Baggage Rules on a Plane

We've put together a complete guide on baggage transportation to ensure no unpleasant surprises from entering one airport to exiting another. We've considered everything: geckos, bicycles, skis, coconuts, fishing rods, and your children's drawings (spoiler: you might need a Ministry of Culture permit to export them).

There are four factors that will affect the possibility of transportation:

• airline and class of service, which determine baggage allowance;
• the airport and its security service, which will not allow a number of potentially dangerous items;
• the country of departure/arrival, which has its own laws regarding the import and export of goods;
• the mood of airport staff, airline representatives, and border guards. We don't yet know how to influence this point, but our entire team is looking for information for you.

Permitted Baggage Weight on a Plane

Baggage allowance on a plane depends on the airline and flight destination. But globally, there are only two systems.

Focusing on Weight

The weight system is the baggage allowance by weight per passenger.

It's simple here:

• up to 20 kg per passenger in economy class;
• up to 30 kg per passenger in business class;
• up to 10 kg for a child under two years old.

The weight system limits only the weight of luggage, not the number of pieces, meaning you can take two bags of 10 kg each. Additionally, it is allowed to combine the luggage of several passengers traveling together.

Each kilogram of excess weight is paid according to the airline's tariffs. Carriers have different attitudes towards excess weight: some will overlook an extra kilogram, others will not.

Focusing on the Number of Pieces

The piece concept system is the baggage allowance by the number of pieces. 

Here it is calculated as follows: 

• one piece of luggage weighing no more than 23 kg in economy class;
• two pieces of luggage, each weighing no more than 32 kg, in business class.

Please note that baggage weight is not combined under the piece concept system. This means that if one suitcase exceeds the norm, and the second is half-empty, you will still have to pay for the excess weight.

Example. You are allowed to take two pieces of luggage, each weighing up to 23 kg. You packed your belongings into two suitcases: one turned out to be 15 kg, the second — 30 kg. The logic, as a rule, is simple: 23 + 23 = 46 (everything adds up, even a kilogram to spare). But what actually happens is this: the suitcase weighing 15 kg will count as one piece of luggage, and the second, weighing 30 kg, will count as a second piece, but with excess weight, for which you will have to pay extra.

Permitted Baggage Dimensions on a Plane

If the piece concept system applies to your flight, the sum of the three dimensions (width + length + height) of the suitcase must not exceed 158 cm. In the case of the weight system, you can carry a suitcase with dimensions up to 203 cm in the sum of three measurements.

Permitted dimensions also depend on the norms set by the carrier. This is especially true for hand luggage. For its inspection at check-in counters and during boarding, there are special sizers into which the bag must fit easily, «without force». 

For example, for Pobeda it is 36×30×23 cm, for Aeroflot — 55×40×25 cm, and for Red Wings — 40×30×20 cm.

Rules for Carrying Oversized and Non-Standard Baggage on a Plane

Do you think they are the same thing? No, that would be too simple. Let's clarify the terminology.

Oversized baggage — baggage that exceeds the free allowance by size. Each airline has a sum of three dimensions, which inhumanely includes even external pockets and wheels. 

Non-standard baggage — bicycle, wheelchair, musical instrument, sports equipment, and so on. Separate transportation rules are usually specified for such baggage. As a rule, the fee for this baggage is fixed and does not depend on weight and size. 

Heavy baggage — baggage that exceeds the free allowance by weight. If it turns out during check-in that the baggage weight is more than allowed, you have to pay for excess weight. Tariffs vary among airlines, but each has a red line — the maximum baggage weight that will not be accepted for any money.

When booking a ticket, carefully review the information about carrying non-standard baggage. If there isn't enough information on the website, it's worth calling the airline's hotline. The call is usually free. 

In any case, if you are carrying special baggage, notify the airline 36–48 hours before departure.

How to Carry Skis and Snowboards

This is the most convenient non-standard baggage, as many airlines allow free transportation of winter sports equipment. Sometimes this is seasonal generosity, and sometimes year-round. 

Pay attention to the dimensions and weight of the equipment: some companies place restrictions on them. For height up to 190 cm or weight no more than 10 kg. Clarify this point on the website. 

Sometimes airlines limit the amount of sports equipment on board. It's worth finding this out in advance if you're flying to a ski resort.

How to Carry a Bicycle

The story is exactly the same as with skis/snowboards/surfboards: the main thing is that the bicycle does not exceed the permissible norms. Here the question is not even about weight, but about dimensions.

