-on baggage markings are canceled for passengers checking in online. In this case, size control will be carried out using weighing immediately before boarding the plane.

We are also confident that the innovations will have a positive impact on the airline industry and passengers. In September, Igor, Chairman of the Expert Council on Tourism under the Federation Council Committee on Social Policy, said that new standards for free baggage allowance will make it possible to significantly reduce tariffs for budget flights.

“According to preliminary calculations, eliminating the free baggage allowance will make the cheapest fares cheaper by another 10-15%,” Fomin said.

The head of the Passengers Union, Kirill, also approved amendments to the rules for the transportation of baggage, RT reports. But at the same time, Yankov expressed concern about abuses among air carriers.

“Unfortunately, some airlines, in pursuit of additional fees from passengers, set a reduced size of allowable hand luggage,” Yankov said.

Also, the head of the Passengers Union believes that it is necessary to establish the minimum size of hand luggage based on the type of aircraft.

At the end of July 2017, the Russian President signed a law that makes free baggage allowance optional for non-refundable air tickets.

It was also decided to replace the words “including things carried by passengers” with the expression “hand luggage”.

Refundable air ticket upon termination of the contract air transportation must contain a free baggage allowance. Non-refundable rate“may not include” free luggage.

As soon as you buy a plane ticket, or better yet, before booking your trip, pay attention to the baggage conditions. Each airline has its own requirements. The minimum information will be specified when booking the flight, and for details, go to the section of the carrier’s website where the conditions of transportation are indicated. And read our review)

What are the rules for things on an airplane?

Upon boarding, everything the passenger is carrying is inspected and weighed. It turned out that the suitcase exceeds the permissible weight or dimensions - difficulties will arise during registration, which threaten not only loss of time and nerves, but also unplanned expenses.

Pay attention! Musical instruments and animals are transported separately, regardless of the volume of other things. The free carriage norm does not apply to them; you will have to pay extra according to the tariff schedule.

In international air travel, there are 2 generally accepted measures for transporting passenger suitcases: weight concept and piece concept. Free and paid flight options with luggage are affected by:

service class,
flight duration,
luggage dimensions,
the weight of things
flight direction.

The weight concept or weight measure sets a limit only on the weight of passenger bags. Used by most carriers in Asia, CIS countries and some European companies. For adult passengers and children over two years old, the weight measure allows you to transport free of charge:

Economy - no more than 20 kilograms;
Business - no more than 30 kilograms;
The first - no more than 40 kilograms.

These restrictions include the combined weight of checked baggage and carry-on baggage per passenger. Information about the norm of things is placed on the purchased air ticket. If the requirements change, the carrier must notify the passenger. You are allowed to take no more than 10 kilograms with a size of up to 1.15 meters into the aircraft cabin without additional payment.

If a child under two years of age is flying without being separated from their parents seat, the volume of things allowed for it will be 10 kilograms.

Piece concept or quantitative measure defines the number of units carried per passenger. Distributed by airlines in Canada, the USA, and in most countries of Central and South America. Among Russian airlines, Aeroflot uses this measure.
With a quantitative measure, regardless of the class of ticket, it is allowed to transport no more than two bags weighing up to 32 kilograms each free of charge. The combined weight of the seats does not matter and does not add up. Maximum dimensions for quantitative measure:

Economy - no more than 1.58 meters
Business - no more than 2.03 meters;
The first is no more than 2.03 meters.

Keep in mind: no matter the complexity or distance of the flight, loading and unloading of things is paid by the airline.

Oversized luggage

The following are considered oversized items on an aircraft:

a piece of luggage weighing more than 32 kg and measuring more than 2.03 m in all dimensions,
any sports equipment,
any musical instruments,
Appliances.

If you are flying abroad, remember: checked baggage is checked baggage, cabin baggage (hand baggage/carry-on) is hand luggage.

Carriage of baggage in excess of the norm will have to be paid; it is best to clarify the airline’s tariffs and payment terms and arrange them in advance. And at the front desk just show the receipt for payment for oversized items.

The airline may refuse to carry oversized baggage if there is not enough free space in the baggage compartment or cargo of that size does not fit into the loading hatches.

Transportation of fragile and valuable luggage

We recommend keeping important, fragile and valuable items and documents with you and taking them into the cabin if they are the same size and weight as hand luggage. If fragile and valuable luggage is large, but less than 75 kilograms, it will be allowed to be carried in the cabin on a separate ticket.

