Support

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About the Airline

Transavia is a popular budget carrier traditionally associated with affordable flights across Europe and North Africa. The company has established itself as a reliable choice for travellers who prefer to save on ticket costs without significantly compromising on service quality. Travellers appreciate the airline for its transparent pricing policy and extensive network of destinations.

IATA Code TV
Main Hub (for these flights) Hong Kong
Airline Type Budget (Low-cost)

Flight Geography
The current booking schedule features routes connecting major Asian cities. Passengers can take advantage of flights departing from the Hong Kong hub. Popular destinations include flights to Yuncheng, known for its historical monuments, as well as to Chengdu, a major economic centre. Additionally, a domestic route is available connecting the metropolis of Chongqing with the administrative centre of Tibet — the city of Lhasa.

Onboard Service
Like other low-cost carriers, Transavia offers a basic set of services included in the ticket price, with the option to purchase additional extras such as seat selection, baggage, or meals. The airline's crews undergo professional training to ensure safety and a comfortable atmosphere during the flight, regardless of the chosen destination.

Contact Information

To resolve issues related to bookings, baggage, or schedule changes, Transavia recommends using digital channels. The carrier focuses on remote service via its website and messaging apps, allowing passengers to receive assistance promptly, regardless of their location.

Official Website
The central resource for managing your journey is the website www.transavia.com. Here, passengers can check in for their flight, add extra services, and find answers to frequently asked questions.

Contact Details

  • Official Website: www.transavia.com (online chat available).
  • Customer Support (WhatsApp): A link to the chat is available in the "Contact" section of the company's website. This is one of the fastest ways to get in touch.
  • Service Centre (Netherlands): +31 20 214 60 32.
  • Service Centre (France): +33 9 72 72 00 32.
  • Social Media: Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram — support specialists respond to direct messages during business hours.

Offices and Counters
The airline does not have an extensive network of city sales offices. Physical interaction with company representatives mainly takes place at airports.

  • Check-in Counters: Available at departure airports. Passengers flying from the key hub of Hong Kong or other cities in the network can approach staff at check-in counters, which open prior to boarding.
  • Terminal Assistance: For urgent questions immediately before departure, it is recommended to look for branded Transavia counters or handling agent desks in the departure zone.

Operating Hours
The contact centre usually operates daily from 05:00 to 23:00 (Central European Time). However, considering the flight geography, it is recommended to check the current support hours for your specific region on the official website or mobile app.

Baggage Allowance

Baggage rules are an aspect of travel that deserves special attention, especially when dealing with budget airlines. Transavia's policy is designed so that passengers only pay for what they truly need. To avoid unexpected charges at the airport, we recommend familiarising yourself with the current allowances in advance.

Cabin Baggage

As with most low-cost carriers, carry-on allowances at Transavia are strictly regulated and depend on the chosen fare. It is important to adhere to the dimensions, as pre-boarding checks are conducted regularly.

  • Free for all (Accessory): Every passenger may bring one small bag (handbag, backpack, or laptop bag). Its dimensions must not exceed 40 x 30 x 20 cm. This item must be placed under the seat in front of you.
  • Large Cabin Bag: A bag or suitcase up to 55 x 35 x 25 cm and weighing up to 10 kg. This option is usually not included in the basic fare and requires additional payment (or selection of a fare that includes it). Such luggage is placed in the overhead locker.

Please note: if your flight departs from a busy hub, such as Hong Kong, and the overhead lockers are full, staff may ask you to check your large cabin bag into the hold (free of charge at the gate) if it complies with the regulations.

Checked Baggage

Transporting suitcases in the hold with Transavia is always a paid service (except for the most expensive fares). The airline offers a flexible weight category system, allowing you not to overpay for unnecessary kilograms.

