Changes to the rules for carrying baggage on an airplane. X

At the end of September, a law came into force allowing airlines to sell baggage-free non-refundable tickets. New transport rules hand luggage in the aircraft were developed as part of the implementation of the changes adopted at the end of September.

What changed?

Prior to the entry into force of the new edition of the Federal Aviation Rules (FAR) on November 5, the passenger had the right to free transportation at least 10 kg of baggage for both returnable and non-refundable tickets. At the same time, the air carrier independently determined how these 10 kg would be transported - in hand luggage or in luggage compartment aircraft.

Now passengers can carry at least 5 kg of hand luggage per person free of charge on board the aircraft, and the free baggage allowance, if included in the fare, is set at least 10 kg per person. At the same time, at the request of the carrier, the baggage allowance can be increased.

The amendments also establish three types of fares for air tickets: non-refundable ticket without baggage allowance, a non-refundable ticket with baggage and a return ticket with baggage weighing from 10 to 30 kg. At the same time, the weight of the luggage of passengers who fly together can be summed up, but in total the weight of one piece cannot exceed 30 kg.

The changes also expand the list of things carried in excess of hand luggage. At no additional charge, passengers can still carry handbags, men's briefcases, briefcases, outerwear, baby food and prams, a bouquet of flowers, crutches, walkers, canes, folding wheelchairs that allow them to be safely placed on a shelf above the seat, or under the seat in front of the seat. At the same time, if crutches, canes, walkers, folding wheelchairs cannot be safely placed on a shelf above the seat or under the seat, they are checked in as checked baggage according to the new rules without charging an additional fee.

However, umbrellas, in-flight reading materials, telephones, cameras, camcorders and laptops have disappeared from the list. All gadgets must be stowed in hand luggage, briefcase, handbag, backpack or pocket to avoid possible conflicts with airline representatives on boarding.

The backpack, according to the new rules, is included in the list of personal belongings, so it can be taken on board in addition to hand luggage. However, the weight and dimensions of backpacks are set by the carrier, which is "associated with ensuring the safety of passengers on board." But the carrier does not have the right to limit portfolios and handbags in size and weight.

Medications and items purchased from Duty Free stores have also been added to the list of personal belongings. However, the Transport Ministry instructed carriers to determine the allowances for carrying on board packages with purchases from Duty Free stores.

"Victory"

Now only the flight itself and hand luggage are included in the standard Pobeda fare. Passengers can carry into the cabin without additional charge any things that do not contradict the FAR and fit into the calibrator, the dimensions of which are 36x30x27 cm. The exception will be crutches, a baby cradle, folding wheelchairs - all this can be carried on board at no extra charge.

"We decided to get away from the restrictions on the number and weight of hand luggage on our flights. Passengers will be able to bring into the cabin at no extra charge everything that does not contradict the FAR and fits into a calibrator, the dimensions of which are 36x30x27 cm. Even if you want to carry a 16-kilogram weight , if it fits in the calibrator, then please," Andrey Kalmykov, director general of the carrier, recently said.

At the same time, from November 15, Pobeda stopped the online sale of paid hand luggage with dimensions of 115 cm in the sum of three dimensions and weighing up to 10 kg. Now it is sold only at the airport at a price of 2000 rubles and only if there is free space on board.

As for checked baggage, now it is paid at the basic rate. At the time of ticket purchase or later, but no later than 4 hours before departure, you can buy the carriage of 1 piece of baggage up to 10 kg and 203 cm in the sum of three measurements according to special price 499 rub. However, this offer is only valid for one passenger per booking. If there are several passengers in one booking and they also want to carry luggage up to 10 kg, then you will have to pay 1 thousand rubles for it at the airport. per seat (15 euros when departing from other countries). Also, passengers can pre-purchase the possibility of carrying luggage weighing up to 20 kg. This service costs 1499 rubles. when buying on the website or through a call center and 3 thousand rubles (or 45 euros) at the airport. At the same time, an additional payment for each 1 kg of overweight at the airport will cost 500 rubles.

"Aeroflot"

The hand luggage of Aeroflot passengers flying in economy class can take up one piece and weigh no more than 10 kg. Its dimensions from the end of February 2018 should not exceed: 55 cm in length, 40 cm in width, 25 cm in height. The airline, after the entry into force of the new rules for carrying hand luggage, included a backpack in the list of alternatives to a briefcase or handbag, limiting its size to 80 cm in the sum of three dimensions and a weight of 5 kg. At the same time, the briefcase and handbag are not limited in size and weight. Goods purchased at duty-free shops at the airport must be packed in one sealed (sealed) plastic bag with dimensions of the sum of three dimensions not exceeding 115 cm. This bag is allowed to be taken in addition to hand luggage and other personal items.

