Example Airways

Belavia is not just the national carrier of the Republic of Belarus, but also a recognizable brand associated by travellers with hospitality and reliability. The airline, adorning its aircraft with the country's symbol — the blue cornflower, strives to make every journey comfortable, connecting cities and cultures. Thanks to a modern approach to service and continuous development, Belavia has established itself as a stable partner for tourists and business people alike.

History and Modern Fleet
The airline's history dates back to 1996. Since then, Belavia has come a long way from a small local carrier to a modern airline with a renewed fleet of aircraft. Today, the fleet is based on reliable liners manufactured by Boeing and comfortable Embraer aircraft, which are ideal for both short and medium distances. The company pays special attention to the technical condition of its vessels, maintaining high flight regularity rates.

Mission and Values
Belavia's main goal is to give the freedom of movement, ensuring safety and a high level of service. The airline positions itself as a bridge linking different regions and strives to make every passenger feel at home on board. Particular attention is paid to punctuality and the implementation of digital services that simplify the booking and check-in process.

Flight Geography and Achievements
The company's route network covers popular tourist destinations and important business centres. In its operations, the carrier focuses on passenger needs, offering convenient connections and seasonal charter programmes to resorts. Over the years, Belavia has repeatedly received professional awards for punctuality and service quality, confirming its status as one of the leading carriers in its region.

For the prompt resolution of issues related to flights, making changes to bookings, or clarifying baggage carriage rules, it is recommended to use official communication channels. The airline's support service is ready to assist passengers and provide up-to-date data on flight status.

Official Website

You can find all necessary information, a detailed flight schedule, and online check-in services on the carrier's web resource:
belavia.by

Key Contacts

• Information Desk: +375 17 220 25 55 (international number)
• Short Number (for calls from Belarus): 106
• Customer Support (Email): support@belavia.by
• Mobile App: available for download on the App Store, Google Play, and AppGallery.

Social Media

It is convenient to follow news, schedule changes, and special offers through official accounts:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• VKontakte
• Telegram
• Twitter (X)

Offices

Central Office (Headquarters):
Republic of Belarus, 220004, Minsk, Nemiga str., 14A

Please note: Contact details and office opening hours are subject to change. We recommend checking current information before contacting us.

Baggage Rules

Preparing for a flight involves not only buying tickets but also packing smartly. To make your journey with Belavia as comfortable as possible, we recommend studying the baggage allowance rules in advance. This will help avoid unnecessary expenses at the airport and speed up the check-in process, regardless of whether you are going on a business trip to London or flying on vacation.

Cabin Baggage

Passengers can take essential items into the aircraft cabin. Cabin baggage allowances depend directly on the service class and the fare of the purchased ticket. Standard dimensions for hand luggage are usually 55x40x25 cm. Adhering to these dimensions guarantees that the bag will fit seamlessly on the shelf above the passenger seat.

• Economy Class: Generally, one piece of hand luggage weighing up to 10 kg is permitted.
• Business Class: Passengers are granted an increased allowance, allowing them to take more personal items on board while maintaining weight restrictions for each piece.

In addition to the main bag, it is permitted to take a small handbag, a laptop briefcase or backpack, outerwear, as well as baby food and items necessary for caring for a child during the flight into the cabin.

Checked Baggage

Belavia applies the Piece Concept for baggage carriage. This means limits are set not only on weight but also on the number of baggage items. If you are flying with a transfer, for example, through Toulouse, be sure to clarify at check-in whether your suitcases are checked through to the final destination.

• Fares without baggage (Light): The most affordable fares often include only hand luggage, and an additional fee will be required for checked baggage.
• Economy Class (Smart/Flex): Usually, the ticket price includes one piece of baggage weighing up to 23 kg.
• Business Class: The allowance increases to two pieces of baggage weighing up to 32 kg each.

The maximum size of one piece of baggage based on the sum of three dimensions (length + width + height) must not exceed 158 cm. Additional payment is provided for exceeding dimensions or weight.