Usually this is 203 cm (sum of three dimensions). If a bicycle with the front wheel removed fits within these, great. If not, it's better to look for an airline that doesn't have such restrictions, or consider a folding bicycle.

Pack the bicycle correctly: remove the pedals, lower the seat, deflate the tires. Wrap it in a durable case and secure small parts so they don't hit each other.

How to Transport Paintings

If you want to transport a painting abroad, you need to consider several factors. For the export of works painted more than 50 years ago, a permit is required in full form and strictness. With modern paintings, it's simpler: you only need to present a conclusion that the painting is not a cultural value. 

Since hand luggage dimensions are not very large, you will only be able to take a small painting into the cabin. Therefore, you need to check it as baggage in a tube or plastic folder (of course, after packing it to prevent damage). 

How to Transport Animals

Cats and dogs (of both sexes) weighing up to 8 kg including the carrier are allowed in the aircraft cabin if you have pre-selected a pet transportation fare. In addition, a veterinary passport with vaccination records and parasite treatment will be required.

The carrier must comply with IATA (International Air Transport Association) requirements. It is usually a container with dimensions 44×30×26 cm or a soft carrier bag with dimensions <126 cm in the sum of three measurements.

If it concerns exotic animals (snakes, parrots, geckos, etc.) on international flights, you will need to obtain exit and entry permits.

And large breed animals will have to fly in the cargo hold. 

Since the maximum number of animals on board depends on the size of the aircraft (usually one to four per flight), it is advisable to book a place in advance. If you are flying abroad, the full transportation rules are here.

How to Transport Plants

A bouquet of cut flowers can be transported in the cabin for free. For other plants and seedlings, an additional exit and entry permit will be required. Most countries are quite categorical on this issue and prohibit the import of even seeds.

How to Transport Baby Strollers and Wheelchairs

Airlines have fairly lenient rules regarding children: bassinets and strollers are allowed on board if they fold down to permissible dimensions. Strollers and walking sticks can be used up to the gangway; after that, airline staff place them in the baggage compartment and return them upon arrival. In general, we wrote separately about strollers here.

For wheelchairs, the story is this: if a passenger uses it, the wheelchair is transported free of charge. But you need to notify the airline at least 24 hours in advance that the passenger will require assistance. 

Electric wheelchairs are checked as baggage, so you need to notify the carrier in advance about the battery type and bring documents for the wheelchair itself. If you are transporting a wheelchair as baggage, it is checked according to general rules.

How to Transport Food

It would seem, what could go wrong. But it can. The import of fruits, vegetables, and berries is prohibited into EU countries. Dairy products, meat, fruits, vegetables, and eggs cannot be imported into Australia. And Turkey will not allow entry with meat and dairy products. 

It is often prohibited to import and export fresh fruits. Coconuts will definitely not be allowed because they cannot be screened during inspection. Problems may also arise with animal products without factory packaging. Most likely, they will not be allowed through to prevent contamination. So you'll have to disappoint your beloved grandmother: it's not certain that homemade lard or borscht in a three-liter jar will be delivered safe and sound.  

Yes, it's better not to import a large quantity of one item: it will be difficult to prove that it's all for personal use and not for sale.

How to Transport Alcohol and Cigarettes, Vapes, IQOS*

Three liters of alcohol per person over 18 years old can be imported into Russia duty-free. With duty — up to five liters. Alcohol cannot be consumed on the plane  (only that received from flight attendants: purchased or part of a banquet). Even duty-free items are prohibited. You can read more about alcohol* here.

Transporting cigarettes and vapes is simple: you can carry them, but you cannot smoke them. It doesn't matter if it's smoke or vapor — the smoke detection system in the cabin and restrooms works equally well.

Each country has its own norms for importing cigarettes and tobacco. As a rule, 200 cigarettes (one carton) per person.

How to Transport Medications

For travel to certain countries, you will need to significantly revise your travel first-aid kit or even leave it at home. For example, in the UAE, there can be problems with almost all codeine-containing drugs. Painkillers and antipyretics will also raise questions. Analgin cannot be imported into the USA, and Australia has such a long list of prohibitions that we recommend taking certified prescriptions for almost everything.

In general, it's best to carry medications in sealed factory packaging, without mixing them and without discarding the descriptions. Everything is described in detail here.

In general, it's best to carry medications in sealed factory packaging, without mixing and without discarding the descriptions. Everything is described in detail here.