If fragile luggage does not arrive intact, the carrier will not admit guilt. After all, airline passengers are not legally responsible for the safety of fragile belongings.

If you weigh more than 75 kilograms, you will have to buy several pieces of luggage that are a multiple of the difference in luggage weight and the weight standard for 1 piece. There is no discount system for these tickets.

Hand luggage

Passenger belongings transported on an airplane are divided into:

luggage - these items travel in the luggage compartment and are handed over to the carrier's employees at the check-in counter before boarding the plane;
hand luggage - things that a passenger takes with him into the aircraft cabin; the airline limits them in weight and volume.

Typically, hand luggage should fit into the standard: when traveling in economy class, the weight is 10 kilograms with a size of no more than 1.15 m; when traveling on business, the weight of the suitcase should not exceed 15 kilograms, the sum of the dimensions should not exceed 1.15 m.

In excess of the norm, without taking into account the total weight of baggage, a passenger may carry into the aircraft cabin:
flowers and a woman's handbag, a coat and a stole, an umbrella and a book, a camera and a camera, a laptop and a tablet, a stroller for a child, a bag of groceries or a package.

But it is not exactly)
Low-cost airlines greatly narrow the list of things you can take with you. Check the exact list on your airline's website.

Baggage on a regular flight

Each airplane passenger can carry a certain amount of things without paying. The exact volume depends on the type of aircraft and airline regulations. One of the advantages of flying with large companies with regular flights is the large baggage allowance. Carry up to 23 kilograms in checked luggage and up to 7 kilograms in hand luggage free of charge.

The exact amount of free baggage is always indicated on your ticket.

When purchasing tickets for a regular flight at a discount, check with the airline for the maximum size of items in your luggage and cabin. Understand the maximum as approximate. It is important that the sum of the three dimensions of the height, width and depth of the passenger's bag is less than the sum of the dimensions in the airline's table.

Flying with luggage on low-cost airlines

The allowed baggage size for low cost airlines is significantly smaller than usual. Some low-cost airlines do not allow luggage to be transported without additional payment, and they also severely limit the amount of hand luggage allowed on the plane.

Air discounters strictly check that items comply with the rules and make money from inattentive passengers who have not read the transportation rules. Near the check-in counter and at the exit to the plane there are scales and frames in which hand luggage must be placed. If the bag is larger, you will have to check it as luggage and pay a fair amount.
You will be allowed on a budget company plane with only 1 piece of luggage. Some low-cost airlines will still allow you to bring an additional handbag and laptop into the cabin. Read the airline rules carefully.

If your carry-on baggage is larger than the norm and there is nothing to put away, then check in and pay for your baggage in advance online before arriving at the airport. Checking your luggage at the counter before boarding will cost twice as much. And payment at the gate upon boarding will result in a substantial amount.

Advice! Low-cost airlines do not limit the amount of clothing a passenger can wear. Wear the bulkiest and heaviest things possible.

Flying with a discount airline allows you to save a lot of money, but take as little luggage as possible and carefully read the rules for transporting baggage and hand luggage. Then there will be no problems and no loss of money when boarding the flight.

Baggage allowance on charter

The norms for carrying things on a charter flight are determined by the tour operator who sells the tour and is the charterer of the aircraft. On charter flights passengers are allowed to carry one piece weighing no more than 20 kg and 10 kg for children under 2 years old (if a separate seat is not provided for the child). The free baggage allowance for charter flights is the same for business and economy class.

Most often, charter companies add up the weight of seats for passengers flying together. But it’s better to divide your luggage evenly, since the company simply will not accept items weighing more than 30 kg for transportation without additional payment.
The hand luggage allowance on charters is 5 kg per passenger. On a charter, they do not strictly monitor the dimensions of luggage and hand luggage; a slight excess is often allowed through without additional payment.

What to do with luggage when flying with a transfer

You can travel in transit on planes of the same or different airlines. It’s more convenient when you change trains without changing the carrier company:

all flights will be included in one ticket,
you hand over your things at the airport of departure and receive them upon arrival,
Airline employees are responsible for the transportation of your belongings.

If you are carrying things that need to be declared, you will have to receive your luggage at the intermediate point and check it in yourself after inspection for the next flight.