Excess Baggage

In case your items exceed the established standards for weight, number of pieces, or dimensions, the airline charges a fee for excess baggage. The cost depends on the route and the type of excess (overweight or oversized). We recommend paying for additional baggage in advance via the website or call centre — this is often more cost-effective than paying directly at the check-in counter at the departure airport, for instance, in the city of Manchester or Geneva.

Special Items

Special rules apply for the transportation of non-standard baggage:

• Sports Equipment: Bicycles, skis, snowboards, and golf equipment may be carried free of charge if they fit within the weight allowance of your fare and do not exceed the established dimensions. The airline should be notified of the carriage of such equipment in advance, preferably 48 hours before departure.
• Musical Instruments: Small instruments are allowed in the cabin as hand luggage (if they comply with dimensions). For transporting large instruments, such as a cello, booking a separate seat in the cabin (Extra Seat service) may be required.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

Strict restrictions on baggage contents apply to ensure flight safety:

• Prohibited in Hand Luggage: Sharp and cutting objects, any imitation weapons, as well as liquids in containers exceeding 100 ml (exceptions are baby food and necessary medicines).
• Prohibited in Checked Baggage: Lithium batteries and external power banks — these must be taken with you into the cabin. Electronic cigarettes, explosives, and flammable liquids are also prohibited.

Packing Tips

A few simple recommendations will help make your flight smoother:

Firstly, weigh your suitcase at home before leaving for the airport. Even a slight overweight can result in additional costs. Secondly, make your baggage recognizable: tie a bright ribbon or attach a tag with contact details. This will significantly facilitate finding your items on the baggage belt, especially if you have arrived in a popular tourist city, such as Sharm El Sheikh, where hundreds of passengers collect luggage simultaneously. Valuables, documents, money, and fragile electronics should always be carried in hand luggage.

Belavia maintains a welcoming policy regarding pets, understanding how important it is for passengers to travel with their loved ones. The carrier allows the transport of cats, dogs, and other small tamed animals subject to prior approval and compliance with all safety standards.

Transport Options

In the Cabin (Hand Luggage)
This method is suitable for the smallest pets that can stay close to the owner throughout the journey, whether it is a short flight or a trip to London. This service must be booked in advance, as the number of animals on board is limited.

• Carrier Dimensions: The maximum dimensions of the container or soft bag must not exceed 50x40x20 cm.
• Maximum Weight: The total weight of the animal together with the carrier must not exceed 8 kg.
• Allowed Animals: Cats and dogs (in some cases, other small domestic animals upon agreement).
• Placement Requirements: The container must be spacious enough for the pet to stand up to its full height and turn around.
• Limit per Passenger: Usually, one passenger may transport only one container.

In the Baggage Hold (Checked Baggage)
If your pet weighs more than 8 kg, its journey will take place in a specially equipped baggage compartment where the necessary temperature and pressure are maintained. This is a safe way to transport animals, for example, to Manchester or Salzburg.

• Container Requirements: A rigid plastic container with a secure lock (metal), ventilation openings, and a waterproof bottom covered with absorbent material. Wheels must be removed.
• Weight Restrictions: Animals weighing up to 50 kg including the cage are usually accepted.
• Temperature Restrictions: Animals are accepted for carriage only if it is safe for their health, considering air temperatures at departure and arrival airports.
• Documents: A full set of veterinary documents attached to the container is required.

As Cargo (For Large Animals)
This option is used for transporting very large animals or when the pet is flying unaccompanied.

• When Required: If the weight of the animal with the container exceeds 50 kg or the route involves complex transfers.
• Special Requirements: Carriage is arranged through the cargo terminal according to air cargo regulations.
• Booking Procedure: You must contact the airline's cargo department well in advance.

Necessary Documents

Preparing paperwork is a critically important stage, especially for international flights, for example, to Geneva or Toulouse. The absence of even one certificate can be a reason for refusal of carriage.

