Air travel has long been transformed from exotic into simply a quick and convenient way to get from point A to point B. This has its advantages, first of all, more affordable prices, but there are also a lot of disadvantages. Are you used to the fact that the ticket price includes meals on board and luggage? Get out of the habit - more and more airlines are adopting the discounter model, in which everything except the actual seat on the plane costs extra money.
Now we have to count the costs: take tickets without luggage and save money, or add luggage - and at the same time a significant addition to the cost of the flight? Don’t rush to overpay: now I’ll tell you about my personal experience, give you some tips on how to fly without luggage, and everything will fall into place.
What to spend the money on?
So, you bought plane tickets without luggage. The amount saved is best spent on... a suitcase. It will come in handy more than once when you fly without luggage. Buying a suitable suitcase with wheels is not difficult, since the dimensions of permitted hand luggage are standardized for most airlines - most often it is 55 cm * 40 cm * 20 cm, but you need to look at the rules of the airline you have chosen.
The presence of a retractable handle and wheels on the suitcase will allow you to move around the airport and the city without much strain, so it is better to choose just such a model. Another plus is that your suitcase will last much longer in your hand luggage (if, of course, you handle it more carefully than airport baggage handlers).
How to determine whether baggage is included in the airfare
Considering the question of how it is possible to determine that the purchased ticket does not include the possibility of carrying baggage, everything is simple here. As a rule, such coupons cost an order of magnitude cheaper than with cargo.
This type of travel document is especially popular among those who regularly fly short distances.
Important! Tickets without luggage are always on sale from low-cost airlines.
In the process of selecting the most suitable ticket for fairly long distances, it is worth considering the fact that baggage is included in the price. In some situations, such a pass may be purchased by mistake, resulting in the need to make an additional payment.
As a rule, this kind of misunderstanding occurs due to the fact that passengers approach the process of purchasing tickets irresponsibly, in particular, they do not familiarize themselves with the flight rules of the chosen airline.
Each company that provides passenger transportation services has individual tariffs. For example, S7 airline provides the possibility of free transportation of hand luggage:
- weighing no more than 10 kg;
- with dimensions no more than 55x40x20 cm.
Payment is required if:
- luggage weight up to 23 kg;
- availability of dimensions up to 203 cm.
In the S7 company, the cost per segment is 2.5 thousand rubles. Prices on other airlines may vary in different directions.
What will you have to leave at home?
The main disadvantage of flying without luggage is that you will have to leave at home a lot of what you would like to take with you. First of all, we leave at home consumables like toothpaste and shaving foam, which can be bought locally. However, it is still possible to transport liquids in hand luggage - in containers with a volume of no more than 100 ml each (keep in mind, this is the maximum permitted volume of the container itself, and not the volume of liquid in it), packed in a separate resealable transparent bag, and no more than 1 l in total. Pre-pack medications, cosmetics and other liquids and gels that you cannot do without in such bottles if the original volume of the container exceeds the permitted one.
From the unobvious - flowing cheeses like Camembert and generally jelly-like or simply not very hard food products can be equated to gels and withdrawn (I’m not kidding, there were precedents). Anything that may pose a danger to others, such as a kitchen knife or toy weapon, will also not be allowed in hand luggage. In general, when packing your things, you will have to try on the role of an airport security officer and play it safe, unless, of course, heated arguments during security are planned as the main highlight of the entire trip.
What cannot be checked in luggage
Potentially dangerous items that could cause harm to the aircraft, passengers or property on board are not allowed for transportation by air.
Carriage is prohibited:
- explosives, substances;
- weapons;
- highly flammable liquid and solid materials;
- liquefied or compressed gases;
- poisons, toxic, caustic, poisonous and radioactive substances;
- fragile, easily breakable objects.
There are also restrictions on the transportation of liquids, alcohol, and aerosols.
The requirements are enshrined in the Rules of Air Transportation, the legislation of the Russian Federation, and international treaties of the Russian Federation with the countries into whose territory the flight is carried out. It is recommended that you first familiarize yourself with the customs regulations of the receiving state.
You need less than you think
The main reason why you want to take a larger suitcase is the fear that everything you need simply won’t fit into a small one. This does not apply to trips of several days, but if you approach packing in a disciplined manner, it turns out that even on longer trips you can be content with little. Check the weather forecast so you don't pack items you won't need.
Evaluate planned events so that you can lay out inappropriate or simply unnecessary wardrobe items. Think about what items you can buy on the spot if something happens (at the same time there will be a reason to update your wardrobe). Add to this the presence of a laundry in hotels or a washing machine in apartments, and it turns out that a small suitcase is more than enough for you...
Baggage check-in for flight S7
For the convenience of passengers, self-check-in counters are available at Domodedovo Airport. To do this, you must complete preliminary online registration.
- Buy a ticket with luggage. For the Basic Economy fare, pay extra for baggage space.
- Make sure that the weight and dimensions of the bag do not exceed the indicators established by the rules.
- Complete online check-in for your flight, receive a boarding pass and baggage tag in electronic or paper form.
