Carry-on luggage on an airplane. What not to take on a plane. The size of hand luggage on an airplane. Carry-on luggage on an airplane - permitted dimensions and weight Requirements for luggage dimensions on an airplane

Aeroflot 2016: how much can you check in as luggage?

All luggage of passengers at the airport is divided into two categories:

  • hand luggage;
  • checked baggage.

You carry your hand luggage with you into the passenger compartment, and check in the heaviest and largest suitcases as checked luggage. Airport staff will give you a tag in advance, and you will need to mark your suitcase so that it does not get lost during transport. He will also fly with you, but in a separate cargo compartment.

You can only take one bag as carry-on luggage, and its weight should not exceed 10 kg. The exception is for passengers flying business class. They can load a bag up to 15 kg.

The weight limits for your suitcase also depend on the class you are flying. In business class you can carry 2 pieces, each no more than 32 kg. Comfort and Premium Economy tickets allow you to take 2 seats with you, but each of these bags must weigh 23 kg or less. If you paid at the most budget rate, called economy, then you can take only one suitcase weighing no more than 23 kg. If your cargo is no more than 1 kg, then Aeroflot does not limit the number of seats.

When processing cargo, there are several tricks that you can use to avoid overpaying for extra pounds.

  • If you are traveling with your family or a large group, then someone can take over a friend’s extra suitcase for themselves. If you have little luggage, then agree with a friend to take some of his bags. Aeroflot allows you to add up the number of seats per company, but you cannot add up the weight or dimensions of your luggage. That is, if a husband and wife are traveling together in comfort class, and their suitcase weighs 25 kg, then at the airport they will have to pay for the excess weight.
  • Aeroflot treats young parents with understanding. Often the smallest member of the family has the largest suitcase, because you need to fit diapers, a lot of changes of clothes, and all your favorite toys. If a baby under two years old is flying with you, then he is entitled to a separate luggage space, although he does not occupy a seat on the plane. A child's suitcase should not be heavier than 10 kg. Moreover, its length, height and width in total cannot exceed 115 cm. The class of the parents’ ticket does not play a role here.
  • Children from 2 to 12 years old also have the right to a separate luggage space. They can carry the same amount on their ticket as adults.

Attention! If your flight involves a transfer, check whether both planes belong to Aeroflot. Another carrier may have different restrictions. Please note that you do not have to “thin out” your luggage at the transfer airport or pay extra money for excess luggage.

Ural Airlines: traveling light

Ural Airlines has a special tariff that prohibits the carriage of any cargo as checked baggage. A passenger has the right to take only one small bag with him in his hand luggage. This, of course, greatly embarrasses travelers who are accustomed to flying in comfort. But the promotional tariff is the cheapest.

In other respects, Ural Airlines' cargo transportation rules are similar to those adopted by Aeroflot. The sum of the sides of your suitcase should not be more than 203 cm. Individually, these dimensions cannot be larger than 50x50x100 cm.

When flying with a business or comfort fare ticket, you can carry up to two suitcases with you, each of which will weigh 32 kg (less possible).

Advice. If the purpose of your trip is a short business trip, you can buy tickets of the same class, but marked “light”. In this case, you will only be able to take one suitcase of the same weight. This will be enough for a short business trip.

Economy group fares (including premium economy) allow passengers to carry only one suitcase, and its weight should not exceed 23 kg.

Children who are flying with their parents and do not have a separate seat can also take luggage. 10 kg of cargo can be checked into the luggage compartment as one piece. Or you can carry this bag with you in your hand luggage.

It is worth remembering that no matter what ticket you buy, you cannot take the following things as free cargo:

  • disassembled auto and motorcycle transport (especially whole ones), boats;
  • musical instruments;
  • flowers (live ones are not allowed, but in the form of a bouquet they are allowed), seedlings.

Separate documents must be submitted for all these items.