  • Weight Limits: You can pre-purchase baggage allowance of 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, or even 50 kg.
  • Weight per Piece: A single suitcase cannot weigh more than 32 kg (due to occupational health and safety rules for handlers). If you purchased 40 kg, this must be split across multiple bags.
  • Dimensions: The sum of the three dimensions (length + width + height) should not exceed certain values (usually standard suitcase sizes), but separate rules apply for oversized items.

Excess Baggage and Fees

Paying for excess weight at the airport is always significantly more expensive than booking online. If you discover your suitcase weighs more than the purchased limit, it is more economical to buy extra kilograms via the website or call centre before check-in begins. A high fixed fee is charged for every kilogram of excess weight at the airport.

Special Baggage

Special conditions apply for transporting non-standard items. These must be booked in advance, as space in the cargo hold is limited.

  • Sports Equipment: Skis, snowboards, golf bags, or bicycles are transported for a separate fixed fee. The weight of the equipment is usually limited (e.g., up to 15 kg for golf or 32 kg for a packed bicycle).
  • Musical Instruments: Small instruments (violin, flute) can be taken into the cabin instead of hand luggage if they fit in the sizer. Cellos and other large instruments may require purchasing a separate seat in the cabin or checking them into the hold in a hard case.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

For safety reasons, strict restrictions apply to the contents of your bags. On Transavia flights, as on international routes generally, the following rules apply:

  • Prohibited in Cabin Baggage: Sharp objects, liquids in containers over 100 ml (all liquids must be packed in a single transparent 1-litre bag), work tools.
  • Prohibited in Checked Baggage: Lithium batteries (power banks), electronic cigarettes, valuables, money, and documents. Power banks must always be in your carry-on luggage!

Tips for Efficient Packing

To ensure your journey with Transavia goes smoothly, follow these simple recommendations:

  1. Weigh at Home: Use hand scales before leaving for the airport. Even 1–2 kg of excess weight can cause additional charges.
  2. Soft Bags: If you are flying with hand luggage only, a backpack or soft bag is preferable to a hard suitcase — they are easier to place under the seat or in the locker.
  3. Distribute Weight: If flying as a group, remember that pooling baggage weight is only permitted if you are on the same booking, but it is best to clarify this at the counter.

Pet Travel Rules

Pet transportation rules:

Travelling with a pet on Transavia flights is possible and quite comfortable if you prepare in advance. The carrier has a welcoming policy towards the transport of cats and dogs, allowing owners to take them on journeys from the Hong Kong hub and other routes in the network. The main condition is ensuring the safety and tranquility of both the animal and other passengers on board.

In the Cabin (Cabin Baggage)
This option is ideal for small pets that can stay near you throughout the flight.

  • Carrier Dimensions: The maximum dimensions of a soft bag must not exceed 40 x 30 x 24 cm. Hard containers are usually not permitted in the cabin due to the need to place them under the seat.
  • Weight: The total weight of the animal together with the carrier bag must not exceed 10 kg.
  • Allowed Animals: Cats and dogs only.
  • Age: The animal must be older than 3 months (and 21 days after the rabies vaccination).
  • Limit: One passenger may transport only one carrier with one pet.

In the Hold (Checked Baggage)
If your pet weighs more than the cabin allowance, they will travel in a special heated compartment of the aircraft.

  • Container Requirements: The crate must be made of hard plastic or fibreglass, IATA certified, with a secure lock and ventilation.
  • Animal Comfort: The pet must be able to stand at full height, turn around freely, and lie down in a natural position.
  • Weight Restrictions: The maximum weight of the animal together with the container is usually up to 75 kg.
  • Container Preparation: The bottom must be lined with absorbent material, and wheels (if any) must be removed.

As Cargo
For special cases, shipping animals via the cargo terminal is provided.

  • When Required: If the animal with the crate weighs over 75 kg or the crate size is too large for the luggage hatch of a standard passenger liner.
  • Special Routes: Some countries only allow the entry of animals as Manifest Cargo.
  • Procedure: Booking is done through specialised cargo agents, not through the regular ticket purchase system.

