Smartavia Answer Center

We will answer your most important questions ❤️

How to arrange transportation of an animal in the luggage compartment?

Conditions for transporting a pet in the baggage hold

Transporting an animal in the baggage hold is possible if the following requirements are met:

  • Weight of the pet together with the carrier — up to 50 kg.
  • Breed — not brachycephalic (flat-faced: pugs, bulldogs, Persians, etc.).
  • Carrier must be sturdy, ventilated, and close securely.

Before purchasing the service, be sure to read the detailed terms and conditions for transporting animals.

Important: aircraft specifics
On Airbus A320neo aircraft, the baggage holds are not heated. Therefore, transporting pets in the baggage hold on this type of aircraft is possible only during the summer schedule period and upon signing a guarantee waiver at the airport.

How to arrange transport for a pet weighing up to 23 kg

If your pet weighs up to 23 kg (including the carrier) and the carrier dimensions do not exceed 203 cm in total (length + width + height), you can purchase the service online:

  • When buying a ticket on the website — in the "Add extra services" section → "Pet in baggage 23 kg".
  • After purchase — in the "My Bookings" service → "Services" section → "Baggage, carry-on and your pet" → "Pet in baggage 23 kg".
💡 Travel tip
When purchasing the service on the website, you do not need to additionally notify the airline — everything happens automatically. If you arrange the transport via the call centre, sales office, or an agency, additional notification is required (at the place of purchase or via the ).

Alternative ways to arrange transport (if online is not suitable)

If you could not purchase the service on the website, your pet weighs more than 23 kg, or the carrier exceeds 203 cm in total dimensions, you can arrange transport:

❓ Frequently asked questions about transporting a pet in the baggage hold

— Which breeds are considered brachycephalic?
Brachycephalic breeds include dogs and cats with flat faces: pugs, English and French bulldogs, Pekingese, Shih Tzus, Boxers, Persian and exotic cats. They have difficulty breathing under pressure changes, so transport in the baggage hold is prohibited.

— What is a guarantee waiver and where do I get it?
A guarantee waiver is a document in which you confirm that you accept the risks of transporting your pet in an unheated hold. It is issued and completed at the airport during check-in.

— Can I transport two pets in one carrier?
No, only one adult pet is allowed per carrier. Two kittens or puppies from the same litter (under 6 months) may be transported together with prior approval from the airline.

— What if my pet weighs more than 50 kg?
Animals weighing more than 50 kg can only be transported as cargo. Please contact the call centre for advice.

— Do I need to pay for transporting a pet in the baggage hold?
Yes, the service is chargeable. The cost depends on the weight and destination. You will see the exact price when booking on the website or via the call centre.

Didn't find what you were looking for?
Write to us via the feedback form and we will get back
with a solution.
Enter passenger details
Information about order
Your pet
Where will the transportation be?
  • In the luggage compartment
  • Into the cabin of the plane
If transported in an aircraft cabin: the size of the carrier is no more than 115 cm in the sum of three dimensions (x+y+z ≤ 115 cm).
If transported in the luggage compartment: the size of the carriage is no more than 203 cm in the sum of three dimensions (x+y+z ≤ 203 cm).
Comment on the application
Enter a comment

We may not respond to you if: the content of the message violates the laws of the Russian Federation, the content of the message is contrary to the basics of morality and morality, the message is clearly offensive, the content of the message does not relate to the activities of Smartavia, the message does not contain questions requiring an answer from the sender.

If you have material claims against the airline, please apply in writing to the legal address (read the rules for filing claims beforehand)

Didn't find what you were looking for?
Write to us via the feedback form and we will get back
with a solution.
Enter passenger details
Information about order
Your pet
Where will the transportation be?
  • In the luggage compartment
  • Into the cabin of the plane
If transported in an aircraft cabin: the size of the carrier is no more than 115 cm in the sum of three dimensions (x+y+z ≤ 115 cm).
If transported in the luggage compartment: the size of the carriage is no more than 203 cm in the sum of three dimensions (x+y+z ≤ 203 cm).
Comment on the application
Enter a comment

We may not respond to you if: the content of the message violates the laws of the Russian Federation, the content of the message is contrary to the basics of morality and morality, the message is clearly offensive, the content of the message does not relate to the activities of Smartavia, the message does not contain questions requiring an answer from the sender.

If you have material claims against the airline, please apply in writing to the legal address (read the rules for filing claims beforehand)

We are always here

Write to us on social networks or messengers. We will answer and help everywhere.

Balloons