So, the cargo weight standards of the key carriers are almost the same. They are close to international ones. The exception is the cheapest tickets, which prohibit taking anything other than hand luggage with you.

Airplane baggage rules: video

Each passenger prepares in advance for a long flight on board an airliner. In addition to the list of possible activities, you need to think about what things you might need along the way. Basic luggage and large items are not allowed into the aircraft cabin. According to generally accepted rules, a passenger has the right to take with him a small suitcase or bag, within the permissible weight and volume.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has introduced uniform dimensions for hand luggage, but these standards are not mandatory. Each company approves its own size of hand luggage on the plane, which is not always convenient for the airline’s customers. Before flying with a new airline, you need to check what is the allowable carry-on baggage on its plane.

Hand luggage concept

Hand luggage is bags, packages, backpacks, suitcases, cases that can be taken on board a ship. Their contents are checked at the airport, as there is a whole list of items that are not allowed into the cabin. For many items, special transportation rules have been introduced, which include the method of transportation, the permissible quantity, the need to obtain permits, etc.

Personal belongings of travelers in the aircraft cabin are placed on the upper shelves in the luggage compartments , as well as under the seat of the chair in front. You cannot place your purses or suitcases in the aisles, near the exit, in the toilet, or far from yourself. All hand luggage must be kept next to the passenger. Electronics are transported turned off, in accordance with safety guidelines, since the equipment can distort the signal on the communication line between the pilot and ground controllers.

Acceptable standards for major air carrierscove

Hand luggage on an airplane, its size and weight are strictly regulated by each company. The regulations regarding the rules for transporting specific items and permitted items also differ.

Please pay attention! L Personal clothing, including outerwear, in which a passenger boards the plane does not count as hand luggage. This can be used if you put things that do not fit into the inner pockets. bags.

  1. At Ural Airlines, the permissible size of hand luggage is no more than 115 cm, if you add up three dimensions (55/40/20). The weight of bags differs in economy and business classes: in the first you are allowed to take up to 5 kg with you and occupy one seat, in the second - a total weight of up to 15 kg for two seats in the compartment. For children under 2 years old, you can carry up to 5 kg of things necessary for the flight. There are exceptions for certain flights and destinations;
  2. At the Rossiya air carrier, the rules regarding personal belongings in the cabin also vary depending on the class of service and flight numbering. The volume of bags should not exceed 115 cm, that is, 55/40/20 cm in three dimensions. The permissible weight of hand luggage on some planes is 5 kg in economy class, 10 kg in the business cabin, in others - the increased comfort class gives the right to carry up to 15 kg of unchecked baggage, and in the standard cabin - up to 10 kg. Without weighing, measuring and without paying, you can take with you personal items such as a handbag, folder, cane, umbrella, bouquet, suit in a special case, mobile phone, camera or video camera, personal laptop, book, crutches, as well as purchases from the “Duty free” zone. Children are allowed to take a portable bassinet and special food on board. These items are universal and are included on many airlines' lists, with or without extras. It is recommended that you check with your carrier for a complete list before traveling;
  3. The national air carrier Aeroflot allows you to take the same 115 cm into the cabin. This means the maximum dimensions of the suitcase should be 55 cm in length, 40 cm in width and 20 in height. The list of items that are not subject to weighing and marking when brought into the cabin is identical to the list of the previous airline. The permissible weight of hand luggage in economy and comfort classes should not exceed 10 kg, in business - no more than 15 kg;
  4. The weight of hand luggage on an S7 aircraft should not exceed 10 and 15 kg in economy and business class cabins, respectively. Regarding the size of the bag, the standard is the same as that of previous carriers - no more than 115 cm (55/40/20);
  5. The air carrier Utair does not divide the permitted weight of hand luggage depending on the class of service. The permissible weight of bags is up to 10 kg. Volumes – 55/40/20 cm or 115 cm in the sum of three dimensions;
  6. The foreign airline giant Lufthansa has slightly different size and weight requirements: 55/40/23 or 117 cm, weighing 8 kg in economy and premium economy classes, 16 kg in business and first classes. In standard cabins you can take only 1 place on the shelf, in high-service compartments - 2 places. For children, the company may allow you to take a folding stroller into the cabin (at the discretion of the ship’s crew, depending on the parameters of the stroller and the availability of space on board), a portable cradle or a car seat.

