Flights, baggage allowance, onboard services, and travel information
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Aurora
HZ
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SSJ
Country of registration
Official website
Address
Russia, Saint Petersburg, Pulkovo Airport, 41, 196210
Aurora was founded in 2013 as an Aeroflot Group regional carrier serving Russia's Far East. It offers a mixed fleet including Sukhoi Superjet 100s and turboprops on short-haul routes, with strengths in regional connectivity, Aeroflot backing and relatively modern equipment. Drawbacks include a limited international network, occasional punctuality and reliability issues in harsh weather, and modest onboard service compared with national full-service carriers. It is not a low-cost airline and has no widely recognized Skytrax rating.
Flying with Aurora (IATA: HZ) can be pet‑friendly when you plan ahead. The airline generally accepts small household pets—most often cats and dogs—in the cabin if space, aircraft type, and route allow, while larger animals travel in the heated, pressurized hold. Availability is limited per flight and approval is always required in advance, so it’s wise to request pet carriage as soon as you book your own ticket. Your animal must remain inside a suitable carrier for the entire journey; seats can’t be assigned for pets, and certain rows (such as emergency exits) are off‑limits.
Service animals trained to assist a person with a disability are typically accepted in the cabin free of charge when documentation is provided. Emotional‑support animals, however, are treated as pets and must meet the standard pet rules. Because Aurora operates regional aircraft, acceptance can vary by aircraft type—on some smaller planes the under‑seat space and hold capacity are tighter than on larger jets.
For the cabin, choose a soft, well‑ventilated, leak‑proof carrier that can be stowed fully under the seat in front of you. Exact dimensions are tied to the specific aircraft, but on regional fleets the under‑seat space is modest; a low‑profile soft carrier that can flex slightly helps. The combined weight of pet and carrier has a strict cap set by the airline per route—on many Russian carriers this commonly falls around 8–10 kg, but Aurora will confirm the precise limit when you request approval. Only one pet is allowed per carrier, though two small pets of the same species and household may sometimes travel together if they fit comfortably and safely.
For the hold, use a rigid, IATA‑compliant crate with secure metal fasteners, ample ventilation on three or more sides, absorbent bedding, and spill‑proof food/water dishes. Your pet must be able to stand, turn, and lie down naturally—if the ears touch the roof, the crate is too small. There is also a maximum accepted weight per piece and per animal; once crate+pet exceed typical airline handling limits (often around 32 kg), carriage may be possible only as air cargo. Brachycephalic (snub‑nosed) breeds face additional risk in the hold; Aurora may restrict or require cabin‑only travel for such breeds when available.
On Russian domestic routes, carry your pet’s veterinary passport showing up‑to‑date vaccinations, especially rabies. Rabies vaccination usually must be administered at least 21 days before travel and still be valid on the date of flight; a general health note from a licensed veterinarian issued shortly before departure is strongly recommended. Some airports may request a veterinary certificate in the state electronic system; check your departure airport’s practice to avoid surprises. Young animals (typically under 8 weeks), animals in late pregnancy, or those recovering from surgery are generally not accepted.
For international journeys, rules depend on the destination: most countries require an ISO‑compliant microchip, rabies vaccination after microchipping, and a health certificate within a defined window (often 5–10 days). Certain places—such as the EU/UK, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand—apply stricter regimes, which can include rabies antibody titers, parasite treatments, quarantine, or cargo‑only entry. If you’re traveling with birds, reptiles, or exotic species, research import permits and CITES documentation well in advance. Always align vet paperwork dates with your outbound and return flights to keep everything valid both ways.
Pet carriage is a paid optional service and is not included in your free baggage allowance. In practice, cabin pets are charged a fixed fee per flight segment, while animals in the hold are charged either a fixed fee or by actual weight/size; payment is usually taken at the airport once acceptance is confirmed. If you have a connection on another airline, each carrier applies its own fee and rules. Trained guide and assistance dogs travel free of charge when requirements are met, but they must be properly harnessed and remain under control throughout the flight.
