Rwandair ExpressWB

RwandAir is the flag carrier of Rwanda, headquartered at Kigali International Airport. Founded in 2002 as a successor to Air Rwanda (which operated from 1975-1994), RwandAir has grown into one of Africa's fastest-growing and most respected airlines, known for exceptional service, modern aircraft, and on-time performance.

Operating under the branding "The Dream of Africa," RwandAir serves over 30 destinations across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. The airline operates a young fleet primarily consisting of Airbus A330s for long-haul routes and Boeing 737s for regional services. RwandAir is not currently a member of any major airline alliance but has codeshare agreements with Qatar Airways, Brussels Airlines, and other partners.

RwandAir has built a reputation for premium service that punches above its weight class. The airline has won multiple Skytrax awards and is known for its friendly Rwandan hospitality, modern fleet, and competitive pricing on routes connecting East Africa to Europe and beyond.

Carry-On Allowance

Cabin Bag (included on all fares):

• Dimensions: 55 x 35 x 25 cm (22" x 14" x 10") including handles and wheels
• Weight: 7 kg (15 lbs) Economy / 12 kg (26 lbs) Business Class
• Must fit in overhead bin

Personal Item (in addition to cabin bag):

• Examples: Laptop bag, handbag, small backpack
• Must fit under seat in front

Class	Cabin Bag	Personal Item	Total Weight
Economy	1 piece	Yes	7 kg
Premium Economy	1 piece	Yes	7 kg
Business (Premium)	1 piece	Yes	12 kg

Checked Baggage

RwandAir uses the piece system on all routes.

Economy Class:

Fare Type	Pieces	Weight per Piece
Economy	1 bag	23 kg (50 lbs)

Premium Economy:

Fare Type	Pieces	Weight per Piece
Premium Economy	2 bags	23 kg (50 lbs) each

Business Class (Premium):

Fare Type	Pieces	Weight per Piece
Business	2 bags	32 kg (70 lbs) each

Standard Size: 158 cm (62 in) linear maximum (length + width + height)

Infant Baggage

• 1 checked bag up to 10 kg included free
• 1 stroller transported free
• 1 car seat transported free

Excess Baggage Fees

Condition	Fee
Additional bag (Economy)	$50 per piece
Overweight (24-32 kg)	$50 per bag
Overweight (33-45 kg)	$100 per bag
Pre-purchase online	Recommended for savings

Tip: Contact RwandAir directly or pre-book excess baggage through their website to potentially save versus airport prices.

Special Items

Item	Fee	Notes
Golf clubs	Standard bag fee	Counts as 1 checked bag
Skis/snowboards	Standard bag fee	Counts as 1 checked bag
Bicycle	$100	Must be boxed or bagged
Musical instruments	Standard bag fee	Hard case required for checked
Car seat	FREE	Does not count toward allowance
Stroller	FREE	Gate-check available
Wheelchair	FREE
CPAP/medical	FREE	Does not count as carry-on

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

Business Class (Premium)

RwandAir's Business Class, branded as "Premium," offers a full-service premium experience on long-haul routes with lie-flat seats.

Airbus A330-200/A330-300:

• Configuration: 2-2-2
• Seat type: Fully lie-flat beds
• Pitch: 60-72 inches (varies by configuration)
• Width: 21 inches
• Screen: Personal entertainment system
• Features: Power outlets, USB ports, amenity kit

Premium Amenities:

• Welcome drink (champagne, juice, or water)
• Hot towel service
• Amenity kit with toiletries
• Pillow and blanket (duvet on long-haul)
• Multi-course dining with Rwandan and international cuisine
• Premium wines, spirits, and Rwandan coffee
• Priority boarding and baggage handling

Economy Class

Long-haul Aircraft (A330):

• Seat pitch: 31-32 inches (79-81 cm)
• Seat width: 17-18 inches
• Recline: Standard economy recline
• Entertainment: Personal seatback screens on A330
• Power: USB ports at every seat
• Configuration: 2-4-2

Regional Aircraft (Boeing 737-700/800):

• Seat pitch: 30-31 inches
• Configuration: 3-3
• Entertainment: Overhead screens (no personal screens)
• Modern, well-maintained cabins

Entertainment

RwandAir's in-flight entertainment varies by aircraft:

A330 (Long-haul):

• Personal seatback screens in all classes
• Movies, TV shows, and documentaries
• Music library including Rwandan artists
• Games and flight tracker

Boeing 737 (Regional):

• Overhead monitors with shared entertainment
• In-flight magazine

Dining

All classes receive complimentary meals and beverages on international flights.

Class	Service
Business (Premium)	Multi-course dining, premium beverages, Rwandan coffee ceremony
Economy	Full meal service with choice of entrees, complimentary beverages

Rwandan Coffee: RwandAir proudly serves Rwandan specialty coffee, known for its bright, fruity notes. Available in all classes.

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

Booking

• Book directly on rwandair.com for easiest rebooking and customer service
• RwandAir often offers competitive fares between Africa and Europe
• Business Class is well-priced compared to European and Gulf carriers on the same routes
• Sign up for Dream Miles before booking to earn miles from your first flight

Connections via Kigali

RwandAir's strength is connecting secondary African cities with minimal hassle:

• Short layovers: Kigali airport is efficient with quick connections
• Visa-free transit: Most nationalities can transit without a visa
• Clean, safe hub: Rwanda is known for cleanliness and safety
• Single-ticket routing: Book through connections on one ticket for baggage transfer

At the Airport (Kigali)

• KGL is a compact, modern airport - navigation is straightforward
• Plastic bags are banned in Rwanda - remove any from your luggage before arrival
• Currency exchange available but ATMs offer better rates
• Dream Miles Silver and Gold enjoy lounge access
• Allow 2 hours for international departures

Upgrades

• Paid upgrades sometimes available at check-in
• Dream Miles status members have priority
• Award upgrades available if you have sufficient miles

What Makes RwandAir Special

• "Dream of Africa" service: Warm, genuine Rwandan hospitality
• Rwandan coffee: Premium coffee service in all classes
• Modern fleet: No aging aircraft
• Reliability: Strong on-time performance
• Value: Competitive pricing with full-service amenities included

Avoiding Issues

• 7 kg carry-on limit in Economy is enforced - pack light
• Arrive early for long-haul flights (3 hours)
• Confirm your flight 24-48 hours before departure
• Keep all travel documents readily accessible
• Remember: no plastic bags allowed in Rwanda

Common Pitfalls

• Don't expect personal screens on 737 regional flights
• Pre-book special meals at least 24 hours ahead
• Premium Economy is not available on all routes
• Some African destinations have limited flight frequencies

Last updated: January 2025