Flights, baggage allowance, onboard services, and travel information
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Traveling with an animal on Novoair is possible, but it requires planning and advance approval. As a rule, pets are carried as checked baggage in the aircraft hold (booked as AVIH) on a space‑limited, case‑by‑case basis. Novoair does not offer a regular pet‑in‑cabin option; only trained service/guide dogs assisting a passenger with a disability are typically considered for cabin travel, subject to documentation and prior clearance. Because the airline operates ATR 72 aircraft, capacity and kennel size are constrained, and acceptance can be restricted during extreme heat or other operational conditions. To avoid surprises, request carriage when you book your ticket and seek written confirmation no later than 48 hours before departure.
For the passenger cabin, expect exceptions only for bona fide service dogs. These animals must be properly harnessed, remain at your feet without occupying a seat, and not obstruct aisles or emergency exits. You’ll be asked to present proof of task‑training and health/vaccination records; emotional‑support or comfort animals are not treated as service animals and generally must travel in the hold.
In the hold, pets travel in an approved kennel and are checked in at the airport like special baggage. Acceptance is always subject to the captain’s/operations’ final approval, weather, and aircraft loading limits. Novoair may cap the number of live‑animal containers per flight, so early booking matters. Plan to arrive earlier than usual so staff can inspect the kennel, documents, and attach handling tags.
Use a robust, IATA‑compliant hard‑sided kennel sized so your animal can stand without the ears touching the roof, turn around, and lie down naturally. As a practical limit on regional aircraft, only small to medium crates are commonly accepted; oversized or giant crates may not fit through the ATR 72 hold door. Most airlines on similar equipment cap a single pet+kennel to 32 kg (70 lb) for checked baggage; heavier animals must go as air cargo via a freight agent. Always provide the exact external dimensions and total weight when you request approval so Novoair can verify fit and balance.
Your crate checklist:
For domestic Bangladesh travel, carry a recent veterinary health/fit‑to‑fly certificate and vaccination record. A current rabies vaccination is expected (the first shot must be at least 30 days old; boosters must be valid on the day of travel). Parasite control within the past week is sensible, and permanent ID (microchip) is recommended even if not mandatory. Birds and any non‑traditional pets can require permits from competent authorities; CITES‑listed species need special export/import clearances. For service dogs, bring proof of training and behavior suitability in addition to health documents.
Check in earlier than usual—aim for 90–120 minutes before a domestic departure. You may be asked to sign a limited‑liability form, affix labels to the kennel, and remain reachable at the gate in case operations need to speak with you. Keep originals of all papers with you (not attached to the crate) and a photocopy set on the kennel.
Expect a separate fee for live animals checked in the hold; it is typically charged as excess baggage based on the actual weight of the pet plus kennel and does not count toward your free allowance. Service/guide dogs traveling in the cabin with prior approval are usually carried free of charge. Novoair generally accepts dogs and cats; rodents, reptiles, fish, and insects are not accepted as baggage. Very young animals (under 12 weeks), animals in late pregnancy or with nursing young, and pets recovering from surgery are not accepted. When temperatures are extreme or thunderstorms are forecast, acceptance can be suspended for animal welfare; the airline will prioritize safety over schedule.
Thoughtful preparation makes the journey smoother for your companion and for you. Start crate‑training at least a week in advance so the kennel feels like a safe den, and take short practice rides. Feed a light meal four hours before check‑in and avoid heavy feeding right before departure; offer water normally. Exercise your pet before heading to the airport, attach an ID tag to the collar and the kennel, and keep a photo of your pet on your phone. Sedation is generally discouraged by veterinarians and airlines because it can increase risk at altitude—discuss alternatives like pheromone sprays with your vet instead.
Simple pre‑flight pack list:
Underline this in your plans: Always secure written acceptance for your animal and crate from Novoair in advance, and re‑confirm the day before departure. Policies and fees can change without notice, and local regulations may add requirements when you connect to another airline or cross borders. Staying proactive keeps your pet safe and your trip stress‑light.
On Novoair, passengers are generally grouped as infants, children, and adults based on age at the time of travel. An infant is typically a child aged 0–1 year (i.e., under 2 years); a child is 2–11 years; and an adult is 12 years and above. These categories determine whether a seat is required and what fare and baggage rules apply. Always carry proof of age, such as a birth certificate or passport, because staff may need to verify eligibility for an infant or child fare.
If your baby is under two years you can choose to travel with the infant on your lap or purchase a separate seat. A lap infant does not occupy a seat and usually pays a reduced infant fare plus applicable taxes; if you prefer your baby in a car seat, you must purchase a regular seat at the applicable child fare. For safety, only one lap infant is permitted per accompanying adult, and infants cannot be seated in exit rows; when using a child restraint, the preferred location is a window seat. Bring a government‑approved child restraint if buying a seat, and be ready to present the approval label (such as FAA/EASA/UN ECE) to the crew.
Novoair’s economy fares on domestic routes commonly include a cabin bag and a checked allowance, with children (2–11) receiving the same as adults under the booked fare. Infants without their own seat typically receive a smaller checked allowance and may bring essential baby items; a small diaper bag is generally allowed in addition to the accompanying adult’s cabin bag. Because allowances can vary by fare brand and route, check your e‑ticket for the exact limits and dimensions before you pack. If you’re traveling with an infant, keep feeding items and a change of clothes in your cabin bag so they’re within easy reach.
Collapsible strollers and baby carriers are welcome: you can check them at the counter free of charge, or gate‑check them so they’re taken at the aircraft door and returned upon arrival. Novoair operates ATR 72 aircraft on most routes; these turboprops have compact cabins and overhead bins, so onboard bassinets are not provided and larger strollers won’t fit in the cabin. Car seats are allowed only when you’ve purchased a seat for your child, and they must be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions; avoid exit rows and place the restraint at the window to keep aisles clear. If your stroller is gate‑checked, use a simple tag with your name and phone number and fold it before boarding to speed things up on the ramp.
Flights are short, and service is simple—expect water and a light snack rather than full meals, and plan to bring familiar snacks for toddlers (observe security rules for liquids). There is no built‑in entertainment system on these aircraft, so pre‑download shows or audiobooks and carry child‑safe headphones; ATR cabins can be a bit noisy, so soft ear protection helps little ears. Families with infants are often invited to board early when operationally possible, especially when boarding by bus or stairs; ask the gate agent politely if you don’t hear an announcement. Feed or offer a pacifier during take‑off and landing to help with ear pressure, and keep a light blanket since cabin temperatures can vary.
Arrive early—aim for at least 90 minutes before a domestic departure—so you can check bags, tag your stroller, and choose seats without rushing. Choose seating thoughtfully: a window pair can feel calmer for toddlers, while the front of the cabin is slightly quieter on turboprops; avoid exit rows, which are restricted to adults without infants. Pack smart but light: diapers, wipes, a spare outfit for both child and caregiver, plastic bags for soiled items, and a compact changing mat make in‑flight care much easier. If one parent is traveling solo, a notarized consent letter and copies of the other parent’s ID can smooth questions at check‑in or immigration on international sectors.
Important: Policies can change, and specific allowances depend on your fare and route. Before you fly, review your e‑ticket, check the latest baggage and infant rules on Novoair’s website, or contact VQ customer service to confirm details for your booking.
Novoair’s frequent-flyer program — SMILES — is designed for travelers shuttling between Dhaka and Bangladesh’s key cities, with simple ways to earn on every ticket and redeem for future trips. If you fly VQ regularly for work or family visits, enrolling is free and quick, and your account starts capturing value from your very next booking. The program focuses on straightforward flight rewards, without the complexity you might find in global alliances, which makes it easy to plan around your own travel patterns. Think of SMILES as a practical companion: the more you fly, the more flexibility and small comforts you unlock.