Restrictions you may encounter include embargoes in extreme temperatures, limits on total pets per flight, and bans on certain species (for example, rodents, reptiles, amphibians, and insects are commonly not accepted as baggage). Some destinations prohibit pets in the cabin entirely or require arrival as manifest cargo. Aurora can also decline animals that appear ill, aggressive, or whose carriers don’t meet standards. When in doubt, seek written pre‑approval and carry printouts of your confirmation.
A few weeks out, start acclimating your pet to the travel carrier—short daily sessions with treats can turn it into a safe, familiar space. Schedule a vet check 7–10 days before departure to verify fitness to fly and to align any certificates with the entry window; sedation is generally discouraged because it can affect breathing at altitude. On the day of travel, feed a light meal a few hours before check‑in, line the carrier with absorbent material, attach a water dispenser, and take a final walk before security. Arrive early—pet acceptance takes extra time—and keep copies of all documents handy.
Finally, because Aurora operates various regional aircraft, the exact carrier dimensions, weight caps, and acceptance on specific routes can differ. For the most reliable outcome, request pet carriage when booking, reconfirm 48 hours before departure, and be ready with a plan B (such as a different flight or cargo option) if the aircraft type changes.
Traveling with little ones on Aurora (HZ) is very doable when you know what to expect. Because Aurora operates a mix of turboprops and narrow‑body jets across Russia’s Far East, amenities can vary by aircraft and route. The essentials below reflect Aurora’s usual practice and wider industry standards, but some details depend on your fare brand and itinerary. For anything critical—like baggage pieces or special equipment—double‑check your booking confirmation or contact the airline before you pack.
Airlines align closely on definitions: an infant is typically a child under 2 years old, a child is from 2 to 11, and an adult is 12 and above. These categories influence the fare, seating, and identification you’ll need at check‑in. If your baby turns two during your trip, you’ll usually need to purchase a separate seat for the return or onward leg. It’s also wise to ensure the name and date of birth on the ticket match your child’s travel document exactly—small discrepancies can cause avoidable delays.
You can travel with an infant on your lap or buy a separate seat. A lap infant shares your seat and uses a special safety belt provided by the crew; only one lap infant is allowed per accompanying adult. For twins or two children under two, a second adult must travel, or you’ll need to buy a dedicated seat for the additional infant and use an approved child restraint. If you purchase a seat for your baby, bring a certified car seat marked “for use in aircraft,” and expect to install it in a window seat (never in exit rows).
Seat assignment with young children is handled with care, and Aurora staff will try to seat you together if your booking scattered your seats. Still, it helps to choose seats early, then ask at check‑in or the gate if you need to be moved next to your child. On smaller aircraft, certain rows can be restricted due to oxygen masks and tray table layouts, so accept crew guidance if they seat you in a specific location for safety.
Checked and cabin baggage for children generally mirrors the adult allowance when the child has their own seat, but it can vary by fare. For lap infants, a full checked allowance is not always included; however, Aurora typically accepts essential baby equipment separately. Expect that a compact, foldable stroller and a child car seat are carried free of charge in addition to your paid bags, though they may need to be checked at the counter or the gate. Bring a small diaper bag as your personal item with nappies, wipes, a change of clothes, and any medication—on short sectors there’s little room to improvise if something is missing.
Aurora does not run a standalone program; instead, it participates in Aeroflot Bonus, the frequent‑flyer scheme of the Aeroflot Group. That means one Aeroflot Bonus account covers your Aurora trips: add your number to any HZ booking and you’ll earn redeemable miles and status credit. The miles you collect live in Aeroflot Bonus and can be used on Aurora, Aeroflot, and—where available—partner airlines across the wider network. If you already earn with Aeroflot Bonus, you’re set; if not, enrollment is free and quick. Because policies evolve, always verify current earning and redemption rules on the Aeroflot Bonus site before you book.
