QS
QSC
89
Last updated: January 28, 2026
About
Smartwings is a Czech charter and leisure airline based in Prague, founded in 1991 as Travel Service. Headquartered at Václav Havel Airport Prague (formerly Ruzyně Airport), the airline operates a fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft serving charter destinations across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. With a focus on leisure travel, holiday packages, and group transportation, Smartwings is known for reliable charter service at competitive prices.
The airline was rebranded as Smartwings in 2017 following a restructuring. Today, Smartwings operates as an independent carrier specializing in scheduled and charter flights, primarily catering to European tour operators and travel agencies. The airline maintains strong partnerships with major European travel companies and handles millions of passengers annually.
As a Czech airline, Smartwings benefits from Prague's central European location, making it an ideal hub for connecting leisure travelers to Mediterranean, North African, and Middle Eastern destinations. The airline maintains high operational standards and safety records, regularly undergoing certification audits and maintenance programs.
Hubs & Focus Cities
Airports where African Safari Airways operates 5+ routes
Network
45 airports served
Loading map...
Baggage Policy
Carry-On Allowance
Personal Item (free on all fares):
- Dimensions: 18" × 14" × 8" (45 × 35 × 20 cm)
- Must fit under the seat in front of you
- Examples: Backpack, purse, laptop bag, small day bag
- No weight limit
Cabin Bag (overhead bin):
- Dimensions: 22" × 18" × 10" (56 × 45 × 25 cm) including handles and wheels
- Weight limit: 10 kg (22 lbs) — strictly enforced
- Included on: Basic, Comfort, and Business fares
- Must fit in overhead bin; gate-check may apply if bin space exhausted
| Fare Class | Personal Item | Cabin Bag | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | ✓ Free | ✓ Free | 10 kg weight limit |
| Comfort | ✓ Free | ✓ Free | 10 kg weight limit |
| Business | ✓ Free | ✓ Free | 10 kg weight limit |
Important: Smartwings enforces cabin bag weight limits strictly. Oversized bags may be gate-checked or charged as additional checked baggage.
Checked Baggage
Standard Size Limit: 62 linear inches / 158 cm maximum (length + width + height)
Economy Fares:
| Fare Class | 1st Bag | 2nd Bag | 3rd Bag | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | €35 | €40 | €75 | 20 kg (44 lbs) |
| Comfort | Free | €40 | €75 | 20 kg (44 lbs) |
| Business | Free | Free | €75 | 25 kg (55 lbs) |
Route Variations:
Most Smartwings flights are charter leisure routes to Mediterranean and North African destinations. Baggage policies remain consistent across all route types.
Overweight & Oversized Fees
Overweight Bags:
| Weight Range | Fee |
|---|---|
| 21-25 kg (46-55 lbs) | €50 |
| 26-32 kg (57-70 lbs) | €100 |
| Over 32 kg (70 lbs) | Not accepted |
Oversized Bags:
| Size | Fee |
|---|---|
| 159-203 cm (63-80 inches) linear | €75 |
| Over 203 cm (80 inches) | Contact cargo department |
Important: Items exceeding 32 kg cannot be transported as checked baggage. Oversized items may require special arrangement with Smartwings cargo services.
Special Items
Sports Equipment:
| Item | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Golf clubs | Standard bag fee | Counts as 1 checked bag, max 20 kg |
| Skis/snowboards | Standard bag fee | One pair per booking, max 20 kg |
| Bicycle | Standard bag fee | Must be boxed, max 20 kg |
| Fishing equipment | Standard bag fee | Rod case counts as 1 bag |
| Scuba gear | Standard bag fee | Tanks must be empty |
Baby & Child Gear (typically FREE):
- Car seats: Free, does not count toward baggage allowance
- Strollers: Free, gate-check available, does not count toward baggage allowance
- Pack 'n' Play / travel crib: Free
- Diaper bags: Do not count as personal item
Medical Equipment:
- Wheelchairs/mobility aids: Free
- CPAP machines: Free, does not count as carry-on
- Oxygen concentrators: Allowed with advance notice
Important: All special items must be declared at booking or check-in. Contact Smartwings directly for non-standard items.
In-Flight Experience
Cabin Configuration:
Smartwings operates a single-class cabin on all flights with three service levels available:
Basic Fare:
- Standard economy seat (17-18" width)
- Seat pitch: 30-31"
- No seat selection included
- Minimal catering (drinks and snacks for purchase)
- Limited entertainment
Comfort Fare:
- Standard economy seat with priority seating
- Seat pitch: 30-31"
- Free seat selection
- Complimentary snacks and soft drinks
- Personal device entertainment via mobile app
- Boarding priority
Business Fare:
- Slightly wider seat allocation
- Seat pitch: 31-32"
- Free seat selection
- Complimentary meal and drinks
- Extra legroom preference
- Priority check-in and boarding
Entertainment & Connectivity:
- Limited seatback entertainment on some aircraft
- WiFi available on select aircraft (check at booking)
- Personal device streaming via Smartwings app on newer 737 MAX aircraft
Food & Beverage:
- Comfort and Business: Complimentary snacks and beverages
- Basic: Drinks and light snacks for purchase
- Special meals available with advance notice
Tips & Tricks
Booking:
- Book directly at smartwings.com for best rates
- Charter flights offer better value when booked through tour operators
- Early booking (6-8 weeks ahead) secures lower fares
- Off-season travel (May, September) offers significant savings
Baggage Strategy:
- Carefully check baggage inclusion in your fare—fees add up quickly
- Basic economy requires €35+ per bag—consider Comfort if checking baggage
- Cabin bag weight strictly enforced—use portable scales before travel
- Purchase baggage online before travel; airport fees are higher
At the Airport:
- Use online check-in to save time
- Arrive 2-3 hours early for international flights
- Prague airport terminals can be busy during summer peak season
- Bag drop is separate from passenger processing—allow extra time
Seat Selection:
- Comfort fares include free seat selection
- Business fares offer premium seat locations
- Basic fares require paid seat selection or random assignment
- Bulkhead seats available for extra legroom (additional fee)
Connecting Flights:
- If connecting beyond Prague, allow at least 2 hours minimum
- Smartwings flights are often connecting feeds for major European hubs
- Baggage through-checking available to major carriers
- Contact airline in advance for special connection requirements
Special Occasions:
- Group bookings (10+ passengers) receive significant discounts
- Honeymoon and special occasion packages available
- Crew training flights occasionally offer discounted public tickets
- Charter aircraft available for private group travel
COVID & Health:
- Health declaration forms available at check-in if required
- Masks recommended but not required on most flights
- Enhanced cleaning procedures in place
- Contact airline for specific health requirements by destination
