14 best airlines in Russia

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Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Airlines operating in Russia are listed in Rosreestr, and their activities are controlled by the relevant Ministry and the Federal Air Transport Agency. However, the assessments of the authorities do not always coincide with the real situation; they often differ from the opinions of passengers. The experts of the online magazine studied the offers of air carriers in the domestic market, assessed reviews from independent sources on the service they provide, and made their own rating, which included 14 best Russian airlines.

Rating of the best airlines in Russia

Nomination a place Name of product rating
Rating of the best airlines in Russia 1 Aeroflot 5.0
2 Russia 4.9
3 S7 Airlines 4.8
4 Victory 4.8
5 Ural Airlines 4.8
6 UTair 4.7
7 globe 4.7
8 Azur air 4.7
9 Nordwind Airlines (North Wind) 4.6
10 Red wings 4.6
11 ATK “Yamal” 4.5
12 Aurora Airlines 4.4
13 Nordstar 4.3
14 Royal flight 4.2

Aeroflot

Airline rating: 5.0

Aeroflot

Hotline phone: 8 (800) -444-55-55 or 555 (from a mobile phone).

The largest company in the domestic market Aeroflot, a member of the Sky Team alliance, operates the majority of domestic flights and external air transportation of passengers in various directions. The enterprise has the largest fleet and the widest route network in the CIS countries.

In addition to an impressive fund, Aeroflot is distinguished by a high level of service at several levels, which imply separate conditions for the carriage of baggage, the ability to exchange and return tickets. The tariff plan 'Economy' and the higher 'Comfort' offer free transportation of hand luggage up to 10 kg, and 'Business' – all 15 kg, the company sometimes forgives one or two extra kilograms, as passengers note, but this question rather depends on the mood of the controller .

The class of the purchased ticket already includes the cost of transporting hand luggage and you do not need to pay extra for it within the permissible limits. But the overweight will cost a round sum – for the difference of 9 kg, you will have to pay 2500 rubles, and 5000 rubles will cost to transport suitcases in excess of 32 kg. Carriage of animals is possible in all classes of service of Aeroflot, but by prior agreement with the company in the form of an abandoned application.

According to the results of 2018, the largest air carrier in Russia was recognized as the safest – not a single fatal accident occurred on the lines.

Advantages

  • The largest air carrier with the largest route network in the CIS countries;
  • Different classes of service;
  • Wide range of prices;
  • Loyalty to the minimum overweight of baggage;
  • Safety confirmed by statistics and technical condition of aircraft.

disadvantages

  • Due to the large flow of passengers, there are flight delays and long queues for check-in.

Russia

Airline rating: 4.9

Russia

Hotline telephone: 8 (800) 444-55-55 (for flights SU 6001-6999) and 8 (495) 139-77-77 (for flights 8 495 139 77 77 for flights FV 5501-5949).

Rossiya Airlines is a subsidiary of Aeroflot. The main emphasis is placed on reduced (average) ticket prices, which is reflected in the quality of the liners used – they mostly have cramped cabins, the equipment of which leaves much to be desired, although there are no complaints about cleanliness. The main share of flights falls on the airports of St. Petersburg and Moscow in domestic directions, less often aircraft fly abroad. The company has shown a record growth in passenger traffic since 2017 – almost 50%, which is a record for the industry. Such interest in a relatively new company in the air transportation market has led to the belonging of 'Russia' to Aeroflot, as well as the punctuality of flights and the well-coordinated work of the crew of the crew – the flight attendants pay due attention to each passenger if necessary, offer food and warm blankets on time.

Of the unusual options, passengers have access to congratulations on board with any important event. The level of service is also determined by the wishes of the customers – there are seats of increased comfort on some flights. Baggage rules are similar to those of Aeroflot.

Advantages

  • Compliance with the flight schedule and time;
  • Courteous staff;
  • Service and comfort level at the choice of the passenger;
  • Average ticket prices;
  • Impeccable cleanliness in the salons;
  • Unusual design of individual aircraft.

disadvantages

  • Tasty cookies are offered on board;
  • Some aircraft have cramped interiors.

S7 Airlines

Airline rating: 4.8

S7 Airlines

Hot line phone: 8 (800) 700-0707.

The third popular airline in the ranking is S7 Airlines, whose planes operate mainly foreign flights to all continents and a large share of domestic flights. Despite the name, S7 Airlines is a Russian brand owned by the Siberia Aviation Company.