It’s more difficult when you fly on several airlines. If the companies are partners and you checked your luggage to your final destination, there will be no differences. But when the carriers are not connected with each other, you will have to work hard:

there will be separate tickets for each flight,
things will have to be received and returned again at the transit airport,
being late for a connection and keeping your luggage safe is your headache.

If you have a connection, allow more time to go through registration and move around the airport. Familiarize yourself with the airport map in advance and plan your route to the connecting point. Travel only with hand luggage.

When we fly without luggage

More and more independent travelers are choosing to fly without checking luggage. Flying with hand luggage - The best way save time and money and get only positive emotions from the flight.

Save time

Checking in and checking luggage takes time, as does standing in line to check in. Travel with hand luggage and check in before arriving at the airport - avoid standing in line and wasting time.

Another waste of time is getting your luggage. Waiting for luggage after the plane arrives can take up to 1.5 hours depending on the arrival airport. If you only have hand luggage with you, you can go about your business immediately after leaving the plane and going through passport control.

Enjoy your flight

A traveler's worst nightmare is the airline losing your suitcase. Of course, most often things are found, but this unpleasant experience is not worth going through. But what about fears that the suitcase will be damaged during loading or that it will be opened and something valuable will be stolen?
When your things travel side by side in the cabin of the plane, there will be no frantic worries or worries. A comfortable and roomy bag that you take in your hand luggage guarantees the absence of unnecessary worries.

Avoid unnecessary spending

Overweight is a frequent and unpleasant phenomenon for travelers, which threatens additional expenses. In addition, when flying without luggage, you can easily travel with low-cost airlines with their incredibly low price tags.

The main difficulty when flying with hand luggage is the ability to discard unnecessary things. Learn to hit the road with a minimum of luggage. This is especially useful during connections and complex routes. Take all your things with you on the plane and your mobility will allow you to visit more places in one trip.

What can you take on a plane in hand luggage?

If you fly with luggage, take into the cabin only what you need during the flight: your favorite book, gadgets, documents and a warm jumper. It is better to keep valuable and fragile items with you too. But if you are traveling exclusively with hand luggage, check which things to pack and which things you will have to leave at home.

A standard “flight” bag should not exceed 1.15 meters in total in all dimensions or be no more than 55x40x20 centimeters. The permitted weight depends on the carrier, but can rarely exceed 10 kg per passenger. If the dimensions are not met, you will have to check in your luggage.
Low-cost airline requirements for the size of a flight bag can vary significantly. If you don’t want to pay extra, read and fulfill all the conditions of the low-cost carrier.

List of things allowed on the plane

Food: You can bring any solid food onto the plane. Do not attempt to bring in liquids, jellies or creams larger than 100 ml. Take your child’s food and drink with you in reasonable quantities and do not have to put it in plastic, but you will need to present it during inspection. Be prepared for additional questions and requests to open and try the content.
Medicines: take any non-liquid medicines in reasonable quantities, it is better if they are in the original packaging and with instructions. At large quantities medicines or if the products contain narcotic substances, have a prescription and a certificate from your doctor with you so that there are no problems at customs.
The volume of liquid medications and sprays should be less than 100 ml. But you cannot bring aerosols and syringes.
Equipment: the list of devices that can be carried by plane depends on the country's security requirements. Usually there are no problems when transporting a phone, laptop, tablet, camera and player. You can also take small household appliances (electric razor, electric toothbrush and hair dryer). If suspicion arises, the inspection service may require you to turn on the device and demonstrate its operation.
If you are carrying equipment in your hand luggage, remember that the airline limits the number of items in the cabin per passenger and their size.
Documents and valuables: it is better to take your passport and all documents necessary for travel (hotel reservations, tickets and car rental), as well as valuables, into the cabin of the plane. If your luggage is lost, all the documents necessary for your stay in the country will be on hand.

Cosmetics: Carry bulk and dry cosmetics without any problems, but with liquid cosmetics it is more difficult: the total volume of liquid substances in your hand luggage should not be more than 1 liter, and the volume of one bottle should not exceed 100 ml. If the conditions are not met, you will have to throw away your favorite products during security or return to the check-in counter and check them in as luggage. Aerosols and pressurized containers are prohibited from being taken on flights; replace them with dry products.
Hygiene items: there is a ban on stabbing and cutting objects, regardless of their size, so nail scissors, combs with a sharp metal handle and straight razors cannot be carried. Take the paste in a tube of less than 100 ml to avoid problems.
Baby accessories: airlines allow you to take a stroller or baby carrier on the plane at no additional cost. They are checked in as hand luggage and handed over to the staff upon entering the cabin.

