New rules of air travel from March 1, 2026: parents with children under 12 years old will be seated next to each other for free

On March 1, 2026, updated rules will come into force in Russia, which will consolidate the new obligations of airlines to inform passengers, clarify the procedure for flight delays and expand the possibilities of carrying hand luggage for certain categories of citizens. An electronic boarding pass will be officially equated to a paper one, and it will be easier for parents with children to sit next to each other in the cabin. The information about what rights passengers will receive and how the new rules will work in practice can be found in the Izvestia article.

Why are the changes being introduced?

The updates are provided for by Order No. 341 of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation dated October 15, 2025 "On Amendments to Order No. 82 of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation dated June 28, 2007", which approved the federal aviation regulations for the carriage of passengers and baggage.

Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Korotaev

As explained in the press service of the Ministry of Transport of Russia, the adjustments have become part of a comprehensive effort to update the regulatory framework in civil aviation.

— This work was carried out as part of a systematic regulatory update in the industry. Among the key changes are the specification of the procedure for providing services to passengers during a transportation break, clarifying the rules for accommodating parents with children under 12, and extending discounts to unaccompanied children.

What new rights will passengers get?

Timur Marshani, a lawyer and auto lawyer, draws attention to the fact that the changes significantly expand the list of guarantees for travelers.

"Passengers will have the right to be fully informed in advance about flight conditions, fares, ticket changes and refunds, including in case of forced cancellation due to illness or flight delays of more than 30 minutes," the expert noted.

Photo: IZVESTIA/Eduard Kornienko

In addition, starting from March 1, 2026, an electronic boarding pass will be equivalent to a paper one and will become an official document that can be used during all procedures at the airport. Separately, the possibilities of carrying hand luggage for passengers with limited mobility, as well as for parents with children, are expanding.

— Baby strollers and other devices can be transported for free even if the child is not actually on this flight. In addition, the rule of mandatory placement of children under 12 years old next to an adult is fixed at no additional cost," Marshani explained.

What will change if the flight is delayed

The new rules clarify the responsibilities of airlines in situations of long delays. In particular, the carrier will be required to provide passengers with water one hour after a two-hour delay in departure. Meals should be provided two hours after a four-hour delay.

According to Timur Marshani, these regulations will give passengers additional grounds to demand respect for their rights.

Photo: IZVESTIA/Sergey Lantyukhov

— If water or food is not provided, the passenger should record the violation — take a photo or video, find witnesses and make a written complaint to the airline right at the airport. In case of refusal, it is necessary to send a complaint by registered mail or through the carrier's website within six months, referring to the Air Code and new rules," the lawyer said.

What responsibility do airlines face?

The expert notes that for violating the requirements for informing and servicing passengers, carriers may face administrative and civil liability.

— Possible fines under the Administrative Code, the obligation to refund the money for the ticket, as well as compensation. First, you need to file a claim with the airline, then with the Federal Air Transport Agency, Rostransnadzor or the transport prosecutor's office, and if necessary, with the court," Marshani explained.

The Russian Ministry of Transport confirmed that the monitoring of compliance with the new rules will be carried out within the framework of the current supervision system.

Photo: IZVESTIA/Sergey Lantyukhov

"The established procedure for monitoring and verifying air carriers will be applied to all new requirements," the agency's press service said.

Lawyers point out that it is the specification of procedures that should reduce the number of conflict situations at airports.

What is important for passengers to know before the changes take effect

Experts advise travelers to familiarize themselves with the updated rules in advance, especially if the trip is planned for the upcoming spring. Special attention should be paid to the fare conditions, the ticket refund procedure, the carry-on baggage allowance and the algorithm of actions in case of flight delays. The recording of violations and timely filing of a claim remain key tools for protecting rights.

From March 1, 2026, the new rules will become mandatory for all Russian air carriers, and their practical application will show how effectively they can change the daily experience of passengers.