- No earlier than 24 hours and no later than an hour before the flight departure, go to counters No. 119-125 in Domodedovo.
- Select the “Self check-in” option on the board, scan your boarding pass and luggage tag. If not available, the tag can be printed at the counter.
- Stick the tag on the bag and place it on the conveyor.
- Wait for the receipt to print to receive your suitcase.
The service is not available for passengers carrying pets, sports equipment, a stroller or other device for transporting children.
How to cheat when collecting things
...especially if you apply a number of life hacks that will allow you to pack the most in your carry-on luggage. So, in order.
First, keep in mind that the clothes you are wearing do not count as carry-on luggage. This does not mean that you need to wear five sweaters at the same time, or sweat in a sable fur coat for the entire flight, but bulkier clothes can be taken with you on the plane rather than put in your suitcase.
Secondly, in addition to clothes and that same suitcase on wheels, you can take a number of other things with you. As a rule, this is a backpack, handbag or briefcase, as well as other items, the list of which should be studied in advance on the airline’s website. You understand that a backpack, even a small one, can fit several more valuable additions to what is already in the suitcase.
Thirdly, if you are going to buy hotels, you can do this at the Duty Free store, saving space in your suitcase (and at the same time buying something that would otherwise not be possible to take on board the plane).
Rules of domestic airlines
According to general standards, holders of tickets purchased at the fare in question are entitled to take only hand luggage on their trip . Each airline sets its own rules regarding cabin baggage. Before making a booking, you need to clarify the following details of the selected flight:
- Maximum permitted weight of travel bags.
- Maximum volume of hand luggage.
The need to perform these actions is explained by the fact that bags that do not fit the carrier’s parameters are checked into the luggage compartment . In the case of tariffs where this option is not provided, travelers must pay an additional fee . This nuance can have a negative impact on the overall travel experience due to an increase in the cost of travel documents. Below we propose to consider the features of tariffs “without baggage” for different airlines.
An air ticket without luggage means that the traveler will not be able to take a large amount of luggage on the trip. offers its clients a “Light” tariff plan, where they are allowed to take only hand luggage weighing less than ten kilograms on the plane. If heavier items need to be transported, travelers will be required to pay an additional fee. The amount of the surcharge depends on the flight distance, and the minimum amount of the surcharge is two thousand rubles. It is important to note that airline customers with a bronze, silver or gold card will not be able to use their privileges. In addition, it should be mentioned that this company does not provide meals on flights lasting less than four hours. People wishing to take advantage of this option on such flights must pay for meals.
"Ural Airlines"
Customers of this airline often ask the question of how much paid luggage on an airplane costs. In this case, the minimum additional payment will be about two thousand rubles. Depositing this amount will allow the passenger to take a suitcase weighing no more than twenty kilograms on a trip. If it is necessary to change the departure date, the cost of exchanging air tickets will be three thousand rubles. It should be noted here that the “Promo” fare, which does not have the option of free baggage transportation, is not valid on all flights.
S7 Group
This carrier allows its customers to take no more than ten kilograms of cabin luggage on the road. In case of violation of these rules, the additional payment will be about two thousand rubles. To save money, it is recommended to book your travel documents in advance. Otherwise, the passenger may face an unpleasant situation where the price of a ticket without luggage is equal to the cost of a standard travel document booked several months in advance of the trip. It is important to note that regular customers of this airline receive additional privileges. Holders of gold and platinum cards can take additional luggage on a trip even when purchasing tickets where this option is not available.
The size and weight of hand luggage is determined by the airline.
This airline does not have the tariff plan in question, which is explained by the affordable cost of travel documents. The final cost of tickets depends on the time of booking transport services and the cost of payment. In order to receive additional discounts, it is recommended to make a reservation through the carrier's hotline. This transport service allows its clients to check in bags whose weight does not exceed ten kilograms. Before booking tickets, it is recommended to find out what items a given carrier allows in your hand luggage. This list is quite limited compared to other transport services.
Pros you didn't think about
Now I’ll pull out a couple of killer arguments about why flying without luggage is better, and sometimes even when luggage is included in the ticket price.
The first advantage is saving time. You immediately get a huge speed bonus compared to other passengers who will have to wait for their luggage (especially if you don't get stuck at passport control). Sometimes this can be critical - for example, if you need to catch transport - sometimes it’s just nice.
The second advantage is compactness. By taking a disciplined approach to packing, you will appreciate your rationality not on the plane, but much earlier. A small suitcase is much more convenient than a large one, or than a suitcase and a bag, and you can walk and not get tired almost as much as if you were traveling light. If you don't have a staff of personal porters flying with you, flying with only hand luggage is much more convenient.
Types of travel documents
Each airline uses its own fare system, which divides all travel documents into several separate types. In addition, there is a general classification of air tickets, dividing them into the following groups:
- First grade. Purchasing tickets in this class of service allows travelers to receive a standard package of services, including transportation of their luggage. Customers purchasing such travel documents rarely encounter service restrictions.
- Business Class. This class of service is designed for entrepreneurs who want to spend their flight in the most comfortable conditions. The price of such travel documents is significantly higher than standard fares. However, this disadvantage is compensated by the ability to return a ticket without penalties or additional payments.