• International Veterinary Passport.
• Microchip (mandatory for entry into EU countries and many others).
• Health Certificate (the form depends on the destination; often a veterinary certificate form No. 1 issued by a state veterinary clinic is required).
• Valid Rabies Vaccination (administered no later than 21 days before departure and no earlier than one year).
• For some countries, additional certificates or antibody titre tests may be required.

Service Costs

Pet carriage is not included in the free baggage allowance and is paid separately according to special rates. Prices are indicative and may vary.

• Carriage in Cabin: Approximate cost is about 50 EUR per flight segment.
• Carriage in Baggage Hold: Cost varies from 100 to 150 EUR depending on the weight and size of the cage.
• Route Dependency: On long-haul or connecting flights, for example to Cancun, the cost may be higher.

Preparation Tips

To reduce stress for your pet, start preparing in advance.

• Cage Training: Let the animal get used to the carrier several weeks before the flight so that it is associated with safety.
• Feeding: Do not feed the animal heavily less than 4 hours before departure, but ensure access to water.
• Comfort: Place a favourite toy or an item with the owner's scent in the container for calmness.
• Identification: Be sure to attach a tag with the animal's name and owner's contact details to the collar and the cage itself.

Restrictions

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

• Prohibited Breeds: Carriage of brachycephalic dog breeds (with flattened faces: Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers) is often restricted or prohibited in the baggage hold due to the risk of respiratory problems.
• Age: Animals younger than 3 months (sometimes 4 months depending on the country of import) are not allowed to fly.
• Exceptions: Guide dogs accompanying passengers with visual or hearing impairments are carried free of charge in the aircraft cabin provided there is a relevant certificate and a muzzle.

Attention: Rules for importing animals depend not only on the airline but also on the laws of the destination country, such as Sousse (Tunisia) or Sharm El Sheikh (Egypt). We strongly recommend contacting the Belavia call centre and the veterinary control of the airport before purchasing tickets to clarify current requirements.

Loyalty Programme

For its frequent passengers, the airline offers the reward programme "Belavia Leader". This is a convenient accumulation system allowing travellers to turn flight kilometres into real privileges, making every trip more comfortable and beneficial.

Membership Tiers

Member status in the programme depends on flight frequency and the number of qualifying points accumulated, unlocking access to various bonuses:

• Member (Classic): The base level assigned immediately after registration, allowing you to accumulate points for flights.
• Silver: Grants the right to priority check-in at business class counters and additional baggage allowance.
• Gold: Includes access to business lounges, fast-track security, class upgrades, and maximum bonus accrual.

How to Earn Points

You can top up your member account not only in the sky but also on the ground using the services of programme partners:

• Flights: Points are awarded for every completed flight, whether it is a short trip or a journey to Cancun.
• Co-branded Bank Cards: By paying for daily purchases with co-branded cards, you receive points to your account.
• Partners: Accruals for car rentals, hotel stays, and purchases from other programme partners.
• Special Offers: Participation in promotions allows you to accumulate the necessary amount of points for upgrading to a new level faster.

How to Spend Points

Accumulated bonuses open up wide opportunities for passengers to improve travel conditions:

• Award Tickets: Issuing a free flight (only taxes are paid) on network routes, for example, to London.
• Class Upgrade: The opportunity to exchange points for a flight in Business Class with an Economy Class ticket.
• Date Change: Using points to change the departure date on an already issued award ticket.
• Transferring Points: The ability to gift an award ticket to friends or relatives using your savings.

How to Join

Joining the "Belavia Leader" programme is free. To do this, you need to complete the registration form on the airline's official website or at sales offices. Immediately after registration, you will receive a personal member number, which should be quoted when booking tickets to Manchester, Toulouse, or any other city in the route network.

Service Classes and Onboard Comfort

Belavia airline strives to ensure high service standards for all categories of passengers. Regardless of whether you are flying on a business trip or setting off for a long-awaited vacation, the carrier offers a set of services designed to make the flight pleasant and tireless.

