Airport baggage rules. New rules for transporting hand luggage and baggage on an airplane in Russia and abroad: general and specific transportation standards for various airlines

12.04.2022

On July 20, the State Duma, in the 3rd reading, adopted amendments to the Air Code proposed by the Ministry of Transport, giving airlines the privilege to independently decide whether to make baggage transportation on planes free. The discussion about the amendments was fierce, the senators did not hesitate to use harsh expressions, and the head of the Federation Council V. Matvienko completely called the proposal of the Ministry of Transport “nonsense.” But, obviously, the lobby of Aeroflot and other airlines turned out to be stronger - soon all holders of non-refundable air tickets will be forced to pay for their luggage.

As it was?

Until 2013, the rules for carrying baggage on an airplane were so simple that a person going to the airport knew exactly whether he would have to pay extra for personal items. The passenger was allowed to take on board up to 10 kg - this is baggage plus hand luggage. Things related to hand luggage, were allowed to be taken into the cabin - a detailed list of these things appeared in the Air Code and continues to appear. Luggage and hand luggage had to comply with the dimensions specified in the rules, but no one walked with a ruler - if it was slightly exceeded, they turned a blind eye.

It is worth noting that 10 kg was the minimum. If they wanted, airlines could offer more generous rates - and they did. In particular, Aeroflot allowed passengers to take 10 kg of hand luggage and 23 kg of luggage with them.

What's happened?

From the ashes of the low-cost airline Dobrolyot, which collapsed under the pressure of Western sanctions, another one emerged - Pobeda, whose managers turned out to be more enterprising. It occurred to them to carefully delve into the Air Code and find new legal ways to skin three skins from a passenger. They discovered that the laws did not really say anything about the weight standards of hand luggage and baggage. As a result, Pobeda allows you to bring on board free of charge only those things that the Air Code calls necessarily free - for example, photographic equipment, laptops, handbags. For everything else (including duty-free products) the passenger has to pay. And we are not talking about trivial amounts - the cost of baggage transportation on a Pobeda plane sometimes approaches the cost of the ticket itself.

“Luggage cases” are not the only thing that Pobeda “distinguished” from. Passengers were much more outraged by the fact that the company deliberately seated those families who had not paid extra for the opportunity to choose seats.

What's in the bottom line? Pobeda, as the leading domestic low-cost airline, really sells the most cheap tickets– any of the services like “Yandex.Air Tickets” offers to use the services of this company in the first place. However, at the same time, passengers are charged money for luggage and for the opportunity to sit next to them - in total, the costs are such that it would be easier and cheaper to use S 7, Aeroflot or Nordwind Airlines.

“Victory” took an extremely advantageous position in terms of competition, without breaking any laws - simply taking advantage of how stupidly they were drawn up.

How will it be?

The Pobeda company revealed problematic areas in the legislation. It became obvious that the rules for carrying luggage on an airplane need to be reviewed and changed - and, first of all, it is necessary to legally establish how many kilograms of luggage a citizen can take with him on board an air transport.

After heated discussions, legislators came to the following.

Airlines are required to allow holders of non-refundable tickets to carry at least 5 kg of hand luggage on the plane for free, plus items that appear in the list from Order of the Ministry of Transport of Russia No. 82 of June 28, 2007. These things include, say, cell phones, umbrellas, bassinets, and crutches.

According to the new rules, airlines can set the price of baggage transportation on an airplane in 2017 independently, just like the weight limits for transportation. This actually means that passengers with non-refundable tickets should forget about the 10 free kilograms. Carriers are unlikely to miss the opportunity to make money on suitcases - cancellation free luggage in airplanes can be considered a fait accompli.

Return ticket holders need not worry - they are not affected by the new rules in any way.

Refundable and non-refundable tickets: what's the difference?

Air tickets began to be classified into refundable and non-refundable in 2014. Non-refundable tickets can be returned only if there is a good reason - for example, if one of the relatives has died - or in the case when, due to the fault of the carrier, the plane did not take off on time. In this case, the citizen must indicate his desire to return the ticket before boarding the flight is completed - this is stated in Article 108 of the Air Code.

A refundable ticket can be returned without a valid reason - moreover, the citizen does not have to report the reason. According to Art. 107 of the Air Code, the airline returns 75% of the ticket price to the citizen - the “quarter” is collected as a penalty.

Refundable tickets cost on average 20% more than non-refundable tickets!

When will the amendments take effect and how much will I have to pay for luggage?

