How to Book Travel on Sky Express, Russia's Budget Airline

Sky Express is Russia's very first low-budget airline, the former Soviet Union's equivalent of Southwest Airlines. It flew its first route in early 2007, and it has lofty goals of reaching the seven million passenger mark within four years. Its initial plan is to have fares as low as 500 Russian Rubles regardless of where you are flying in Russia.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access
• Passport
• Computer

Instructions

Explore Initial Travel Options With Sky Express

1. Visit the Sky Express Web site to arrange your flight online (see Resources below).

2. Click on "How to Buy" to discover various ways to book with Sky Express. Your options include filling out an electronic form, calling the hotline for the airline's Russian office, paying in person, and even booking online with a major credit card, a feature many Russian airlines do not provide.

3. Book your flight through the order form available on the Web site. Your order number will be your confirmation.

4. Call Sky Express directly at 011 ([phone] or 8 800 2009 360 from within Russia (or 580 9360 from Moscow) to make a reservation. You'll be connected to a knowledgeable Sky Express representative, and you can pay with a credit card over the phone.

5. Visit the Questions and Answers section of the Web site to find out about cancellations and refunds, traveling to and from the airport, corporate discounts and how to dress for the climate.

6. Book your travel through a travel agent if you'd prefer. Be sure your agent inquires with the airline about available specials, as Sky Express often offers deals and special pricing on certain flights.

Tips & Warnings

• International phone numbers include the United States international dialing prefix 011. When calling internationally from outside the United States, substitute the 011 with the international dialing prefix of the country you're in. Country codes appear within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.

• Book online to save time and get the convenience of 24-hour service.

• Sky Express is designed for Russian natives traveling in Russia who desire cheap airfare. It is not yet commonly used for international travel.

• Always make sure that you are viewing fares and tariffs in the proper currency.

• There are different tariffs (taxes) depending on which airports you are flying in and out of and when you are traveling.

• Don't mistake this Russian airline with the Cretan airline of the same name.