IrAero Baggage Policy: Cabin Sizing, Checked Limits & Fees

IrAero Airlines allows each passenger one free carry-on bag measuring up to 55 × 40 × 20 cm with a weight limit between 5 kg and 10 kg depending on the fare class, alongside one small personal item protected by Russian federal carriage rules. Standard economy tickets include one checked bag up to 20 kg within 203 linear centimeters, while Economy Light fares include no checked luggage.

At a glance

Baggage Allowance Snapshot

IrAero combines standard Russian domestic baggage weight rules with aircraft-specific cabin constraints. Allowances depend primarily on your chosen fare tier and whether your flight operates on a jet or turboprop.

Personal item allowance 1 piece included free Pursuant to FAP-82 (handbag, backpack, or briefcase)

Carry-on allowance 1 piece (5 kg – 10 kg) 5 kg on Light fares; up to 10 kg on select Standard fares

Carry-on dimensions 55 × 40 × 20 cm Must fit in overhead bin or under front seat

Standard checked allowance 1 piece up to 20 kg Included on Standard and Flex Economy tickets

Light fare checked bag 0 kg (Not included) Must be purchased as an optional add-on

Checked bag max size 203 cm total Sum of length + width + height

Infant baggage 10 kg + stroller For lap infants under 2 years without a booked seat

Baggage pooling Permitted (Max 30 kg/bag) For passengers on the same booking reservation

What can change: Cabin space is restricted on Antonov An-24 and An-26 turboprop aircraft, where carry-on bags may require ramp collection. Excess fees and seasonal sports equipment waivers vary by route and booking channel.

Measurement guide

Baggage Size Visual

Use the airline's stated order of dimensions. Measurements include wheels, outer pockets, and handles.

55 cm 40 cm 20 cm

Visual guide - not to scale. Checked baggage uses a maximum linear threshold of 203 cm (length + width + height) rather than fixed three-side dimensions.

Source check

Official Source Verification

Baggage rules can vary by fare, cabin, route, operating carrier, traveler status, and purchase channel. BaggageBase separates published rules from practical guidance.

Official source IrAero Conditions of Carriage & FAP-82

Source type Airline conditions of carriage & national aviation authority regulations

Policy scope Russian domestic and international passenger services (IO / IAO)

Last checked Official verification required

Confidence Medium

Important caveat Specific excess luggage ruble tariffs fluctuate by route zone and airport counter processing. Antonov regional routes enforce tighter physical cabin limits.

How BaggageBase Validates Transport Policies

BaggageBase documents airline policies through structured verification protocols:

1. Federal Regulatory Framework: We evaluate carrier rules against the Russian Federal Aviation Rules (FAP No. 82), which mandate minimum passenger carry-on rights (at least 5 kg) and an explicit list of non-chargeable personal items.
2. Fleet Audits: We evaluate operational differences between mainline regional jets (Sukhoi Superjet 100) and regional turboprops (Antonov An-24 and An-26), where structural cabin dimensions alter onboard baggage handling.
3. Fare Class Mapping: We analyze published fare categories-ranging from unbundled "Light" tickets to flexible economy fares-to verify included weights, piece counts, and linear size caps.
4. Transparent Tagging: When live excess tariffs, seasonal ski equipment waivers, or international add-on costs vary across sales channels, we label them as Official verification required rather than estimating unverified figures.

IrAero Hand Luggage & Personal Item Rules

Passengers traveling on IrAero Airlines are entitled to onboard cabin baggage across all fare classes. The primary carry-on piece must conform to strict physical dimensions so that it fits securely into overhead stowage compartments or under the seat in front.

Standard Cabin Bag Dimensions and Weight

• Maximum Dimensions: 55 × 40 × 20 cm (approximately 21.6 × 15.7 × 7.8 inches), inclusive of wheels, grips, and exterior compartments.
• Weight Allowances:
• Economy Light / Promo: 1 piece up to 5 kg. This 5 kg allowance represents the statutory minimum guaranteed under Russian civil aviation law.
• Economy Standard / Flex: 1 piece up to 5 kg or 10 kg, depending on the specific route and fare filing indicated on your e-ticket receipt.
• Placement: The carry-on bag must fit inside the cabin luggage sizer at the check-in desk or boarding gate and must be safely stowed during taxi, takeoff, and landing.

