New airline rules in Russia: free seat selection and accessible content

What changes already in September 2026

Starting 1 September 2026 every airline passenger will be allowed to lock in a seat in the cabin at no extra cost, right when the ticket is booked. Today most carriers charge a separate fee for pre‑selecting a chair – it’s convenient, but often ends up being an unnecessary expense. The new rule removes that charge, letting you see exactly where your seat will be and not worry about hidden fees.

How it works in practice

• When you search for a flight in an online system you’ll see the cabin layout and can click the seat you want.
• After you confirm the purchase the seat is assigned without any additional payment.
• If you later change the ticket, the rule still guarantees a free choice of a new seat.

That kind of approach makes the booking process clearer and cuts the risk of surprises on the day of departure.

Help for passengers who need assistance

The second part of the September package concerns travelers who require a companion during the flight. Airlines will be obliged to place the assistant next to the passenger who needs support. This applies, for example, to veterans of special military operations and to people with disabilities.

Thanks to the new requirement, when you buy a ticket you will instantly see that the seats for you and your helper are side by side, eliminating the chance of ending up in opposite sections of the aircraft. No hidden surcharges for those seats – everything is included in the ticket price.

What awaits passengers with hearing or visual impairments in 2027

The second stage takes effect on 1 March 2027. It aims to improve in‑flight entertainment for people with sensory limitations. According to the new order, if an airline offers movies on board, a portion of them must be equipped with subtitles for the hard‑of‑hearing and audio description (tiflocomments) for the visually impaired.

Subtitles and audio description in detail

• Subtitles – text on the screen that shows dialogue and sound effects, letting people with hearing loss follow the plot completely.
• Tiflocomment – an off‑screen voice that narrates visual details: character actions, setting, facial expressions. This service is already common in cinemas and on TV; now it will appear on planes as well.

These measures force airlines to upgrade their entertainment systems and to load adapted content. That’s why the start date has been pushed to 2027 – it gives enough time to install the necessary equipment and upload the files.

Why it matters

Improving accessibility in air travel responds to society’s growing demand for inclusion. Free seat selection removes a financial barrier, and guaranteed side‑by‑side seats for a companion solve the logistical headache many families have faced.

For people with hearing or visual impairments, subtitles and audio description turn an ordinary flight into a genuine cultural experience. Instead of merely “killing time,” a passenger can enjoy a film and understand every frame.

How to prepare for your flight

• Check your ticket status. When you book, indicate that you need a seat next to a companion, if that applies.
• Confirm the availability of adapted content. If subtitles or audio description are important to you, ask the airline which titles are already offered in those formats.
• Plan ahead. Although seat selection becomes free, popular spots can fill up quickly, so it’s best to secure your ticket as early as possible.

What to expect from airlines

Most major carriers have already announced they are ready to roll out the new services. They are expected to refresh their online booking interfaces and modernise the on‑board entertainment platforms. Passengers can look forward to a friendlier UI and a broader catalogue of movies with subtitles and audio description.

Bottom line

The new regulations, coming into force in two stages, make air travel in Russia more open and comfortable for every passenger category. Free seat selection eliminates extra costs, and mandatory side‑by‑side seats for a companion solve the separation issue. By 2027 subtitles and audio description will turn in‑flight content into something accessible for people with hearing or visual impairments. If you’re planning a flight in the coming years, start paying attention to these changes now – they’ll make your experience smoother and more predictable.

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru.