Air SeychellesHM

Air Seychelles is the flag carrier of the Republic of Seychelles, headquartered in Mahe with its hub at Seychelles International Airport (SEZ). Founded in 1978, the airline connects this Indian Ocean archipelago nation to regional destinations in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, while also operating essential inter-island services linking the populated islands of the Seychelles.

The airline operates a two-tier fleet strategy: Airbus A320neo aircraft serve international and regional routes to destinations including Mauritius, Johannesburg, Mumbai, Tel Aviv, and Madagascar, while DHC-6 Twin Otter turboprops provide vital inter-island connections between Mahe, Praslin, and other Seychelles islands. This combination makes Air Seychelles the lifeline for both tourism and local connectivity in the archipelago.

Air Seychelles is not a member of any global airline alliance. The airline historically had a strategic partnership with Etihad Airways (2012-2021), which held a 40% stake and provided management expertise. Following Etihad's divestment, Air Seychelles returned to full government ownership and has focused on sustainable regional operations rather than ambitious long-haul expansion.

Carry-On Allowance

Cabin Bag (included on all fares):

• Dimensions: 55 x 38 x 20 cm (22" x 15" x 8") including handles and wheels
• Weight: 7 kg (15 lbs) maximum per piece
• Must fit in overhead bin

Personal Item (in addition to cabin bag):

• Examples: Handbag, laptop bag, small backpack
• Must fit under seat in front

Class	Cabin Bags	Personal Item	Total Weight
Economy	1 piece	Yes	7 kg
Business	2 pieces	Yes	14 kg (7 kg each)

Important: Inter-island Twin Otter flights have stricter enforcement due to small aircraft size. Larger cabin bags may need to be checked.

Checked Baggage

International Routes (Mauritius, Johannesburg, Mumbai, Tel Aviv, etc.):

Class	Pieces	Weight per Piece
Economy	1 bag	30 kg (66 lbs)
Business	2 bags	32 kg (70 lbs) each

The 30 kg economy allowance is notably generous compared to most carriers.

Inter-Island Flights (DHC-6 Twin Otter):

Class	Pieces	Weight per Piece
Economy	1 bag	15 kg (33 lbs)
Business	1 bag	20 kg (44 lbs)

Why the difference? Twin Otter aircraft have strict weight limitations. Excess baggage on inter-island flights is transported on the next available flight if space permits.

Standard Size: 158 cm (62 in) maximum linear dimensions for international flights

Excess & Additional Baggage Fees

Condition	Fee
Additional checked bag (international)	EUR 50 / USD 55
Overweight (per kg over allowance)	EUR 10 / USD 11
Oversized (158-250 cm)	EUR 200 / USD 220

Inter-island excess baggage: Charged per kg at airport rates. Pre-booking recommended when traveling with dive equipment or sports gear.

Special Items

Item	Fee	Notes
Golf clubs	EUR 50 / USD 55	Subject to space availability
Surfboard	EUR 75 / USD 82	Maximum 2m length
Diving equipment	Standard	Tanks must be empty
Bicycle	EUR 100 / USD 109	Must be properly packed
Car seat	FREE	Gate-check available
Stroller	FREE	Gate-check available
Wheelchair	FREE

Inter-Island Sports Equipment: Due to Twin Otter capacity constraints, large sports equipment (surfboards, golf clubs) on Mahe-Praslin flights is subject to availability and may travel on a later flight.

Fees as of January 2025. Verify at airseychelles.com/baggage before traveling.

Business Class

Air Seychelles Business Class offers premium service on A320neo international routes with enhanced seating, dining, and priority services.

Airbus A320neo:

• Configuration: 2-2 (12 seats typically)
• Seat pitch: 38 inches (97 cm)
• Seat width: 19 inches (48 cm)
• Middle seat blocked for additional space
• Power outlets and USB ports at every seat
• Priority boarding and deplaning

Business Class Amenities:

• Welcome drink with champagne
• Priority check-in and baggage handling
• Complimentary lounge access at SEZ
• Enhanced meal service with Creole and international cuisine
• Premium beverage selection including local Takamaka rum
• Amenity kit on longer flights

Economy Class

Airbus A320neo (International Routes):

• Seat pitch: 30-31 inches (76-79 cm)
• Seat width: 18 inches (46 cm)
• Configuration: 3-3
• Personal entertainment via streaming to personal devices
• USB charging ports
• Complimentary meals and beverages on all flights

DHC-6 Twin Otter (Inter-Island):

• Seat pitch: 30 inches
• Configuration: 1-1 (19 seats)
• Flight duration: 15-20 minutes
• Scenic low-altitude flying with ocean views
• No meal service (short duration)
• No overhead bins - all bags stored in rear compartment

Dining

All international flights include complimentary meals reflecting Seychelles' multicultural cuisine:

Class	Service
Business	Multi-course dining, champagne, premium wines, Creole specialties
Economy	Full meal service, complimentary beverages including beer and wine

Signature dishes often include Creole fish curry, grilled fish with local spices, and tropical fruit desserts.

Special Meals: Pre-order dietary requirements (vegetarian, halal, diabetic, etc.) at least 24-48 hours before departure through the website or customer service.

Entertainment

A320neo Fleet:

• Streaming entertainment to personal devices
• Download the Air Seychelles app before departure
• Movies, TV shows, music, and destination guides
• WiFi available for purchase on select aircraft

Inter-Island Flights:

• No entertainment system (15-minute flights)
• Spectacular aerial views of the Seychelles islands

Booking

• Book directly on airseychelles.com for easiest management
• International routes may also be available through partner airlines
• Peak season (December-January, Easter, July-August) fills quickly - book early
• Inter-island flights sell out during peak periods - don't leave until the last minute

At the Airport

• SEZ is small and efficient - 2 hours is typically sufficient for international departures
• The Air Seychelles Lounge offers a peaceful pre-flight experience for Business Class
• Inter-island check-in is at a separate area - follow signs to "Domestic"
• Duty-free shopping is limited but includes local products

Inter-Island Flights

• Weight matters: Twin Otters have strict limits - pack light or expect fees
• Scenic experience: Sit on the left side for best views of the islands
• Weather delays: Short-haul flights may be delayed in poor visibility - build buffer time
• Praslin connections: If continuing to La Digue, book ferry separately (not operated by Air Seychelles)

Best Seats

• A320neo Business: Window seats for island views during approach
• A320neo Economy: Exit rows for extra legroom (fees may apply)
• Twin Otter: Any window seat - spectacular views from low altitude

Currency Tips

• Seychelles accepts EUR and USD widely; prices often quoted in both
• Onboard purchases accept major currencies and credit cards
• Airport purchases can be made in SCR, EUR, or USD

Diving & Water Sports

• Pre-notify the airline about dive tanks when booking
• Tanks must be completely empty and valves open
• Consider shipping dive gear to your resort in advance during peak season
• Surfboards may not fit on Twin Otters - check with airline first

Common Pitfalls

• Inter-island baggage limits are strictly enforced - 15 kg max in Economy
• Sports equipment on Twin Otters may travel on a different flight
• Peak season capacity - book inter-island flights well in advance
• Ferry to La Digue is separate - check schedules at Cat Cocos

Best Times to Visit Seychelles

• Peak Season: December to January, July to August (dry season)
• Shoulder Season: April, October-November (good weather, fewer crowds)
• Monsoon: May to September (southeast trade winds - good for sailing)

Air Seychelles offers the most comprehensive access to the Seychelles islands, making it the natural choice for travelers seeking to explore this stunning Indian Ocean archipelago.

Last updated: January 2025