Additional information. If a passenger has booked a ticket that involves several flights on different airlines, the rulestransportation of hand luggage on each leg of the route is regulated by a specific airline.

Prohibited and permitted items

Everyone has their own personal items needed during a flight. This could be medicines, hygiene products, glasses, cosmetics, valuables, digital equipment, telephone, documents, fragile cargo, children's equipment and more. If you are taking food, it is worth checking in advance whether there is a ban on the import of food in the country of arrival.

Z banned for transportation items:

  • Weapons, as well as items imitating weapons;
  • Substances that have the property of igniting or exploding. Some cosmetics may be included in their number - aerosol hairspray, deodorant with a spray;
  • Piercing objects, things with pointed elements, blades;
  • Cartridges for printing equipment;
  • Flammable substances, lithium-based batteries.

Everything purchased at a duty-free store is transported in transparent bags, in any quantity. Liquid products cannot be printed. Receipts must be kept; they may be asked for at control. When transferring, goods from “Duty Free” migrate to the main baggage. This must be taken into account when forming bags.

Important! For items that travelers hand over tomain luggage compartment, fully responsible for the airline. For things that the passenger took into the cabin, he is responsible myself.

Rules for transporting liquids

Most airlines adhere to the following rules:

  • Substances that have a liquid composition are packaged in a container with transparent plastic walls and tightly closed. This could be a bag or container;
  • Liquids in total should not exceed 1 liter, each item individually - no more than 100 ml;
  • Airport security staff have the right to open the package for additional inspection;
  • Alcoholic drinks can be transported in hand luggage, but not more than 100 ml.

The exception is large volume liquid medicines. For each such drug, it is recommended to have a prescription or a formal justification for the need to transport the medication (extract from the medical card, medical card).

Tips for packing hand luggage

  1. You can have more than one bag or backpack with you. If there are several items, but their total parameters fall within the allowed limits, they will be counted as one place;
  2. It is recommended that you measure and weigh your cargo in advance to avoid problems during check-in. Large airports have convenient scales and marker racks for these purposes;
  3. Please note that the lower the fare at which the ticket is purchased, the more restrictions will apply to hand luggage, and the more picky the search will be;
  4. When packing, it is necessary to compactly compact all things in a backpack or suitcase to visually reduce its size. It’s good if the bag has side zippers that can be fastened when all the things are packed;
  5. Things can be rolled up rather than folded, and socks can be placed in shoes. To save space, you can use special plastic bags with a compression function (air is removed from the bag, thereby reducing its area).

Video

While at the airport, during check-in and security procedures, you must comply with all requests and requirements of the staff. You cannot joke about the presence of a bomb or explosive device in bags, since in many states such actions will be considered, at best, hooliganism, and at worst, a deliberately false terrorist threat.

Have a nice trip!

02.04.2019, 10:30 22414

How much baggage can you carry on a plane? The norms for free and paid baggage allowance on an airplane are determined by:

Worldwide There are two systems for determining the amount of free baggage allowance.
  • weight concept
  • quantitative (piece concept).

Weight system for determining the amount of free baggage allowance

In Russia, the minimum weight of baggage for an airline ticket at the “with baggage” fare is 10 kg. This rate may be increased by the carrier. In general, all airlines around the world try to adhere to the following free baggage allowance standards for adults and children over two years of age:
  • First class - 40 kg
  • Business class - 30 kg
  • Economy class - 20 kg

The free baggage allowance includes the total weight of baggage and the weight of hand luggage.