The Airplane Baggage Law of 2017 will come into force 60 days after its official publication - that is, from mid-autumn 2017. Russians still have the opportunity to fly on vacation to warmer climes “according to the old rules” - counting on 10 kg of luggage free of charge.

After the law comes into force, passengers with non-refundable tickets will have to pay approximately 2,000 rubles for a suitcase weighing up to 23 kg. The exact cost of baggage transportation will be determined privately by carriers. Cashiers are required to inform the citizen of the price when selling a ticket - so that when checking in luggage, the passenger does not have to face an unpleasant surprise.

Will tickets become cheaper?

Low-cost airlines, defending their right to independently set the cost of transporting baggage, nodded to foreign countries - they say that “over the hill” the state does not interfere in the airline business at all and is doing the right thing. At the same time, the lobbyists kept silent about the following: in the countries of civilized Europe, air transport services are significantly cheaper. A ticket can be purchased for 10 euros – which for a second is only 700 rubles.

Now ordinary citizens, trying to find at least some benefit for themselves from controversial legislative initiatives, are asking worthy of attention question: will air transport in Russia become more accessible? Both legislators and airlines so far prefer to evade this issue, but tourism experts are actively speaking out. For example, A. Sizintsev, director of the Biletix service, claims that citizens flying without luggage will actually be able to save money - but there are only a few such passengers! Who would refuse the opportunity to take a change of clothes and clean linen with them on a trip?

Experts agree that the majority of citizens using air transport services are against introducing amendments to the aviation legislation of the Russian Federation will suffer financially.

Is it possible to carry alcohol on a plane under the new rules?

The rules for transporting alcohol in airplane luggage did not change dramatically in 2017 - the rules depend on where you are flying. Low alcohol (with an alcohol content of up to 24%) can be taken on board in unlimited quantities. The maximum limit of strong drinks (over 24%) per citizen is 5 liters.

In the case of a flight abroad, the rules that comply with the legislation of the country where the plane is supposed to land apply. As a rule, it is permissible to take on board 1 liter of strong alcohol (like vodka) or 2 liters of wine.

If the plane is heading to Arab country, where people profess Islam, you won’t be able to bring alcohol with you.

For those who love to travel, the news about baggage allowance on planes is, alas, disappointing - soon, in order to stay within budget, they will have to fly light. Even though Valentina Matvienko assures citizens that she will strictly monitor compliance with baggage rules in 2017 on Aeroflot and other carriers so that they do not commit arbitrariness, experts are confident that a general increase in prices for airline services cannot be avoided.

- a question that interests passengers of many airlines. People do not always understand what belongs to this category of luggage, what items can be taken into the cabin, and what is better to leave at home or check in with regular cargo.

What is the essence?

First, let's look at what is considered hand luggage on an airplane. This is a special type of baggage that is allowed to be taken into the cabin of an airliner. It has its own rules and regulations for transportation, depending on the rules of the airline. For example, economy class passengers receive one seat, and business class and 1st class passengers receive twice as many.

It is believed that the equivalent of one place is a bag or backpack containing personal belongings. This is wrong. The main criterion is the weight of hand luggage and its dimensions. It is these parameters that the carrier is based on. Such baggage is subject to a number of restrictions, which may vary.

General prohibitions

Before checking in for a flight, it is important to be clear about what you cannot take on the plane. Generally speaking, the category of prohibited cargo includes weapons, liquefied gases, as well as dangerous substances (radioactive, toxic, caustic). The category of prohibited items also includes explosives, liquefied gases, sharp objects, including household appliances such as wire cutters, a corkscrew, scissors, a folding knife and others.

Below we will consider in detail what you can take in hand luggage on a plane, and what items are prohibited in relation to food, cosmetics, medicines, digital equipment and other cargo.

Food

First, let's look at what you are allowed to carry. from food. As a rule, airlines restrict passengers in this matter by prohibiting the carriage of jelly-like and liquid foods. But you can take with you:

Nuts.
Fruits.
Sandwiches.
Cookie.
Chips and other products.

If you are flying with a child, you are allowed to take baby food. If jellies, juices or yoghurts are found before departure, they will most likely be prohibited from being carried. This also applies to food that is packaged in cans. Those products that are allowed to be brought on board are recommended to be packed in transparent bags, which speeds up the inspection procedure.

Before departure, pay attention to the carrier's requirements, as they may vary. Pay special attention to goods from DutyFree stores. They are allowed to be taken on the plane, but only if they are packaged in a bag and have a receipt in hand.

