To ensure your journey through Surgut Airport goes as smoothly as possible, use these proven tips. Planning ahead will help avoid unnecessary stress and make the start of your trip pleasant.
Arrival time at the airport. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight departure and 3 hours before an international one. This time is enough to complete all pre-flight formalities without haste, check in luggage, pass security screening, and find your boarding gate.
Check-in and Security Control. To save time, use online check-in on your airline's website, which usually opens 24 hours before departure. This allows you to choose a seat and receive a boarding pass in advance. At the airport, you will only need to drop off your luggage at a special Drop-off counter. When passing security control, be ready to remove laptops and other large electronics from your hand luggage, as well as your bag of liquids.
Choosing a seat on the plane. If you have the opportunity to choose a seat during check-in, consider your preferences. Window seats (A, F) offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing. Aisle seats (C, D) are convenient if you plan to get up during the flight without disturbing neighbors. Seats in the front part of the cabin usually allow for a quicker exit from the aircraft upon arrival.
Hand luggage. Carefully study the hand luggage rules of your airline. Standard restrictions apply to liquids: all must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in one transparent bag with a volume of up to 1 liter. It is forbidden to carry sharp objects, weapons, and explosive substances in the cabin. Power banks can only be transported in hand luggage.
Passengers with transfers. If you have a connecting flight in Surgut, check with the airline whether you need to collect your luggage and check it in again. Usually, when flying with one airline or alliance, luggage is checked through to the final destination. Follow the "Transit/Transfer" signs to proceed to the departure zone of your next flight.
Customs Control. For international flights to or from Russia, you will have to pass customs control. If you do not have goods subject to declaration, feel free to go through the "Green Channel". If you are carrying amounts exceeding the established limit, cultural valuables, or other goods requiring declaration, your path lies through the "Red Channel".
Saving time and money. Order a taxi in advance or study the public transport schedule so as not to overpay for a transfer at the last moment. Take an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled at a drinking fountain after passing security, and a light snack to avoid spending on food at the airport.
What to do in case of flight delay. In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative. Depending on the waiting duration, you are entitled to drinks (for delays of more than 2 hours), hot meals (more than 4 hours), and hotel accommodation (more than 6 hours at night or 8 hours during the day). Keep all receipts for unforeseen expenses — they may be needed to receive compensation.