Free Personal Items Under Russian Aviation Law (FAP-82)

Russian Federal Aviation Rules (FAP-82) grant passengers the legal right to carry specific everyday personal belongings into the aircraft cabin in addition to the standard cabin bag. These items are transported free of charge and are not weighed as part of your primary 5 kg or 10 kg carry-on allowance:

• One handbag, briefcase, or backpack (the backpack must fall within the carrier's compact size and weight guidelines).
• An outer coat, jacket, or cloak.
• Infant nutrition and baby food necessary for the duration of the flight.
• A portable infant bassinet, baby carrier, or lightweight folding stroller (used for an accompanying child, provided it can be safely stowed in cabin lockers; otherwise handed over at the aircraft steps).
• One bouquet of fresh flowers.
• Necessary medical and mobility equipment: crutches, canes, walking sticks, braces, or a folding manual wheelchair that fits within approved onboard stowage locations.
• Goods purchased at airport duty-free shops, enclosed in a sealed, tamper-evident plastic bag.

Items outside this statutory list-such as beach umbrellas, loose sports gear, or large electronics cases-must fit inside your single piece of hand luggage or be checked into the hold.

Cabin Baggage Comparison by Ticket Class

The table below outlines cabin allowances across IrAero ticket categories. Always verify the exact weight stated on your ticket confirmation, as some promotional regional fares enforce a rigid 5 kg cap.

Checked Baggage Allowances by Fare Family

IrAero operates a piece-and-weight baggage policy. Unlike many Western European and North American carriers that use a 23 kg (50 lb) baseline, IrAero uses a 20 kg standard weight ceiling for checked items on regular economy tickets.

Free Checked Baggage Parameters

• Linear Dimension Limit: The sum of three dimensions (Length + Width + Height) for any checked piece must not exceed 203 cm (roughly 80 inches).
• Light / Promo Fares: 0 kg included. Travelers who purchase unbundled tickets must pay an extra charge to check baggage.
• Standard Economy Fares: 1 piece up to 20 kg.
• Flex / Premium Fares: 1 piece up to 20 kg (or 2 pieces on select long-range routes; official verification required for multi-piece business or premium tickets).
• Infants Traveling on Lap: Children under two years of age traveling without an individual seat assignment receive a free checked allowance of up to 10 kg, alongside one collapsible baby stroller.

Checked Baggage Comparison Matrix

Baggage Pooling Rules

Under Russian civil aviation standards, travelers on the same passenger name record (PNR)-such as family members, couples, or documented business colleagues traveling together to the same destination-may pool their checked baggage allowances.

For instance, two passengers with an individual allowance of 20 kg each may combine their rights. However, airport workplace safety regulations stipulate that no single pooled bag may exceed 30 kg. A single bag weighing more than 30 kg is classified as heavy cargo and cannot be accepted under standard pooling provisions.

Regional Aircraft Nuances: Turboprops vs. Regional Jets

IrAero operates a mixed fleet tailored to the rugged geography of Siberia, the Urals, and the Russian Far East. The aircraft assigned to your flight directly impacts your onboard baggage experience.

Antonov An-24 and An-26 Operations

• Restricted Bin Volume: The classic overhead parcel racks inside Antonov passenger cabins are open and narrow. Hard-shell rolling bags conforming to the nominal 55 × 40 × 20 cm allowance will not fit into these compartments.
• Ramp Delivery Service (Gate-Checking): If your cabin suitcase cannot fit in the An-24 cabin racks or beneath the low seats, airport ground staff will collect the bag at the foot of the aircraft boarding stairs (трап). The bag is placed in the aircraft baggage compartment and returned to you at the aircraft steps upon arrival.
• Strict Weight Screening: Remote Siberian airfields often feature short runways and payload constraints. Ground staff at regional airports (such as Bodaybo, Ust-Kut, or Mama) enforce the 5 kg hand luggage limit strictly at the scales.

Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ-100) Operations

• Standard Cabin Stowage: Mainline domestic routes departing hubs like Irkutsk (IKT), Novosibirsk (OVB), or Moscow Domodedovo (DME) use the SSJ-100. Overhead compartments accommodate rolling carry-on bags up to 55 × 40 × 20 cm placed wheels-first or sideways.
• Cargo Capacity: Standard cargo holds handle full-sized checked suitcases up to the 203 cm dimension limit without regional payload adjustments.