Dimensions also have restrictions - based on the sum of three dimensions, the size of a piece of luggage should not exceed:

  • in first and business classes - 203 cm
  • in economy class - 158 cm

Free cargo up to 10 kg with overall dimensions of no more than 115 cm is allowed in the aircraft cabin.

For each child under 2 years old who does not have a separate seat, the free baggage allowance is 10 kg.

If the airline makes changes to these standards, information about this can always be obtained when purchasing a ticket.

In addition to the minimum weight allowance for hand luggage, you can take into the aircraft cabin:

  • binoculars
  • video camera
  • handbag (including laptop bag)
  • men's briefcase
  • backpack
  • baby carrycot/chair weighing up to 10 kg
  • magazine or book
  • umbrella
  • laptop
  • tablet
  • hygiene products
  • warm clothes: coat, shawl, blanket, socks, jacket, etc.
  • holdall
  • camera
  • small bag of food, including baby food
  • medicines
  • bouquet of flowers
You can also take the following items*:
  • crutches, canes or other necessary orthopedic devices
  • walkers,
  • folding wheelchairs
* These items can be placed on a shelf above the seat or under the seat in front of the chair. If there is no room for them, they can be checked in as baggage, and no additional fee will be charged.

To ensure the safety of passengers on board the aircraft, the weight and dimensions of a backpack carried into the cabin in excess of the carry-on baggage limit of 5 kg are set by the air carrier independently.

Number of seats system

This system is usually used on transatlantic flights. It determines the norms based on the number of pieces of luggage.

Passengers of all service classes are allowed free carriage of two pieces of baggage weighing up to 32 kg each.

Please note that the weight of the seats is not cumulative!
This means that if one item weighs over 32kg, there will be an excess charge, even if the second item weighs less than 32kg.

In the sum of three dimensions, the size of the seat should not exceed 158 cm for economy class and 203 cm for first and business class.

Excess baggage

If the weight and dimensions of your luggage exceed the established standards, then it is better to solve all the problems associated with its registration in advance. Payment for excess baggage is made in accordance with the baggage tariffs in effect on the day the paid baggage receipt is issued, which is issued to the passenger upon receipt of payment from him at the airline's ticket office.

According to existing rules, payment on credit for the carriage of excess baggage is not permitted.

Unaccompanied baggage

In this case, baggage is accepted for transportation separately from the passenger and is registered in advance as cargo under a separate air waybill.

Oversized, oversized and non-standard luggage

If you have oversized luggage, its transportation must be coordinated directly with the airline.

Free carriage does not apply to musical instruments and animals. Payment for their transportation is carried out in accordance with the tariffs in force at the time of payment for this transportation service. Musical instruments, fragile or valuable luggage are transported in the aircraft cabin on a separate ticket.

  • With a total weight of up to 75 kg, this luggage is transported in a separate seat
  • If the total weight exceeds 75 kg, such baggage is transported on two or more seats, and the required number of air tickets is purchased accordingly. In this case, for each individual seat, the passenger is charged a fee corresponding to the tariff of the passenger who is transporting this baggage. There are no discounts on this tariff.
  • An air ticket that covers the carriage of baggage in the aircraft cabin on a separate seat is not subject to the established free baggage allowance.
Oversized or non-standard baggage is baggage that, in its size and weight (taking into account the type of aircraft on which the transportation is carried out), differs from the usual baggage carried. Such baggage may include:
  • wheelchair
  • non-folding stroller
  • large musical instruments
  • bicycle, etc.
Such baggage is transported in the luggage compartment of the aircraft.

Typically, each airline has its own bonus programs and discount systems, so airline baggage allowances may differ from standard standards. In addition, you need to take into account that these rules and regulations apply only to scheduled air carriers. Baggage allowances for budget airlines (low-cost airlines) differ from generally accepted standards, usually to a lesser extent. And some low-cost airlines do not carry luggage for free at all.