Aeroflot Bonus features four tiers: Base (entry), Silver, Gold, and Platinum. You qualify over a rolling 12‑month period by flying enough qualifying miles or segments, with flights marketed and operated by Aeroflot Group carriers—Aurora included—counting toward status. Historically, Silver is reachable with a modest annual travel pattern, Gold rewards frequent flyers, and Platinum recognizes very heavy travelers; exact thresholds and counting rules can change, so it’s wise to plan against the current chart rather than memory. Silver maps to SkyTeam Elite, while Gold and Platinum map to Elite Plus, giving you broader recognition where partner benefits are active.
On Aurora flights, miles post to Aeroflot Bonus based on the fare’s booking class and the distance flown; fully flexible and standard fares usually earn more, while deep‑discount fares may earn reduced credit or none at all. Make sure the name on your ticket matches your Aeroflot Bonus profile and that your number is added before departure—retro‑claims are possible but time‑limited and stricter for some fare classes. You can also credit Aeroflot and select partner flights to Aeroflot Bonus, though status‑qualifying credit may differ for non‑group partners. Outside the cabin, Aeroflot Bonus partners—hotels, car rentals, retailers, and financial services—let you earn on everyday spending, a handy way to keep balances growing between trips.
Your miles are easiest to use for award tickets on Aurora and Aeroflot, available as one‑way or round‑trip bookings with taxes/fees due at ticketing. Availability varies by route and date, so a little flexibility—trying alternative days or connecting via a hub—can unlock seats and better value. Mileage upgrades are widely offered on Aeroflot‑operated flights when you hold an eligible economy fare; Aurora’s mostly single‑cabin regional services limit upgrade opportunities, but awards on short hops can still shine when cash fares surge. Where partner access is active, miles can also be redeemed on other airlines in the network, and non‑flight options (merchandise, certificates, or charity) are useful for tidying up small balances.
You’ll notice right away that Aurora’s fleet is built for the Far East: a blend of sturdy turboprops for island and village airstrips and short‑haul jets for the busier city pairs. As of 2024, the airline operates roughly 25–30 aircraft across four core families: Airbus A319 for trunk routes, De Havilland Canada Dash 8 variants for regional hops, and DHC‑6 Twin Otter for the most remote airfields. That mix lets the carrier match the airplane to the runway—often short, exposed, and coastal—without sacrificing connectivity. It’s a compact fleet on paper, but highly versatile in practice.
On trunk links between Vladivostok, Yuzhno‑Sakhalinsk, Khabarovsk, and Kamchatka, the A319 is the familiar jet. Cabins are usually a small Business Class up front with a 3‑3 Economy cabin behind, an efficient setup for hops that can still span several hours across the Sea of Okhotsk. For regional frequencies where speed matters but runways are shorter, the Dash 8 Q400 does the heavy lifting; its 2‑2 cabin, low noise levels, and brisk cruise make it feel closer to a jet than many turboprops. The Dash 8‑300/‑200 cover thinner spokes; you trade a bit of speed for dependable performance on challenging strips. And when the runway is really short or the surface rough, the DHC‑6 Twin Otter shines with 19 seats, a big cargo door, and quick‑change interiors that keep people and essentials moving.
The newest metal in the fleet tends to be the DHC‑6‑400 and Q400 airframes delivered in the early‑to‑mid 2010s, still relatively young by regional standards. Aurora’s A319s were largely built in the mid‑2000s, with several frames approaching two decades in service but maintained under Russia’s domestic support ecosystem. The elder statesmen are the , many dating to the late 1990s and early 2000s, prized for ruggedness and predictable operating costs. Despite the age spread, interiors see periodic refreshes, and cockpit and safety upgrades keep the fleet aligned with current domestic requirements.
