Braathens Regional Airlines

Transavia (TF) is a popular budget airline from the Netherlands, forming part of the major Air France-KLM holding company. The carrier strives to make travel across Europe accessible to a wide audience by offering optimal value for money. A strategically important hub of the route network is Prague, from where tourists can easily reach a multitude of interesting locations.

The history and philosophy of the brand are built on principles of hospitality and simplicity. Transavia positions itself as a friendly carrier that pays special attention to digital services and passenger comfort, even within Economy Class. The company's motto reflects a desire to bring people and regions closer together while ensuring high standards of punctuality and reliability inherent to the entire Air France-KLM group.

The company's air fleet consists of modern and reliable liners from the Boeing 737 family. These aircraft are known for their efficiency and safety. The cabins are equipped with ergonomic seats, and the interior design is executed in a signature light color scheme, creating a sense of spaciousness and calm during the flight.

The flight geography covers key cities of Europe. Thanks to a convenient schedule, travelers can quickly fly to majestic Vienna to enjoy music and architecture. Another sought-after destination is Munich — the dynamic center of Bavaria. Transavia offers convenient options for both short weekend trips and complex itineraries across Europe.

Connecting with representatives of Transavia (TF) is most convenient through digital communication channels. The carrier focuses on remote service, allowing passengers to promptly resolve most issues, such as flight check-in, seat selection, or adding baggage, without the need to call a call center.

• Official Website: The main platform for managing your journey. Here you can find answers to frequently asked questions, use the feedback form in the service center, or chat with the bot.
• Mobile App: Recommended for those who want to receive instant notifications about schedule changes and store boarding passes electronically.
• Social Media and Messengers: The support team works actively on popular social networks, as well as via WhatsApp. Current links to official accounts are always posted at the bottom of the airline's website.

Airport Service
In case of difficulties immediately before departure, passengers can approach information desks or ticket counters. The company's staff is present at key nodes of the route network, including the main hub — the city of Prague. Please note that counter opening hours are usually tied to the schedule of current flights.

When planning a flight with Transavia, it is important to familiarize yourself with the baggage transport rules in advance. Since this is a budget carrier (low-cost), baggage allowances are strictly regulated, and adhering to them will help you significantly save on your travel budget and avoid unforeseen expenses at the airport.

Hand Luggage Allowances

The company's policy regarding hand luggage depends on the selected fare, but the basic rules are the same for all passengers. You are always allowed to take necessary in-flight items on board.

• Small Hand Luggage (Accessory): Each passenger can bring one bag measuring no more than 40 x 30 x 20 cm free of charge. This could be a handbag, a laptop case, or a small backpack. Important condition: this item must fit under the seat in front of you.
• Large Hand Luggage (Cabin Bag): A wheeled suitcase or large bag measuring up to 55 x 35 x 25 cm and weighing up to 10 kg is usually not included in the cheapest fares. To take such baggage into the cabin and place it in the overhead bin, you must select the appropriate fare or pay for the service separately.

Checked Baggage

If you are setting off on a long journey or plan to bring back many purchases, for example, departing through the airline's hub — the city of Prague, it is worth arranging checked baggage in advance. It is transported in the cargo hold and is always paid for additionally (except for the most expensive fares).

Transavia offers a flexible weight category system. You can purchase a baggage allowance of:

• 15 kg
• 20 kg
• 25 kg
• 30 kg
• Up to 50 kg (please note that the weight of a single suitcase must not exceed 32 kg according to international labor safety rules for handlers).

Excess Baggage Fees

Exceeding paid weight or size limits incurs fines. Paying for excess weight at the airport is always significantly more expensive than booking online. If you discover that your suitcase is heavier than the limit, it is more economical to purchase additional kilograms via the website or mobile app before arriving at the airport.

Special Items

Special conditions are provided for outdoor enthusiasts and musicians. Transporting non-standard baggage requires prior booking:

• Sports Equipment: Skis, snowboards, golf bags, or bicycles are transported for a fixed fee. Equipment must be packed in special protective covers.
• Musical Instruments: Small instruments (violin, flute) that fit within hand luggage dimensions can be taken into the cabin. For large instruments (cello), you will need to purchase an adjacent seat or check them in as baggage in a hard case.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

For safety reasons, there are strict restrictions on the contents of your bags. It is prohibited to carry sharp or cutting objects, imitation weapons, and liquids in containers larger than 100 ml in hand luggage (all containers must be packed in a single transparent bag with a volume of up to 1 liter). Lithium batteries and power banks are permitted only in hand luggage; they cannot be checked in due to fire risk.