Traditionally, two classes of service are offered on the airline's flights: Economy and Business. First class is generally not provided on Belavia's regular flights, as the aircraft configuration is optimised for European standards of regional and medium-haul transportation.

Economy Class

This is the optimal choice for those who value a combination of affordable price and quality service. Economy class cabins on Boeing and Embraer aircraft feature an ergonomic design.

• Seats: Comfortable seats with reclining backrests (except for rows at emergency exits) provide sufficient legroom on standard routes, such as flights to Bristol.
• Atmosphere: A modern air conditioning and lighting system creates a comfortable environment throughout the flight.
• Service: Flight attendants will offer blankets (upon request and subject to availability), fresh press, and assist with stowing hand luggage.

Business Class

For passengers preferring an elevated level of comfort and privacy, Belavia offers travel in Business Class. This is a separate cabin located in the forward part of the aircraft, separated from Economy Class by a rigid partition or curtain.

• Priority: Service begins with priority boarding and a welcome drink.
• Comfort: Seats in Business Class are wider, with increased distance between rows. In some configurations (for example, on Embraer), seating involves no neighbour ("1+2" or blocking the adjacent seat), which guarantees more personal space.
• Wardrobe: Passengers can use a separate wardrobe for outerwear.

Meals and Beverages

The assortment of onboard meals varies depending on the flight duration, departure time, and class of service. The airline is famous for its hospitality and strives to treat every passenger.

• Light Snacks: On short flights, Economy Class passengers are usually offered sandwiches, light snacks, as well as tea, coffee, juices, and water.
• Hot Meals: On longer routes, for example, if you are flying to the exotic resort of Sal Rei or to Manchester, a hot lunch may be provided.
• Business Class Menu: Passengers are offered an extended menu with a choice of hot dishes, appetisers, and desserts served on porcelain tableware, as well as a selection of beverages and soft drinks.
• Special Meals: On regular flights, ordering special meals (Halal, vegetarian, children's, diabetic, etc.) is available no later than 24–48 hours before departure.

Entertainment and Connectivity

During the flight, passengers are offered the branded onboard magazine OnAir, where one can find interesting articles about travel, fleet information, and a flight map. On some modern aircraft, an entertainment system via Wi-Fi (content streaming to passengers' personal devices) is being implemented, allowing you to watch movies, listen to music, or play games during the journey.

Services for Passengers with Children

Belavia pays special attention to young travellers. Special seat belts are provided for children, and on long-duration flights — game kits to pass the time. Parents with infants can use changing tables in the restrooms. An escort service for children travelling without parents is also available upon prior request.

Passengers with Reduced Mobility

The airline strives to create a barrier-free environment. Passengers with reduced mobility can count on comprehensive assistance during boarding and disembarkation, including the use of an ambulift. Special narrow wheelchairs are available on board for movement around the cabin. It is important to notify the airline of the need for special assistance when booking a ticket so that staff can prepare for the meeting and ensure maximum comfort.

Belavia's route network offers passengers opportunities for travel to various international destinations. An important transit hub for the carrier is London, through which many popular flights pass, linking Europe with resort regions. Below is a table of current routes indicating flight frequency over the past three weeks.

Booking and Flight Tips

Travelling with Belavia will become much more pleasant if you devote a little time to preparation and know a few useful nuances. We have collected recommendations for you that will help save your budget, choose a comfortable seat, and go through all pre-flight formalities without unnecessary stress.

Best Time to Book and Finding Low Fares

To purchase tickets at the most favourable prices, experienced tourists recommend planning the trip in advance. The optimal time to buy tickets for regular flights, for example, from London to Toulouse or Salzburg, is 2–3 months before the intended departure date. The fewer free seats remain on board, the higher the cost of the flight becomes.

For bargain hunters, Belavia periodically holds sales. To not miss special offers and seasonal promotions, it is recommended to subscribe to the airline's newsletter or follow updates on official social networks. Sometimes favourable fares appear on charter or seasonal destinations, such as Sharm El Sheikh (when departing from Bristol) or Sousse.

Online Check-in: Saving Time

Do not waste time in queues at the airport — use the online check-in service. It opens 24 hours before departure and usually closes 2 hours before. This is especially convenient if you are flying with hand luggage only. You can choose a seat, receive a boarding pass via email, and save it on your phone. If you are departing from major hubs, such as Geneva, having an electronic boarding pass will allow you to proceed immediately to security control.

Seat Selection Tips

Comfort in flight largely depends on a correctly chosen seat. During the booking process or during online check-in, study the cabin layout.

• For Beautiful Views: If you want to enjoy the scenery during landing, choose seats by the window (Window seat).
• For Ease of Movement: Seats by the aisle (Aisle seat) are suitable for those who plan to get up frequently during long flights, for example, if your route is Manchester — Cancun.
• Extra Space: Pay attention to seats in the first rows of Economy Class or at emergency exits, where there is more legroom (an additional fee may apply).

Belavia Mobile App

Install the airline's official mobile application on your smartphone. This is your personal travel assistant, which is always at hand. With its help, you can:

• Quickly buy tickets and manage bookings.
• Check in and store boarding passes in the app (Wallet).
• Check flight status in real-time.
• Access your personal account of the "Belavia Leader" loyalty programme.

Travel Insurance

Even with the most thorough preparation, unforeseen circumstances may arise. We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance. When booking tickets, for example, for a flight Bristol — Sharm El Sheikh or a complex route via Sal Rei, consider policies that cover not only medical expenses but also risks associated with trip cancellation, flight delays, or loss of baggage. This is a small investment that will ensure your peace of mind.

History and Development

The official birthday of Belavia airline is considered to be March 5, 1996. It was formed on the basis of the Belarusian Civil Aviation Association, inheriting the rich experience and traditions of aviators of the past. In the first years of formation, the carrier focused on maintaining regular air communication and forming its own identity in the international arena. This period was characterised by the operation of reliable Soviet equipment that required updating, and the gradual building of relationships with foreign partners.

Processes of consolidation became important milestones in the company's history. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the airlines "Minskavia" and "Mogilevavia" were merged with the national carrier. These mergers allowed for significant strengthening of the fleet, expansion of the technical base, and optimisation of the route network. Thanks to the pooling of resources, Belavia was able to offer passengers a more flexible schedule and new destinations.

Fleet Evolution and Rebranding
A key factor in success was the large-scale fleet modernisation programme. Gradually phasing out the outdated Tu-134 and Tu-154, the company bet on efficient Western-made liners. The appearance of Boeing and Embraer aircraft in the fleet allowed for increased comfort levels and fuel efficiency. A landmark event was the 2016 rebranding: the aircraft received a new, bright livery featuring a cornflower — the national flower of Belarus, making the brand recognisable in any airport in the world.

Route Network Development
The airline's flight geography has constantly transformed, adapting to tourist demands. The airline has built a route system in which the hub in the city of London plays an important role, ensuring convenient connections for travellers. Today, the flight map covers the most diverse corners of the planet:

• European Destinations: Flights connect major cultural and business centres. Passengers can travel to picturesque Geneva or visit the birthplace of Mozart — Salzburg. Flights to French Toulouse, known for its architecture, are popular.
• Resort Routes: For beach holiday lovers, flights are provided to sunny Sharm El Sheikh (for example, departing from the city of Bristol) or Tunisian Sousse.
• Long-haul and Exotic Flights: The airline offers opportunities for long-distance travel as well. The schedule includes unique destinations such as Mexican Cancun and exotic Sal Rei (Cape Verde), available, in particular, from the airport of Manchester.

Innovation and Modernity
In recent years, Belavia has been actively implementing digital technologies. The transition to electronic tickets, the launch of a convenient mobile application, and the development of the loyalty programme have taken service to a new level. The airline continues to improve onboard service, offering passengers modern entertainment options and improved catering, confirming its status as a dynamically developing international carrier.