Planning a trip with Air Moldova? One of the most important steps is understanding the airline’s baggage policy before you fly. Whether you are traveling light with just hand luggage or carrying multiple bags for a long journey, Air Moldova sets clear rules on size, weight, and fees to make your travel hassle-free. From carry-on allowances to checked baggage, excess charges, and lost luggage procedures, knowing the essentials in advance ensures smoother check-ins and fewer surprises. Let’s explore Air Moldova’s baggage policy so you can travel with confidence.

Air Moldova Hand Baggage Rules

Under the Air Moldova Baggage Policy, carry-on luggage must be placed under the front seat or in the overhead compartment.

Cabin Baggage Allowance:

  • Fare Types BASIC / OPTIMUM / COMFORT
    • 1 cabin bag allowed
    • Max weight: up to 8 kg
    • Size limit: total 115 cm (50 x 40 x 25 cm including wheels & handles)
  • Business Class
    • Also permitted 1 piece of hand baggage
    • Same limit: 8 kg, 115 cm total size
  • Note: If the item exceeds these limits, it must be checked in for transport in the hold.

Extra Personal Item Allowed:

In addition to the hand baggage, each passenger may also bring one small personal item, such as:

  • Handbag or small backpack
  • Laptop case
  • Duty-free bag
  • Men’s briefcase

Small musical instruments (like a violin or trumpet) can be carried in the cabin, but they will count as the one allowed piece of hand baggage.

Additional Allowances for Infants (under 2 years):

  • Baby food needed during the flight
  • 1 foldable stroller (must be checked in)

For Passengers with Reduced Mobility:

  • One wheelchair (checked in)
  • Or a pair of crutches / mobility aid required for travel

Recommended Items to Keep in Your Cabin Bag:

Air Moldova advises keeping valuable or essential items in your hand baggage. The list of these items include: 

  • Passport and travel documents
  • Credit cards and cash
  • Jewelry and valuables
  • Medicines and prescriptions
  • Electronics (laptop, tablet, phone)
  • Important business papers.

Air Moldova Checked Baggage Policy

Under the Air Moldova Baggage Policy, the checked baggage allowance depends on the fare type and is based on the Piece Concept. The weight and size limits differ for Economy fares (Basic, Optimum, Comfort) and Business Class.

Economy Fare Classes

  • BASIC Fare:
    • Checked baggage: Not included (only hand baggage is allowed under this fare type)
  • OPTIMUM Fare:
    • 1 checked bag
    • Maximum weight: 23 kg
    • Total size limit: 203 cm
  • COMFORT Fare:
    • 1 checked bag
    • Maximum weight: 32 kg
    • Total size: 203 cm
  • Business Class
    • Checked baggage allowance: 2 pieces
    • Each piece can weigh up to 32 kg
    • Size limit per bag: 203 cm (L + W + H)

Infant Baggage Allowance (Under 2 Years)

Passengers traveling with infants are allowed:

  • 1 checked piece up to 10 kg, plus
  • 1 foldable stroller or buggy (carried free of charge)

General Size Rules

  • Standard checked baggage for Economy Class: Max 23 kg, 203 cm total dimensions
  • Standard for Business Class: Max 32 kg, 203 cm total dimensions
  • For infants, the size limit is slightly smaller: 115 cm

Important Notes to Follow

  1. Your ticket will indicate the baggage type and fare group in the “Optional extras” section.
  2. If any one piece weighs more than 32 kg, passengers must repack it into two bags, and excess baggage fees may apply.
  3. The Air Moldova Baggage Policy strictly states that baggage over 32 kg cannot be accepted as a single item and must be split.

Air Moldova Excess Baggage Policy

The Air Moldova Baggage Policy allows passengers to carry baggage within their free allowance, but any items that exceed these limits are considered excess baggage. Extra bags or overweight/oversized luggage can only be accepted if space is available on the flight, so advance planning is strongly recommended.

Key Rules for Excess Baggage

Passengers exceeding their free baggage allowance must follow specific rules regarding payments, weight, and size limits. Below are the key guidelines outlined by Air Moldova.