The carrier's tariff nets differ depending on the class of the ticket, the price of which includes the carriage of hand luggage: for the Economy Basic and Economy Flexible levels, it is allowed to take up to 10 kg of luggage with you to the cabin or only 23 kg of cargo, for the Business Basic and 'Business Flexible' – 15 each in the cabin and 32 kg in the luggage compartment, respectively. The norms for children are the same as for adults, no discounts are provided, but the surcharges for the overweight are considerable – from 2,000 to 6,000 rubles. We are pleased with the possibility of free transportation of a pair of skis or snowboard equipment for each passenger.

Service in the cabin for all classes is at a high level, passengers celebrate delicious snacks, due attention from the crew, which cannot be said about the staff at check-in – unpleasant situations happen with the loss of luggage, the difficulty of re-registering it on the spot, but this is possible with many companies when significant line load.

Advantages

  • There is a S7 Airlines mobile application for buying tickets and tracking flights;
  • 4 levels of service;
  • Wide range of prices for tickets and services;
  • Possibility to transport snowboard or ski equipment free of charge.

disadvantages

  • Significant surcharge for overweight;
  • Paid seat selection;
  • Intractable staff at check-in.

Victory

Airline rating: 4.8

Victory

Hotline phone: +7 (809) 505-4777 (toll call).

Pobeda Airlines offers tickets for flights within Russia and abroad at the lowest prices, belongs to the category of low-cost companies, and is one of Aeroflot's subsidiaries. On the lines there are often 'Fly and Bus' aircraft – budget liners with a bus function, mobile and maneuverable.

There is only one basic fare in Pobeda – this is 'Standard', which implies only a seat in the cabin, you will have to pay for the carriage of baggage separately, as well as connect additional paid services, for example, food. Animals over 8 kg and luggage in excess of the established standards can be loaded onto the plane only for an additional fee of 1999 rubles. There is a service of transportation of goods purchased in Duty free, but you also have to pay 2000 rubles for it.

Victory aircraft are not the newest and most comfortable, but clean and well-groomed, the flight attendants are friendly and courteous. The company as an air carrier is suitable for business trips and light tourism – despite the low cost of tickets, there are a lot of additional fees, with which, as a result, the cost of the flight reaches the equivalent of boarding the carrier's plane of a more solid level.

Advantages

  • Lowest ticket prices for domestic and foreign flights;
  • One basic fare, convenient for traveling light;
  • Regular flights with exact departure times.

disadvantages

  • All additional services are expensive;
  • Not the most comfortable planes.

Ural Airlines

Airline rating: 4.8

Ural Airlines

Hotline phone: 8 (800) 7700-262.

The aircraft of Ural Airlines are based at the Koltsovo airport (Yekaterinburg). They operate regular flights to Europe and within Russia. The park is made up of comfortable Airbuses.

The company has several levels of customer service, the main difference of which is the permissible size of hand luggage: for Economy class and children it is only 5 kg, Business assumes the transportation of traditional 15 kg. The rest of the baggage allowance remains the same – 23 and 32 kg for Economy and Business classes, respectively, the surcharge for overweight will be from 2,000 rubles, it is more difficult with excess dimensions – from passengers they will require from 10,000 rubles. The problem is due to the small amount of luggage space.

Check-in for flights is fast without delays, but sometimes there are shifts in the schedule. The interior of the cabins is spacious, clean, but the insulation of Airbuses is inferior in quality compared to Boeings, and there is a feeling of noise during the flight.

Advantages

  • Inexpensive flights within Russia and to European countries;
  • 4 comfort classes;
  • Mostly timely departure, adherence to the schedule;
  • Courteous staff at check-in and in the salon.

disadvantages

  • Airbuses are noisy inside;
  • Large surcharges for excess baggage.

UTair

Airline rating: 4.7

UTair

Hot line phone: 8 (800) 234-00-88.

UTair airline specializes in domestic and international passenger transportation by air and helicopter. According to official statistics, UTair ranks fourth in terms of the number of flights and passenger traffic in Russia.

The company has 5 levels of passenger service. The 'Light' tariff is suitable for light flights – baggage transportation is not included in the ticket price, and the ticket itself cannot be exchanged or returned, it is allowed to take carry-on baggage weighing up to 10 kg. In the 'Standard' and 'Flexible' plans, the weight of the luggage will be the same 10 kg, the price includes the transportation of luggage up to 23 kg, and the Comfort and Business tariffs assume the possibility of transporting hand luggage 2×10 kg and a place in the luggage compartment for carrying 32 kg, they already include food. In all plans, except for 'Light', it is allowed to take sports equipment with you free of charge. The fee for the overweight is considerable – from 2 to 10 thousand rubles, depending on the route. To take your beloved cat or dog with you, you need to cook another 2000-9000 rubles.