In addition, the list of things transported by Aeroflot free of charge includes: a bouquet of flowers, outerwear, baby food for a child during the flight, a suit in a suitcase, a device for carrying a child, medicines, special dietary needs in the amount necessary for the duration of the flight, crutches, canes, walkers, rollators, a folding wheelchair used by a passenger with disabilities and which can be safely placed in the aircraft cabin. A folding wheelchair is carried in the cabin of the aircraft if there is space for its safe placement, otherwise it is checked in as baggage at no additional charge.

Upon check-in and / or boarding, the passenger, at the request of the carrier, is obliged to present hand luggage for weighing, as well as a backpack, baby cradle, baby stroller when transporting a child. Hand luggage exceeding the free hand luggage allowance established by the carrier is checked in by the passenger as baggage in accordance with the terms of the passenger air carriage agreement.

Economy class passengers, except for Premium group fares, can still check in one piece up to 23 kg and 158 cm in the sum of three dimensions for free.

Passengers of the subsidiary airline Rossiya on flights under the code SU have the same baggage allowance as on flights of the parent company.

S7 Airlines

Economy class passengers of the airline can take on board one piece of hand luggage weighing up to 10 kg and no more than 55x40x20 cm in size. At the same time, for passengers who bought tickets at the Economy Basic fare, hand luggage is the only free baggage option. Passengers who have bought tickets with luggage included can, in addition to hand luggage, check in one piece up to 23 kg and 203 cm in the sum of three dimensions.

On the website, the airline has not yet regulated the transportation of backpacks and purchases from Duty Free in excess of the hand luggage allowance.

"UTair"

The airline published on November 20 changes in the rules for carrying hand luggage. In addition to the hand luggage allowance, which is 10 kg for UTair and measures 55x40x20 cm, passengers can carry a backpack with dimensions not exceeding 40 × 25 × 20 cm and weighing not more than 5 kg or a handbag or briefcase, the size and weight of which are not limited . As for packages from Duty Free, the airline allowed the carriage of no more than one such package (in sealed form) weighing up to 3 kg. Its size is not limited.

Under the Light fare, hand luggage is the only free baggage allowance. According to the tariffs "Standard" and "Flexible", in addition to hand luggage, passengers have the opportunity to check in one piece of baggage up to 23 kg and 203 cm.

Pavel Permyakov, President of Utair - Passenger Airlines, told the Interfax-Tourism portal that the airline is not currently considering the possibility of introducing fares without mandatory baggage allowance. “We have a Light fare, according to which a passenger can carry 10 kg in the cabin, and although we are studying the potential to reduce the cost of this fare, we do not plan to completely cancel the free baggage allowance,” he said.

nord wind

Economy class passengers NordWind Airlines can take hand luggage on a regular flight, which occupies one piece and weighs no more than 5 kg, and the dimensions of which do not exceed 55x40x20 cm. this moment the airline did not specify the procedure for carrying backpacks and purchases from Duty Free. Passengers who have bought a ticket at the Optimum fare, in addition to hand luggage, can check in one piece of baggage up to 20 kg and 203 cm. charter flights it is possible to carry hand luggage (one piece up to 5 kg) and luggage (one piece up to 20 kg).

"Ural Airlines"

From November 20, the size of hand luggage for economy class passengers of the airline should not exceed 55x40x20 cm, and weight - no more than 5 kg. At the same time, the carrier has not yet specified the procedure for transporting backpacks and purchases from Duty Free on its website.

Passengers of the airline under the Promo tariff have the opportunity, in addition to hand luggage, to check in one piece of baggage up to 10 kg and up to 203 cm in size in the sum of three dimensions, but not more than 100 cm on either side. For other economy class fares, the baggage allowance is one piece up to 23 kg.

Azur Air

The airline has established the following free baggage allowance for one passenger, both on domestic and international charter flights: one piece of hand luggage up to 5 kg and one piece of baggage up to 20 kg. The carrier notes that it has the right to allow baggage for carriage as hand luggage weighing more than 5 kg (the number of pieces is not more than one), if its dimensions do not exceed 55x40x20 cm.

Red Wings

Under the "Light" fare, the airline allows you to carry only one piece of hand luggage weighing up to 10 kg and measuring 55x40x20 cm. Under the "Standard" fare, you can take on board one piece up to 5 kg as hand luggage, as well as check in one piece up to 23 kg and 203 cm.

Hand luggage on an airplane is a real headache for most tourists returning from vacation. For many passengers, the very concept of "hand luggage" raises many questions. Unfortunately, not all passengers know what is the difference between hand luggage and luggage, and even more so from an accessory to hand luggage (accessory to hand luggage is a very new concept for modern civil aviation).

