Cost of baggage transportation and excess payment on the plane: surcharges and discounts

Extra charge for excess baggage

There are 2 systems:

weight;
depending on the number of seats.

If we talk about the first one, then it only assumes that the weight of your luggage will be limited. For example, if you can carry only 20 kg, then without additional payment you can take with you only 2 suitcases, the weight of each should not exceed 10 kg. Anything over 20 kg will be considered by the airline as exceeding the norm. You will have to pay extra for excess luggage.

For example, the airline has determined that 20 kg can be carried. You take 2 suitcases with you. 1 bag – 17 kg, and 2 bags – 11 kg. You need to calculate the total amount, it is 28 kg. Subtract the allowed weight of luggage, as a result you will get the following value: 28-20=8. You will have to pay extra for 8 kg.

There is another system, it takes into account the number of seats. If we talk about a flight in economy class, then passengers have the right to check in only 1 suitcase. Its weight should not exceed 23 kg.

Utair airline baggage fees

For a better understanding, it is worth considering 2 examples.

Situation 1. You took 2 suitcases with you on a trip. You loaded the first one lightly - 10 kg, but the second one is heavier - 13 kg. Calculating the total weight, you get 23 kg. But it is worth considering that airlines with such a system also limit the amount of luggage. As a result, you will receive an excess of luggage, it is 1 piece.

Situation 2. You have 1 bag, its weight is 28 kg. Although you fit the number of seats, an excess weight of 5 kg will be recorded.

Dimensions of luggage on the plane

Suitcases transported in the designated compartment of the airliner are also required to comply with certain standards.
The travel accessory must not exceed the total of all dimensions of 1.58 m. This number is valid for a scheme based on the number of seats. For a system based on weight, this indicator must be equal to 2.03 m. In the case when the baggage for the aircraft is oversized (for example, skis, bicycles, etc.), that is, it goes beyond the established limits, it will have to be checked out at a separate registration desk, and in some cases you also have to pay extra, and not a small amount of money. This procedure is unexpected and unpleasant for some passengers. It is important to understand that the rules tend to change, so before departure, you should check all the nuances and details with the carrier. This can be done using the airline’s hotline or online resource.

How much does excess baggage cost?

The cost of excess baggage depends on the standards the airline uses as well as the destination. You should always check with the airline for specific numbers. Employees of Aeroflot, Pobeda and S7 companies will always provide assistance to passengers.

The cost of excess baggage may vary from company to company.

If the carrier uses a weighing system, then you will have to pay extra for each kilogram that is recorded above the established limit. Payment is influenced by airline policies and destinations. The cost is calculated taking into account transportation in economy class, and the highest fare is taken into account.

For 1 kg of excess weight, an amount equal to 1.5% of the ticket will be taken. In addition, the air carrier may set a fixed size. Typically, the cost of 1 kg of excess weight varies within reasonable limits; a passenger will be charged from 5 to 10 euros.

For the secrets of how to weigh your luggage at the airport for free, watch the following video:

For example, you are going to fly from Paris to Berlin. In economy class you can carry a suitcase whose weight does not exceed 20 kg. Your bag weighs 24 kg. We can say that the excess was 4 kg. If the tariff for baggage transportation in excess of the established standard is 10 euros per 1 kg, then you will have to pay an additional 40 euros.

Some companies have adopted restrictions not only on weight, but also on the number of seats. In this case, the cost will be calculated differently. You will have to pay extra for excess baggage space that you occupy and for kilograms carried in excess of the norm.

For example, you are flying from Milan to London, you are entitled to 23 kg of free baggage allowance. Let's say you have a heavy bag, its weight is 31 kg. The airline has set tariffs: if the weight of luggage is more than 23, but less than 32 kg, you will have to pay 100 euros. Keep in mind how much you exceed the norm does not matter. In any case, you will pay 100 euros for an excess of 3 kg and 9 kg.

What to do if you have several suitcases? For example, you took 2 bags with you on a trip. The weight of one is 20 kg, the other is slightly lighter. Let the second bag weigh 14 kg. In this case, there will be an excess, but in terms of the number of places. You will have to pay for 1 more place, usually 50 euros.

Please note that in some situations it is much more profitable to pay extra for 1 piece than to pay for baggage transportation in excess of the established standards. It is recommended to always have a small amount with you, so that the airport staff’s demands will not take you by surprise.