If you buy a budget airline ticket from a low-cost airline, the ticket price usually includes only hand luggage, and you need to pay extra for luggage separately. At the same time, the surcharge for transporting one of your luggage can be twice the price of the ticket itself. But it is better to pay for excess baggage in advance when purchasing an air ticket, since, most likely, it will be much cheaper than paying for the excess at the check-in counter.

Finding cheap flights

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 old is flying without a separate seat from his parents, the amount of things allowed for him 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 most countries in 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 carry 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:

  • 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's rules carefully.

If your carry-on baggage is larger than the allowance 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 a minimum of things 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 of age (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 baggage 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 is the best way to 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 as 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 everything 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. If you have a large quantity of medications or if the drugs contain narcotic substances, have a prescription and a certificate from your doctor with you to avoid 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 piercing and cutting objects on the plane, 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

You can buy Duty Free products in the duty-free trade zone or during an international flight. 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 country of destination. When purchasing from Duty Free on a complex 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 don’t think of packing anything from this list, but on signs at the airport you’ll see just such a 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 100 ml containers. 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 products in one transparent bag, preferably 20 by 20 centimeters in size;
  • 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 they give you upon check-in at hotels: you will have shampoo, body wash and cream. Buy miniatures of 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Label the outside of the suitcase, indicate the city, last name and contact, preferably in English. Inside the bag also put a piece of paper with contacts and a request to return the luggage.
  4. 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.
  5. Remove the external straps during the flight - they will get caught on the transport line and the suitcase will get stuck.
  6. Wrap your luggage in plastic wrap, use airport packaging, or wrap it yourself. Stretch packaging will protect against burglars and damage during transportation.
  7. Choose discreet models or buy a special case. Luxury suitcases attract unnecessary attention; expensive bags can be stolen for the purpose of theft.
  8. 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.
  9. 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 checking in, a special tag with markings is hung on the bag; the ten-digit barcode contains complete information about the baggage:

  • 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 as 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. On the international wanted list. 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. For auction: as soon as 100 days or 3 months have passed, the search for the owner of the lost luggage stops. 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

  1. check in the oversized baggage delivery area: non-standard suitcases, skis, strollers or sports equipment will not be waiting on the conveyor belt, but in a special delivery area.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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 allocate a small amount for essentials in such situations.

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

If you are an active traveler, then more than once you have come across 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:

  1. try to fit into standard luggage: if the size of things allows you to squeeze into standard sizes and weight - we pack and fly;
  2. 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;
  3. inform the air carrier in advance that you are flying with sports equipment, indicating the dimensions and weight;
  4. pack your equipment carefully and securely, it is better to use special cases for transportation;
  5. do not forget that sports equipment is issued in the oversized baggage area, and not on the transport belt;
  6. 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.

It’s simply pointless to talk about it. On a family trip, you can’t do without suitcases and large bags, baby strollers and other things necessary for a small passenger, most of which are sent on the flight in the luggage compartment of the plane.

And in order for everything to go smoothly at the airport, it is important to know in advance how many things can be carried for free, what are the permitted dimensions and weight of luggage for a purchased ticket on the selected airline, how to organize the transportation of your belongings correctly, how to transport non-standard large items, and what to do in some emergency situations , for example, if your luggage suddenly gets lost or it turns out that there are too many things in your luggage. And today is just about this.

General baggage rules

Air carriers around the world are extremely concerned about flight safety. And for this, strict standards and transportation rules are being developed. Among the priority standards is the calculation of the maximum weight of luggage per passenger. Because excess weight on board is a direct threat to the safety of passengers.

All the things with which a passenger goes on a flight can be called in one word “baggage”, which is conventionally divided into:

  • checked baggage – bags, suitcases, boxes and other items that the passenger parts with at check-in at the airport, entrusting the care of them to his employees;
  • hand luggage - bags, packages and suitcases that will be with him until the end of the flight. Previously, a special tag was attached to them. According to the new rules - no;
  • personal belongings that are transported free of charge in excess of the established limit (the full list can be found in paragraph 135 of the Russian Aviation Rules (FAR)).