Cosmetical tools

Women often ask what they can take with them. from cosmetics. As a rule, carriers allow you to bring into the cabin:

Blush.
Eyeliner.
Shadows.
Powder and other means.

As for jelly-like compositions, as well as liquids that are packaged in containers larger than 0.1 liters, it is prohibited to take them with you. The only option is to transfer your items to checked luggage. In addition, it is not permitted to bring pressurized cans into the cabin. In this case, the total volume of liquids carried should not exceed 1000 ml. This nuance should be taken into account before departure.

Medical supplies

An equally important issue is medications. The following medications are allowed as hand luggage:

Pills.
Hydrogen peroxide.
Materials for dressing.
Various drops.

All products should be sealed and carried with instructions for use. Otherwise, customs officers may have questions for the passenger, up to and including the need to conduct a detailed inspection. If there is an injury, hand luggage can be supplemented with special means for movement, for example, crutches. Regarding the upper limit of liquids, the same rules apply here as mentioned above.

Digital equipment

According to airline rules, you can take digital equipment on board the plane - a laptop, player, tablet, camera, charger and even a hairdryer. But there is a limitation regarding mobile phones. It can be brought into the cabin, but must be turned off. This is due to safety concerns, as radiation from mobile devices can interfere with the operation of aircraft electronics.

If you plan to carry large equipment with you that exceeds the permissible dimensions, it is better to check it as regular luggage.

What to do with documents and jewelry?

According to airline rules, you are allowed to take valuables, jewelry, wallets and important documents with you in hand luggage. You also need to take your passport with you so as not to accidentally end up in a foreign country without documents. There are situations when luggage does not fit on one plane and then it can be sent on the next flight.

Clothing and personal care items

When it comes to personal hygiene items, you can bring a toothbrush and toothpaste, a comb (without a handle), wet wipes and even nail polish remover on board the plane. At the same time, it is prohibited to take cutting or piercing things into the salon. This rule also applies to nail scissors.

From clothes you can take with you a coat, a jacket (sweater), an umbrella, a blanket and a shawl. Generally speaking, it is allowed to take almost all clothing if it does not contradict the airline’s rules and does not exceed the permissible standards (dimensions, weight).

What are the weight and size restrictions?

Separate question - How much hand luggage can you take on a plane?. Here, each airline has its own rules, which depend on the destination, ticket price, flight class and other factors. There are only two main criteria, namely size and weight:

Dimensions. They should not exceed 56 cm in length, 46 cm in height, and 25 cm in width.
Weight. Here the requirements differ, and various airlines limits may range between 3 and 15 kg.

Results

Despite some similarity in the requirements of air carriers regarding hand luggage, some rules are strictly individual. For example, low-cost airlines that provide budget flights are stricter about hand luggage and allow you to take a minimum of things into the cabin. There is a maximum of one seat per person. More established companies will have fewer restrictions. In any case, it is important to clarify these points in advance, even before purchasing a ticket and checking in for the flight.

In law Order of the Ministry of Transport of Russia dated June 28, 2007 No. 82 (as amended on January 14, 2019) “On approval of the Federal Aviation Rules” General rules air transport passengers, baggage, cargo and requirements for servicing passengers, shippers, consignees" (registered with the Ministry of Justice of Russia on September 27, 2007 No. 10186)
at any Russian airline You can carry up to 5 kg of things on board free of charge. There are carriers that allow you to take 10 or 15 kg.

As a rule, than more expensive ticket, the more things you can carry in the cabin. Typically, for economy class flights, one piece of hand luggage is provided, and for business class flights, two. But here everything depends on the carrier: some companies have their own standards for each fare, route, aircraft, while others have a single standard for everyone.

Dimensions are not specified in the law, so each carrier can set its own rules. Typically, bags with dimensions of 55 × 40 × 20 cm or with the sum of three dimensions equal to 115 cm are allowed on board. Such a suitcase will fit in the overhead luggage rack along with the hand luggage of other passengers.

You can also take a handbag, briefcase or backpack with things in excess of the norm. It is assumed that you will place them under the seat in front, so the permitted weight and dimensions may be less than for carry-on luggage. For example, up to 3 kg and no more than 80 cm in the sum of three dimensions.

Carefully read the rules on the company’s website: if the weight of free excess baggage is not indicated there, check this on the website or by phone.