Tips for Effective Packing

To ensure a comfortable flight and protect your wallet from surcharges, follow these simple recommendations:

• Weigh at home: Use luggage scales before leaving home to ensure you are within the limit.
• Soft bags: It is better to use soft backpacks or bags for hand luggage — they are easier to place under the seat or in the sizer than hard cases.
• Wear the heaviest items: If you are overweight, wear your bulkiest and heaviest clothing before check-in.
• Distribute weight: If two of you are flying on one booking, the weight of checked baggage can often be pooled or distributed between suitcases (check current rules at registration).

Transavia (TF) is friendly towards travel with four-legged friends, allowing passengers not to part with their pets during vacations. The carrier's policy permits the transport of cats and dogs both in the aircraft cabin and in the cargo hold, provided strict safety standards are met and the service is booked in advance.

In the Cabin (Hand Luggage)

This option is suitable for small pets that can travel comfortably at your feet. The service must be booked in advance, as the number of spots for animals on board is limited.

• Carrier Dimensions: The maximum dimensions of a soft bag must not exceed 40 x 30 x 24 cm.
• Maximum Weight: Up to 10 kg (weight of the animal together with the carrier bag).
• Permitted Animals: Only domestic cats and dogs.
• Behavior Requirements: The animal must behave calmly, not make loud noises, and not have a strong odor.
• Limit per Passenger: One adult passenger may transport only one carrier with one pet.

In the Cargo Hold (Checked Baggage)

If your pet exceeds the limits for hand luggage, it can travel in a special climate-controlled section of the aircraft. This is safe, as the pressure and temperature there are maintained at a comfortable level.

• Container Requirements: A hard container (plastic or fiberglass) certified by IATA.
• Animal Comfort: The cage must be spacious enough for the pet to stand, lie down, and turn around.
• Maximum Weight: The weight of the animal together with the container must not exceed 75 kg.
• Safety: The container must have a secure lock and absorbent bedding on the bottom.

As Cargo

In some situations, transport is possible only through the cargo terminal. This applies to non-standard cases or specific destinations.

• When Required: If the weight of the animal with the cage exceeds 75 kg or the cage size is larger than permissible (on certain aircraft types).
• Special Requirements: Transport is processed separately from the passenger ticket.
• Procedure: You need to contact a specialized cargo agent to issue an air waybill.

Necessary Documents

Lack of correct paperwork can be a reason for refusal of carriage, so prepare thoroughly.

• Veterinary Passport: International standard (for EU).
• Identification: An electronic microchip is mandatory.
• Vaccinations: Valid rabies vaccination (administered at least 21 days before departure).
• Health Certificate: A certificate from a veterinarian confirming that the animal is healthy and fit to fly (usually required a few days before the flight).

Service Costs

Animal transport is not included in the free baggage allowance and is always paid for additionally. The price depends on the booking method (online is usually cheaper).

• In the Cabin: Estimated from 50 Euros per one-way flight.
• In the Cargo Hold: Estimated from 77 Euros per one-way flight.
• Pricing: The exact cost may vary depending on the route and season.

Preparation Tips

To ensure the flight goes with minimal stress for you and your friend, follow these simple recommendations.

• Acclimatization to the Carrier: Introduce your pet to the container several weeks before departure.
• Feeding: Do not feed the animal heavily less than 4 hours before departure, but provide water.
• Reducing Stress: Place a familiar item with the scent of home in the cage, but do not use sedatives without a doctor's prescription.

Restrictions

The airline reserves the right to refuse transport in a number of cases.

• Prohibited Breeds: Fighting dog breeds (e.g., Pit Bull Terriers) may not be admitted or may require reinforced cages.
• Brachycephalic Breeds: Animals with flattened snouts (Pugs, Bulldogs, Persian cats) are at risk due to breathing problems; verify their transport conditions.
• Age: Animals younger than 3 months (and 15 weeks for some EU countries) are not admitted for flight.
• Exceptions: Guide dogs are usually transported free of charge in the cabin but require prior notification.

Important: Rules for importing animals depend not only on the airline but also on the legislation of the country of arrival (for example, flights to the UK or Ireland have their own specifics). We strongly recommend contacting Transavia support or the consulate of the destination country before purchasing tickets to clarify current information.

Loyalty Program

Passengers of Transavia have a unique privilege for the budget segment — the opportunity to participate in Flying Blue, one of the leading loyalty programs in the world. Since the carrier is part of the Air France-KLM group, travelers can accumulate miles even for inexpensive flights across Europe and use them to receive global-level rewards.