This post will be a continuation of useful articles about tricks independent travel. Earlier, I wrote in detail about how to look for cheap flights, what travel insurance is and how travel insurance differs from travel insurance, in this post we will talk in detail about hand luggage and how to fly on planes without overpaying for overweight.

What is hand luggage

Here's what Wikipedia says about the concept of hand luggage:

Hand luggage is the cargo that a passenger takes with him on board a passenger vehicle (in our case, this is an airplane, but vehicle can be anything), without handing over to the luggage compartment.

As you can see, hand luggage is all that the passenger takes with him on board the aircraft. Many people think so, but if you look more closely at the rules for transporting goods on passenger aircraft, it turns out that everything that is on you, including outerwear and the contents of pockets, is no longer hand luggage, but is called personal use and is actually not taken into account. And there are a lot of such interesting moments in the rules of transportation, read about it below.

Rules for carrying hand luggage on an airplane

The basic rules for carrying hand luggage on an airplane are the same for most airlines, with the exception of low-cost airlines. For low-cost carriers, any advantage is a means of additional income, so you should be aware of this and take into account the special rules of low-cost carriers.

It should be understood that any restriction on the transport of things in the cabin is primarily a concern for the passenger and the safety of air travel, and then the opportunity to take extra money from the passenger for excess weight. Now let me explain what I mean.

Here are the basic rules for carrying hand luggage on an airplane:

all hand luggage should be no more than 115 cm (in the sum of three dimensions, 55 × 40 × 20) - everything is clear here, this is so that things fit on the shelves;
the weight of hand luggage should be within 8 - 12 kilograms (depending on the airline) - this is so that each passenger can independently put their things in boxes above the seats;
liquid bans and other bans - unfortunately, after the American tragedy of September 11, civil Aviation has become different, the rules have not become more stringent, they have become completely different. Those who have flown before know how much easier it was to pass the pre-flight inspection earlier.

Hand luggage size

In this part of the post, we will talk about how much hand luggage you can take on a plane, what to do with goods from Duty Free and about other interesting things that will help you save money and not pay for overweight.

Aircraft hand luggage weight

The weight of the luggage that you want to take on the plane is strictly regulated and there can be no problems with this, or vice versa, this is the main problem (after all, sometimes they require payment for excess weight). For different airlines, the weight can vary from 5 kilograms to 12 kilograms. Low-cost airlines may have their own "kookies" about the weight of hand luggage.

If you read this post to the end, you will find several legal ways to reduce the weight of your hand luggage and still carry everything you want.

Dimensions of hand luggage on the plane

As I mentioned earlier, most airlines allow overall size carry-on luggage is the same, because most airlines have the same aircraft models and the same luggage racks.

The allowable size of hand luggage, in most cases, is: 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm or 115 cm (in the sum of 3 measurements). It should be noted here that skis 115 centimeters long will most likely not be allowed to be carried on board, but they will be forced to be checked in, since there is simply nowhere to attach them in the cabin, well, not in the aisle to carry them.

Passengers always have difficulties with determining the dimensions of hand luggage, for which many airlines install special templates at airports that imitate the allowed sizes, and everyone can check their belongings using these templates.

Novice travelers always have the question of what is the best way to pack things that fly in the cabin. I have tried many options from a reliable suitcase to a comfortable backpack and can give some advice.

a carry-on suitcase is very convenient if you are transporting really valuable and fragile things (a priceless Chinese vase from the Qing Dynasty, fragile Murano glass figurines, etc.). In this case, the "armor" of the walls of the suitcase is justified, in all other cases, the suitcase is too inconvenient for hand luggage;
a hand luggage bag is a great solution, it can be tamped down and thus it will pass any “dimensional” control, but it can be very inconvenient to carry such a bag at the airport. If the bag has wheels, then this option is quite suitable;
a hand luggage backpack is the most convenient thing to carry things on an airplane, it perfectly passes all the “size-to-size” controls (tested on a 45 liter backpack), it is easy to carry and your hands are always free. I recommend this option to everyone.

Duty Free items in hand luggage

When buying goods in duty-free shops (Duty Free) on the territory of the airport (in the so-called "sterile zone"), you should take into account the weight of purchases. The stores themselves do not impose any restrictions on the sale of goods (buy at least half of the store).

Theoretically, Duty Free items are personal items and do not count as hand luggage, but when boarding an aircraft, it can be difficult (if you have too many Duty Free purchases), so you should be rational in everything. It should also be remembered that it is required to transport goods from Duty Free in special containers (in which the goods are packed in the store) and not to break the packaging throughout the flight. It is advisable to keep a cash receipt for your purchase throughout the flight, it may come in handy.