One more example is worth considering. You go on a trip and take 2 suitcases with you. The weight of one bag is 26 kg, and the second is slightly lighter - 15 kg. We can say that airport staff will record an excess not only in the weight of luggage, but also in the number of seats. You will have to pay 100 euros for transporting heavy suitcases. In addition, be prepared to pay 50 euros for 1 additional place. In the end you will pay 150 euros.

What can be done in such a situation? It is best to put some of the things from the heaviest suitcase into a lighter bag. As a result, you will only pay extra for 1 additional seat.

When planning a trip, pay attention to the fact that the weight of 1 suitcase should not exceed 32 kg. If an excess is recorded, the cargo will be considered oversized. Most airports simply won't carry it; you'll have to handle the shipping yourself. At many airports around the world, baggage handlers will not carry bags that weigh more than 32 kg. They are prohibited from doing this. Learn the rules for transporting and packing luggage. Almost every airport provides a baggage packing service, but it is paid.

It is worth paying attention to one more rule. We are talking about coordinating the transportation of oversized cargo. Be sure to notify Utair airline or another carrier, otherwise the suitcase may not be accepted for transportation. The air carrier has the right to do this.

What does oversized luggage mean?

Baggage that exceeds the limit of 32 kg or the total measurement limit of 203 cm is called oversized. This concept includes:

Fridge;
Musical instruments;
TV;
Bike;
Sport equipment;
Other large baggage that exceeds the allowance.

To carry oversized baggage on board an aircraft, you must notify the airline of its presence at the stage of purchasing a ticket. If the size of the luggage allows it to be loaded through a special cargo hatch on the plane, it will most likely be accepted on board as cargo. But if the baggage does not meet the required criteria, then the airline has the right to refuse permission to carry it. Oversized baggage is always paid as excess baggage.

Where to pay

To pay for baggage, if you have exceeded the standards, you should contact specialists. Payment counters are located at all airports. You can find out about its location by contacting the employee at the reception desk. Here you will be told about the cost of baggage carried in excess of the norm.

First, your bag will be weighed. Often, passengers do not even have to pay for a small excess of baggage on the plane. Of course, we are talking about 2-3 kg.

Payment counter for additional services at Domodedovo Airport

Study the information that Aeroflot provides to customers. Additional payment for excess weight is possible not only at the airport. For example, in 2021, UTair airlines allow 23 kg of baggage in economy class. Aeroflot has established similar standards. But in economy comfort and business class, 2 additional seats of 32 kg each are provided. Special conditions are offered to participants of the UTair “Status” program. For more information, please contact your airline representative.

Free baggage allowance

The cost of baggage on an S7 airline plane at the Basic Economy fare

How to avoid exceeding standards

If you travel quite often, then it makes sense to purchase a hand scale. This way you will always know the weight of your suitcase. To avoid overweight, it is recommended to do the following:

Compare the requirements of different airlines. Permissible overload limits may vary.
Buy a bag or suitcase made of lightweight materials. Sometimes the product itself weighs 5-7 kg.

Example of a luggage scale

Find out the cost of business class tickets. Such tickets are offered by Aeroflot, they can be purchased at UTair.

Passengers, having purchased such a ticket, have the right to carry many things. You are given the opportunity to take 2 seats, transport 2 times 32 kg each.

Of course, such tickets are expensive, it’s easier to just pay extra for the excess. Nevertheless, it is still worth studying the information of air carriers.

Explore the offers that are available to airline customers as part of bonus programs. High-status travelers may carry heavy suitcases. With a weight system, you will be able to carry an additional 10 kg of luggage on the plane. With a seat-based system, you will be entitled to 1 additional piece with 23 kg of baggage. Such privileges are provided to participants of the bonus system who have received silver or gold status. UTair and Aeroflot have developed special offers for passengers who frequently use the services of air carriers.

Bring an extra bag with you when traveling. If the need arises, you will transfer things into it.

How to find out a ticket with or without luggage

Before purchasing a ticket

the inscription “without luggage” on the flight line will indicate that only hand luggage is included in the price;
the icon of a suitcase and a bag with a number means how many kilograms of things you can take; when you hover the cursor over them, a text hint will appear;
the name of the airline's fare and its description are available via the link on the ticket, also look for it on the carrier's website;
Detailed flight conditions are specified when confirming your purchase, please read the text carefully.

Baggage-free tickets are usually also non-refundable, but they are the cheapest.