How to carry Duty Free goods on a plane

In the duty-free trade zone or during a flight international flight you can buy products Duty Free. There will be no problems with solid goods, but when transporting liquids (perfume, alcoholic drinks, etc.) you need to be aware of the rules:

Duty free products must be specially sealed and packaged;
do not open the package until you arrive at your destination and pass control;
A bottle unpacked at the airport may be prohibited from being taken on a flight.

After purchasing alcoholic beverages at Duty Free, find out the customs requirements for the export and import of strong drinks in the destination country. Buying in Duty Free at difficult route, find out the rules for transporting goods in the transit country and the requirements of the carrier.

When returning to Russia, you can carry no more than 3 liters of alcohol per passenger free of charge. When transiting through the Schengen zone, alcohol will be required to be checked in as baggage. And when departing from US airports, only alcohol purchased at American Duty Free will be allowed in the aircraft cabin.

Not all low-cost airlines allow you to carry a package with Duty Free without additional payments; it is considered a separate place and you will have to pay for transportation.

What is prohibited from being carried on an airplane?

It is prohibited to carry any dangerous substances or objects on the plane that could harm other passengers. These are all types of weapons and weapons-like toys, radioactive, poisonous, corrosive substances and gases under pressure. The customs service also has its own restrictions, they relate to money, jewelry, alcohol, tobacco, various valuables and art objects.

Usually budget travelers It wouldn’t occur to you to pack something from this list, but on the signs at the airport you will see exactly this list of prohibited substances.

Rules for carrying liquids on an airplane

On the plane you will be allowed to take a maximum of 1 liter of liquid substances, in addition, all products are asked to be poured into separate containers measuring 100 ml. Moreover, liquids include only water, but also any creamy or jelly-like products.

Please note that it is prohibited to transport liquids in partially filled containers larger than 100 ml. If 50 ml of shampoo is packaged in a 400 ml bottle, you will have to part with the product during inspection.

stock up on mini-packs, preferably with the volume indicated on the package;
distribute all liquid and cream products into containers;
pack all the funds in one transparent bag, better size 20 by 20 centimeters;
check that the total volume does not exceed 1000 ml (10 containers).

Where can I get the correct 100 ml containers? Leave the mini-packs that are given when you check in at hotels: you will have shampoo, body wash and cream. Buy miniature cosmetics or a travel set of cosmetics, it contains 50-100 ml of products. There are universal packaging of containers for travelers on sale; all you have to do is pour your favorite products and pack your luggage.

A Zip-Lock, which is sold at any office supply store, is perfect as a package. And yet, the volume of liquids of travelers flying together will not be added up.

How to avoid losing luggage during a flight

If you are afraid of losing your luggage during a flight, take steps before your flight to reduce the likelihood of loss:

Remove used luggage tags after your flight. An airport employee will easily make a mistake if the suitcase is covered with old tags and stickers, and will send the baggage along a different route.
Keep valuable and necessary things with you. If it is not easy to replace an item, take it to the cabin, because the carrier is not responsible for the loss.
Label the suitcase on the outside, indicate the city, last name and contact, preferably English language. Inside the bag also put a piece of paper with contacts and a request to return the luggage.
Take a photo of the bag inside and out, keep a list of all valuables, it’s great if you can justify their value by presenting a receipt.
Remove the external straps during the flight - they will get caught on the transport line and the suitcase will get stuck.
Wrap your luggage in plastic wrap, use airport packaging, or wrap it yourself. Stretch packaging will protect against burglars and damage during transportation.
Choose discreet models or buy a special case. Luxury suitcases attract unnecessary attention; expensive bags can be stolen for the purpose of theft.
Install it on a combination lock and change the code: this will protect the bag from opening when dropped and zipped and will scare away or at least slow down robbers.
Insure your luggage against loss: if the suitcase is lost, the insurance company will reimburse the amount of damage. To do this without any hassle, use one of the stores to buy insurance online

Why does luggage get lost?

