January 19, 2020

The Skinny on Fat Pets on Flights


The Skinny on Fat Pets on Flights
Only pets under 8 kg are allowed on most flights. Tripp [CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)]

Russia’s Transportation Ministry will not set uniform standards for pet weights on airplanes.

As we previously reported, a cat that was two kilograms above the weight restriction made its way onto an Aeroflot airplane. The cat’s owner managed to get his fat cat on board by presenting a smaller decoy cat at check-in. Once Aeroflot discovered the swap, they stripped the cat’s owner of his bonus miles and canceled his account. This led to a petition from Russia’s union of passengers to the Transportation Ministry asking for uniform standards for pet weight.

Russians did not approve of Aeroflot’s actions: the internet responded with many memes supporting cats of any weight on planes.

Despite the drama surrounding the event, the Transportation Ministry decided to hold off on establishing standard requirements for pet weights in the cabin of an airplane. The Ministry didn’t find it appropriate to set standards, since different airlines use different sized planes, which each have their own safety requirements. As it is, each airline sets its own limits, with companies’ policies currently ranging from 5 to 12 kilograms for pets in the cabin. There is some discussion of the possibility of paying extra for pets who are over the weight limit. Otherwise, overweight pets have to ride with the baggage.

Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

The Little Humpbacked Horse
November 03, 2014

The Little Humpbacked Horse

A beloved Russian classic about a resourceful Russian peasant, Vanya, and his miracle-working horse, who together undergo various trials, exploits and adventures at the whim of a laughable tsar, told in rich, narrative poetry.

How Russia Got That Way
September 20, 2025

How Russia Got That Way

A fast-paced crash course in Russian history, from Norsemen to Navalny, that explores the ways the Kremlin uses history to achieve its ends.

Russian Rules
November 16, 2011

Russian Rules

From the shores of the White Sea to Moscow and the Northern Caucasus, Russian Rules is a high-speed thriller based on actual events, terrifying possibilities, and some really stupid decisions.

At the Circus
January 01, 2013

At the Circus

This wonderful novella by Alexander Kuprin tells the story of the wrestler Arbuzov and his battle against a renowned American wrestler. Rich in detail and characterization, At the Circus brims with excitement and life. You can smell the sawdust in the big top, see the vivid and colorful characters, sense the tension build as Arbuzov readies to face off against the American.

Driving Down Russia's Spine
June 01, 2016

Driving Down Russia's Spine

The story of the epic Spine of Russia trip, intertwining fascinating subject profiles with digressions into historical and cultural themes relevant to understanding modern Russia. 

The Samovar Murders
November 01, 2019

The Samovar Murders

The murder of a poet is always more than a murder. When a famous writer is brutally stabbed on the campus of Moscow’s Lumumba University, the son of a recently deposed African president confesses, and the case assumes political implications that no one wants any part of.

The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas
October 01, 2013

The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas

This exciting new trilogy by a Russian author – who has been compared to Orhan Pamuk and Umberto Eco – vividly recreates a lost world, yet its passions and characters are entirely relevant to the present day. Full of mystery, memorable characters, and non-stop adventure, The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas is a must read for lovers of historical fiction and international thrillers.

 
Fish
February 01, 2010

Fish

This mesmerizing novel from one of Russia’s most important modern authors traces the life journey of a selfless Russian everywoman. In the wake of the Soviet breakup, inexorable forces drag Vera across the breadth of the Russian empire. Facing a relentless onslaught of human and social trials, she swims against the current of life, countering adversity and pain with compassion and hope, in many ways personifying Mother Russia’s torment and resilience amid the Soviet disintegration.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955