Aeroflot

Aeroflot (IATA: SU) is Russia's largest air carrier and one of the oldest airlines in the world, with a history spanning more than a century. As the national flagship, the company provides reliable air links between the country's key regions and the world's major cities. Its primary base and main hub is Sheremetyevo Airport in Moscow.

The airline is known for its high safety standards and quality of service, regularly confirmed by international ratings. For many years, Aeroflot was a member of the global SkyTeam airline alliance, which allowed it to implement the world's best practices in passenger service and fleet management. Today, the company continues to evolve, focusing on modern technology and traveler comfort.

A key feature of Aeroflot is one of the youngest and most modern aircraft fleets in Europe. The core of the fleet consists of modern Airbus and Boeing aircraft, as well as Russian Superjet 100 planes.

Passengers appreciate the airline for its punctuality and premium level of onboard service. Aeroflot has repeatedly been named the best airline in Eastern Europe by Skytrax and has received top ratings (5 stars) for punctuality from the analytical agency OAG.

The company's unique services include a multimedia system with a wide selection of content, an exquisite onboard menu designed by famous chefs, and a special program for young travelers that turns every flight into an exciting adventure.

To get in touch with Aeroflot (SU) representatives, you can use the following official communication channels:

• Official website: www.aeroflot.ru
• Contact center phone (Moscow): +7 (495) 223-55-55
• Toll-free within Russia: 8 (800) 444-55-55
• Short number (for mobiles): *555
• Feedback email: callcenter@aeroflot.ru
• Social media: VK (Aeroflot), Telegram (Aeroflot_Official)
• Mobile app: Available for download on iOS and Android via official app stores and the airline's website.
• Emergency support: Baggage tracing service is available via the 24-hour call center phone.

We recommend checking the current contact information and regional office hours on the airline's official website before making a call or visiting an office.

Aeroflot (SU) uses a "piece concept" baggage system, which depends on the selected fare and class of service. Compliance with the established norms ensures the boarding and flight process is as comfortable as possible for all passengers.

As hand luggage, Economy and Comfort class passengers can take one piece weighing up to 10 kg on board. For Business class, the allowance is increased to 15 kg. Bag dimensions must not exceed 55x40x25 cm. In addition to the main carry-on, personal items such as a backpack (up to 5 kg), a handbag, a briefcase, or a suit in a garment bag are permitted for free.

Checked baggage allowances are also differentiated:

• Economy (Optimum and Maximum fares) — 1 piece up to 23 kg;
• Comfort — 2 pieces up to 23 kg each;
• Business — 2 pieces up to 32 kg each.

If the weight or dimensions of your items exceed the free allowance, excess baggage fees apply. Rates depend on whether you pay for the extra weight in advance on the website or directly at the airport. We recommend booking additional baggage online at least 24 hours before the flight to save significantly.

For transporting special items such as skis, snowboards, or bicycles, Aeroflot often offers seasonal promotions for free transport. Musical instruments weighing up to 80 kg can be carried in a passenger seat (with the purchase of a separate ticket) or in the baggage hold in a hard case. Strollers are carried free of charge in addition to the established baggage allowance.

Dangerous substances are strictly prohibited for transportation: explosives, flammable liquids, toxic and corrosive substances. High-capacity lithium batteries and mobility devices powered by them (hoverboards, electric scooters) are allowed only under specific power conditions.

For quick identification of your belongings, we recommend using baggage tags with contact information and wrapping suitcases in protective film. Try to distribute weight evenly and always keep valuables in your hand luggage.

Aeroflot (SU) understands how important it is not to part with your pets during travel and offers transparent rules for pet transportation. We recommend notifying the airline about your planned flight with an animal at least 36 hours before departure.

Cabin Transportation

• Weight: The maximum weight of the animal including the carrier must not exceed 8 kg.
• Dimensions: For soft carrier bags, the sum of three dimensions is up to 126 cm; for hard containers, dimensions are no more than 44x30x26 cm.
• Permitted Pets: Tame domestic animals (cats, dogs, birds), as well as service dogs and guide dogs, are allowed in the cabin.