Air travel around the world is strictly regulated. All airline carriers and passengers are required to obey the established Rules. For Russian airlines, regarding the carriage of passengers and baggage, various regulatory documents and rules of air transportation are applied, which were amended in accordance with Law No. 409 of October 5, 2017.

According to the law on non-refundable tickets, not only have some of the carry-on and baggage allowances changed, but Russian airlines now have the opportunity to offer passengers cheaper tickets without baggage space, that is, without free baggage allowance, independently determining for which fare to provide baggage.

However, for passengers with tickets whose price includes baggage, a single free baggage allowance has been introduced. This rate cannot be reduced. And if the carrier wants to show generosity and increase the permitted limit upward, please do so. This is not forbidden.

Each carrier has the right to change and establish its own standards, without going beyond the established general rules and without worsening the conditions of service for passengers. The limit may vary (it depends on the carrier’s rules, the type of aircraft, the duration and direction of the flight, the cost of the ticket and class of service), but its maximum weight is limited - no more than 30 kg (previously it was 32 kg) for one seat. Foreign airlines have their own rules that comply with the laws of their countries.

Each specific situation has its own nuances. To avoid mistakes, be sure to check the weight and dimensions of your free baggage, the parameters of which are indicated for a specific fare on the ticket. This information can also be found on the carrier's website.

How much will you have to pay for the advantage?

Sometimes it happens that at the airport counter it suddenly turns out that the suitcase weighs more than indicated on the purchased ticket, and the free baggage allowance has been exceeded in some respect: weight, size or number of seats (depending on the company’s rules). There’s nothing you can do about it; in most cases you’ll have to pay extra for the excess.

The amounts of additional payments vary: from 2500 to 7500 rubles for domestic flights and up to 200 euros for international flights. The amount depends on the carrier’s policy (some of them turn a blind eye to a small overload of 1-2 kg, while others may charge the full amount) and how large the overload is.

Most often, airlines encounter the following restrictions:

  • for economy class – 1 free piece (suitcase/bag) no more than 20-23 kg;
  • for business class – 2 pieces of luggage (each no more than 30-32 kg);
  • based on the sum of three dimensions (length, width, height), luggage should not be more than 158 cm (or 203 cm).

Sometimes it is more profitable to fly on an expensive ticket with heavy luggage than in economy class with an extra charge for excess weight.

Within the maximum permitted limit (at international airports this is 1 piece of luggage no more than 32 kg, according to Russian rules - no more than 30 kg) it is allowed to carry luggage in excess of the free allowance. In this case, you will have to pay extra according to the carrier’s tariffs for excess baggage (that is, for baggage that is not taken into account in the cost of the purchased fare ticket) and agree with him on the transportation of such baggage.

As for low-cost airlines, they often do not have free luggage. For example, with the Russian one, all luggage at the standard non-refundable rate is paid, and its cost depends on the weight and number of pieces. You are allowed to take into the cabin any safe objects (regardless of their weight and any lists) that can be squeezed through a measuring frame with dimensions of 36 x 30 x 27 cm.

How to transport oversized and heavy luggage?

Heavy luggage - according to Russian rules, this is everything that exceeds the weight of one piece of 30 kg.

Oversized baggage is an excess of the baggage allowance in terms of dimensions, that is, 1 piece is more than 203 cm (or 158 cm, as in most airlines). When specifying the size of a packed suitcase (bag), wheels, handles, and pockets are taken into account.

You will have to pay for excess weight, as well as for exceeding dimensions.

Depending on the maximum weight norm established in a particular company (in the order of the Ministry of Transport, the maximum weight of baggage allowed for transportation is 50 kg) and size (exceeding 270-320 cm in total), such heavy and large baggage may not be accepted for transportation even for money.