Also, instead of an additional bag, briefcase or backpack, you can take for free:

bouquet of flowers;
outerwear;
baby food for the child during the flight;
suit in a suitcase (check weight and dimensions);
a device for carrying a child (cradle, chair, stroller) - provided that you are flying with a child and can fit these things on a shelf or under the seat;
medications, special dietary needs in the amount required for the duration of the flight;
crutches, canes, walkers, rollators, a folding wheelchair, if you can fit them in the cabin on a shelf or under the seat;
goods from Duty Free, if they are suitable in weight and dimensions and are sealed in a sealed bag (check weight and dimensions).

The basic rule: what you are going to take into the cabin must fit on a shelf or under the seat. Ask the carrier in advance how much excess hand luggage he will allow you to carry.

How to check hand luggage at the airport

If your hand luggage looks bulky, it will be weighed at the airport and the dimensions will be checked using a special frame. This is a plastic container or two walls that your suitcase should fit into. In this case, everything should fit in, including handles and wheels.

Frame for checking carry-on baggage sizes / consumerreports.org

To avoid having to pay extra for hand luggage, choose soft bags or a backpack with drawstring straps that reduce the size of the already packed travel accessory.

When traveling by plane, passengers take their luggage and carry-on luggage with them. The plane has long been the fastest way to travel between cities and countries. On November 5, 2017, new rules and regulations for the carriage of baggage and hand luggage on an airplane came into force. There are general rules for transporting things, but some airlines make their own additions to them. I would recommend familiarizing yourself with them before purchasing air tickets.

While I was preparing this article, the Ministry of Transport published the Order “On Amendments to the Federal Aviation Rules “General Rules for the Air Transportation of Passengers, Baggage, Cargo and Requirements for Services for Passengers, Shippers, and Consignees.” So I tried to collect the most up-to-date information about the new rules for baggage and carry-on luggage.

General rules regulate the amount of luggage and its weight. From them you can also find out what is allowed and what is prohibited to take on board the plane. It is necessary to distinguish between such concepts as luggage and hand luggage.

Baggage refers to the items you check into the cargo area of the aircraft. This could be a suitcase, bag, backpack, etc.

Carry-on luggage is the items you take inside the plane. During the flight, they are placed on a special shelf above the seats. If things are not bulky and will not interfere with your travel, they can be placed under the seat of the passenger in front.

Checked baggage is registered individually for each passenger. Most often this happens when checking in for a flight. The luggage is placed on a special conveyor belt, which shows its weight on an electronic scale. If there is no overload, the airport employee sticks a special barcode on it, and it is sent through the long, confusing tunnels of the airport straight to your plane. You will be given a baggage check-in ticket. Be careful with him. If your luggage suddenly gets lost, this coupon will be very useful to you.

There are currently three types of tickets:

non-refundable without norm,
non-refundable with baggage allowance
returnable with luggage.

If your ticket includes baggage, the carrier cannot allow it to weigh less than 10 kg.

Most often, the allowed weight of free baggage is as follows:

for passengers traveling in economy class - 23 kg. per person
For business class passengers, baggage weight should not exceed 32 kg. per person

Most airlines keep the sum of three baggage dimensions to no more than 158 cm.

for children under 2 years old the norm free transportation luggage – 10 kg (the sum of three dimensions should not exceed 115 cm)
For children from 2 to 12 years old, the baggage allowance is the same as for an adult.

Important! Check the free baggage allowance and its dimensions before purchasing a ticket, as these parameters may differ for different carriers.

When traveling as a couple with one baggage, you are usually allowed to carry 30 kg, and not, as many would like, to combine the baggage allowance for one person. If your ticket includes baggage, then you will not need to pay additional fees when combining it.

Low-cost airlines most often charge an additional fee for luggage. Moreover, when purchasing a baggage ticket in advance, its price is lower than when paying at the airport. The difference can reach 50%. If you want to save money, calculate in advance how many things you will take with you.

If you paid for luggage, but in fact did not use it, then this amount is refundable. For example, you bought two pieces of luggage and used one. The actual difference must be returned. This measure refers to the weight, size and quantity of luggage.

Excess baggage allowance will have to be paid additionally. Each airline has its own tariffs for excess kilograms. It happens that airline representatives turn a blind eye to a slight excess of luggage, but you shouldn’t count on it.

Carry-on baggage rules

According to the new rules for passenger transportation, the carry-on baggage allowance has been determined. It must be at least 5 kilograms. At the same time, the carrier may, at its discretion, increase this minimum rate. For example, to increase the attractiveness of your tickets. The dimensions of hand luggage are also left at the discretion of the carrier. I think many have heard about the minimum size of a backpack or handbag allowed in the cabin, measuring 36x30x27 y.