Required Documents
For smooth passage through veterinary control, you will need:

  • International veterinary passport.
  • Valid health certificate (issued by a veterinarian a few days before departure).
  • Record of a valid rabies vaccination (administered at least 21 days before travel).
  • Microchip (mandatory for identification).
  • For international flights (e.g., to Yuncheng or other cities abroad), additional certificates for the destination country may be required.

Service Costs
Pet transport is not included in the free baggage allowance and is paid for separately:

  • In the Cabin: Approximately 45 to 55 Euros per flight segment.
  • In the Hold: Approximately 70 to 90 Euros per segment.
  • The final price depends on the specific route and the time of booking the service.

Preparation Tips
To minimise stress for your four-legged friend:

  • Acclimatisation: Introduce your pet to the carrier or crate several weeks before the flight so it becomes a safe place for them.
  • Food and Water: Do not feed the animal heavily 2–4 hours before departure to avoid motion sickness, but provide access to water until the moment of handover at baggage drop.
  • Scent of Home: Place a familiar item (owner's t-shirt or favourite toy) in the container so the scent calms the animal.

Restrictions
The airline reserves the right to refuse transport in certain cases:

  • Prohibited Breeds: Fighting dog breeds (e.g., Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Terriers) may not be permitted for transport or may require special reinforced crates.
  • Brachycephalic Breeds: Animals with snub noses (Pugs, Bulldogs, Persian cats) are at risk due to breathing difficulties; their transport in the hold may be restricted.
  • Other Species: Rodents, reptiles, birds, and exotic animals are generally not accepted on Transavia flights.
  • Exceptions: Service dogs and guide dogs are transported in the cabin free of charge and without a container, provided relevant training certificates are presented.

Important: The quota for the number of animals on board is strictly limited. We strongly recommend booking a spot for your pet immediately after purchasing your ticket by contacting the airline's contact centre directly. Rules may vary depending on the aircraft type.

Loyalty Programme

Transavia Loyalty Programme

For frequent flyers, Transavia offers a convenient and transparent loyalty programme, allowing every flight to turn into new journeys. The reward system is designed to be beneficial both for those who regularly fly from the Hong Kong hub for business and for tourists planning a holiday once a year. Participation in the programme is free and unlocks access to exclusive privileges.

Membership Tiers and Privileges

The more often you use the airline's services, the higher your status and the more comfort you receive during your travels. The programme includes four main levels:

  • Blue (Basic): Assigned immediately upon registration. Allows you to accumulate points for flights and receive special offers via e-mail before other users.
  • Silver: Unlocked after accumulating a certain number of qualifying miles. Includes priority boarding and an increased bonus accrual rate.
  • Gold: Status for active travellers. Main benefits include free standard seat selection and the ability to bring an extra piece of hand luggage.
  • Platinum (Elite): Maximum level of privileges. Members gain access to Fast Track services (quick security clearance) at select airports, a guaranteed seat on the flight, and priority contact centre support.

How to Earn Miles and Points

You can top up your bonus account not only in the sky but also on the ground. The accrual system is intuitive:

  • Flights with the airline: You receive points for every Euro or Dollar spent when purchasing a ticket. For example, a flight to Yuncheng or a business trip to Chengdu will yield a fixed number of bonuses depending on the fare.
  • Partner Services: Booking hotels through partner services (Booking.com, etc.) and car rentals allow you to earn additional miles for your account.
  • Everyday Purchases: When using co-branded credit cards from partner banks, points are awarded for paying for goods in supermarkets and online stores.

How to Spend Accumulated Points

Using points is the most enjoyable part of the programme. The airline's low-cost model allows for flexible use of bonuses:

  • Award Tickets: You can fully or partially pay for a flight to any destination in the network using points.
  • Additional Services: Use miles to pay for baggage, select seats with extra legroom, or order meals on board.
  • Class Upgrade: Subject to availability, it is possible to upgrade your flight conditions using accumulated bonuses.
  • Partner Offers: Points can be exchanged for vouchers to pay for hotels or car rentals.

