Air BalticBT

airBaltic is the flag carrier airline of Latvia, headquartered in Riga and operating from its hub at Riga International Airport (RIX). Founded in 1995, the airline has transformed from a regional carrier into a significant European operator connecting the Baltic states with destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.

The airline made aviation history in 2016 by becoming the global launch customer for the Airbus A220-300 (formerly Bombardier CS300), and has since built the world's largest A220-300 fleet. Today, airBaltic operates an all-A220 fleet of 47 aircraft, making it one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in Europe. This standardization allows for operational efficiency while passengers benefit from the A220's wider cabin, larger windows, and quieter operation compared to other narrowbody aircraft.

airBaltic operates as a hybrid carrier—not a low-cost airline, but positioned competitively between traditional flag carriers and budget airlines. The airline is not a member of any global alliance but maintains codeshare partnerships with several carriers. airBaltic has historically been recognized for exceptional punctuality, winning OAG's World's Most Punctual Airline award for four consecutive years (2014-2017) with on-time performance exceeding 90%.

Carry-On Allowance

Personal Item (all fares):

• Dimensions: 40 x 30 x 10 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 3.9 in)
• Must fit under the seat in front of you
• Examples: Small bag, laptop sleeve, handbag

Cabin Bag (all fares):

• Dimensions: 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.6 x 15.7 x 9 in) including handles and wheels
• Combined weight limit (cabin bag + personal item): 8 kg (17.6 lbs)
• Weight upgrade available: EUR 11.99 (~$13) for 12 kg total

Fare Type	Personal Item	Cabin Bag	Combined Weight
Economy BASIC	Included	Included	8 kg
Economy CLASSIC	Included	Included	8 kg
Economy FLEX	Included	Included	8 kg
Business	Included	2 cabin bags	12 kg

Note: airBaltic enforces cabin baggage weight strictly. Weigh your bags before arriving at the airport.

Checked Baggage

Standard Size: Maximum dimensions 100 x 80 x 50 cm

Checked Bag Fees by Fare:

Fare Type	Bags Included	Additional Bag (Online)	Weight Limit
Economy BASIC	0	EUR 24.99 (~$27)	23 kg (50 lbs)
Economy CLASSIC	1	EUR 24.99 (~$27)	23 kg (50 lbs)
Economy FLEX	1	EUR 24.99 (~$27)	23 kg (50 lbs)
Business	2	EUR 24.99 (~$27)	46 kg total

Booking Channel Matters:

When Purchased	Price per Bag
At booking (online)	EUR 14.99-24.99 (~$16-27)
After booking (online)	EUR 24.99 (~$27)
Travel agent/ticket office	EUR 20 (~$22)
At airport check-in	EUR 60 (~$65)

Tip: Always pre-book checked bags online to save up to 75% compared to airport prices.

Overweight & Oversized Fees

Condition	Fee
Overweight (24-32 kg / 51-70 lbs)	EUR 50 (~$54)
Over 32 kg (70 lbs)	Not accepted
Oversized (exceeds 100 x 80 x 50 cm)	EUR 60 (~$65)

Maximum: 32 kg per bag. Bags over this weight must be shipped as cargo.

Elite Status Benefits

airBaltic Club Status	Checked Bag Benefit
Club	Standard fare allowance
Executive	Enhanced allowance on FLEX fares
VIP	3 items up to 69 kg on FLEX fares

Special Items

Item	Fee	Notes
Golf clubs	Standard bag fee	Counts as checked baggage
Skis/Snowboards	Standard bag fee	Counts as checked baggage
Bicycle	EUR 60 (~$65)	Must be properly packed
Stroller	Free	Gate-check available
Car seat	Free	Gate-check available
Wheelchair/Mobility aids	Free
Musical instruments	Varies	Cabin if fits, or purchase extra seat

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

The Airbus A220-300 Advantage

airBaltic operates an all-Airbus A220-300 fleet—the world's largest. The A220 offers a noticeably superior passenger experience compared to other single-aisle aircraft:

A220-300 Cabin Features:

• Wider cabin: 2-3 seat configuration (no middle-middle seat)
• Larger windows: Biggest windows of any single-aisle aircraft
• Quieter: Significantly lower cabin noise than 737/A320 family
• Higher humidity: More comfortable cabin environment
• Larger overhead bins: Fits standard carry-on bags sideways

