Russia's New Passenger Rights Take Flight, Offering Travelers Stronger Protections

Travelers in Russia gained a stronger set of rights this month, as a significant update to the country's air transportation rules came into effect. The changes, confirmed by State Duma Tourism Committee Chairman Sangadzhi Tarbaev, are designed to provide clearer guarantees for passengers.

A key shift involves non-refundable tickets. Previously a strict purchase, they can now be returned if a flight is delayed by 30 minutes or more. Refunds are also permitted if a passenger or a close relative falls ill. Crucially, money for returned tickets will be automatically reimbursed to the original purchaser, even if that person was not the one flying.

The rules also formalize common practices. Electronic boarding passes are now legally equivalent to paper ones. Passengers traveling with children or those with disabilities are explicitly permitted to bring strollers, crutches, folding wheelchairs, and similar assistive devices into the cabin as carry-on items.

New standards for lengthy delays have been established. Airlines must now provide drinking water after three hours, a hot meal after six hours, and hotel accommodation for daytime delays exceeding ten hours. For overnight waits, the hotel requirement kicks in after eight hours.

These aviation reforms follow a broader pattern of updated transport regulations in Russia, which recently saw the introduction of first-ever rules for tourist train cruises.