What should the passenger do in this case? Such items can be sent (of course, after coordinating this with the carrier) along the route as unaccompanied cargo, which is accepted at the cargo terminal in the company's cargo service. You can receive your luggage at the airport of arrival using the cargo bill of lading received during baggage check-in.

What to do if you have non-standard luggage?

Most often these are large, unusual and heavy things: musical instruments, snowboards and surfboards, skis, household appliances (washing machines, refrigerators, air conditioners, freezers, TVs, vacuum cleaners) and more. For the carriage of such baggage, airlines prescribe special conditions, indicating the maximum size, weight and contents of one set of baggage, which it is advisable to familiarize yourself with in advance.

Non-standard baggage (most often sports equipment) can be carried free of charge as an addition to the rest of the baggage or as regular baggage within the limits of the ticket fare or for an additional fee. Special conditions may apply, such as no size restrictions that apply to regular baggage. For some types of such non-standard baggage, a fixed fee is established.

Items listed in clause 136 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (baby strollers, walkers, wheelchairs and other baggage) are carried free of charge in checked baggage if it is impossible to place them in the cabin without violating the comfortable and safe conditions for passengers.

Lucky are those who travel with skis and snowboards. Many carriers (for example, Aeroflot from November 1 to May 15) allow passengers to carry ski equipment and snowboards free of charge in addition to their main baggage or without additional payment if they fit into the free baggage weight allowance (often without a size limit).

But, again, you need to double-check everything to be sure. For example, airlines with low fares and low-cost airlines often do not have the option of free transportation of sports equipment. And in some, the permissible weight (usually 20-23 kg) is reduced to 10 kg.

Some destinations (usually long flights) sometimes have their own rules that allow, during certain periods, to carry sets of equipment of a certain weight for surfing and diving without additional payment.

You can also bring golf bags, hockey sticks, fishing rods, and musical instruments for free, if the established rules are not violated. But if the weight, size, number of seats exceed the free limit, then everything listed above will be sent on the flight only with an additional payment.

The passenger must discuss the transportation of such cargo in advance with the carrier company (36 hours before departure). Because it may happen that the airline does not have the conditions for transporting such non-standard baggage (the size of the cargo does not correspond to the type of aircraft or baggage of this size is simply impossible to place on board). Without prior agreement, you may simply not be accepted due to lack of free space.

If it turns out that it is not possible to organize the transportation of non-standard and heavy baggage, then it may be possible to send it as regular baggage with a fee for exceeding the free allowance.

Transportation of fragile luggage

Very often, airline passengers have questions about what to do with fragile and breakable things. The safest way (if possible) is to carry such luggage in the cabin, checking it out as hand luggage. If this is not possible, the baggage will be checked in at check-in with a statement that it requires particularly careful transportation. If such an option is provided by the airline, a special sticker is placed on the cargo and the items are delivered on board manually, and not in the bulk of suitcases on a belt.

Experienced travelers who often fly with non-standard baggage claim that, although many different nuances arise, if you strictly follow the carrier’s rules, everything usually goes as normal.

Advice: when transporting expensive and fragile items, it is advisable to insure your luggage and send it with the declared value (you will have to pay for this service).

And, of course, there is a list of items that will not be allowed to be carried in luggage under any pretext for security reasons.

What is prohibited from being carried on an airplane?

Most airlines do not allow you to carry:

  • anything that is easily flammable and explodes (including firecrackers, sparklers, flares, gunpowder, cartridges, matches, gasoline and gas lighters, solvents, paints, gasoline, acetone, ethyl alcohol and others);
  • gases of various types (liquefied, poisonous, compressed, including cartridges for burners and lighter refills);
  • radioactive, toxic, easily oxidized and corrosive substances (all kinds of acids, alkalis, mercury and devices containing it);
  • rechargeable (lithium-ion) batteries with a capacity of more than 160 Wh (if the power of devices is from 100 to 160 Wh, they can be carried inside equipment with the permission of the airline, up to 100 Wh in laptops, phones, inside equipment, while spare batteries can only be carried in hand luggage);
  • any sharp, heavy, cutting objects that could be potentially dangerous to others;
  • firearms, cold steel, electroshock weapons without special permits;
  • electronic cigarettes, magnetized objects.