If there were no problems with boarding the plane and your purchases from Duty Free are flying with you, then you may be subject to customs restrictions at the arrival camp. Each country has clear rules on the possibility of duty-free import of goods, and some (mostly Muslim countries) even prohibit the import of the most popular Duty Free goods (liquor). As a rule, customs "give approval" for the import of 1 liter of strong alcohol and 1 block of cigarettes, for a larger volume you need to pay a fee. Each country has its own rules, so you should clarify this before your trip.

If you are flying with a transfer, then you should remember that you will have to go through the security control procedure again and here your Duty Free package can be regarded as hand luggage, and not as personal items. In these cases, you must present a receipt from the Duty Free store of the first airport (where you made the purchase) and, of course, the goods from Duty Free must be appropriately packaged.

Accessory for hand luggage

Now the most interesting. Not so long ago, some airlines introduced a new passenger aviation the concept is “Accessory for hand luggage”, for most passengers this is a real salvation from overweight, and here's why. Some things go beyond the concept of hand luggage and fall into accessories for hand luggage, then I will give an approximate list (it may differ for each airline, and for low-cost airlines it may be completely absent). Now the passenger has hand luggage with a regulated weight and size and the opportunity to carry on the plane some of the things that were previously considered hand luggage and occupied most of the space there.

Here is what you can take on a plane as an accessory for hand luggage from Aeroflot:

handbag / men's briefcase;
folder for papers;
umbrella;
cane;
bouquet of flowers;
outerwear;
laptop computer, camera, video camera;
printed publications for in-flight reading;
baby food for the child during the flight;
baby cradle when transporting a child;
suit in a suitcase;
cell phone;
crutches;
bag with purchases from the Duty Free store.

And again, there are several incomprehensible situations, there are instructions about a laptop, but there is no instruction about a charger, there are instructions about a camera, but you will be forced to check in your tripod, etc.

Hand luggage for children

For passengers with small children, carrying things for all children's needs becomes a big problem. Fortunately, most airlines allow you to use an extra piece of hand luggage in a standard size. This rule applies to passengers with children under 2 years of age, if the child has a full ticket and a seat in the cabin, then he also has a full piece of hand luggage.

How and where to place hand luggage on board the aircraft

To place hand luggage on board the aircraft, there are luggage racks above the passenger seats, it is their volume that dictates strict requirements (in terms of weight and size) for passenger hand luggage. If necessary, hand luggage can be placed under the seat in front of the seated passenger (not all seats on the plane have this option).

Many airlines clearly state in their policies that during air travel, the accessory must be placed under the seat of the seat (located in front of you), and all hand luggage must be placed on the shelf (above your seat). Place any things in the aisles of the aircraft or in the space nearby emergency exit- forbidden.

How much hand luggage can I take on a plane

How much hand luggage you can take on a plane depends to a greater extent on the carrier company and on the class of service.

For most airlines, there is the same standard for the number of pieces of hand luggage:

economy class - one piece of hand luggage;
business class - two pieces of hand luggage;
first class - two pieces of hand luggage.

Low-cost airlines stand apart, they may require an additional fee for things in the cabin. Some US and Canadian carriers provide as many as 2 pieces of carry-on baggage when flying in regular economy class.

Liquids in hand luggage

Restrictions on carrying liquids in hand luggage seem to me the most crazy restrictions for passengers on airplanes. Judge for yourself, because all these restrictions on 1 liter of 100 ml. for real "bad guys" it's very simple, just a few people with bad intentions and that's it.

But for law-abiding passengers, these perversions of liquids in hand luggage are a huge inconvenience and additional hassle. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 are to blame, which completely changed the attitude towards aviation security and now every passenger (including infants with their baby food jars) is considered a potential terrorist.

The rules for carrying liquids in hand luggage are as follows: a passenger has the right to carry one liter of liquids (in total) in hand luggage, liquids must be placed in a container with a volume not exceeding 100 milliliters. All liquids carried on the plane must be packed in a sealed transparent bag (with a reusable zipper), the size of the bag for liquids should not exceed 20x20 centimeters.

And as always, there are many ambiguities that confuse passengers and cause problems. For example, you will not be allowed to take on board a half-empty tube of toothpaste if its volume is more than 100 ml, for all your objections “There is only half”, there is only one reaction “Not allowed”. Toothpaste is not so pitiful, but what if it's an expensive cream in a 125 ml tube? Anything over 100 ml. will be removed and disposed of.