SMILES has a standard Member level and three elite tiers — Silver, Gold, and Platinum — that reflect your yearly activity. Qualification is typically based on the flights you complete and the fare types you buy within a rolling 12-month period, with higher, flexible fares counting more toward status. As you move up, you gain priority services and perks that make short domestic hops smoother, and you’ll requalify each year by meeting the same or similar thresholds. Your progress, tier validity dates, and any bonus offers are shown inside your SMILES profile, so it’s worth checking the dashboard after each trip.
You earn SMILES points whenever you fly with Novoair (IATA: VQ), and your accrual generally depends on the route and fare purchased. Higher fare families often earn at better rates, rewarding flexibility and last-minute travel, while discounted tickets earn more modestly — but every segment still moves you forward. Be sure to add your SMILES number at booking or during check-in; if you forget, retro-claims for recent flights are usually possible with your e-ticket and boarding pass. Beyond flights, Novoair periodically partners with local banks, hotels, and lifestyle brands in Bangladesh for bonus-point campaigns and member-only discounts, so keeping an eye on email offers can quietly boost your balance.
Redemptions are centered on Novoair-operated flights, with award availability managed per route and date; one-way and round-trip options are typically offered, and taxes/fees are payable in cash. Because Novoair flies a single-cabin configuration, classic cabin “upgrades” aren’t the focus; instead, points shine when used for free seats on busy travel periods or last-minute plans. Non-flight redemptions do appear from time to time — think partner vouchers or promotional gifts — but flight awards usually deliver the most reliable value. It’s also worth noting that SMILES is not part of a global airline alliance, and partner-airline redemptions are not a standard feature of the program.
At the elite levels, SMILES adds comfort and predictability to the airport experience. Silver status is your entry into priority treatment, with benefits such as faster check-in lanes and enhanced waitlist priority that reduce stress on peak days. Gold builds on that with richer perks — expect larger bonus earning on flights, extra baggage allowance on top of the standard policy, and access to partner lounges at domestic terminals where available. Platinum is the top tier, offering the highest priority for irregular operations, the most generous baggage allowances, elevated point bonuses, and lounge access for you (and occasionally a guest) when lounge facilities are available. Exact entitlements can vary by airport and season, but the pattern is clear: as you move up, you gain time-saving privileges that make frequent travel feel calmer and more predictable.
Enroll before your next booking and save your SMILES number in your profile so it auto-fills — missing flights is the most common reason balances lag. Watch for double-points or reduced-award promotions around holidays and regional events; booking into those windows can halve the points you need for the same seat. If your plans are flexible, search a day or two on either side of your target date — award availability often opens on off-peak departures. Keep your account active so points don’t expire; even a short, low-cost sector or a small partner promo can reset the clock. And when chasing status, remember that slightly higher fare families may earn faster and come with practical perks (like flexibility) that — together with SMILES bonuses — can outweigh the initial price difference.
In short, SMILES is intentionally simple: earn on VQ flights, redeem for VQ flights, and enjoy increasing priority and comfort as your travel builds. Use it as your steady companion for Bangladesh trips, and let those everyday journeys quietly fund the next one.
As of late 2024, Novoair operates a compact, single‑type fleet built entirely around the ATR 72-500 (ATR 72‑212A). You’ll find seven aircraft in service, an intentional scale that fits Bangladesh’s dense, short‑haul network while keeping operations nimble. Sticking to one aircraft family streamlines pilot training, spare parts, and scheduling, which tends to translate into steadier reliability for you. The ATR’s performance is well matched to runways at cities like Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, Jashore, and Saidpur, where quick turnarounds matter more than long‑range speed. With the same model across the board, your onboard experience stays reassuringly predictable from route to route.
Novoair’s ATR 72-500s are set up in a single‑cabin, all‑economy layout with 2‑2 seating and typically 68–72 seats, so there’s no middle seat anywhere on board. Expect seat pitch around 30–31 inches and seat widths about 17 inches, with low, wide windows that bring in plenty of natural light. Overhead bins on turboprops are smaller than on jets, so larger carry‑ons are often gate‑checked while personal items stow easily overhead or under the seat. Powered by Pratt & Whitney PW127 engines turning six‑blade composite propellers, the ATR cruises around 500–520 km/h—ideal for 40–70 minute domestic hops where a jet’s speed advantage is minimal. You may notice a gentle prop hum on takeoff, but once at cruise the cabin settles into a smooth, comfortably quiet ride.
Most of Novoair’s ATR 72-500s were produced between the late 1990s and early 2010s, so the fleet spans a range of vintages. The youngest frames arrived around 2010–2011, while the oldest date back to the turn of the millennium. Despite different build years, the cabins are standardized and refreshed periodically—think new seat covers, carpeting, and galley touch‑ups—so the look and feel are consistent across the fleet. The -500 remains a robust short‑runway performer, and disciplined maintenance keeps dispatch reliability high. If you like model trivia, the “-500” tag denotes ATR’s -212A airframe with performance upgrades over earlier ATR 72 variants.
Looking ahead, Novoair’s growth logic points to staying with turboprops, and industry chatter has periodically linked the airline with evaluating next‑generation ATR 72‑600s. As of late 2024, no firm public order has been announced, but the -600’s modern avionics, quieter cabin, and better fuel burn make it a natural evolution. Any transition would likely be gradual—bringing in newer airframes while retiring the oldest -500s—to preserve the efficiencies of a single‑type operation. Near‑term additions would mostly support higher frequencies on busy domestic routes and selectively restore short regional services when demand aligns.
Choosing turboprops is a sustainability decision in itself. On sectors under 500–600 km, ATRs typically burn up to 30–40% less fuel per seat than comparable regional jets, cutting CO2 by a similar margin. Novoair complements that with practical steps such as electronic flight bags, optimized flight planning, single‑engine taxi where feasible, and careful weight management. The ATR’s slower approach speeds and efficient aerodynamics also reduce community noise around airports compared with jets of similar capacity. For you, that means a smaller environmental footprint without sacrificing much time on short domestic legs.
Here are a few fleet tidbits you might enjoy:
Novoair (VQ) keeps meal service simple and reliable, reflecting its network of mostly short domestic flights within Bangladesh. You can expect complimentary light refreshments for everyone, with service tailored to the limited time at cruising altitude. Think of it as a pleasant pick‑me‑up rather than a full sit‑down meal, with an emphasis on practicality, local flavors, and quick, friendly delivery by the crew.
Novoair operates a single‑class economy cabin, so the offering is consistent across the aircraft. On very short hops, the crew typically hands out a small snack pack—often a savory pastry or sandwich and a sweet bite—plus bottled water or juice. When flight time allows, tea or coffee may also be offered; on the briefest sectors, service may be limited to drinks for safety and timing reasons. On longer domestic or regional sectors (around an hour), the snack box can be a touch more substantial, but it is still a light meal, not a multi‑course service. As always, turbulence, weather, or operational constraints can alter the flow of service on the day.
Catering is generally prepared to halal standards, as is standard practice in Bangladesh. Vegetarian‑friendly items appear regularly (for example, a veg sandwich or pastry), but they are not guaranteed on every departure. Strict dietary patterns such as vegan, gluten‑free, or low‑sodium are not systematically provided on these short flights, and cross‑contact with allergens cannot be fully ruled out. If you have severe allergies, inform Novoair during booking and again at the gate, and brief the crew once onboard; they will assist within operational limits, though they cannot guarantee an allergen‑free cabin.
Novoair does not publish a formal special‑meal catalogue, and pre‑order options are limited. When a particular need is essential, the most reliable approach is to bring your own sealed, non‑perishable snacks that comply with airport security rules. For infants and medical diets, contact the airline at least 48 hours before departure to ask what may be arranged from your departure station.