- Economy class. Choosing this class of service allows you to buy travel documents at the lowest prices. One of the main disadvantages of such tickets is the inability to change the departure date or issue a refund without additional financial costs.
In addition, there is a special classification of the flights themselves. The first category includes regular air services between different cities, which are provided by large transport companies. The second category includes budget items. The last group includes charter routes operated by tour operators.
Many people who choose flights falling into the last two categories often ask the question of what does paid baggage mean on an air ticket. This mark indicates that the airline allows its customers to carry free carry-on luggage only . If you wish to take additional luggage on a trip, which will be checked into the luggage compartment, the passenger must pay an additional fee. Limited option travel documents have many different pros and cons to consider when booking . Below we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the advantages of such a system.
Advantages of cheap tariffs
In the case of classic air tickets, the price of baggage on the plane is already included in the cost of the travel document. This means that the traveler pays for this option even if he does not take luggage with him. Opting for baggage-free fares allows travelers to avoid having to pay for services they don't use. Airlines create such tariff plans in order to attract the attention of their potential audience. Using this tariff allows you to significantly save money on purchasing air tickets. Such tariff plans are beneficial for those people who often travel by air.
Tourists using such tariffs note a number of advantages compared to standard tariff plans.
Choosing the tariff plan in question allows you to minimize time costs by simplifying the check-in procedure for your flight. The traveler does not need to register his luggage while waiting in line at the customs counter. It is important to note that such tariffs have a number of advantages for each party. Passengers get the opportunity to optimize their financial and time costs, and the transport company avoids possible difficulties associated with finding lost luggage.
Many companies offer customers who travel light cheap air tickets without luggage
Disadvantages of cheap air tickets
When booking travel documents where baggage is not included in the air ticket price, you need to take into account several important nuances. Passengers using the cheapest tariff plans are deprived of the opportunity to return purchased route sheets . However, it is possible to change the departure date after making an additional payment. In addition, holders of such travel documents cannot independently choose their seat on board the ship. This free option is included in standard plans only.
People wishing to purchase tickets at the tariff in question should remember that they are not always valid . Airlines try to use such services only on those routes that have low demand among tourists. Also, this purchase may not be beneficial to discount card holders. Owners of branded cards lose the opportunity to receive additional privileges using accumulated miles.
Before you start booking, you must carefully weigh all the advantages and disadvantages of the chosen tariff.
In some cases, the cost of tickets without luggage is significantly higher than the cost of purchasing standard travel documents . This is because pre-booking travel documents allows you to receive a discount of thirty percent of their total cost. In the case of tickets without luggage, their price remains virtually unchanged after they go on public sale. Another disadvantage of this system is the need to make an additional payment if circumstances arise that force you to change the date of your trip. In this case, the volume of final costs can be compared with the price of a standard ticket.
What we must not forget
Finally, some tips on how to avoid getting into trouble.
First, always have a plan B. If you're bringing something that might not fit in your carry-on baggage, either accept it in advance or have money with you to pay for the baggage fee. If you know that you will need to buy something upon arrival, find out in advance where and how much it is sold. And so on: with luggage - a tourist, with hand luggage - a traveler.
Secondly, carefully study the rules of the specific airline you are flying with. Yes, I’m writing about this for the third time, but it’s better than flying without a suitcase or not flying at all just because your carrier has different rules. For example, Pobeda’s carry-on luggage standards are much stricter than everything described above.
Thirdly, try to board the plane at least not at the very back of the line: finding free space on the shelf for your suitcase is more difficult than for a jacket, backpack or Duty Free bag.
Perhaps that's all. Travel light and the world will spin much faster under your feet!
Where and how to buy extra luggage in C7
How to purchase additional luggage space online?
For a fare without luggage, there is an option to purchase luggage space. This can be done in several ways.
- By calling 8 800 700–0707 or writing to the s7 airlines contact form. The cal center manager, according to the client’s wishes, will book an additional place.
- When booking tickets, by logging into the “My Bookings” section, you can choose to carry one or two additional bags. Pay the cost of the excess by credit card, receive confirmation by email.
- When purchasing a ticket online, add baggage by going to the “Itinerary” tab. The Economy Basic tariff provides 1 or 2 pieces of 23 kg each. On the “Economy Flexible” tariff, you can pay for a bag weighing 50 kg (+ 27 kg of excess weight), or one or two additional pieces of luggage weighing 23 kg.
- Buy in addition to your ticket at S7 offices or at the airport check-in counter.
You can find out how much it costs to transport additional bags from the operator on the website. Depending on the time remaining before departure, a flexible system of discounts applies:
- 30 or more hours before the flight – 20% of the cost;
- from 30 to 4 hours – 10%.
If payment is made less than 4 hours before departure, there are no discounts on purchases.
Passengers who are members of S7 Priority with any status can purchase excess weight using miles. An exception is also made for passengers who have joined the C7 loyalty program.
Passengers flying with one or more children are allowed a larger weight of hand luggage and baggage.