There are a number of products that do not look like liquids (for example, no reasonable person would call cheese a liquid), but are considered liquids when transported on an airplane:

perfumery;
shampoos;
gels;
lotions;
sprays;
oils;
paints;
creams;
deodorants;
shaving foam;
ink;
lipstick;
toothpaste;
beverages;
syrups;
soups;
cheeses;
canned food;
caviar;
jam;
home preparations.

Thus, it turns out that you can carry caviar and cheese in hand luggage, but not more than 1 lirt (in total), which is divided into 100 ml. containers. A normal person is not able to imagine hard cheese poured into small bottles, and this often causes situations of misunderstanding between passengers and employees at airports.

About cheese in bottles is a joke, but it is desirable that all liquids be in labeled containers, this way you will save yourself unnecessary questions. It should be remembered that airport employees have the right to open any jar or tube and verify the contents, it does not matter what is inside an expensive cream or baby food.

What can be carried in hand luggage

What can you take in hand luggage on a plane? Here it is worth answering the following question for yourself, about the need for things that you drag into the cabin of the aircraft. It’s understandable when you take documents and really valuable things with you, but when people carry things into the cabin that could easily survive the flight in the luggage compartment, the question arises “Why?”. I think that you should take the most necessary and valuable things in your hand luggage, and either put everything else in your luggage, or not take it on a trip at all.

Beverages

Any drinks in glass, plastic or cardboard packages up to 100 ml. can be carried in hand luggage, the requirements for packaging drinks from Duty Free stores are more lenient and are not limited to 100 ml.

You can carry any drinks and alcohol in hand luggage, however, the fortress alcoholic beverages should be no more than 70%, everything above is considered a combustible substance and is not allowed for transportation in the cabin.

Food and food

There are no special requirements and restrictions for food (should be checked with your airline), if you are taking food within reasonable limits (a sandwich for the road or a few apples). It should be remembered that on the territory of some states there are strict regulations that prohibit the import of meat, dairy and other products. It should also be noted that some products (for example, cheese, yogurt or caviar) are considered liquids, and the volume of the package should not exceed 100 ml.

Here is a list of these products - liquids:

caviar;
yogurts (regular or drinking);
soups;
honey, jam;
canned food (meat, fish, homemade preparations);
foods with a lot of sauce or gravy.

Some airlines allow the following solid and dry foods to be taken into the cabin:

sandwiches;
sausages, meatballs, sausages;
cookies, chips, bread, waffles;
vegetables and fruits;
sweets, cakes and pastries.

Electronics and modern gadgets

When going through customs at the airport, you will be asked to take your laptop out of your hand luggage and place it in the basket for later scanning. Laptop, phone, smart phone, etc. may not be taken into account in the weight of hand luggage and be considered personal items, but here you should study the rules of the airline more carefully.

On some flights to the United States, any electronic device larger than a smartphone is not allowed in carry-on baggage.

The following electronic devices can be transported in the aircraft cabin:

mobile phone (excluding exploding smartphones samsung galaxy note 7);
laptop, tablet, e-book;
camera, video camera;
MP3, DVD player.

Medications

Medicines and medicines needed on the road can be taken in hand luggage, but please note that you may be asked to prove the need for certain drugs (you should have a doctor's indication that you need to take medicines).

Care accessories

The following personal devices may be carried in hand baggage.

a safety razor and replaceable blades for it, as well as an electric razor;
hair dryer and other hair styling devices;
toothbrush (including electric).

Cosmetics and hygiene products

You can take cosmetic and hygiene products in any (glass, plastic, paper, wood, etc.) packages up to 100 ml in hand luggage.

cream, gel;
tanning lotion or oil;
toothpaste;
deodorant (solid, spray, roll-on);
hairspray and foam for styling hair;
liquid for contact lenses;
shampoo, mask, hair balm, etc.

Other things in hand luggage

literature and magazines;
a picture (its size should not exceed the allowable for hand luggage);
crockery, glasses, sets, etc.;
musical instrument;
a wedding dress and other clothes (it is necessary to carry in a special case - a suitcase, it counts as one
piece of hand luggage).

It is important to know some features that may surprise you right at the airport (read the passenger's story in the comments to this post). So, for example, an ordinary skateboard can be regarded as a weapon and will be asked to be checked in. I became interested and I asked the representatives of the airport whether this was true or not, that's what they answered me. You can see the full answer to my letter in the photo.

In accordance with the requirements of aviation security, according to paragraph 72 of the Order of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation dated July 25, 2007 No. 104: “items and substances that can be used as a weapon of attack, but not prohibited for transportation on board the aircraft, are packed and transported in as checked baggage.

