Aeroflot has begun testing a new cabin option that permits passengers to travel with a container holding a pet placed on the adjacent seat in the aircraft. The carrier’s press service reports that this option will be available on the airline’s own flights during the trial period. The initial rollout is planned to run until March 20, 2024, after which a decision will be made about whether to extend the service on a permanent basis. In this first stage, customers will be able to access the service only on Aeroflot’s own routes. The program will be evaluated by March 20, 2024, and those results will guide any future adoption on a broader scale. A passenger is allowed to carry a container with an animal or bird beside them on the seat next to the aisle. The press service notes that the container, including the pet, must weigh no more than 15 kilograms in total. The additional space fee will be charged at the same rate as for an additional seat for an adult passenger, and this option will be available across all service classes, including economy, comfort, and business. The government and the President’s administration last year instructed the Ministry of Transport to consider increasing the weight limit for pets carried in the cabin, including their containers, up to 10 kilograms. There have been reports of attempts to transport a large number of animals on flights in certain regions, highlighting ongoing discussions about cabin pet policies and enforcement. The situation underscores the balance airlines seek between passenger convenience, animal welfare, and regulatory constraints, and it remains to be seen how domestic and international guidelines will adapt as airlines experiment with more flexible in-cabin arrangements.