Cargo Hold Transportation

• Container: Must be impact-resistant, have a secure lock, and sufficient ventilation. The bottom must be covered with absorbent material.
• Conditions: The baggage holds of Aeroflot aircraft are heated and pressurized, ensuring a comfortable temperature for your pet during the flight.
• Restrictions: The total weight of the animal and container in the baggage hold is usually limited to 50 kg.

Required Documents

• An international veterinary passport.
• A valid rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days and no more than one year before departure).
• A mark in the veterinary certificate of a clinical examination.
• For international flights, the veterinary requirements of the destination country must be met.

Cost

• Animal transportation is not included in the free baggage allowance and is paid for as special non-standard baggage.
• Rates are fixed and depend on whether the pet flies in the cabin or the cargo hold, as well as the flight direction (domestic or international).

Preparing for the Flight

• Accustom the animal to the carrier in advance so it feels safe.
• It is not recommended to feed your pet heavily less than 4 hours before departure.
• Ensure there is familiar bedding inside the container.

Restrictions

• Brachycephalic Breeds: There are increased safety requirements for transporting flat-faced dogs (pugs, bulldogs, Pekingese) due to their sensitivity to pressure changes and stress.
• Quantity: Multiple animals from the same litter are allowed in one container if their total weight does not exceed the established norms.

To clarify current rules and confirm the possibility of transportation on a specific flight, be sure to contact the airline's call center before purchasing a ticket.

Aeroflot Bonus

The "Aeroflot Bonus" loyalty program is one of the most popular and large-scale programs in Russia, allowing passengers to earn bonus miles and exchange them for privileges worldwide. Participation in the program provides access to premium service and makes flights more rewarding.

Membership Tiers and Privileges

• Basic: Assigned immediately upon registration. Allows earning miles for flights and purchases from partners.
• Silver: Entitles you to priority registration, an extra piece of baggage, and priority boarding.
• Gold: Provides access to high-comfort waiting areas (business lounges), expedited security checks, and a guaranteed seat on the flight.
• Platinum: The highest level, offering personal concierge service, complimentary upgrades, and the ability to book an award ticket for double miles if no quotas are available.

How to Earn Miles

• Flights: Miles are credited for every flight on regular Aeroflot and partner airline services. The amount depends on the distance and fare.
• Program Partners: Miles are earned for hotel bookings, car rentals, and purchases at partner stores.
• Bank Cards: Using co-branded cards from major banks allows you to earn miles for everyday purchases.
• Bonus Promotions: Special offers with increased mile accrual on specific routes.

How to Spend Miles

• Award Tickets: Booking a reward flight on Aeroflot routes (only taxes and fees are paid).
• Upgrades: Using miles to move from Economy to Business class.
• Goods and Services: Paying with miles for items in the rewards catalog or for partner services.

Alliance Participation

Thanks to its participation in a global network, "Aeroflot Bonus" members can accumulate miles and confirm their status on partner airline flights worldwide, as well as use their infrastructure, including business lounges in international airports.

How to Join

• Registration: You can become a member for free on the official website or through the mobile app.
• Age: Adults can participate in the program, and for children aged 2 to 12, there is a special "Aeroflot Bonus Junior" sub-program.

On board Aeroflot (SU), passengers are offered a high level of service that begins from the moment a class of service is chosen. Depending on your preferences and flight duration, you can choose from three main options.

Economy Class provides an optimal balance of comfort and value. Passengers are offered ergonomic seats, high-quality hot meals on long-haul flights, and soft drinks. In Business Class, travelers can enjoy lie-flat seats (on long-haul airliners), an expanded menu from top chefs, access to business lounges at airports, and an increased baggage allowance. Comfort Class, available on Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 aircraft, offers extra legroom and improved service, serving as a "golden mean" between Economy and Business.

