The Airline card
- Full name: SCAT Airlines.
- IATA code: DV.
- Establishment date: 1997
- Alliance membership: None.
- Headquarters (main hub): Kazakhstan, Shymkent. Main hub – Almaty International Airport
- Bonus programme name: None.
- Official website: SCAT.
- Aircraft fleet: 31 aircraft. The aircraft average age is 21 years.
- Safety: 1 of 7 according to Airline Ratings.
About the airline
SCAT was founded in 1997 and is headquartered in Shymkent. In 2018, it became the International Air Transport Association (IATA) a full member, becoming the second Kazakh airline to be included in the IATA register.
SCAT currently operates domestic and international flights to more than 50 destinations.
Safety
SCAT operates aircraft manufactured by Boeing and Bombardier. The airline’s base aircraft are the Boeing 737 MAX 8 and the Bombardier CRJ200.
According to Airline Ratings, SCAT has a score of 1 out of a possible 7 in the safety rating, a very low score among airlines. It is worth considering that there have been no fatal accidents in the company’s history in the last 5 years.
The airline has one codeshare agreement – with Azerbaijan Airlines.
Cancelling or changing your booking
Booking cancellation
The fare plan regardless, you have the right to cancel your reservation within two hours by cancelling your check-in in advance, otherwise a fine may be charged. However, you can buy a seat no later than 24 hours before departure.
To cancel online check-in, follow the link, enter the e-ticket number and attach your passenger ID a copy. You can also cancel your check-in by going to the check-in desk at the departure airport.
Returns
Free refunds are available for Flexible and Optimum fares, while no refunds are possible for Light fares. The fares have conditions that impose penalty fees (e.g., on an international flight in the Flexible fare, there is a refund fee if made less than 180 minutes before departure). Full fare conditions can be found on the SCAT website.
Exchanges
Refund and change fees are generated like ticket prices, depending on the route, fare class and date. The minimum fee is the fare unused parts value 10%. However, in many airlines the fare is usually only the ticket cost a fraction, which at least includes fuel surcharge, airport tax and taxes – and this is not included in the “fare” normal concept.
Helpdesk and contacts
For feedback from the airline, passengers can contact the hotline or fill in the form on the website and expect a response. In case of refund or exchange of your ticket you have to contact the carrier via email.
We tried calling the SCAT hotline, but there was no answer. Be prepared to have to wait in a phone queue for a response from an agent. Letters sent to the e-mail were not answered by the carrier either.
Check-in for the flight
Online check-in is available via a link on the SCAT website. Starts 24 hours before departure and ends 1 hour before departure. Surname and reservation code must be entered.
Online check-in is available at all airports. Electronic boarding passes are not available. If the passenger is unable to print out the boarding pass, he/she must arrive at the airport at least 1 hour prior to departure to complete the formalities, check-in baggage and collect the boarding pass.
Fares and classes
Economy
- Is the cheapest, therefore has some restrictions: seat selection fee, less hand baggage compared to Business Class, and no checked baggage included.
Business
- The main differences from Economy Class are the increased legroom, the expanded in-flight meals and the checked bagagge amount.
Services and extras
On its flights, SCAT offers passengers additional services, such as
- a meal purchase from a flight attendant;
- additional checked-in baggage
- seat selection;
- passenger baggage allowance;
- musical instruments and fragile items transportation.
Apart from the above, no other services are offered.
Free baggage allowance
A weight limit applies for most routes. Baggage restrictions only apply for flights with departure and destination points in Istanbul
Table of baggage allowances according to SCAT fares
| Fare | Hand baggage/ maximum dimensions | Checked baggage / maximum dimensions |
| LIGHT | 5 kg / 55x40x20 cm | Not included |
| OPTIMUM | 10 kg / 55x40x20 cm | 1 bag up to 23 kg / 158 cm sum of 3 dimensions |
| FLEX | 10 kg / 55x40x20 cm | 2 bags up to 23 kg / 158 cm sum of 3 dimensions |
| BUSINESS OPTIMUM | 2 bags each 10 kg / 55x40x20 cm | 2 bags up to 23 kg / 158 cm sum of 3 dimensions |
Food on board
Snacks and refreshments are available on board the SCAT. Free meals are provided only on international flights. The meals range depends on the passenger’s travel class.
Travelling while pregnant
SCAT accepts pregnant women on board without restriction up to the pregnancy 34th week (32nd for multiple pregnancies), unless there are complications or contraindications. If you will be travelling at 22 weeks or later, you must have a certificate signed by your doctor or obstetrician.
The letter should state:
- whether the pregnancy is a singleton or multiple pregnancy;
- the gestational age;
- whether the mother-to-be is healthy.
Travelling with children
For safety reasons, women and babies are not allowed to travel on SCAT flights within 7 days of giving birth.
Children under 2 years of age travel charge free on domestic and international flights without a separate seat.
Children from 2 to 15 years of age on domestic flights travel with a 50% discount on the applicable fare. On international flights, the discount applies for children from 2 to 12 years old.
For the unaccompanied children transport from 6 to 18 years old, parents, or guardians need to fill in a transport form. If the flight is international, additional notarised parental consent is required. In addition, a notarised parental consent is required for their child carriage.
Unaccompanied children are charged according to the fare rules.
Travelling with pets
SCAT prohibits animals from flying in the cabin. The only exception is guide dogs. A dog training certificate, muzzle, and leash are required.
Animals are transported in the baggage compartment. A well ventilated, secure carrier suitable for the size and weight of the pet and a confirmed airline approval for transporting pets or birds is required.
For more information, visit the SCAT website.
Bonus programme
SCAT does not have its own bonus programme.
Passengers’ reviews
Rating 2.5.
Feedback about SCAT varies. Customers praise the staff attitude on board to passengers, the reasonable price of tickets and pleasant little things, such as free candy during the flight.
The downsides are regular flight delays, narrow cabins and small shelves, where it is difficult to stow baggage. During flight delays, passengers need to scold staff in order to be provided with food and accommodation – plus the additional problem of not calling the airline’s help line.