50% of luggage is lost due to failures and inconsistencies in airport operations,
15% of bags are not loaded onto the plane due to a lost or missing luggage tag,
15% remain on the baggage belt - passengers simply do not pick them up,
20% of luggage goes missing in other ways for various reasons.

Where do our missing suitcases end up?

When registering, a special tag with markings is hung on the bag; a ten-digit barcode contains full information about luggage:

Last 6 digits - unique baggage identifier
3 digits in the middle - flight number designation
The first digit is the baggage class.

The tag is a guide that allows the airport system to direct luggage along the correct route, moving along the transport belt the suitcase ends up at the desired point: the luggage compartment of the aircraft or the baggage claim area. If there is no tag, there is a problem on the line or the barcode is not read correctly - the bag ends up in lost baggage or flies on the wrong route.

Where do suitcases disappear at the airport?

1. To distant distances: if a mistake is made in the marking of the tag, the suitcase will fly on its own journey: another city, country, continent - the larger the airport, the more exotic the suitcase’s route can be.
2. Into the desperate unknown: the tag is torn or loosely affixed and is lost when the suitcase passes the transport belt; such unmarked bags end up in the area of unidentified baggage.
3. To the suitcase detectives. If a suitcase is lost or left uncollected from the transport belt (yes, this also happens) and the tag on it is intact, suitcase detectives come into action. By punching the barcode in the internal system, they find all the data about the owner and contact him to please him with the news of the find.
4. IN international search. World Tracer System is an international baggage tracing system in which most airports in the world participate. The system is automated and searches for missing luggage itself, comparing the route, color, size and weight of the bag within 100 days; you just need to fill out an electronic application using a special form.
5. For opening and inspection: if the owner of the luggage does not show up within 5 days, the suitcase is opened, because personal belongings can help in finding the owner. If after 2 weeks the owner of the bag has not been found, it is sent to a storage warehouse.
6. To auction: as soon as 100 days or 3 months of owner expires lost luggage stop looking. All such bags end up on a special sale, where they are sold without opening. The starting price is very low, and the contents will be a surprise for the buyer. This kind of auction is quite popular in Europe and America, because there is always a chance to buy a suitcase with valuables inside.

What to do if the airline has lost your luggage

check in the delivery area oversized luggage: non-standard suitcases, skis, strollers or sports equipment will not be waiting on the transport belt, but in a special delivery area.
contact Lost & Found: at every airport there is a service that searches for luggage. It is easy to find by following the Lost & Found signs. Show your luggage tag, identification document and fill out the application. It is important to describe the bag in detail and provide special features.
notify the airline: it wouldn’t hurt to go to the airline counter at the airport and ask them about the procedure; if your luggage is lost on a charter, start from here.
3 weeks have passed and the suitcase has not been found - it’s time to submit an application to the airline for monetary compensation for lost items. A photo of the contents, an inventory of things, and saved receipts will come in handy here.
If the airline refuses, we go to court, in such cases the judge usually sides with the passenger, and the carrier will have to compensate for material and moral damage.

The suitcase is found in another city or country - the airline is obliged to transport it at its own expense and deliver the baggage free of charge to the address specified by the passenger - this is an international rule that all carriers comply with.

If your suitcase is lost and you find yourself in a foreign country without all your belongings, contact the carrier company for compensation. Many international airlines, in such situations, allocate a small amount for basic necessities.

How to carry sports equipment on a plane: skis, snowboards, equipment.

If you belong to active travelers, I have repeatedly encountered questions about how to transport skis or diving equipment, whether it is possible to fly with a snowboard for free, and how much it costs to transport a surfboard. We recommend that you resolve all these issues at the stage or immediately after purchasing a ticket; at the airport it will be many times more expensive and, in the worst case, will end in missing your flight.
It doesn’t really matter whether you have winter or summer equipment; we suggest solving the issue of flying with sports equipment using a simple and effective algorithm:

try to fit into standard luggage: if the size of things allows you to squeeze into standard sizes and weight - we pack and fly;
look for tickets from companies that transport sports equipment for free: such promotions are often carried out by airlines during the season on popular routes;
inform the air carrier in advance that you are flying with sports equipment, indicating the dimensions and weight;
pack your equipment carefully and securely, it is better to use special cases for transportation;
do not forget that sports equipment is issued in the oversized baggage area, and not on the transport belt;
traveling with your own gym equipment is rarely cheap, but the experience is worth it.

Our top flight tip: pack your bags, pack away your luggage, and pack away your luggage!

So, from this article you will find out: is it possible to carry a suitcase the size of an elephant for free, why you have to leave shaving foam at the security check, how to take skis to a resort, why you should learn to fly without things, where to look for a missing suitcase and who the suitcase detectives are.

At the end of 2017, information appeared in the media about improvements and changes that had occurred in the requirements for luggage carried by air. From this moment on, things carried free of charge in the luggage compartment and in the cabin of the aircraft began to be measured in kg and cm.

Rules for air transportation of passengers and baggage 2018

Since last fall, Russian air carriers have gained the right to independently set the weight limit for free items carried. When purchasing an air ticket, it is very important to pay attention to its fare and class.

A travel document issued in business class, as a rule, wins not only in weight, but also in the number of seats.
A cheap tariff plan most likely entails restrictions on the amount of free things that can be transported.

Most major airlines allow you to take 1 piece weighing 23 kg in economy class, and 2 pieces weighing 32 kg each in business class.

Rules for the carriage of baggage and hand luggage on an airplane 2018 have their pros and cons

However, low-cost airline companies adhere to a policy in which lower ticket prices are achieved by reducing free carriage standards. On a budget flight, free baggage allowance is 10 kilograms or less.

Note! The company also has the right to make the carriage of only hand luggage free of charge.

The current rules stipulate the lower weight limit for hand luggage taken into the cabin. Each passenger can carry free baggage, the weight of which does not exceed 5 kg. This applies to all Russian airlines. Information about exactly what items are allowed to be brought into the cabin is written on the travel document. Here you can also clarify the weight set by this company for hand luggage, since many large carriers increase it at their discretion.

The things that the passenger decides to take with him must fit within the parameters specified by the air carrier. The most common sizes are 55x40x20 cm. Sometimes the numbers change upward. Thus, Aeroflot has established an acceptable limit of 55x40x25 cm. But there are also counter examples. The management of the low-cost carrier Pobeda has specified dimensions of 36x30x27 cm for luggage carried in the cabins of its ships. A passenger who uses this service is invited to transport cargo of absolutely any weight, but one that fits into a calibrator with the above dimensions.

To eliminate disputes and conflicts, limiting frames are installed in front of the baggage check-in counter. Travelers can measure their own travel bag for fit.

Important! If the item being measured does not fit into the calibrator or is partially sticking out, this indicates that it should be placed in checked baggage.

A passenger who does not fit into the allotted free rates, may pay the excess at rates set by the carrier.

The dimensions of luggage on a 2018 aircraft are determined using a calibrator frame

General baggage and its components

The rules for air transportation of passengers and baggage this year divided all passenger belongings into three groups, which make up the total baggage as a whole.

Checked baggage

This includes suitcases, bags, trunks, as well as oversized and bulky items carried by passengers in the cargo compartment of the aircraft.

They are registered at the check-in counter, where they undergo control weighing, after which a special tag with a number is attached to each piece of luggage, which helps in its identification. The owner of the items being handed over is given tear-off coupons for each accepted place. You must keep them until you receive your items in the arrivals hall.

On a note! The number of kilograms carried free of charge is determined by the airline, taking into account the class and fare at which the ticket was issued.

The list of items and substances prohibited for transportation in the luggage compartment of the aircraft should be clarified. In addition to well-known items such as weapons, flammable and explosive substances, the list may also include goods, medicines and food products that have restrictions or bans on import and export.

Also, you should not part with documents and jewelry. Luggage may be delayed en route or lost.

You should clarify the relevant standards and conditions of transportation in detail with official representatives of the airline. This is done on the website or at a counter located in the airport terminal.

In case of excess, additional payment will be made

Hand luggage

The 2018 rules for the carriage of baggage and hand luggage on airplanes, adopted last fall, allow airport employees to weigh passenger belongings brought on board the aircraft not only before boarding, but also at the exit after landing. Despite the statement that all hand luggage is subject to weighing, priority checks are given to passengers whose luggage looks excessively heavy or reaches critical dimensions.

Important! Items to be carried in the cabin are carefully inspected using a scanner. In addition to matching the weight and overall dimensions, the items should not contain items or substances prohibited for transportation in the aircraft cabin.

Typically, the travel document will list what you cannot take on the plane as hand luggage 2018.