Business Class

airBaltic's Business class is a European-style offering with enhanced service rather than a separate seat product:

Seat Specifications:

• Pitch: 32" (81 cm)—same as economy
• Width: 18.5-19" (47-48 cm)
• Configuration: 2-3 in first two rows (10 seats total)
• Recline: Standard

Business Class Features:

• Front cabin seating with 2-3 configuration
• Two cabin bags (55 x 40 x 23 cm each)
• Two checked bags included (46 kg total)
• Full meal service with beverages included
• Alcoholic drinks complimentary
• Priority check-in and boarding
• Lounge access at all airports
• Free seat selection
• Free changes (Business fare)

Best For: Passengers prioritizing lounge access, meal service, baggage allowance, and flexibility over lie-flat seats. Flight times within airBaltic's network rarely exceed 5 hours.

Economy Class

Seat Specifications:

• Pitch: 30-32" (76-81 cm)
• Width: 18.5" (47 cm) window/aisle, 19" (48 cm) middle
• Configuration: 2-3 throughout
• Recline: Standard

Note: The A220's 2-3 configuration means no one sits in a true middle seat—every passenger is either at a window, aisle, or the center seat of a three-seat row.

Economy Fare Breakdown:

Feature	BASIC	CLASSIC	FLEX
Cabin bag	Included	Included	Included
Checked bag	From EUR 24.99	1 x 23 kg included	1 x 23 kg included
Seat selection	EUR 7.99+	Free (standard seats)	Free (excl. extra legroom)
Changes	EUR 50 fee	EUR 50 fee	Free before departure
Refund	No	No	Travel credit

Extra Legroom Seats

Extra legroom seats available in emergency exit rows:

• Additional legroom
• Available for purchase (EUR 14.99-29.99)
• Free for VIP members during check-in
• Not included in any economy fare

Entertainment

No Seatback Screens—airBaltic does not offer in-flight entertainment systems.

Personal Device Entertainment:

• No streaming service available
• Download content before your flight
• All seats equipped with USB-C power outlets

Power:

• USB-C charging at every seat
• No AC power outlets

Food & Beverage

Business Class:

• Multi-course meal service
• Complimentary alcoholic beverages (wine, beer, spirits)
• Soft drinks and hot beverages included
• Pre-order special meals

Economy Class:

• Buy-on-board menu
• Pre-order meals available (recommended for dietary requirements)
• Snacks, sandwiches, and hot meals for purchase
• Beverages for purchase
• 10% discount for all airBaltic Club members

Booking

• Book directly: airbaltic.com often has the best prices and easier changes
• Compare total costs: BASIC fare + bags may cost more than CLASSIC with included bag
• Check PINS promotions: Bonus point offers frequently available
• Business for lounges: If you value lounge access, Business class is more affordable than on legacy carriers

At the Airport

• Check in early: 5-day window allows planning ahead
• Pre-book bags: Airport prices are 3x higher than online
• RIX is efficient: Compact terminal, quick connections possible
• Duty-free: Good selection at RIX, especially for Baltic spirits

Maximizing airBaltic Club

• Link PINS account: Earn points on everyday shopping in the Baltics
• Business class counts double: Accelerate status qualification
• Watch for status matches: airBaltic occasionally offers matches from other airlines
• Upgrade with points: Good value for Business class upgrades

The A220 Experience

• Choose middle of row 3: Best seat in the 2-3 layout—extra width
• Window seats for views: Largest windows of any narrowbody
• USB-C required: Bring the right cable for charging
• Quiet cabin: Noticeably quieter than 737 or A320

Common Issues

• No IFE: Download entertainment before your flight
• 8 kg cabin limit: Strictly enforced—weigh bags at home
• No AC power: Only USB-C available; bring a battery pack for laptops
• Status has limited value: No alliance means no partner benefits
• BASIC fare restrictions: No seat selection, no changes—consider CLASSIC

Route Tips

• RIX connections: 25-minute minimum—achievable in compact terminal
• Winter operations: Good record in Baltic winter conditions
• Seasonal routes: Middle East and Mediterranean routes expand in summer