Russia’s New In-Flight Rules: Subtitles, Free Seat Selection, and a Seat for Your Companion

Flying in Russia is about to get a lot more inclusive. Starting March 1, 2027, airlines will be required to show a portion of their in-flight movies with subtitles for passengers who are deaf or hard of hearing, and with audio descriptions—called тифлокомментарии—for those who are blind or have low vision. The new rules, approved by the Ministry of Transport and reviewed by RIA Novosti, apply to any carrier that screens films on board. The subtitles and audio descriptions must be in Russian.

Even sooner, on September 1, 2026, another set of changes kicks in. Passengers will be able to reserve their seats for free at the time of booking. That’s a big shift from the current practice where many airlines charge for seat selection. The rules also guarantee that if a passenger needs a companion—including veterans of the special military operation—that companion gets a seat right next to them, at no extra cost. No more worrying about being separated or paying extra for the privilege.

The new regulations are part of a broader push to make air travel more accessible and fair for all passengers, particularly those with disabilities. For travelers who have long struggled with inaccessible entertainment or unpredictable seating, these changes signal a real improvement. Airlines will have time to adapt—the film requirements don’t start until early 2027—but the free seat selection and companion seating arrive in just over two years. If you’re planning a trip to Russia after that date, you might want to keep an eye on how carriers roll out these perks.