Before the flight, you need to check the permitted dimensions of luggage on the plane 2018

Passenger's personal belongings

It is important to know that in addition to hand luggage, passengers are entitled to free transportation of personal items.

When listing personal items allowed for transportation, different carriers generally adhere to general norms. But there are still differences. Therefore, it is important to carefully read the information on the ticket and clarify any unclear points with airline representatives.

After the innovations that occurred in 2017, the list of items belonging to this category has changed slightly. For example, such familiar and sometimes irreplaceable mobile phones, laptops, tablets and other devices are not included in the list. In practice, this means that the laptop cannot be transported as a separate item. However, if it is placed in hand luggage or in a purse from the list of personal items, then no fee will be charged for it.

Personal belongings now include one package from Duty Free.

Note! Large companies, for example, Aeroflot, allow their passengers to carry 2 such packages per ticket.

Excess baggage allowance

If during baggage check-in the weighing shows that there is excess weight according to the norms for free transportation, then a receipt is issued for payment to the airport ticket office. The specified amount is calculated based on the current tariffs of the carrier providing the service. After payment and presentation of supporting documents, the luggage is checked in and sent for loading.

IN major airports there is a service for packing checked baggage

If the passenger excludes the option of additional payment, he can take the following steps:

transfer all items permitted for carriage in the cabin into hand luggage, not forgetting the rules for this category of things;
put the heaviest things on yourself, and put all kinds of small items in your pockets;
try to put things into two suitcases if you have the right to carry more than one piece;
combine luggage, that is, check in one piece for two passengers (in this case, the norm increases); passengers purchasing this service do not have to be relatives; it is enough to have one final destination;
Check your luggage as oversized in advance.

The only condition remains the same for all aviators: baggage heavier than 50 kg is not accepted for carriage! This is due to compliance with the working conditions of airport employees, who will have to load and lift luggage manually.

Oversized luggage

Not always things that accompany a traveler on the road can fit into trunks or suitcases. It is difficult to find a suitable travel bag for a bicycle, double bass or baby stroller. Sports equipment, musical instruments, household appliances, as well as devices for the convenience of transporting children and people with mobility limitations are classified as large cargo.

Each air carrier resolves such situations, guided by the general company policy reflected in internal rules. The options can be very different:

a number of companies include such items in checked baggage free of charge if the total weight does not exceed the carrier’s allowance;
some companies allow transportation of this category only at special rates in the luggage compartment of the aircraft;
Low-cost airline companies have tariff plans that include the possibility of purchasing an additional seat for the purpose of transporting large items on it.

The presence of additional space allows you to take valuable or necessary thing custom size

Baggage free ticket

The price of an air ticket depends not only on the passenger's class of service. Until recently, it also included payment for free transportation of baggage of permissible weight.

This pricing affected the interests of travelers traveling lightly and traveling with hand luggage. A form was introduced for them travel document, which does not include the fee for baggage space marked O pc.

Such tickets are much cheaper, but are non-refundable. This means that they cannot be returned or exchanged for another date.

Fragile luggage

During baggage check-in, a passenger can ask the check-in staff to place a special “Fragile Baggage” sticker on his luggage. However, it makes sense to keep the truly fragile and most valuable items in hand luggage during the flight.

Note! Items of special value may be subject to shock during loading or, once on board, during turbulence.

Things in the cabin

Travelers setting off in 2018 had the opportunity to take on board, in addition to hand luggage, one of the items classified as “personal”. Among them there are items the carriage of which is approved by all carriers. This is a handbag for women, a men's briefcase or purse, and in many cases a five-kilogram backpack. Also outerwear or cover with a suit. And finally, a Duty Free package and a flower bouquet.

When preparing luggage intended for transportation in the aircraft cabin, it is important to observe generally accepted rules. This will help passengers and flight attendants avoid unnecessary grief and frustration:

things should not create inconvenience for people in the cabin;
To carry liquids, you must comply with the baggage rules on airplanes in 2018.
Medicines must comply with the expiration date and have instructions for use;
gadgets that have sound signals must be used with headphones;
Alcohol purchased in Duty Free is prohibited from being opened until the end of the flight.

Each air passenger is a participant in the flight. It is necessary to understand that the cabin of an airliner greatly limits the personal space of the people flying in it. Everyone who has purchased a ticket has the right to count on minimal amenities during the trip.