  • Payment Channels
    • Charges listed on Air Moldova’s official website apply to online payments.
    • If baggage is paid for at an authorized agency, passengers may be charged an additional service fee.
  • Weight Limitations
    • No single piece of checked baggage may weigh more than 32 kg.
    • Items exceeding this limit must be repacked into two separate bags or transported as cargo.
  • Oversize and Overweight Charges
    • Any bag exceeding both 32 kg in weight and 203 cm in size (length + width + height) will incur cumulative charges (both overweight and oversize fees).
  • Children under 2 years
    • Excess baggage is not permitted for infants traveling on infant tickets.
  • Combining Weight
    • Passengers are not allowed to combine the weight of multiple checked bags.
    • Each piece is treated individually and charged separately if it exceeds the allowance.

Important Note

The Air Moldova Baggage Policy makes it clear that oversized and overweight items are subject to strict limitations. To avoid additional costs and possible inconvenience at the airport, passengers should verify the baggage allowance on their ticket and purchase any necessary extra baggage in advance. 

Air Moldova Baggage Policy for Special Items 

Air Moldova classifies any item that differs from standard luggage in size, weight, or type as special baggage. Because of space limitations on the aircraft, passengers must obtain prior approval from the airline before booking tickets that involve transporting these items. Special baggage includes musical instruments, sports equipment, and oversized items.

Musical Instruments

Musical instruments can be transported either as checked baggage or carried inside the cabin, depending on size and weight.

  • As Checked Baggage
    • General rules for checked baggage apply.
    • If an instrument exceeds the free allowance in weight, size, or number, standard excess baggage charges will be applied.
    • Instruments must be packed securely in hard protective cases to prevent damage.
  • As Cabin Baggage
    • Small instruments (e.g., violins, trumpets) that fit within the cabin baggage limit (50 × 40 × 25 cm, up to 8 kg) can be carried instead of a passenger’s hand baggage.
    • Larger instruments exceeding cabin allowance can still be carried in the cabin if the passenger purchases an additional seat.
  • Transporting an Instrument on a Seat (CBBG)
    • The request must be made in advance and confirmed by Air Moldova.
    • The passenger must buy an extra ticket for the seat.
    • The item will not count toward the free baggage allowance.
    • The instrument must be secured in a window seat with a safety belt and cannot be placed in emergency exit rows.
    • Responsibility for safe handling lies with the passenger.
    • Accepted dimensions:
      • A320 / A319 / A321 aircraft:
        • From the floor: 155 × 42 × 20 cm
        • From the seat: 110 × 42 × 50 cm
    • Note: Web check-in is not available for passengers traveling with an additional seat for instruments.

Sports Equipment

All sports equipment requires advance approval, ideally when booking the ticket, and must be declared no later than 72 hours before departure. Since sports equipment is not included in the free baggage allowance, additional fees apply.

Exceptions: When calculating excess charges, the standard size limit of 158 cm is waived for bicycles, fishing rods, skis, snowboards, and golf equipment.

Packing & Transportation Guidelines

  • Ski / Snowboard Equipment
    • Must include skis/snowboard, poles, and boots.
    • Should be packed in a rigid bag or protective cover.
    • Ski pole tips must be wrapped using a foam pipe to avoid tearing.
  • Golf Equipment
    • Clubs, balls, and shoes must be secured inside the golf bag.
  • Bicycles
    • Only regular bicycles are accepted (electric bikes are not permitted, even with the battery removed).
    • Use a hard protective box or case for packing the bike. 
    • Pedals should be removed, handlebars fixed sideways, tires deflated, and sharp edges covered.
    • Max dimensions: 155 cm × 35 cm × 95 cm.
  • Fishing Gear
    • Must be placed in a protective bag or case to lessen risk of damage to the equipment, or to other bags as well. 
  • Surfboards
    • Boards must be packed in a protective bag or case.
    • Size restrictions may apply.
  • Large Sports Equipment
    • Items such as canoes, windsurf boards, or oversized surfboards cannot be accepted if they exceed 240 × 60 × 40 cm.
    • Maximum weight per sports item: 32 kg.