Aurora (IATA: HZ) connects the Russian Far East with many short regional hops, and that geography shapes what lands on your tray table. Expect a practical, time-efficient service that favors simple snacks and drinks over elaborate multi-course meals. On longer sectors, especially those operated by larger aircraft, the offering can scale up to a more substantial box or light meal. Menus and provisioning depend on local caterers at outstations, so small variations are normal. For the smoothest experience, always check your booking for catering notes and board with realistic expectations for a regional carrier.
On most domestic flights under about two hours, you’ll typically receive a complimentary snack (think packaged biscuits or crackers) and a choice of soft drinks, water, tea, or coffee. On very short sectors, service may be limited to water due to time and safety constraints. Flights of longer duration may feature a more generous snack box or a light cold meal, depending on uplift location and aircraft galley capacity. If your flight features a premium cabin or designated front-row seating, service may be enhanced with a larger selection or an extra beverage round. As with many regional operations, service standards vary by aircraft and route, and last-minute substitutions can occur.
Aurora’s ability to accommodate special diets is closely tied to flight length and local catering. Vegetarian and simple non-meat options are the most commonly available, while vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free choices may be offered on select longer flights only. Strict religious meals (such as Halal or Kosher) and fully allergen-controlled trays are not consistently provided on domestic routes. If a special meal is vital for you, submit a request through the airline or your travel agent at least 24–48 hours before departure, and reconfirm during check-in. Even when accepted, availability from smaller airports can be limited, so carry suitable snacks as a backup.
Food-allergy travelers should plan defensively. The airline cannot guarantee a nut- or sesame-free environment, and cross-contact is always a possibility in compact galleys. Bring your prescribed medications, wipe down your seating area, and let the crew know about severe allergies so they can support reasonable precautions. For infants and toddlers, bring familiar baby food and utensils; crew can usually provide hot water, but heating or refrigerating personal items isn’t guaranteed.
Catering is straightforward and designed for reliability in a challenging, weather-prone region. Expect shelf-stable savory or sweet snacks, with beverages centered on water, juices, soft drinks, tea, and coffee. On longer flights, a light meal might include bread, dairy or protein elements, and a simple dessert, but don’t expect extensive hot choices on turboprop-operated sectors. Quality is solid for what it aims to be: fresh, uncomplicated, and portable, with occasional regional touches depending on the catering station.
Aurora is a regional carrier serving Russia’s Far East, and its flights are mostly short hops on turboprops and narrow‑body jets. On these routes you generally won’t find a built‑in library of movies, TV shows, music, or games. Instead, entertainment tends to be minimal—think safety videos, occasional flight information, and the views out the window. Some jets may show content on overhead monitors, but these are not personal, on‑demand systems. It’s best to manage expectations: the airline focuses on reliable regional service rather than full-scale inflight media.
Seatback screens are typically not installed on Aurora aircraft, so there’s no personal screen per seat. Since there’s also no airline app–based platform to stream from onboard, you’ll mainly rely on your own phone, tablet, or e‑reader. That makes an offline, bring‑your‑own‑device (BYOD) strategy the most realistic plan. In‑seat power can be inconsistent and is often unavailable, especially on turboprops, so assume you’ll need your own battery power. Pack wired headphones as well, since Bluetooth may be restricted and there’s no seatback interface to pair with anyway.
As of the latest publicly available information, Aurora does not advertise onboard Wi‑Fi on its regular domestic services. Without connectivity, there’s no airline streaming portal or live internet access in the cabin. While policies can evolve, you should plan for a fully offline flight experience. Switch devices to airplane mode and download everything you want beforehand. If connectivity is introduced on select aircraft in the future, expect it to be noted during booking or at the gate rather than assumed.
Because entertainment is BYOD, the “variety” is whatever you preload—and the “quality” is limited only by your device’s screen, storage, and battery. Window seats can be a surprising bonus on these scenic routes, with views that rival any documentary. Most Aurora operations are single‑class, and where a premium cabin exists on select aircraft or routes, differences tend to center on space and service rather than expanded media options. In other words, don’t expect a separate content library by cabin. Everyone on board will have a similar entertainment baseline.