Excess, Overweight, and Oversized Baggage Fees

Baggage that exceeds the piece, weight, or size allowances printed on your ticket incurs excess baggage fees (оплата сверхнормативного багажа). IrAero tariffs are established in Russian Rubles (RUB) and calculated based on whether the excess is by piece, extra weight, or out-of-gauge dimensions.

Excess Fee Classifications

1. Additional Checked Bags: Purchasing a first piece of checked luggage on a "Light" ticket, or adding a second bag to a Standard fare.
2. Overweight Luggage (20 kg to 30 kg): An item that remains within the 203 cm dimensional limit but exceeds 20 kg. A flat surcharge or per-kilogram rate applies.
3. Heavy Luggage (Over 30 kg up to 50 kg): Luggage weighing between 30 kg and 50 kg requires advance coordination with IrAero at least 24 to 48 hours prior to flight departure. Uncoordinated heavy baggage can be refused at check-in due to aircraft payload limits.
4. Oversized Baggage (> 203 cm): Any single bag whose combined linear measurements exceed 203 cm incurs a dedicated out-of-gauge fee.

Published Tariffs & Indicative Cost Table

The values below represent typical domestic route tariffs. Official verification required for current seasonal schedules and international route segments.

Payment Notice for International Travelers: Foreign-issued credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express issued outside the Russian Federation) do not function on Russian airline booking engines. Non-resident travelers needing to purchase excess baggage should purchase allowances through their booking agent or pay in cash or via local banking cards at airport ticket counters.

Special Baggage: Sports Equipment, Pets, and Delicate Items

Winter Sports Equipment

IrAero serves several premier Siberian outdoor destinations, including access points for Lake Baikal, Sheregesh, and Far Eastern ski resorts.

• Winter Sports Package: One ski set (one pair of skis, one pair of poles, one pair of ski boots, one helmet) or one snowboard set (one board, one pair of boots, one helmet) packed in dedicated travel bags.
• Allowance Treatment: On tickets with included checked baggage, sports gear is either accepted as your single included checked piece (up to 20 kg) or carried free under promotional winter waivers. If flying on a Light fare, standard sporting equipment fees apply.
• Advance Notice: Passengers traveling with skis or snowboards must notify the airline during booking to ensure sufficient cargo hold volume, particularly on Antonov flights.

Fishing, Hunting, and Remote Expedition Gear

• Fishing Tackle: Rods packed inside a rigid travel tube, along with tackle boxes and reels, are accepted within the standard 20 kg / 203 cm allowance.
• Firearms and Ammunition: Hunting firearms, sporting rifles, and ammunition are subject to strict security protocols under Russian federal transport laws. Carriage must be requested and approved at least 48 hours prior to departure. Weapons must be declared to airport police upon arrival, inspected, and stowed in specialized aircraft security lockers. Ammunition must not exceed 5 kg per passenger and must be stored in rigid factory packaging separate from the weapon.

Musical Instruments

• Cabin Transport: Small instruments (violins, flutes, clarinets) may be carried in the passenger cabin in place of your primary hand luggage, provided the hard case does not exceed 55 × 40 × 20 cm and weighs no more than 5 kg to 10 kg.
• Cabin Seat Baggage (CBBG): Larger fragile instruments (such as cellos) can be carried on an adjacent passenger seat. The passenger must purchase an extra seat ticket at the applicable passenger fare. The instrument must not exceed 80 kg and must be secured with seatbelts.
• Hold Baggage: Instruments transported in the aircraft hold must be packaged in heavy-duty flight cases. If the total dimensions exceed 203 cm, oversized baggage fees apply.

Pet Carriage (In-Cabin and Cargo Hold)

IrAero accommodates domestic pets (dogs, cats, and birds) subject to space availability and prior confirmation:

• Pets in Cabin (PETC): The pet and its container must not exceed 8 kg in total weight. The container must have a waterproof bottom, allow ventilation, and fit within 115 linear centimeters so it can rest beneath the seat in front.
• Pets in Baggage Hold (AVIH): Animals weighing over 8 kg (including kennel) up to 50 kg travel in the pressurized, temperature-regulated cargo compartment inside an IATA-compliant rigid pet crate.
• Documentation: Domestic travel requires an up-to-date veterinary passport with valid rabies vaccinations. International itineraries require state veterinary certificates.