In practice, the following parameters are most often encountered:

for economy class passengers – up to 10 kg.
for business class passengers – up to 15 kg.

The sum of the three dimensions should be no more than 115 cm.

Hand luggage can be weighed both at check-in and before boarding the plane.

In my flight experience, I have encountered many times the fact that hand luggage was simply not weighed. It all depends on the stringency of the airlines' requirements.

Additionally, the passenger has the right to take with him into the aircraft cabin

outerwear
suit in a suitcase
bouquet of flowers
women's handbag, briefcase, backpack (weight and dimensions set by the air carrier)
baby food for the child during the flight
chairs, strollers for children, as well as a removable cradle from the stroller (the dimensions of which are established by the carrier)
medicinal and dietary preparations
crutches, canes, walkers, rollators, folding wheelchairs used by a passenger and having dimensions that allow them to be safely placed in the aircraft cabin on a shelf above the passenger seat or under the seat in front of the passenger seat;
goods purchased in Duty free, packed in a sealed plastic bag (weight and dimensions are established by the carrier)

These items will not be weighed or labeled.

According to the new rules, a laptop, mobile phone and an umbrella. But they can be put, for example, in a briefcase or backpack, which are allowed for free transportation.

What not to take on a plane

You can put almost anything in airplane luggage, with the exception of things that can cause harm to the airliner and passengers:

highly flammable substances and liquids: gunpowder, firecrackers, sparklers, acentone, gasoline, etc.
weapons: firearms and bladed weapons (checkers, swords, swords, etc.). Transportation is possible only with special documentation.
gases, including lighters, aerosols
poisons, poisons, radioactive substances

Of course, many of the things listed are unlikely to be taken on vacation by ordinary people. Flight safety comes first, so you need to be careful when packing your luggage. In addition to completely prohibited items for transportation, many countries impose restrictions on the import/export of certain products. For example, alcohol and cigarettes. If you are going to take something out of the country, read the established rules.

You need to approach the arrangement of hand luggage more carefully. There are significantly more restrictions on transportation here. Agree, when you check in your luggage and the time comes to check your hand luggage, it will not be very pleasant to part with your favorite cream or shampoo. I once found myself in such a situation in Barcelona when the passenger screening staff wanted to throw away only the face lotion, foundation and several other packages of cosmetics that I had recently purchased. And all because I didn’t pay attention to the transportation of liquids on the plane. I was just starting to travel back then and didn’t know that creamy foods were also considered liquids.

Cannot be placed in hand luggage

manicure sets
corkscrews
blades, razors
alcohol
liquids with a volume above 100 ml.
alcohol

The exception is products purchased in Duty free stores: drinks, perfumes, cosmetics. While waiting for a flight, some passengers make significant purchases, so they board with huge packages.

Frequently asked questions

Will you have to pay money for a suitcase on any flight?

No. This depends on the type of ticket you purchased. Amendments to the law allow airlines to sell baggage-free non-refundable tickets. At the same time, you will retain the right to carry-on baggage weighing 5 kg.

2. How do I know if my ticket includes baggage?

Before purchasing air tickets, you can find out whether baggage is included and to what extent. Now this information is easy to find on airline websites and ticket aggregator websites. If you have already purchased a ticket, this rule is stated in it.

3. How much will I have to pay extra for a suitcase?

This measure is left at the discretion of the carrier. Each airline sets its own prices. At Pobeda prices start from 500 rubles. for 10 kg.

4. What size can hand luggage be?

The weight of hand luggage is fixed by law (it is 5 kg), but the size of hand luggage can be set by carriers at their discretion. Before purchasing air tickets, check this information on the company’s official website.

5. What should I do if my luggage exceeds the paid limit?

It is better, of course, not to allow this to happen. You will have to pay extra for excess airline rates, and they are usually higher when paying at the airport.

How to avoid overpaying for luggage

And finally, I’ll tell you a few life hacks on how not to overpay for luggage, which will allow you to save money.

Take only the essentials with you.
Before purchasing tickets, check the airline's website for free baggage allowance.
Try to weigh your luggage at home so that if it is overloaded, you can lay out some of your items.
If you suddenly find yourself overweight at the airport, try to put some of your things on yourself, and put some in your pockets and hand luggage. The items you are wearing are not carry-on luggage.
Remember that some things can be bought along the way. For example, shampoos and shower gels.

If you have any questions about the new rules for carrying baggage and hand luggage on an airplane, ask them in the comments.

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