Overhead bins on turboprops are modest, so large carry‑ons and many strollers will be gate‑checked and returned planeside on arrival. If your stroller is battery‑assisted, remove and carry the battery in the cabin according to lithium battery rules. Protect gear with a simple cover or bag; ground handling is careful, but soft fabric can scuff.
Gate‑checking a stroller is straightforward: you’ll receive a tag at check‑in or the gate, use it up to boarding, then hand it to staff at the aircraft door. At many small airports, it’s returned to you on the ramp; keep a sling or lightweight carrier handy just in case. Bassinets are uncommon on regional fleets and are not guaranteed—plan as if a bassinet will not be available, especially on short domestic hops. For longer jet sectors, inquire in advance; numbers are limited and aircraft‑dependent.
For car seats, look for labels such as ECE R44/04, ECE R129 (i‑Size), or FAA/Transport Canada approval. Narrow seats on regional aircraft favor compact models; aim for a base width around 43 cm (17 in) or less. Install rear‑facing according to the manufacturer’s limits, and remember: no car seats in exit rows, and a window position is preferred so the device doesn’t block other passengers.
Catering depends on flight length. On short Aurora routes, service may be a light snack; on longer sectors, children’s meals might be available by request—order them at least 24 hours ahead. Bring familiar snacks, milk, and formula; security usually allows reasonable quantities of baby food and sterilized water—declare them during screening. Cabin crew can provide hot water or help warm a bottle when it’s safe to do so.
In‑seat entertainment is limited on most regional aircraft, so plan your own: download shows, pack a small book, and include one new surprise toy. Families with infants and toddlers are often invited to board early; listen for announcements and take advantage—it’s easier to settle car seats and stow gear without a queue. Not all lavatories have changing tables; ask the crew which one does, and avoid changing diapers at the seat whenever possible.
Aim to arrive earlier than you would solo—check‑in, document checks, and gate‑tagging strollers all take a little extra time. Dress your child in layers and pack spare outfits for you both; cabin temperatures can fluctuate, and spills happen. To ease ear pressure, feed, offer a pacifier, or encourage sips of water during take‑off and initial descent; for older kids, teach a gentle yawn or swallow. If seating choice matters, the aisle eases trips to the lavatory, while seats over the wing reduce turbulence.
A compact, thought‑through cabin kit is your best friend:
Finally, keep documents handy—passports or domestic IDs, visas if required, and any paperwork for minors traveling with one parent. Policies can evolve, so before you go, review your e‑ticket for the exact baggage allowance and note any special service requests. With a little planning and the crew’s help, you and your child can have a calm, comfortable journey on Aurora.
Even on regional routes, elite perks make travel smoother. Silver typically brings priority check‑in and boarding, preferred seating where available, and an extra checked‑baggage allowance under piece‑ or weight‑based rules. Gold adds lounge access for you (often with a guest) when traveling the same day on Aeroflot Group, plus higher priority for waitlists and irregular‑operations support; it’s also where many SkyTeam Elite Plus benefits apply on eligible partner itineraries. Platinum layers on the most generous baggage waivers, broader lounge access, better upgrade and service priority, and dedicated support lines—though facilities and exact entitlements can vary by airport and whether your flight is operated by Aurora or a partner.
With Aurora feeding into Aeroflot Bonus, you’re not just collecting miles on far‑eastern routes—you’re building a balance you can use across a wider network. A little planning around booking class, timing, and status strategy goes a long way toward turning regular trips into reliable, repeatable rewards.
Fleet renewal is accelerating as Aurora takes shape as the Far East’s unified carrier. Public plans point to adding Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SJ100) regional jets through the mid‑2020s for higher‑demand city pairs, while retiring the oldest Dash 8‑200/‑300 and, later in the decade, phasing out aging A319s. For the shortest and roughest runways, Aurora is earmarked to introduce new Russian turboprops as they certify—most notably the TVRS‑44 “Ladoga” and the 9‑seat LMS‑901 “Baikal”—with L‑410 light twins as a pragmatic bridge where feasible. The 68‑seat Il‑114‑300 is also on the radar as a future Q400‑class domestic alternative. Timelines hinge on certification and production, but the direction is clear: newer, locally supported types and fewer legacy Western models.
