RuAviation

The Aeroflot Group has completed testing a new service for transporting pets (companion animals) in the cabin next to the passenger seat, and has begun to introduce it on a permanent basis on flights with the SU code of the flagship and subsidiary airline, Russia Airlines. Aeroflot’s press service said.

“The test lasted three months and showed the great popularity of the new service among owners of small animals and birds. Over 900 pets were transported during this period. Based on the results of the tests, the dimensions of the container for transporting animals in the Business Class cabin were increased,” commented Aeroflot on the results of the tests.

The service conditions stipulate that a passenger can carry a pet container with a total weight of up to 15 kg. The container may be either rigid or semi-rigid, and the animal must be able to stand upright and turn around. The maximum overall dimensions of a semi-rigid kennel in Economy and Comfort class should be 50x35x32 cm and a rigid kennel should be 50x35x30 cm. For business class: semi-rigid – 50x40x40 cm, rigid – 50x40x30 cm. The weight and dimensions of the pet carrier have been determined taking into account the design features of the passenger seats, the comfort of other passengers and safety requirements.

For safety reasons, the kennel can only be placed on seats close to the porthole. In Business Class on Airbus A350 aircraft, the container may only be placed in the middle block of seats in odd-numbered rows. The container must be compliant and have a handle or loop for secure attachment to the passenger seat.

“You must also carry at least two waterproof, absorbent nappies to ensure cleanliness of the passenger seat. Passengers with pets must check in at the check-in counter. Seats on board the aircraft are allocated taking into account safety and restrictions of the type of aircraft,” added the representative of the airline.

The service must be ordered at least 36 hours before the scheduled departure of the flight. Payment for an additional seat is made at the fare for one adult passenger. Detailed information on the rules of the service can be found on Aeroflot’s website.