Partner Network

Although Transavia positions itself as an independent budget carrier and is not part of global alliances (such as Star Alliance or SkyTeam), the company maintains codeshare agreements with a number of regional airlines. This allows programme members to earn and spend bonuses on connecting partner flights, expanding the geography of available travel beyond its own route network.

How to Join the Programme

Becoming a member is very simple — the process takes just a couple of minutes:

  • Visit the airline's official website or download the mobile app.
  • Fill out the registration form in the Loyalty Programme / My Transavia section.
  • Receive your digital membership number immediately after e-mail confirmation and provide it during your next ticket booking, for example, to Chongqing or any other city.

Services and Travel Classes

Services and classes of service:

Transavia adheres to the classic low-cost carrier model, offering passengers an optimal balance of price and quality. The service concept is built on the "pay for what you use" principle, allowing travellers to independently shape their travel budget by adding necessary options to the basic fare.

Travel Classes
Since Transavia is positioned as a budget airline, the aircraft cabins are configured in a single-class layout. Traditional Business and First Classes are absent, allowing for more passengers and lower ticket prices to popular destinations such as Chengdu or Lhasa.

  • Economy Class: The main and only class of service. Passengers are offered comfortable seats and friendly service. Depending on the chosen fare (Basic, Plus, or Max), seat selection and baggage may be included in the ticket, or these services are paid for separately.

Seat Configuration and Comfort
Aircraft cabins usually feature a 3x3 layout. Seats are upholstered in practical eco-leather and designed to ensure sufficient comfort even when the flight is fully booked.

  • Standard Seats: The seat pitch is approximately 71–74 cm (28–29 inches), which is standard for short and medium-haul flights across Europe and Asia.
  • Extra Legroom Seats (XL seats): For those who value space, the airline offers seats in the front rows and at emergency exits. Legroom here is significantly increased, which is particularly relevant on longer routes, for example, when departing from the Hong Kong hub. It is recommended to book this service in advance.

Food and Beverages
Complimentary hot meals are generally not included in the Economy Class ticket price. Instead, a Buy-on-Board service operates.

  • Menu: Flight attendants will offer you a menu with a wide selection of sandwiches, snacks (chips, chocolate, nuts), as well as hot and cold beverages.
  • Pre-order: On some flights, the option to pre-order hot meals via the airline's website is available. This guarantees the availability of your chosen dish.
  • Payment: Usually, only bank cards are accepted for payment on board, so it is worth ensuring you have cashless payment methods available in advance.

Entertainment Systems
There are no built-in monitors in the seatbacks, which is typical for budget carriers. Transavia recommends passengers bring their own gadgets (smartphones, tablets) with pre-downloaded movies and music. The inflight magazine is a pleasant addition, allowing you to pass the time by studying information about new destinations, such as Yuncheng.

Special Services
The airline strives to make air travel accessible to all categories of passengers and offers a range of assistance services:

  • Passengers with Reduced Mobility: Free escort service at the airport and assistance with boarding are provided upon prior request (no later than 48 hours before departure). If you are flying, for example, from the city of Chongqing, be sure to notify the airline of the need for a wheelchair.
  • Unaccompanied Minors: For children aged 5 to 11 travelling without parents, an escort service by airline staff is available throughout the journey — from the check-in counter to meeting relatives at the arrival airport.
  • Expectant Mothers: Travel is permitted up to the 36th week of pregnancy (terms may be reduced for multiple pregnancies), however, after the 28th week, it is recommended to carry a doctor's certificate.

Popular Destinations

Transavia's route network is built with passenger needs in mind, ensuring convenient connections via the main hub — Hong Kong. Below is detailed information on current destinations and flight frequencies scheduled for the upcoming period.