How to Transport Weapons

In short, it's best not to. But there are always nuances. For example, you must have permits for weapon storage, import and export, and documentation confirming the preparation of cartridges for air transport. In addition, the following rules apply: 

• according to the rules of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation, swords, rapiers, daggers, knives, crossbows, spearguns can be carried in baggage;

• pneumatic weapons can only be transported with a permit from the Ministry of Internal Affairs;

• it is important to declare at check-in that there are weapons in the baggage;

• all weapons must be transported unloaded;

• the weight of ammunition must not exceed 5 kg per passenger;

• imported stun guns are prohibited from being imported into Russia. 

Even imitation weapons cannot be carried into the cabin. Any toys resembling weapons must be checked as baggage.

How to Transport Fragile Baggage on a Plane?

A warning tag or sticker is placed on fragile baggage, and then specially trained loaders deliver it to the baggage compartment.

But even if baggage is registered as fragile, the airline is still not responsible for its safety. Such baggage is best insured separately.

Please note: if fragile baggage complies with hand luggage norms, it is safer to take it into the aircraft cabin. In hand luggage, you can carry both electronics and porcelain or glass items, the main thing is that the item does not contain liquid. But jars of jam and homemade preserves — only in checked baggage.

How to Transport a Guitar and Other Musical Instruments

You can take an instrument, such as a violin or flute, into the aircraft cabin if it does not exceed hand luggage dimensions. With a guitar, it varies: some allow it in the cabin, others refuse. The largest instruments are checked as baggage in a hard case or an extra seat on the plane is paid for.  

How to Transport Sharp Objects

It is forbidden to carry any sharp or piercing objects in hand luggage. Only disposable and electric razors are allowed. Scissors are better checked as baggage, but wooden knitting needles might be allowed into the cabin. 

How to Transport Liquids

The total volume of liquids allowed in hand luggage is no more than 1 liter. They must be placed in containers of no more than 100 ml each and packed in a transparent bag measuring 20×20 cm.

How to Transport Electronics and Gadgets

• Feel free to take your camera, camcorder, laptop, tablet, smartphone in your hand luggage.
• Devices with lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of 100–160 Wh (professional photo and video cameras, medical devices) are transported in the cabin or as checked baggage by agreement with the airline. Batteries must be inside the equipment, spare batteries — in hand luggage. Devices with batteries over 160 Wh are not allowed  in hand luggage or checked baggage; they can only be transported as «dangerous goods».
• Alkaline batteries are allowed in hand luggage and checked baggage.
• Tripods, selfie sticks, monopods are usually requested to be checked as baggage, but sometimes they are allowed in hand luggage.
• A multicooker can be taken into the cabin if it fits within hand luggage dimensions.
• A blender cannot be taken in hand luggage due to sharp parts.
• Electronic cigarettes can be carried in hand luggage, but not in checked baggage.
• Hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons are allowed both ways. Check with the airline about gas curling irons.

What is Prohibited in Checked Baggage

According to the baggage rules of most airlines worldwide, the following are prohibited for transportation on an airplane:

• explosive and illuminating substances — gunpowder, cartridges (including for gas and hunting weapons), pyrotechnics (firecrackers, sparklers);
• compressed and liquefied gases (including gas canisters with nerve-paralytic and tear-inducing agents);
• flammable liquids (acetone, gasoline);
• flammable solids;
• oxidizing substances and organic peroxides;
• toxic substances;
• radioactive materials;
• corrosive substances (hydrochloric, sulfuric, nitric acids);
• poisonous and toxic substances in liquid or solid state, packaged in any container (brake fluid, ethylene glycol, mercury);
• other dangerous substances and objects that can be used as weapons to attack passengers, aircraft crew, or pose a threat to the flight of the aircraft.

In addition to clear instructions, there are also recommendations for travelers regarding items that are not advised to take in checked baggage. You can read about them here. And don't forget about customs rules. Everything is detailed and to the point here.

Just a tip: if you are packing your bags, be sure to take the most important (very light and completely intangible) thing with you — a love for travel.  There will definitely be no problems with this at customs, and any flight will become much more pleasant.

Baggage Allowance for Children

Children under two years old are called infants by airlines. Separate transportation rules are established for them. Most often, for an infant flying on a parent's lap, the ticket is free or heavily discounted. In most airlines, an infant is only allowed hand luggage. But for an additional fee, checked baggage can be arranged.

In addition to hand luggage, baby food can be taken for a child. The 100 ml restriction does not apply to it.

* Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are harmful to your health.

We wish you great travels without any baggage or hand luggage hitches!