Finnair has increased prices for passengers from Russia traveling with baggage. This is officially billed as the introduction of a new baggage-free "Light" fare, but in reality, it costs roughly the same as the previous baggage-inclusive fare, according to its website.Corr. Travel.ru.
Currently, the minimum roundtrip baggage-free fare on the Moscow-Helsinki route is 9,247 rubles. This allows for only 8 kilograms of carry-on baggage (elite members of Finnair Plus (but not other oneworld alliance programs!) are graciously allowed to bring a full 10 kilograms). Baggage fares now start at 12,847 rubles roundtrip. Aeroflot, which also flies this route, sells roundtrip tickets with baggage included from 10,323 rubles. It's worth keeping in mind that prices are likely to jump significantly starting April 18 due to the ruble's depreciation.
For example, if you're flying from St. Petersburg to London with a layover in Helsinki, the baggage-free fare now starts at 14,697 rubles, while the baggage-inclusive fare starts at 18,297 rubles. A flight from Moscow to Copenhagen with a layover in Helsinki will cost from 12,376 rubles without baggage and from 15,976 rubles with baggage.
In other words, we're talking about a significant increase in ticket prices. An 8-kilogram quota (which should include Duty Free purchases!) will be of little use to many people flying from Russia—unless they're on a short business trip or are members of oneworld's top-tier loyalty programs, Emerald and Sapphire (they're allowed one free piece of baggage). Meanwhile, baggage allowances have skyrocketed, making Finnair an unattractive option for flights from Russia to Helsinki and elsewhere in Europe. Baggage-free fares are not yet available on long-haul routes.
Source: travel.ru