From To Flights per 3 weeks
Hong Kong (HKG) Yuncheng (YCU) 13
Hong Kong (HKG) Chengdu (TFU) 6
Chongqing (CKG) Lhasa (LXA) 1

Booking Tips

Booking and flight tips:

Travelling with Transavia (TV) can be not only budget-friendly but also maximally comfortable if you familiarise yourself with the service features in advance. As with most low-cost carriers, the low ticket price implies a basic set of services, but proper planning will allow you to avoid unnecessary expenses and stress. We have gathered key recommendations that will be useful when preparing for your flight.

Best Time to Book
To get the most favourable fares, it is recommended to buy tickets in advance — optimally 2–3 months before the intended departure date. The airline uses a dynamic pricing system: as the plane fills up, prices rise. If you are planning a departure from the Hong Kong hub, try to choose flights in the middle of the week (Tuesday, Wednesday) or early morning hours when demand is traditionally lower.

Finding Discounts and Promotions
To be the first to know about sales for popular destinations, such as Chengdu, it is worth subscribing to the airline's newsletter and following its social media pages. The carrier often announces short-term promotions (flash sales), during which tickets can be purchased at a significant discount. Also, check the low fare calendar on the official website if your holiday dates are flexible.

Online Check-in
This is a critically important step for saving money. Airport check-in with budget airlines is often a paid service. To avoid additional fees, be sure to complete online check-in on the website or via the app. It usually opens 24–48 hours before and closes a few hours prior to departure. Save the mobile boarding pass on your phone.

Seat Selection
In the basic fare, the system assigns seats automatically. If you are flying with family or want to be guaranteed a window seat to see the sights of Yuncheng city during descent, it is better to pay for seat selection online in advance — it is cheaper than at the airport. For tall passengers, it is recommended to consider Extra Legroom seats.

Travel Insurance
Since budget fares are often non-refundable, it is strongly recommended to take out cancellation insurance. This will protect your funds in case of unforeseen circumstances. Also, ensure your policy covers medical expenses and potential loss of baggage, especially if a complex route lies ahead, for example, a flight via Chongqing to the high-altitude region where Lhasa is located.

Mobile App
Install the official airline app on your smartphone. This is the most convenient way to manage your booking, add baggage, and track flight status in real-time. In case of schedule changes or a gate change, push notifications from the app often arrive faster than announcements on the airport display boards.

Company History

The history of Transavia is a journey from a small charter carrier to one of the leading players in the budget aviation market. The company was founded in late 1965 in the Netherlands under the initial name Transavia Limburg. The carrier performed its first commercial flight in November 1966, opening a new chapter in the accessibility of air travel. In the first decades of its existence, the airline specialised primarily in charter flights, transporting tourists to popular holiday resorts.

A key moment in its development was the strategic partnership with the national carrier of the Netherlands. In 1991, KLM acquired a majority stake in Transavia, and in 2003 became its sole owner. Joining the Air France-KLM group provided the carrier with financial stability and opportunities for large-scale technological development, while the brand retained its independence and unique approach to service.

At the turn of the 21st century, the company successfully adapted to market changes by shifting to a low-cost model. An important experiment was the launch of the budget brand Basiq Air in 2000, which was subsequently integrated into the main company structure. This merger allowed processes to be optimised and offered passengers a transparent fare grid, which became the airline's hallmark in Europe and North Africa.

Major expansion occurred in 2007 with the creation of the French division — Transavia France. Based in Paris, the new structure allowed the holding to significantly strengthen its position in the leisure travel market and open dozens of new routes, making travel more accessible for millions of passengers.

The evolution of the airline's fleet has also come a long way. Starting flights on legendary Sud Aviation Caravelle and Boeing 707 liners, the carrier eventually unified its fleet, betting on efficient Boeing 737 aircraft. Today, Transavia continues to innovate: the company has set a course for renewing its fleet with modern Airbus A320neo family liners, which will reduce noise levels and decrease environmental impact.

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