All restrictions on the carriage of things in hand luggage can be divided into several groups.

prohibited for security reasons - weapons and toys imitating them (firearms, piercing and cutting, etc.), exploding smartphones samsung galaxy note 7, I think everything is clear here;
prohibited for the convenience of passengers - everyone wants to drag their oversized cargo on board, but no one wants to sit next to a friend who dragged oversized cargo into the cabin;
prohibited for commercial purposes - it is possible to use the aircraft cabin as a "gazelle for transportation", but it is expensive. There is a desire to bring 50 kilograms of mango from Thailand - pay for the excess and take it.

Now let's talk about this in more detail, the recent events with exploding Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones surprised and frightened many. And as a result - a complete ban on the use of this smartphone model on board the aircraft.

Punching and cutting objects, explosive goods and weapons

it is forbidden to take firearms and any piercing and cutting objects (knife, corkscrew, razor blades, sharp manicure accessories, etc.) in hand luggage;
working tools (screwdrivers, nails, files, drills, etc.);
sports equipment (skateboard, roller skates, scooters, baseball bats, etc.).

Electronics and modern gadgets prohibited in hand luggage

After the scandal with the exploding Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphone, many countries banned the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones from being carried on board the aircraft, and the Federal Air Transport Agency went even further and banned this smartphone even from being carried to the airport.

Many airlines have banned the transportation of small-sized means for personal transportation on lithium batteries (monowheels, mini-segways, hoverboards, gyroscooters, etc.) in hand luggage and in the cargo hold.

On March 21, 2017, US authorities banned electronic devices from being carried in hand luggage, the ban was imposed on flights from the Middle East and North Africa. Passengers from these countries (Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and UAE) traveling to the United States of America without transfers, it is forbidden to carry laptops, tablets, cameras and other electronics in hand luggage. The United Kingdom has joined this ban.

Food and food

If you managed to bring food and other foodstuffs on board the aircraft (some airlines don’t particularly find fault with this), then it is advisable to destroy (eat) it there, since many countries prohibit the importation of any agricultural products, meat, milk and etc. without proper certifications.

Transportation of hand luggage on the plane, tricks and life hacks

The main life hack “How not to overpay for excess baggage” is to leave everything superfluous at home, but not everyone can give themselves such pleasure - traveling with a half-empty backpack, so I’ll tell you how I deal with being overweight in my hand luggage.

Usually, I travel with two backpacks, one large (about 45 liters) and the other small (30 liters). At the beginning of your journey, all things (including a 30 liter backpack) fit into a 45 liter one and fly like hand luggage in the cabin. During a long journey, backpacks are filled with all sorts of necessary (and not so) gizmos and on the way back they don’t fit into each other anymore, this is where you have to think about how to optimize the weight and size of luggage.

Here is a rough list of actions to reduce the weight of your luggage after a long trip:

Make the most of your body- it sounds strange, but if you understand that an advantage is inevitable, then you can bring some of the things into the cabin on yourself in the literal sense of the word. For example, you can put on warm things from your luggage (it will probably be hot and you will look like a fool), you can put small but heavy souvenirs in your pockets, etc.

If you go even further, you can buy fashionable and very practical clothes from the famous brand SCOTTeVEST. Their signature jackets are specially designed for travelers, top models have more than 40 pockets of all shapes and sizes for different gadgets and devices. With such functionality, all SCOTTeVEST brand clothes look fashionable and modern. Any of their little things, whether it be a cap or shorts, will be equipped with pockets for storage without fail.

Get rid of everything superfluous- there are things that make no sense to bring back and you can get rid of them in a variety of ways, you can simply throw them in the trash, donate them to the natives or sell them off. On my Indian trip, a gift in the form of an ordinary ballpoint pen evoked extremely positive emotions from local children.

Find a travel companion- if you find a fellow traveler who does not have as much luggage as you, then you can always ask for a service. But here you should be very careful and trust the person (and he should also trust you), because where is the guarantee that it may turn out to be in the things you transferred and where is the guarantee that a new acquaintance will return your luggage to you.

Send a piece of luggage by mail- in any country there is a post office and this fact should not be ignored. The cost of sending to Russia will cost some money, but it is much cheaper than the rates for overweight baggage.

October 10, 2017- The Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation has approved a list of items that a passenger can carry into the cabin of an aircraft as hand luggage for free from October 2017. What will be the rate free baggage and will I have to pay extra for purchases in duty free.

An order that changes the rules air transportation passengers and luggage, is now on state registration in the Ministry of Justice. The document spelled out the new rules for free carry-on baggage for non-refundable air tickets and a list of items that a person can carry on board the aircraft without additional payment.

What is the minimum weight of carry-on baggage that a passenger can take into the cabin?