Aurora’s network naturally favors turboprops, which on sub‑800 km legs can burn 30–40% less fuel per seat than comparable jets—a quiet sustainability win. The use of STOL aircraft reduces detours and enables direct links to remote communities, trimming ferry and repositioning emissions. On the flight deck and ramp, crews lean on single‑engine taxi, GPU power instead of the APU where available, and continuous‑descent arrivals to save fuel. As new domestic types arrive with modern engines and lighter cabins, per‑seat emissions should fall further; the airline is also watching SAF developments to adopt blends when supply becomes practical in the Far East.
If you enjoy aviation nuance, this fleet offers plenty. The Q400 regularly handles weather‑prone coastal routes where its speed narrows the turboprop–jet gap, creating some of Russia’s longest scheduled turboprop sectors. The Twin Otter is a true lifeline: cabins can switch quickly between passengers, stretchers, and bulky cargo, keeping vital services flowing to island communities when ships can’t sail. Aurora’s distinctive livery—concentric rings evoking waves and islands—feels right at home on windswept ramps where boarding is via stairs and the airplane truly meets the landscape. It’s a fleet designed less for show and more for getting you there when the runway, weather, and distance all try to say otherwise.
Paid pre-order bistro-style meals are not a hallmark of Aurora’s regional operation. Special-meal requests, where available, should be made well before departure and are best suited to longer routes. Because provisioning from remote airports can change on short notice, it’s wise to travel with your own approved snacks to bridge any gaps. If meal planning is crucial, verify details with customer service and keep receipts for any promised services, as policies can evolve.
Alcohol service on short domestic flights is limited and often not offered at all, though select longer services may stock beer or wine. When provided, choices are modest and served at crew discretion. Regulations prohibit consuming your own alcoholic beverages onboard, even if purchased duty free. Hydration matters on regional flights with variable cabin conditions, so keep water handy and avoid overdoing caffeinated drinks.
Aurora does not widely publicize collaborations with celebrity chefs or global restaurant brands. Catering is typically sourced from regional providers in cities like Yuzhno‑Sakhalinsk, Vladivostok, and Khabarovsk, which explains small differences in taste and presentation. The emphasis is on reliability and availability rather than showy culinary concepts.
A little preparation makes regional dining stress-free. Pack simple, non-liquid snacks that pass security, and plan around your flight time—eating before late-evening departures is wise. If you rely on a specific diet, confirm any special meal and carry a fallback. Keep medication for allergies accessible, and notify crew early. Finally, bring a reusable bottle to fill after security, since service on short legs can be swift and minimal.
Aurora does not publicly promote partnerships with major content providers, and there is no co‑branded streaming platform to log into onboard. Any video shown on shared monitors is typically operational or informational rather than studio entertainment. If you prefer specific films, shows, or playlists, plan to curate them yourself. This approach keeps your inflight routine consistent across aircraft types and schedule changes.
Even without built‑in systems, you can create a comfortable, distraction‑free journey with a little prep. Think of the flight as a pocket of quiet time and pack accordingly; a well‑loaded device can turn a short sector into a satisfying mini‑retreat. For families, a small pouch of activities can be the difference between a smooth climb and a restless cabin. A few practical moves go a long way:
A little foresight keeps you in control of your own content, regardless of aircraft swaps or schedule shifts. Treat the absence of a seatback screen as permission to tailor the experience to your taste, from music you love to reading you never find time for. If your flight happens to offer overhead updates, consider them a helpful supplement rather than your main plan. With the right setup—and a fully charged battery—you’ll be well set for the Far Eastern skies.
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