Travel by bus is not yet as popular as by plane or train. And if no one has any questions about luggage and hand luggage on a flight for a long time, then how many bags or suitcases can you take with you on the bus? What is considered hand luggage? And if you need to carry out something very large, for example , bicycle or snowboard? How to take your favorite dog or cat with you? Today we will find out the answers to all questions.
What is considered baggage and what is considered hand luggage
To begin with, we note that the procedure and rules for transporting luggage on buses are regulated by Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated February 14, 2009 N112 “On approval of the Rules for the carriage of passengers and luggage by road transport and urban ground electric transport.”
The norms for the carriage of hand luggage and baggage, including free baggage, can be set by each individual carrier, but they must not contradict the requirements provided for in Article 22 of the Federal Law “Charter of Road Transport and Urban Ground Electric Transport”.
LuggageThese are things that travel separately from the passenger. This is their main difference from the so-called carry-on luggage. You can take one piece of checked baggage and one piece of hand luggage free of charge. To understand how much this is, measure your suitcase in advance: if the sum of three dimensions (length, width and height) does not exceed 120 centimeters, and the weight does not exceed 30 kilograms, you fit into the baggage allowance. This suitcase will need to be checked in as luggage.
If you have several large bags, this is additional luggage. For an additional fee, you can transport bags with dimensions of 100x50x30 centimeters. If the bus is equipped with a special luggage compartment, you will receive two pieces of luggage, each with dimensions of 100x30x30 centimeters. The weight of each piece cannot be more than 60 kilograms.
Carry-on luggage is a small bag that will travel with you in the cabin. This bag should take up no more than one seat you paid for. If you can’t fit it on your lap, in your legs, or under the seat in front, then it’s no longer carry-on luggage, but luggage, and you’ll have to check it into a special compartment. Taking an adjacent seat or placing a bag in the aisle is prohibited by transportation rules.
Where will your luggage go
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Suitcases and bags, as well as strollers, bicycles and other large luggage are transported in a special luggage compartment of the bus. Most often, the bus driver accepts the luggage, and either the passenger or the driver puts the luggage in the compartment and unloads it.
Acceptance of baggage is issued by a receipt: this can be either a paper form or a token with a number assigned to the suitcase.
How much does extra luggage cost
We have already indicated above what size luggage you can take with you for free. If your suitcase is larger or you want to take several bags with you, you will have to pay for them at the rates set by the carrier. Unfortunately, they are not regulated; each bus company installs them.
On average, the cost of additional luggage is 10-15% of the ticket price. You can pay for your luggage either directly on the bus (the driver will accept the money),
or at the bus station at the ticket office.
For example, in the Moscow region, carrying luggage whose parameters exceed the established norm will cost 22 rubles if you are traveling 25 kilometers or less from the city, 44 rubles (distance from 25 to 50 kilometers) or 66 rubles (over 60 kilometers from Moscow).
If you travel by bus to Europe, fares will be in euros. The average surcharge will be from 10 to 15 euros per bag. Transporting a folded bicycle will cost 10-20 euros depending on the carrier.
Please note that they can accept a child’s sled, a pair of skis, small animals and birds in a cage for free – but this will be hand luggage, and you will have to fit them in the cabin.
In addition, strollers and wheelchairs will be accepted free of charge and without questions asked. Both will need to be added.
Please also note that oversized cargo may not be accepted even with an additional payment if there is not enough space in the luggage compartment. It is better to clarify this issue in advance at the bus station or directly with the carrier.
How to transport an animal on a bus
Photo: @freestocks
It all depends on what kind of animal you are taking with you. According to the rules for transporting luggage on buses, small animals (dogs, cats, rabbits) travel with the owner for free: they are considered hand luggage. For a large dog you will have to buy a ticket, as well as a muzzle and a leash.
A small dog or cat will have to be placed in a special container, bag or carrier basket. It is best to carry it in your arms: it can shake on the floor, the sound of the engine is better heard and the legs of passing passengers flash, which is not very good for the animal’s condition (transportation in itself is stressful, do not aggravate it).
If you are traveling with a large dog, you will be seated in the back of the bus. You cannot let the animal off the leash while driving, and at stops, if you go out to get some fresh air and stretch your legs, you will have to take it with you.
Be prepared to present a certificate from a veterinarian about the health status of your pet (Veterinary Certificate, Form No. 1). The certificate must contain information about vaccinations, including against rabies (it is valid for 1 year).
What cannot be carried as luggage on the bus
On buses, as on trains and planes, there are a number of luggage restrictions. So, you cannot take the following with you on the road:
- flammable substances
- toxic substances
- hunting weapons without the necessary packaging
- objects that stain the bus, luggage and clothes of other passengers
- objects that are too heavy (more than 60 kilograms) and exceed the permitted baggage dimensions
- oversized luggage that cannot be placed in the luggage compartment
- inappropriately packed luggage (for example, an uncaged parrot)
If you are traveling abroad by bus, the carrier has the right not to accept the cargo, which may complicate customs clearance and cause a flight delay.
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