Onboard Amenities are thought out to the smallest detail. Most aircraft are equipped with a modern multimedia system featuring a wide selection of movies, music, and games. On many flights, paid Wi-Fi is available, allowing you to stay connected even in the sky. Seat pitch in the cabins is designed to provide sufficient legroom even on long journeys.

Special Services make flying accessible to everyone. For passengers with children, baby bassinets (on certain aircraft types), special play sets, and children's menus are provided. Aeroflot pays special attention to passengers with disabilities, providing accompaniment and assistance during boarding. An "unaccompanied minor" service is also available, allowing children to fly independently under the supervision of staff.

Onboard catering can be adapted to your needs: you can pre-order special meals (vegetarian, halal, kosher, or diabetic) at no extra charge. The airline's service is aimed at making every passenger feel like a welcome guest, regardless of the chosen class of service.

Aeroflot (SU) has an extensive route network connecting the country's largest cities with international business and tourism centers. The key link in the transportation system is the airline's main hub in Moscow, through which most connecting flights pass.

When planning a trip with Aeroflot, it's helpful to know a few secrets that can save your budget and make your flight more pleasant. The best time to buy tickets is generally 45–60 days before departure. For the most popular destinations during holidays, booking should start even earlier—4 to 6 months in advance.

The easiest way to keep track of discounts and promotions is through the official newsletter. The airline regularly holds "Light Price" sales and offers special fares for youth and seniors on subsidized flights. It's also worth looking for tickets in the middle of the week—flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often cheaper than on weekends.

Online registration for Aeroflot flights opens 24 hours before and closes 45 minutes before departure. This is a great opportunity to choose a comfortable seat in the cabin in advance from the comfort of your home. If you are traveling with hand luggage only, online check-in allows you to bypass the queues at the check-in counters and go straight to the security zone.

When choosing a seat, look for the Space+ service—these are seats with extra legroom that can be purchased for an additional fee. On long-haul aircraft (Boeing 777, Airbus A350), the seat layout may differ, so we recommend studying the cabin map in the mobile app before booking.

Don't forget about insurance. While buying a ticket on the website, you can add a policy that covers not only medical expenses but also the risks of flight delays or lost baggage. This provides extra peace of mind in unforeseen situations.

Using the airline's mobile app gives you access to exclusive features: real-time flight status tracking, electronic boarding passes, and quick mile balance checks. Sometimes, special offers appear in the app that are not available on the main website.

The history of Aeroflot (SU) is inextricably linked to the history of Russian civil aviation. The company's birthday is considered to be March 17, 1923, when the "Dobrolet" voluntary air fleet society was created. The first regular route was the Moscow — Nizhny Novgorod line, marking the beginning of a new era in the country's transport links. The modern name—Aeroflot—was officially approved in 1932 after the merger of several aviation organizations.

During the Soviet period, the company was the sole state air carrier, becoming the largest airline in the world. In 1956, Aeroflot became a world leader in jet aircraft operation, launching the first Soviet jet airliner, the Tu-104, into regular service. An important milestone was the opening of flights to New York, Paris, and other world capitals, making the recognizable hammer and sickle logo a symbol of reliable international communication.

The development of the company's fleet has always kept pace with technical progress. From the legendary Il-18 propeller planes and the "King of the Sky" Tu-154, Aeroflot moved to operating the most advanced modern airliners. In the post-Soviet period, the airline underwent a major restructuring, retaining its brand and status as the national carrier, and began actively integrating Airbus and Boeing aircraft into its fleet.

An important part of its recent history was joining the global SkyTeam airline alliance in 2006, which allowed the harmonization of service with international standards and expanded opportunities for passengers worldwide. The airline also initiated the creation of the "Aeroflot Group," uniting several regional carriers under a single management.

Today, Aeroflot continues to innovate by developing its digital infrastructure and implementing environmental sustainability programs. Throughout its century-long history, the company has come a long way from wooden biplanes to ultra-modern Airbus A350s, remaining a symbol of hospitality and professionalism in the sky.