Connecting Routes and Interline Luggage Rules

When your itinerary involves IrAero alongside other regional or trunk airlines, baggage transfer rules depend on your ticketing structure:

• Connecting with S7 Airlines: S7 operates large hubs at Novosibirsk (OVB) and Irkutsk (IKT). While S7 standard economy allows 23 kg of checked luggage, IrAero tickets enforce a 20 kg standard limit. If traveling on separate tickets, pack to IrAero’s 20 kg limit to avoid excess weight fees during regional transfers.
• Far East Regional Itineraries with Aurora Airlines: On multi-stop journeys across the Russian Far East and Sakhalin, travelers frequently transfer between Aurora turboprops and IrAero flights. Check operating carrier hand luggage allowances, as regional aircraft models vary.
• Domestic Trunk Transfers with Ural Airlines: When transferring through major hubs like Moscow Domodedovo (DME) or Yekaterinburg (SVX), confirm whether your baggage is checked through to the final destination or requires baggage reclaim and re-check across separate passenger terminals.

Before you fly

IrAero Baggage Checklist

Review these critical packing and check-in steps before traveling on IrAero flights.

• Verify your operating aircraft. Check your e-ticket to see if you are flying on a Sukhoi Superjet 100 or an Antonov An-24/An-26 turboprop.
• Pack a soft-sided carry-on for Antonov flights. Small turboprop overhead racks cannot accommodate rigid roller bags, meaning hard suitcases will be gate-checked.
• Weigh your checked suitcase at home. Keep the bag at or below 20 kg to avoid airport overweight charges, which kick in immediately at 20.1 kg.
• Measure all three sides of large bags. Ensure the sum of length, width, and height does not exceed 203 cm to prevent oversized handling surcharges.
• Keep essential items in your personal bag. Place documents, medication, mobile chargers, and electronics in your free personal item so they stay with you if your cabin bag is ramp-checked.
• Pre-register special baggage 48 hours early. Contact the airline in advance if traveling with hunting rifles, pets, cellos, or oversized outdoor sports gear.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the carry-on baggage allowance on IrAero?

Passengers are permitted one piece of carry-on baggage measuring up to 55 × 40 × 20 cm. The weight allowance is 5 kg on Economy Light fares and up to 10 kg on select Standard or Flexible fares, supplemented by one personal item allowed under federal regulations.

How much checked baggage is included on an IrAero flight?

Standard Economy tickets include one piece of checked baggage weighing up to 20 kg with total linear dimensions not exceeding 203 cm (L + W + H). Economy Light tickets do not include any free checked luggage allowance.

Can I carry a backpack in addition to my main hand luggage?

Yes. Under Russian Federal Aviation Rules (FAP-82), passengers may bring one compact backpack, briefcase, or handbag into the cabin free of charge in addition to their primary 5 kg or 10 kg carry-on bag.

What happens to hand luggage on Antonov An-24 and An-26 flights?

Because Antonov turboprop cabins have small, shallow overhead compartments, standard rolling carry-ons cannot fit inside. Ground crew collect these bags at the aircraft boarding stairs and place them in the hold, returning them at the steps upon landing.

Can family members pool their baggage allowances on IrAero?

Yes. Passengers traveling together on the same booking reservation can pool their free checked baggage allowances. However, workplace safety regulations require that no single combined bag exceeds 30 kg.

How much does excess baggage cost on IrAero?

Excess baggage fees depend on whether the bag exceeds weight or dimension limits. For domestic flights, overweight fees generally range between 1,500 and 3,000 RUB, additional pieces cost between 2,000 and 5,000 RUB, or a per-kilogram rate of 200 to 500 RUB is assessed.

Can I travel with ski or snowboard equipment on IrAero?

Yes. Ski and snowboard gear (one pair of skis or one snowboard plus boots and helmet) is accepted within the 20 kg checked baggage allowance, or transported free during promotional winter seasons on eligible routes. Prior airline notification is required.

What is the maximum weight IrAero will accept for a checked bag?

The maximum weight for a single piece of checked passenger luggage is 30 kg (or 32 kg with prior airline confirmation). Any individual item exceeding 32 kg cannot be processed as passenger baggage and must be booked through cargo freight services.

Baggage rules, excess tariffs, and cabin allowances vary based on route, fare category, aircraft equipment, and operating carrier agreements. The official conditions of carriage published by the operating airline govern your specific travel itinerary.