Now the Air Code states that the minimum cost of an air ticket includes the carriage of hand luggage weighing up to 10 kg.

After the entry into force of the order of the Ministry of Transport, each air passenger will be able to bring into the cabin hand luggage weighing not less than 5 kg. This limit can be increased by the carrier if it wants to gain a competitive advantage over other airlines.

You can take 5 kg into the cabin of the aircraft at any fare: non-refundable and baggage-free; non-refundable, but with luggage included; returnable with luggage.

Will the airline determine the weight of the baggage included in the fare?

Yes. The Ministry of Transport sets only the minimum baggage allowance - 10 kg. This is the minimum baggage weight that is provided for passengers who have bought tickets at the “with baggage” fare. The carrier has the right to increase this limit.

What items can I take into the cabin if I'm flying on a no-baggage fare?

In excess of the minimum hand luggage allowance, a passenger has the right to take into the cabin: a women's bag, a men's briefcase, a briefcase, outerwear, baby food and a baby stroller, a bouquet of flowers, medicines and a backpack. Weight and dimensions of the backpack carried into the cabin in excess of the hand luggage limit in 5 kg, are set by the carrier, which is related to ensuring the safety of passengers on board, the press service of the Ministry of Transport reported.

Also, the list of things carried free of charge in excess of the norm includes crutches, canes, walkers, folding wheelchairs that allow them to be safely placed on a shelf above the seat or under the seat of the chair in front. If these items do not have a place in the cabin, then they can be checked in as baggage at no extra charge.

Will I still be able to bring a laptop or camera into the cabin along with my hand luggage?

Indeed, now you can carry, for example, a laptop in your hands into the cabin of the aircraft along with hand luggage. That is, buyers of tickets at minimum fares can actually increase the weight of their luggage by 2–3 kg (the weight of a laptop and a charger for it).

The new rules will eliminate this possibility. As explained to TASS in the Ministry of Transport, a camera, a laptop (in the order it is classified as “other electronic devices”), a phone, an umbrella and a book can be carried on board only by putting it in hand luggage - a backpack or a bag.

Will I have to pay extra for the opportunity to bring purchases from duty free to the salon?

No. The order of the Ministry of Transport says that goods purchased in duty free can be carried on board for free - in excess of the hand luggage allowance. This means that you will not have to pay extra for the package from the duty-free shop when boarding.

Is the passenger required to weigh hand luggage at the request of the air carrier?

The Ministry of Transport has already planned to oblige passengers to weigh their hand luggage before boarding, if required by airline employees.

The order of the Ministry of Transport provides for such a possibility. “In order to control compliance with the dimensions of hand luggage and additional items,” representatives of the air carrier can weigh hand luggage immediately before the passenger leaves for boarding, the press service of the ministry said. This measure will allow you to control the weight of hand luggage of passengers using electronic registration for the flight. Now they don't always label it at the front desk.

How much luggage can you take on a plane? Can I carry alcohol, perfumes, aerosols, medicines, cigarettes in my luggage? But what about food? Let's consider these questions in detail.

There are no international rules for baggage, each air carrier regulates this issue independently. The airline may choose to carry baggage by seat or by weight.

Permissible baggage weight per person on the plane

The weight system allows you to carry free of charge:

in economy class no more than 20 kilograms of baggage with its total linear size of 203 centimeters;
in business class, with the same dimensions, it is allowed to take 30 kilograms with you.

If at least one parameter of your baggage does not fit into the established norms, the air carrier has the right to require additional payment. Children under ten years of age under such a system have the right to transport ten kilograms of things, and from the age of twelve they are already entitled to an adult norm for the carriage of goods.

The weight system is convenient because when traveling together, the weight of all things is added up, and the number of bags is not counted.

The local system replaces the weight system, despite its obvious convenience. Aeroflot recently switched to it. Here are the shipping rules:

economy class allows you to take only one piece of baggage with a bag no heavier than 23 kilograms;
in business class, the conditions are milder: two pieces of baggage weighing no more than 32 kilograms each.

The main difference of the luggage system is that the weight of luggage is not cumulative. For example, on a double flight in economy class, passengers carry two things weighing 15 and 25 kilograms. The extra two kilos will be counted as a third piece of baggage and paid in full. When planning luggage before travel, keep in mind that such an overload is paid at a high rate, comparable in price to a ticket. Therefore, you should carefully calculate the weight of things.

The requirements for the maximum allowable baggage size in the local system are even stricter: the total linear size of the item is not more than 158 centimeters.