Membership Levels

Status in the program is determined by the number of Experience Points (XP) earned for flights. The higher the level, the more privileges the passenger receives:

• Explorer (Basic): The entry level, giving the right to earn 4 miles for every Euro spent and access to exclusive discounts on baggage.
• Silver: Earning 6 miles per Euro, priority check-in, baggage drop-off and boarding, as well as free selection of standard seats.
• Gold: Earning 7 miles per Euro, free access to business lounges (on SkyTeam partner flights), and SkyPriority service worldwide.
• Platinum: The maximum level, giving 8 miles per Euro and access to the dedicated Platinum Service Line 24/7.

How to Earn Miles

The accumulation system is transparent and tied to the cost of services, making it beneficial for frequent travelers.

• Flights: You receive miles for every Euro spent on the flight ticket (excluding taxes) and additional options, for example, flying on the Prague — Vienna route.
• Partners: Earning bonuses for hotel bookings (e.g., via Booking.com) and car rentals from international rental companies.
• Credit Cards: Paying for purchases with co-branded cards from partner banks allows you to top up your miles balance daily.
• Online Shopping: Purchases at partner stores via the Flying Blue portal bring additional points.

How to Spend Miles

Accumulated miles are a universal currency that can be exchanged for real services that make travel more comfortable.

• Free Tickets: Issuing Reward Tickets for Transavia flights and any other airline in the alliance.
• Additional Services: Paying for a seat with extra legroom, selecting a standard seat, or carrying extra baggage.
• Partner Rewards: Booking hotel nights or renting vehicles worldwide using miles.
• Shopping: Buying goods, gadgets, and accessories in the official Flying Blue Store online.

Alliance Membership

Thanks to belonging to the Air France-KLM holding, the program is integrated into the global aviation alliance SkyTeam.

• Global Reach: The ability to spend and earn miles on flights of dozens of airlines, including Air France, KLM, Delta Air Lines, and Korean Air.
• Unified Standards: Elite members receive SkyPriority privileges (priority service) at airports across the planet.

How to Join

Becoming a member of the program is very simple and completely free. To do this, you need to fill out the registration form on the official Transavia website or the Flying Blue portal, after which you will immediately receive a digital membership number and can start accumulating miles from your first flight.

Transavia adheres to the classic low-cost model, offering passengers simplicity and transparency of service. The main focus is on the affordability of flights, so there is no division into Business and First Class on board the aircraft. All passengers travel in a single Economy Class, however, the level of comfort can be enhanced by choosing the appropriate fare (Basic, Plus, or Max) or paying for additional services separately.

Seat Configuration and Comfort
The cabins of the Boeing 737 aircraft that make up the company's fleet have a 3-3 layout (three seats on each side of the aisle). The interior is designed in signature white and green tones, creating a fresh atmosphere. Standard seats are upholstered in soft eco-leather and provide sufficient comfort for medium-haul flights.

For those who value personal space, there is an option to select seats with extra legroom (XL-seats), located at emergency exits or in the first rows. This is especially relevant if you are flying from the company's main hub — the city of Prague — to more distant points of the route network.

Food and Beverages
Meals are not included in the price of a standard ticket. A paid menu service operates on board. Flight attendants will offer you an assortment of sandwiches, snacks (sweet and savory), as well as hot and cold beverages. Payment is made by bank card directly during the flight. The menu is regularly updated, offering fresh snack options even on short flights, such as the flight to Vienna.

In-flight Entertainment
There are no built-in monitors in the seat backs, which is typical for budget airlines. Passengers are advised to download movies, music, or books to their mobile devices in advance. On some aircraft, a free in-flight magazine with interesting articles about travel and lifestyle is available. If you are heading to Munich or another major city, flight time will fly by unnoticed while reading or viewing your own content.

Special Services
Despite the budget format, Transavia pays great attention to caring for all categories of passengers:

• Passengers with Reduced Mobility: The company provides free assistance at the airport and during boarding/disembarking. A request for assistance must be made no later than 48 hours before departure.
• Traveling with Children: It is permitted to take a collapsible stroller on board for free (it is handed over at the ramp or check-in counter). Flight attendants can help warm up baby food.
• Unaccompanied Minors: For children aged 5 to 11 traveling alone, a paid escort service by airline staff is available, ensuring their safety from check-in until meeting relatives at the destination.