Judging by the reviews, there is little free space on the Utair aircraft: cramped aisles, little space between the seats, the problem of lack of water for washing hands in the toilet is noted. The staff on board is not very active, and during check-in, problems with additional payment for weight may arise – if the weight is exceeded, the burden is often forced to buy additional baggage.

Advantages

  • 5 levels of service with an optimal set of services;
  • Wide route network within the country and abroad;
  • Mostly new aircraft and a helicopter fleet;
  • Punctuality of flights.

disadvantages

  • Very strict requirements for the dimensions and weight of luggage;
  • Lack of meals on three tariff plans and on short flights;
  • Cramped aircraft cabins.

globe

Airline rating: 4.7

globe

Hotline phone: +7 (495) 666-25-36.

The seventh line of our rating goes to the domestic airline Globus, which is part of the Siberia aviation giant. The company serves mainly charter and, to a small extent, regular domestic and international flights with aircraft previously operated by S7 and leased aircraft. In 2018, the fleet was updated with new, more spacious Boeing 737-8 MAX series.

Globus works with passengers on the basis of S7 systems, offering the same services; the line operates similar tariffs and a baggage transportation system. By the way, according to the official annual Wings of Russia award, since 2016 the Globus company has not taken part in the competition due to de facto belonging to S7, although it shows a steady growth in passenger traffic of about 10% per year. However, the punctuality of flights, baggage and check-in procedures before the flight often leaves much to be desired – they do not reach the level of the 'parent' giant, although the aircraft cabins are always clean, and the staff on board are courteous and attentive.

Advantages

  • Mostly inexpensive tickets for charter domestic and international flights;
  • Updated aircraft fleet;
  • Confident growth in passenger traffic annually;
  • A full package of services and bonus loyalty programs for S7 Airlines.

disadvantages

  • Punctuation problems – frequent flight delays.

Azur air

Airline rating: 4.7

Azur air

Hotline phone: +7 495 374-55-14.

Azur Air specializes in air charter passenger transportation in Russia and abroad in 29 destinations to Europe and Asia, and works with the country's largest travel operators. The carrier's fleet consists of 25 Boeing aircraft of various series, equipped with the latest security features from smart electronics to warning systems.

The company operates standard and premium types of passenger service, for the latter there is an advance ordering of additional services – special meals on the plane, a separate check-in counter, an increase in the amount of luggage, a separate transfer, and the provision of a personal set for traveling to the cabin.

There are no complaints about the quality of service – the staff on board are courteous, and flight delays are also not natural.

Advantages

  • 29 domestic and foreign flight routes;
  • Classic and premium service;
  • A selection of additional services is available;
  • High degree of security.

disadvantages

  • Strict adherence to the rules for the carriage of baggage.

Nordwind Airlines (North Wind)

Airline rating: 4.6

Nordwind Airlines (North Wind)

Hotline phone: 8 (800) 222 48 44.

Nordwind Airlines operates on domestic Russian routes and some tourist destinations on a regular basis and operates charter flights by agreement with major tour operators.

The peculiarities of working with Nordwind Airlines include full management of services and ticket prices for the future passenger: on the company's website and on intermediary services, you can choose a seat, pick up meals and order a transfer, request additional space for luggage, even buy a tour from a partner agency in the directions where planes of the 'North Wind' are flying. The cost of the flight itself is relatively low, for which more and more passengers choose the air carrier – the flow grows up to 9% annually.

The disadvantage of Nordwind Airlines is the old fleet of aircraft, fortunately, this has not affected the safety of flights to this day.

Advantages

  • A wide range of services that determine the cost of the ticket;
  • Mostly punctual departures and arrivals of flights;
  • Refreshing drinks on board;
  • Inexpensive tickets for tourist destinations.

disadvantages

  • Old planes;
  • Inefficient distribution of passengers in the cabin, prohibition on transferring.

Red wings

Airline rating: 4.6

Red wings

Hotline phone: +7 (495) 21 21 251.

The next line of the rating is determined by the Red Wings airline, which carries out a few charters in popular tourist destinations and within the country, mainly from Moscow.

Passengers can choose one of the suitable transportation tariffs: light – 'Light', the ticket price does not include luggage transportation at all, only luggage up to 10 kg, 'Standart' and 'Base' – luggage 5 and 10 kg, respectively, luggage 23 or 2 x 23 kg, as well as free transport of equipment for skiers or snowboarders. The overweight will be relatively inexpensive – 2500 … 5000 rubles, the calculation of the cost of transportation of animals is determined as for ordinary baggage.

The Red Wings aircraft fleet is made up of cramped Airbuses, there is little space in the cabins, but clean. Flight attendants are not always welcoming – passengers sometimes note staff tiredness. From the unpleasant moments – the company has unfriendly employees at check-in, sometimes it is difficult to agree on the excess of luggage, there are delays due to misunderstanding, flights are delayed.

