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Smartwings

The Czech Republic's largest airline

  • Czech RepublicCountry
  • QSIATA Code
  • TVSICAO Code
  • IndependentAlliance
  • LeisureAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About Smartwings

Smartwings is the largest airline in the Czech Republic, flying from Prague, Brno and Ostrava to holiday destinations and cities across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Every fare includes an 8 kg cabin trolley. This guide covers power bank rules, check-in at Prague, package holidays and how it compares with Ryanair and Wizz Air.

Founded in 1997 as Travel Service, the airline adopted the Smartwings name and took over most flights of Czech Airlines in 2024. It flies Boeing 737s.

Smartwings flights to Prague
Photo: William Zhang / Unsplash

Power Bank Rules on Smartwings

New international (ICAO) rules apply from 27 March 2026, and European airlines follow them:

  • Each passenger can carry up to two power banks, in cabin baggage only, never in checked bags.
  • Power banks cannot be recharged on board, and many airlines also ban using them to charge phones during the flight.
  • Up to 100 Wh needs no approval; 100–160 Wh needs approval from the airline. Keep them within reach, not in the overhead bin.

Check-In at Prague

Online check-in opens 72 hours before departure on scheduled flights. Prague Airport is busy in summer, so arrive at least two hours before your flight.

Families and Special Assistance

Infants under two travel on an adult’s lap, and pushchairs and car seats can usually be checked in free. Request wheelchairs and other special assistance at least 48 hours before the flight.

Package Holidays from the Czech Republic

Many flights are booked as package holidays:

  • Popular destinations include Egypt, Turkey, Greece and the Canary Islands.
  • The tour operator sets the baggage allowance on package flights.
  • Check your contract for transfers and baggage.

How to Find Cheap Smartwings Flights

Cheap Smartwings flights: airplane flying in a blue sky
Photo: Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash
  • Compare LITE plus a bag with PLUS, which includes 23 kg.
  • Avoid Czech school holidays, when fares peak.
  • Buy extra bags online, as airport fees are higher.
  • Look at Brno and Ostrava for regional departures.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see its fares next to Ryanair, Wizz Air and others.

Smartwings vs Ryanair vs Wizz Air

Three airlines flying from the Czech Republic.

SmartwingsRyanairWizz Air
HubPraguePrague basePrague base
Cabin trolley on cheapest fare8 kg includedPaidPaid
Checked bag on PLUS23 kgPaidPaid
Package holidaysYesNoNo

See our Ryanair guide and Wizz Air guide to compare.

Arriving in Prague

Prague Václav Havel Airport is about 17 km from the city centre. The AE airport express bus runs to the main station, and buses 100 and 119 connect with the metro.

You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.

Is Smartwings a Good Airline?

Yes. It includes a cabin trolley on every fare, offers a large holiday network from Prague and carries pushchairs free.

For more options, see our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.

Facts checked in October 2026 against Lou dávým krokem on baggage. Rules change, so check the official website before you travel.

Airline Partnerships

The airline is not a member of a global airline alliance.

Codeshare & Interline Partnerships

It took over many flights of Czech Airlines, and also flies charter flights for tour operators.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Prague Václav Havel (PRG) is the main hub, with bases in Brno, Ostrava, Bratislava and Katowice.

Popular Smartwings Routes

The busiest routes link Prague with holiday destinations in Spain, Greece, Turkey, Egypt and the Canary Islands, plus cities such as Paris and Dubai. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.

Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.

Smartwings Reschedule & Cancellation Policy

Scheduled flights are sold as LITE, PLUS, FLEX and Business. LITE is the cheapest, with a cabin trolley only, while PLUS adds a personal item and a 23 kg bag.

Package holiday flights follow the tour operator's rules.

  • LITE 8 kg cabin trolley only.
  • PLUS Personal item and one 23 kg bag.
  • FLEX Same baggage as PLUS, with easier changes.
  • Business Two cabin bags and two 32 kg bags.
  • How to change or cancel Use Manage Booking on the website.

Smartwings Seat Selection & Additional Services

Pushchairs, car seats and travel cots travel free. Pets can fly in the cabin or hold if booked 48 hours ahead.

Extra bags are cheapest when bought online.

  • Pushchairs and car seats Free.
  • Pets Book at least 48 hours ahead.
  • Sports equipment Declare 48 hours ahead.
  • Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help at least 48 hours ahead.

Smartwings Baggage Allowance

Every passenger can bring one cabin trolley of up to 55 × 40 × 23 cm and 8 kg, even on LITE. A personal item (40 × 30 × 15 cm, 3 kg) is included from PLUS upwards.

LITE has no checked bag, PLUS and FLEX include one 23 kg bag and Business two 32 kg bags.

  • Cabin trolley 55 × 40 × 23 cm, 8 kg.
  • Personal item 40 × 30 × 15 cm, 3 kg (from PLUS).
  • LITE No checked bag.
  • PLUS and FLEX 1 × 23 kg.
  • Business 2 × 32 kg.

Smartwings Loyalty Programme

The airline does not run its own miles programme. Look out for offers on its website and from tour operators.

  • Programme None.
  • Deals Website and package offers.
Join or log in on the Smartwings website

Smartwings: Frequently Asked Questions

01What are Smartwings’ IATA and ICAO codes?

The airline's two-character IATA code is QS. It appears in flight numbers (for example QS 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is TVS, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.

02Which airline alliance is Smartwings part of?

It is not a member of a global airline alliance, although it may still have codeshare or interline agreements with individual airlines.

03Where is Smartwings headquartered?

The airline is headquartered in Prague, Czech Republic.

04When was Smartwings founded?

The airline was founded in 1997.

05What are Smartwings’ main hubs?

Its main hubs and focus cities are: Prague (PRG) – Main Hub.

06What is the Smartwings cabin baggage allowance?

One 8 kg cabin trolley on every fare, plus a personal item from PLUS upwards.

07Does the Smartwings LITE fare include a checked bag?

No. PLUS and FLEX include one 23 kg bag.

08Are pushchairs free on Smartwings?

Yes, pushchairs, car seats and travel cots are carried free.

09Do Smartwings package holidays have different baggage?

Yes, the tour operator sets the allowance, often around 15–20 kg.

10Can I use a power bank on Smartwings?

On Smartwings you can carry up to two power banks in cabin baggage (up to 100 Wh without approval, 100–160 Wh with approval). You cannot recharge them on board, and ICAO rules advise against using them to charge other devices in flight, so follow the crew's instructions. They are never allowed in checked bags.

Smartwings, its logo and trademarks are the property of Smartwings, a.s. and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by Smartwings unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.