The route network of Transavia (TF) is built to ensure convenient connections and direct flights across Europe. The key hub connecting destinations is Prague. Based in this city, the carrier offers regular flights on sought-after routes, focusing on popular tourist and business flows.

Below is a list of the airline's most active destinations based on data from the last three weeks:

Traveling with a budget airline like Transavia can be not only economical but also maximally comfortable if you know a few nuances. Thorough planning is the key to a successful trip, especially when it comes to a low-cost carrier where many additional services require payment.

Best Time to Book
As a rule, the lowest fares are available when purchasing tickets in advance. The optimal time for booking flights across Europe is 2–3 months before departure. If you are planning a trip during the festive season (summer or winter holidays), it is worth taking care of tickets even earlier. Also, prices often drop if you choose to depart mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday), avoiding Fridays and Sundays.

Hunting for Discounts and Promotions
To not miss out on profitable offers, it is recommended to:

• Subscribe to the newsletter: The airline often informs subscribers about sales and the opening of new routes first.
• Follow Flying Blue: Sometimes loyalty program members have access to special Promo Rewards fares, allowing you to buy a ticket for miles with a significant discount.
• Be flexible: Use the price calendar function on the website when searching to see the cost of the flight on adjacent dates.

Online Check-in
Save time at the airport by checking in for your flight online. With Transavia, online check-in usually opens 30 hours before and closes 4 or 1 hour before departure (depending on the airport). This is especially relevant if you are departing from a busy hub like Prague, where queues at counters can be long. After check-in, you will immediately receive a mobile boarding pass.

Seat Selection in the Cabin
If you are traveling as a group or family and want to guarantee sitting together, it is better to pay for seat selection in advance. Otherwise, the system may seat passengers in different parts of the cabin. For tall travelers, purchasing a seat with extra legroom (XL) will be a wise investment, as the standard seat pitch may seem tight on a flight lasting more than two hours.

Travel Insurance
Do not neglect insurance. When booking a ticket or separately, it is recommended to take out a policy covering not only medical expenses but also trip cancellation or loss of baggage. This is a small expense that will ensure peace of mind, considering that the cheapest low-cost fares are often non-refundable.

Mobile App Capabilities
The official airline app is an indispensable companion on the road. By installing it, you will be able to:

• Store all boarding passes in one place (works even without internet).
• Receive instant notifications about gate changes or flight delays.
• Quickly purchase extra baggage if you realize there are more souvenirs than planned.

The history of Transavia is a vivid example of evolution from a small charter carrier to one of the leading players in the European budget air travel market. The company was founded in late 1965 in the Netherlands under the name Transavia Limburg. It made its first commercial flight in November 1966, and since then has steadily increased its presence in the sky.

Formation and Change of Course
In the first decades of its existence, the carrier, having changed its name to Transavia Holland, specialized mainly in charter flights for vacationers, delivering residents of Northern Europe to sunny resorts in the Mediterranean. An important milestone in corporate history was the early 1990s, when the national airline KLM acquired a controlling stake. In 2003, Transavia became a 100% subsidiary of KLM, and later joined the global Air France-KLM holding. This merger ensured the company financial stability and access to new resources.

Change of Business Model
Since the early 2000s, reacting to market changes, the airline began an active transformation into a low-cost carrier (LCC). In 2005, the brand Transavia France was launched, which allowed for a significant expansion of flight geography beyond the Netherlands. The company's strategy shifted towards regular flights at affordable prices, which opened the skies to millions of travelers.

Fleet Evolution
The company's aircraft fleet has undergone significant changes. In the early years (60s and 70s), legendary Sud Aviation Caravelle aircraft and the first Boeing 707 and 737 models were used. Over time, striving for standardization and economy, the carrier completely switched to liners of the Boeing 737 family (specifically the 737-700 and 737-800 modifications). This decision allowed for reduced maintenance and pilot training costs, which ultimately had a positive effect on ticket prices for passengers.

Route Network Development and Innovation
Today, Transavia is known for its dense network of routes connecting key European cities. A crucial step in expansion was the opening of bases outside home airports. In particular, the city of Prague became a strategically important hub. The development of this destination allowed for linking Central Europe with other regions, offering convenient connections and direct flights.

The modern stage of the company's development is characterized by the introduction of digital innovations and a focus on sustainable development. The carrier actively invests in technologies that simplify booking and check-in, as well as participates in programs to reduce its carbon footprint. The route network continues to grow: in addition to traditional resorts, business and cultural centers such as Vienna and Munich have firmly established themselves in the schedule, making the airline a convenient choice for various categories of travelers.