This list is quite large. It is set out in Appendix 1 to the Rules for pre-flight and post-flight inspections No. 104 dated July 25, 2007.

Is checked baggage allowed for children?

For young travelers from 2 to 12 years old, the same baggage allowance applies as for adult passengers. For children (up to two years old) without a separate seat, free luggage weighing up to 10 kg and no more than 115 cm in total dimensions is allowed.

Is it possible to combine luggage?

The new rules retain the ability to combine items into one baggage at the request of passengers traveling together (two or more) under certain conditions. Moreover, according to Russian rules, one piece of such combined baggage cannot be heavier than 30 kg and exceed 203 cm in size.

Families traveling with one suitcase are sometimes accommodated halfway and are forgiven for being a little overweight. But still, in practice, a lot depends on the pickiness of employees. In each case this is decided individually.

It is not always possible to carry one heavy bag instead of two light ones when traveling abroad: European trade unions protect their loaders and prohibit lifting luggage in excess of the norm.

Naturally, there are exceptions for large luggage that cannot be separated (musical instruments, sports equipment, etc.).

What to do if your luggage is lost?

Have you landed and your items still haven’t appeared on the tape? Don't panic. But some actions need to be taken immediately, without leaving the arrival area. Find the airline service personnel who are searching for lost luggage and, presenting them with your ticket, baggage pass, or passport, make an official written request.

According to Russian laws, the search for missing baggage can last 21 days (how such a search occurs, in some airlines you can track it on the website using the online service). When the missing luggage is found, the carrier is obliged to deliver it to the address specified by the passenger free of charge.

If after three weeks the baggage has not been found or was found but partially or completely damaged, you can apply for compensation from the airline.

International rules establish the maximum amount of compensation payments in the event of loss of luggage or partial damage to it. In fact, in each specific situation, the amount of compensation is determined by the airline and depends on its internal rules. If you are refused compensation for damage caused, you should go to court.

How can I pay less for luggage?

Universal advice for such a case - do not take too much. Sometimes even a small advantage can cause big problems. Especially if this is a trip abroad or you will be using the services of several airlines.

Here you can’t do without studying the rules that apply to different carriers along the route. Otherwise, even if you are overweight by 1-2 kg, you will have to pay extra. And not only this. European loaders, who are prohibited by their unions from lifting luggage heavier than 32 kg, may simply refuse to deliver such cargo.

Be especially careful when purchasing inexpensive tickets on budget airlines or on a baggage-free fare. Often, such tickets cannot be returned if something happens, and you will have to fly light.

Baggage restrictions may occur when purchasing air tickets at promotional rates and promotions, or when using bonuses. Such flights, at first glance, are financially profitable, sometimes involve lower baggage allowances than the standard fare, or even offer a choice of either checked baggage or hand luggage.

There is only one way out - try to take a little less things and leave at least some weight reserve up to the norm established by the carrier, which you need to familiarize yourself with in advance, and take this into account when packing your luggage at home. To do this, having weighed your weight with and without luggage on floor scales at home, it is easy to make simple calculations and, if anything happens, get rid of everything unnecessary and repack the suitcase without hassle and fuss.

Experienced travelers advise putting on the heaviest shoes and plenty of clothing before the flight; small heavy items can be carried in your pockets. Do not take large quantities of care products and cosmetics (sometimes the cost of purchasing them locally is much less than what you will have to spend on paying for the excess).

And you can find a lot of such life hacks. Another one is the ability to pack a suitcase correctly. You can read about what you need to do to take everything you need and save on luggage in this article