Rules for transporting food, alcohol and cigarettes on an airplane

Alcohol is not included in the list of goods prohibited for transportation on an airplane, but there are still certain rules for it. So, in hand luggage, each adult passenger has the right to carry one liter of alcoholic beverages, regardless of their strength. The entire quantity is divided into several containers no more than 100 milliliters each. All bottles are packed in a plastic bag with a zipper. It is forbidden to use them on board: the packaging must not be broken until the end of the flight. Breaking the rules can get you in trouble.

Carriage of alcohol in baggage is regulated by the following rules:

liquids not stronger than 24% are transported without restrictions, but without going beyond the general weight restrictions;
alcohol with a strength of 24 to 70%, not more than five liters per passenger;
alcohol stronger than 70% is prohibited for transportation.

Alcoholic drinks purchased before the flight in duty-free shops are allowed to be transported in hand luggage, but in a whole package with a saved receipt. In low-cost companies, you will most likely have to pay for transporting a package of alcohol from a duty-free shop.

AT different countries The allowances for transporting strong drinks can vary greatly, so please inquire about this issue separately before an international flight.

The same recommendations apply to the question of the rules for transporting cigarettes. However, each country sets its own standards, which should be guided by before flying. For example, when flying on the territory of the Russian Federation, only one cigarette block (10 packs of 20 cigarettes each), up to 250 grams of tobacco or no more than 50 cigars can be transported in hand luggage. In this case, the passenger must be 18 years old. Other countries have different age restrictions. For example, in Egypt, a 15-year-old passenger may well carry tobacco products with him, but only those who are already 20 years old can fly to Japan with cigarettes.

As for medicines, it is allowed to carry medicines in solid form (capsules, powders, tablets) in hand luggage. Liquid medicines, as well as ointments, creams and gels, should be in original containers up to 100 ml, and then packed in a bag (necessarily transparent) measuring 20x20 centimeters.

When transporting prescription drugs or drugs containing psychotropic / narcotic substances, you will need to present a prescription from a doctor, and in order to carry out international flight It is also necessary to declare such drugs. For passengers with an insulin-dependent form of diabetes, an exception is made: vials of insulin, syringes and glucometers are allowed in hand luggage.

By the way, for international flights there is a list of drugs prohibited for transportation, and you should familiarize yourself with it before departure. For example, when flying to the USA, you will not be able to take Corvalol, which is familiar in Russia, on board.

On the domestic flights you can take solid food in the cabin if it fits in your hand luggage and does not exceed the weight. On international lines, follow the rules of the countries where you are going. Usually they are forbidden to carry eggs, fish, meat and dairy products. The ban is connected with the fact that these products are perishable and can cause an infectious disease and even an epidemic.

Transportation of liquid products is regulated separately. These include, in addition to water and juices, canned food, jam, jelly, honey, sour cream, cottage cheese, sauces.

Most airlines regulate the carriage of liquids and limit it to one liter per passenger, poured into hermetically sealed bottles with a capacity of no more than one hundred milliliters. All other liquids, including cosmetics, deodorants, colognes, perfumes, mosquito sprays and shampoos, are checked in as baggage under the new rules.

What is forbidden to carry on an airplane in baggage in 2020

There are dangerous items that are prohibited for transportation, both in hand luggage and in the luggage compartment. These include:

weapons: cold, firearms, gas, stun guns;
explosives: dynamite, cartridges, pyrotechnics;
gases: liquefied, compressed in cylinders, aerosols;
flammable liquids: petroleum products, acetone, solvents;
solid flammable substances: matches, metal potassium, calcium, sodium;
poisonous and toxic: nicotine, arsenic, mercury;
caustic and rapidly corrosive: salts, acids, lime.

The same list includes magnetized and radioactive substances.

The list of substances and items prohibited for transportation under the new rules is extensive. If you are planning to bring an unusual item on the plane, check this list in advance or consult with an airline representative. Compliance with such simple rules guarantees the safety of all passengers and the absence of problems during the inspection of luggage.

What to do if prohibited items are found in luggage or baggage

Passengers often carry a “prohibition”, doing it not intentionally, but simply without knowing the rules of the flight thoroughly. If the airport security staff found prohibited items in hand luggage or luggage, and you don’t want to lose them, the situation should be resolved in the following ways.

If prohibited items are found before check-in: give them to the accompanying persons, hand them over to the storage room or send them by mail (there is a branch at each airport) to the right place.
If prohibited items are found after the check-in procedure, then airline employees will offer a couple of options for resolving the misunderstanding: complete confiscation of the “prohibited” item or temporary seizure with the ability to pick up things after returning. Make sure that an act will be drawn up for items that are valuable to you, but prohibited from being transported, according to which you can get them back.

In any case, try to prove to the security service that this item is dear to you - there is always a chance that security officers will meet halfway.