Restrictions

  • Weapons and Ammunition: Air Moldova does not transport firearms, ammunition, or hunting weapons.
  • Oversized Sports Items: Very large items exceeding the maximum permitted dimensions are not accepted due to aircraft limitations.

Articles Prohibited or Restricted for Transportation On Air Moldova

For passenger safety, certain items are strictly forbidden from being carried in either checked baggage, cabin baggage, or on one’s person. These restrictions are in line with international aviation safety standards, as such items pose a potential risk to health, security, property, or the environment.

Dangerous Goods – General Prohibition

Passengers must not carry dangerous goods such as:

  • Explosives & Ammunition: Detonators, blasting caps, dynamite, gunpowder, plastic explosives, mines, grenades, or imitation explosive devices.
  • Pyrotechnics: Fireworks, flares, smoke-generating cartridges.
  • Compressed Gases: Butane, propane, lighter fuel, oxygen cylinders.
  • Corrosives: Acids, alkalis, mercury, and certain types of batteries.
  • Flammable Substances: Matches, easily ignited items, acetone, fuel, industrial alcohol above 70%.
  • Poisons: Arsenic, cyanide, insecticides.
  • Oxidizing & Radioactive Materials: Bleach, nitrates, peroxide, radioactive substances.
  • Weapons: Firearms, electroshock devices (tasers), disabling sprays (pepper spray, tear gas).
  • Other Hazardous Items: Magnetized materials, irritating or offensive substances.

Prohibited in Cabin Baggage

The following categories of items are not permitted in hand baggage:

  1. Firearms and Devices That Launch Projectiles
  • Pistols, rifles, revolvers, shotguns.
  • Toy guns, replicas, or imitation firearms.
  • Signal pistols, starter pistols, compressed air/CO₂ guns.
  • Crossbows, bows and arrows, harpoon guns, spear guns.
  • Slingshots and catapults.
  1. Stun or Incapacitating Devices
  • Stun guns, tasers, batons.
  • Animal killers or stunners.
  • Chemicals or sprays such as mace, tear gas, or pepper spray.
  1. Sharp Objects
  • Axes, cleavers, ice picks, razor blades, box cutters.
  • Knives and scissors with blades longer than 6 cm.
  • Martial arts weapons with sharp points.
  • Swords and sabers.
  1. Tools That Could Be Used as Weapons
  • Crowbars, drills, screwdrivers, chisels (with blades >6 cm).
  • Portable power saws, blowtorches, bolt/nail guns.
  1. Blunt Instruments
  • Baseball or softball bats.
  • Batons, nightsticks, clubs.
  • Martial arts striking equipment.
  1. Explosives & Incendiary Items
  • Ammunition, blasting caps, detonators.
  • Replica explosives, grenades, military stores.
  • Fireworks, dynamite, plastic explosives.
  • Smoke-generating devices.

Prohibited in Checked Baggage

Certain items must never be placed in hold luggage, including:

  • Spare batteries of any type.
  • E-cigarettes and vaping devices.
  • Perishable goods and animal-based products (meat, fish, milk, or fresh by-products).

Special Rules for Electronic Cigarettes

  • Must only be carried in cabin baggage.
  • Strictly prohibited in checked baggage.
  • Use on board is not allowed at any time.

Restrictions on Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries present fire risks if mishandled. Rules vary by type and power rating:

  • Spare lithium batteries: Allowed in carry-on baggage only (never in checked baggage). Terminals must be insulated (e.g., taped or kept in a protective case).
  • Installed lithium batteries: May be carried in checked or cabin baggage, but devices must be switched off and protected from accidental activation.
  • Damaged or recalled batteries: Not permitted at all.
  • Small electric vehicles (hoverboards, mini-segways, balance wheels, e-bikes): Not allowed on Air Moldova flights.

Allowable power limits:

  • ≤ 100 Wh or ≤ 2g lithium content: Allowed in equipment (cabin or checked). Spares allowed only in cabin baggage.
  • 100–160 Wh: Permitted with operator approval. Maximum of 2 spare batteries in cabin baggage.
  • Over 160 Wh: Not permitted.

Additional Alerts

  • Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Devices: Due to safety incidents, passengers may only carry these devices in cabin baggage. They must remain switched off and cannot be charged during the flight.