After purchasing a ticket

Look for a confirmation letter in the mail, which states how much luggage is included in the price;
on the ticket itself either the name of the fare or the norm of permitted items is printed;
in the personal account of the site on which you made the reservation, information about the services included in it is written down;
look for information on the carrier’s official website or contact support.

Permitted to be carried on board an aircraft

the following items and substances, subject to the required conditions: in checked baggage in the cargo and luggage compartments of the aircraft, with isolated passenger access to the baggage during the flight

crossbows, spearguns, checkers, sabers, cutlasses, scimitars, broadswords, swords, rapiers, bayonets, daggers, knives: hunting, knives with ejectable blades, with locking locks, simulators of any type of weapon (see Rules for the carriage of weapons on flights JSC Avia);
household knives (scissors) with a blade length over 60 mm;
alcoholic drinks containing more than 24%, but not more than 70% alcohol by volume in containers with a capacity of no more than 5 liters, in containers intended for retail trade - no more than 5 liters per passenger;
liquids and alcoholic drinks with an alcohol content by volume of no more than 24%;
aerosols intended for use for sports or household purposes, the release valves of the cans are protected by caps from spontaneous release of the contents in containers with a capacity of no more than 0.5 kg or 500 ml - no more than 2 kg or 2 liters per passenger;
medical thermometer containing mercury, in a standard case - one per passenger;

in things carried by passengers

medical thermometer, not containing mercury - one per passenger;
mercury tonometer in a standard case - one per passenger;
a mercury barometer or manometer, packed in a sealed container and sealed with the sender's seal;
disposable lighters - one per passenger;
dry ice for cooling perishable foods - no more than 2 kg per passenger;
3% hydrogen peroxide - no more than 100 ml per passenger;
liquids, gels and aerosols classified as non-hazardous: in containers with a capacity of no more than 100 ml (or equivalent capacity in other units of volume measurement), packed in a securely closed transparent plastic bag with a volume of no more than 1 liter - one bag per passenger.
Liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 100 ml are not accepted for transportation even if the container is only partially filled, with the exception of:
• medicines, special dietary products, baby food, including breast milk, in the amount necessary for the duration of the flight;
• medicines containing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors, in the presence of documents provided for by international treaties of the Russian Federation, including acts constituting the law of the Eurasian Economic Union, and (or) the legislation of the Russian Federation, confirming the prescription of these medicines to the passenger with indicating their name and quantity, in the quantity required for the duration of the flight;
• biological materials if the passenger has documents provided for by international treaties of the Russian Federation, including acts that constitute the law of the Eurasian Economic Union, and (or) the legislation of the Russian Federation establishing the Procedure for the transportation of biological materials.
Liquids purchased from duty-free shops at the airport or on board an aircraft must be packaged in a securely sealed plastic bag that allows for identification of access to the contents of the bag during the flight on which there is reliable evidence that the purchase was made at the airport. duty free shops or on board the aircraft on the day(s) of travel.

The airline and airport administration have the right to decide to introduce additional measures to ensure aviation security on high-risk flights, and as a result prohibit the transportation of the following items in the aircraft cabin:

corkscrews;
hypodermic needles (unless medical justification is provided);
knitting needles;
scissors with a blade length of less than 60 mm;
folding (without lock) travel and pocket knives with a blade length of less than 60 mm;
mercury tonometers;
barometers or mercury manometers.

Dangerous objects and substances

What to do if payment cannot be made?

This also happens. Sometimes a tourist takes off from his home airport, the registration process is in full swing, and it is not possible to pay for the excess for one reason or another. Many people in this situation begin to lament the fact that they will have to throw things out of their suitcase.

But take your time. Leave these radical methods for later. After all, excess items can be handed over for inventory in a special compartment. Upon your return, you will freely receive them back safe and sound.

As you can see, it is not so difficult to deal with the issue of paying for baggage at the airport. The main thing is to be extremely careful, and then your journey will go without a hitch.

Additional payment for the weight system: calculation of the amount

If your airline ticket specifies a similar system, keep in mind that you will pay extra for each kilogram of excess weight. In this case, the amount can be calculated in two ways:

As a percentage of the tariff cost. For calculations, the most expensive economic tariff is taken. 1.5% of its cost will be the price of each kilogram of excess weight.
Like a fixed amount. In some cases, air carriers set a specific fee for extra pounds. It may vary depending on the country of departure and airport. On average, this figure ranges between 5 and 50 euros per kilogram of excess weight.

Knowing all these nuances, an experienced passenger can always calculate in advance the amount of payment for baggage at Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo airports or at any other airport in the world.