Expect straightforward, locally inspired items that travel well—savory bakes, simple sandwiches, and small cakes—typically individually wrapped for freshness and hygiene. Portions are modest but timed well for short flights, and the crew usually prioritizes water service to keep you hydrated in the cabin’s dry air. Tea and instant coffee are common when heating water is feasible within the short service window. Menus can vary by route and day because catering is sourced from approved airport suppliers rather than a single branded program.
Novoair does not serve alcoholic beverages onboard, and consuming your own alcohol in flight is prohibited. Soft drinks, juices, tea, coffee (time permitting), and plenty of water make up the beverage selection. Hot drinks may be paused during turbulence or on very brief sectors for safety, so don’t be surprised if the crew focuses on cold beverages only when the schedule is tight.
There are no widely advertised collaborations with celebrity chefs or global food brands at this time. Instead, Novoair relies on licensed local caterers at its operating airports, which helps keep menus familiar and suited to regional tastes while maintaining straightforward service on short routes.
Novoair’s light‑refreshment model means there’s usually no need to pre‑plan, but a little preparation goes a long way on busy travel days:
Details can change without notice, especially across different stations and seasons, so it’s wise to check your booking details or contact Novoair directly a day or two before you fly.
Novoair operates a compact fleet of ATR 72 turboprops primarily on short domestic routes within Bangladesh. On these brief sectors, there is no built‑in in‑flight entertainment (IFE) such as seatback screens or overhead monitors, and you should plan for personal device entertainment instead. Think of the flight as a tidy interlude between cities: efficient, friendly, and usually under an hour. That pace naturally limits the need for long-form viewing, but it also makes preparation simple—download what you love, sit back, and enjoy the ride. The scenery on approach—river deltas, green fields, and coastal views—often becomes the most memorable “channel” onboard.
Because there are no seatback screens and no airline streaming portal, access to movies, shows, music, and games is entirely through your own phone, tablet, or laptop in airplane mode. If available, a light in‑cabin magazine can fill a few minutes, but it’s best to assume reading materials may be limited or shared. Many travelers opt for short‑form content: a half‑hour episode, a few downloaded podcasts, a playlist, or a casual game that works offline. Window seats reward you with natural “programming”—Bangladesh’s landscapes are wonderfully cinematic during takeoff and landing. For audio, bring wired or Bluetooth headphones (set to airplane mode) so you can listen comfortably without disturbing others.
The variety and quality of content are exactly what you bring along, which is empowering if you prep well. High‑resolution downloads look great on modern devices, and subtitles help if cabin announcements briefly interrupt. Since Novoair’s ATR 72s are configured in a single‑class cabin, there are no class‑based differences in IFE access or equipment. Seating and service may vary slightly by aircraft, but entertainment remains a bring‑your‑own experience for everyone. If you’re traveling with children, pack a couple of offline games or an activity book alongside their favorite show.
Novoair flights do not currently offer onboard Wi‑Fi, live TV, or in‑flight streaming; plan as if there’s no onboard Wi‑Fi and no power outlets/USB ports. The airline has not announced formal content‑provider partnerships for movies, music, or gaming, so there’s no curated catalog to browse in the air. If you need last‑minute downloads, use airport Wi‑Fi before boarding and verify that your apps (Netflix, Prime Video, Spotify, YouTube Premium, etc.) are set for offline playback. As offerings can evolve, it’s always wise to double‑check the latest details on Novoair’s official channels before you fly. In practice, however, treating these flights as offline segments will keep your plans stress‑free.
Short flights shine when you match them with short, satisfying entertainment. Queue two podcast episodes, a playlist that fits the flight time, or a single TV installment you’ve been saving. Pack light but smart: a compact power bank (within airline battery rules) and comfortable headphones go a long way on a turboprop, where cabin noise can be higher than on jets. And remember the basics—devices in airplane mode, and stowed for taxi, takeoff, and landing—so your viewing doesn’t compete with safety.
With these simple steps, Novoair’s minimalist setup becomes a calm, curated by you experience—reliable, personal, and perfectly sized for Bangladesh’s quick hops.
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