EU Security Regulation Regarding Transportation of Liquids

The European Union (EU) has introduced strict security regulations limiting the quantity of liquids allowed in hand baggage. These rules apply to all passengers departing from EU airports, regardless of destination, and also to non-EU citizens upon entry into EU territory.

Liquids Covered by the Regulation

The restrictions apply to:

  • Drinks, including water, soups, and syrups
  • Creams, lotions, and oils
  • Perfumes and sprays
  • Gels (e.g., hair or shower gel)
  • Pressurized container contents (e.g., shaving foam, deodorants)
  • Pastes, including toothpaste
  • Liquid-solid mixtures
  • Mascara and similar liquid cosmetics
  • Any other items of similar consistency

Rules for Packing Liquids in Hand Baggage

  • Liquids must be in containers of no more than 100 ml each.
  • The total permitted volume per passenger is 1 liter.
  • All containers must be packed in one transparent, resealable plastic bag (approx. 20 x 20 cm).
  • The bag must be sealed, and items should fit easily inside.
  • Each passenger may carry only one plastic bag of liquids.

Exceptions to the Rule

  • Liquids placed in checked baggage (restrictions apply only to hand baggage).
  • Medicines and dietary products, including baby food, needed during the flight (passengers may be asked to show proof of necessity).
  • Liquids purchased at EU airport shops beyond security control or onboard EU-operated aircraft, provided they are sealed in special security bags.
    • Do not open these bags until your journey is complete, especially if transferring through multiple EU airports.

Security Screening Requirements

To facilitate screening, passengers must:

  • Present all liquids separately for inspection.
  • Remove jackets/coats for separate screening.
  • Remove laptops and other large electronic devices from hand baggage for separate screening.

Transport of Pets

Passengers may also carry pets (dogs and cats) in the cabin, subject to airline-specific rules. Travelers should check the airline’s pet transportation policy for details.

Also Read: Air Seoul Baggage Policy

Air Moldova Baggage Policy for Lost Baggage

If your baggage does not arrive at the destination airport, you should immediately contact the Lost & Found or Baggage Services desk. Present essential travel documents, such as your boarding pass and baggage tag, to initiate the tracing process.

  • The airline agent will record your details in the WorldTracer system, a global baggage tracking network.
  • You will then receive a Property Irregularity Report (PIR), which includes a unique reference number.
  • This reference number allows you to check the status of your lost baggage online at any time.

Conclusion 

Air Moldova’s baggage policy balances passenger comfort with essential safety standards. By outlining clear rules for cabin, checked, and excess baggage, the airline helps travelers manage their luggage efficiently and avoid surprises at the airport. Familiarity with weight and size limits, as well as procedures for lost or delayed baggage, ensures a more seamless journey. Preparing ahead with this knowledge not only saves time and cost but also makes flying with Air Moldova a more reliable and stress-free experience.

FAQs: 

Can I check my baggage all the way to the final destination during transfers?

Yes. If your flight involves one or more connections, you can request that your baggage be checked through to your final destination — saving you time and simplifying connections. 

When is through-checked baggage not allowed?

Through-checking is not permitted if your itinerary includes transfers between different airports (e.g., two airports in Istanbul), or if you are connecting from cities such as Moscow, Istanbul, or St. Petersburg to domestic flights, or traveling to Belarus or Kazakhstan with transfers through those cities.

What are Air Moldova’s standard checked baggage allowances?

Under the Piece Concept:
OPTIMUM fare includes one checked bag up to 23 kg and maximum dimensions of 203 cm (L+W+H).
COMFORT fare allows one bag up to 32 kg, same size limit.
BUSINESS class includes two checked bags, each up to 32 kg and 203 cm total dimensions.

What allowance applies to infants (under 2 years)?

Infants are entitled to one checked bag up to 10 kg, plus one collapsible stroller, both free of charge.

What if a checked bag exceeds 32 kg or 203 cm?

Any piece of baggage that exceeds 32 kg or total dimensions over 203 cm must either be repacked into multiple pieces or shipped as cargo, due to safety restrictions.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *