January 18 13:00
In Russia, changes to air transportation rules will come into force on March 1. This follows from the approved order No. 341 of the Russian Ministry of Transport, a State Duma deputy told RIA Novosti Alexander Yakubovsky.
“For the first time, the rules stipulate in detail the carrier’s obligation to inform the passenger in advance about the conditions of the flight, the procedure for changing a ticket, refusing transportation and returning money, including in case of illness or other forced circumstances,” the deputy clarified.
It is noted that as part of the amendments for families with children, it is mandatory to provide adjacent seats on board the aircraft to children under 12 years of age and their accompanying persons without charging an additional fee. The procedure for allocating such places will be clearly regulated.
In addition, airlines will have to inform passengers how to return their tickets and money. For example, the reasons may be illness or force majeure. Yakubovsky emphasized that this is the first time this obligation is enshrined in detail in the rules.
A specific criterion is also introduced. If the flight is delayed by more than 30 minutes, the passenger will be able to get a refund. In addition, the carrier’s responsibilities will be regulated in detail. In case of delays, he must provide passengers with water, food and accommodation.
In addition, from January 2026 started action updated rules for transporting power banks and gadgets with lithium batteries on airplanes.
According to the new rules, power banks can only be transported in the cabin of an airplane. During critical phases of flight – taxiing, takeoff, landing – they are prohibited from being used for charging. Devices can only be placed under the chair or in the pocket of the back of the chair in front.