Advantages

  • Old aircraft fleet with well-equipped liners;
  • Low prices for overweight;
  • Clean salon;
  • Good food.

disadvantages

  • Flight delays occur;
  • The cramped cabins of Airbuses.

ATK “Yamal”

Airline rating: 4.5

ATK

Hotline phone: 8-800-234-44-02.

ATK Yamal is one of the largest air carriers operating regular flights mainly within the country and charter abroad. The fleet includes planes of different comfort levels – compact Airbus, Bombardier and Superjet 100, which provides the widest choice of service levels – Sale, Budget, Optimum, Normal, Premium and Business. All tariffs involve the transportation of hand luggage up to 20 kg (Business – 30 kg), and the weight is determined by the ticket class.

There are no problems with the regularity of flights, but delays do occur. Meals are provided during the flight, and passengers like the variety of dishes, including hot ones. Comfort in the cabin is a distinctive feature of Yamal aircraft; there are always friendly staff on board. At the same time, ticket prices are quite affordable.

Advantages

  • Comfortable updated aircraft;
  • Many service classes differing in the permissible baggage weight;
  • Regular and charter flights;
  • Punctuality.

disadvantages

  • Online registration is often difficult;
  • The minimum of served directions.

Aurora Airlines

Airline rating: 4.4

Aurora Airlines

Hotline phone: 8-800-250-49-88.

Air carrier Aurora is engaged in the transportation of passengers and cargo on international and domestic flights, including intra-regional over short distances. The company is owned by the giant Aeroflot.

The company's fleet includes 4 types of aircraft of different comfort. Passengers choosing a ticket under the 'Economy' program have access to the 'Space +' seat selection service – these are deluxe seats with an increased distance between the rows. Among the additional services, we note the possibility of online payment for baggage in excess of the standards, the choice of meals on board, the service of additional life, health and baggage insurance during the flight is available.

Passengers do not have any problems with check-in, planes fly according to time, delays are rare. The cost of tickets is relatively low, the 'Youth' tariff is in effect, according to which young people aged 12 to 25 receive an additional discount, but the offer is not available for all destinations.

Advantages

  • Comfortable aircraft; wide route network;
  • Punctuality of flights;
  • A wide range of additional services;
  • Intra-marginal directions.

disadvantages

  • Not the most convenient schedule;
  • Few overseas destinations.

Nordstar

Airline rating: 4.3

Nordstar

Hotline phone: 8 (800) 700-8-007.

The company Nordstar specializes in the transportation of people and goods in the harsh north, the aircraft are equipped with increased luggage compartments, but the comfort in the cabins is not the highest for long flights. In Economy class, the size of hand luggage is 10 kg, in Business class – 15 kg. Some tickets do not include baggage transportation, others allow 23 or 30 kg, surcharge for overweight is determined individually, it can be calculated on the website.

Passengers have access to additional services: ordering a transfer, life and cargo insurance, service in the business lounge, large cargo transportation on specialized liners, etc. The stability of departures and arrivals from the company is at a high level, on board is met by friendly staff. Meals are not available on short flights.

Advantages

  • Freight and passenger transportation with an emphasis on servicing the Far North;
  • Optimal ticket prices;
  • Many additional services;
  • Business lounge and insurance.

disadvantages

  • Uncomfortable seats in aircraft cabins;
  • Old aircraft fleet;
  • High prices for overweight luggage.

Royal flight

Airline rating: 4.2

Royal flight

Hotline phone: +7 (495) 782-00-31.

At the end of the rating, we present the relatively young domestic company Royal Flight (formerly Abakan-Avia), serviced by regular and charter flights within Russia and abroad to popular tourist destinations. There are several Boeings in the carrier's arsenal, but their condition is not the best, there have been cases of malfunctions, fortunately, the experienced crew took timely measures to eliminate the problems, and there were no fatalities on flights.

On long and short flights, a varied diet is provided, but not the most delicious. Passengers have no questions about comfort in the cabin, while ticket prices are quite affordable. Delays of both charter and regular flights are noted, fortunately, the carrier cares about people and offers conditions for comfortable waiting for flights.

Currently, there is no online check-in option, which reduces the comfort of passengers; you have to go through the process in the airport hall, spending time.

Advantages

  • Inexpensive tickets for tourist destinations abroad;
  • Exceptionally professional staff on board;
  • Various meals on board, depending on the duration of the flight.

disadvantages

  • A large number of aircraft technical malfunctions were recorded;
  • There is no online registration.


Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

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