Flights, baggage allowance, onboard services, and travel information
•
airBaltic
BT
•
BTI
Country of registration
Official website
Address
Latvia, Riga, Tehnikas, 3, 1050
airBaltic, founded in 1995, is the Latvian flag carrier operating a hybrid low-cost model that combines budget fares with ancillary revenue and a business-class option on its modern Airbus A220 fleet. Advantages include a young, fuel-efficient fleet, an extensive Baltic and regional European route network via Riga, competitive pricing and generally efficient, punctual operations. Disadvantages include limited long-haul offerings, additional fees for seat selection and baggage, and variable onboard space and service levels on short-sector flights. The carrier currently holds a 3-star Skytrax rating.
When you fly with airBaltic (BT), cats and dogs are welcome either in the cabin or in the aircraft hold, provided space is pre‑booked and all entry rules are met. Reservations are essential because pet spots are limited per flight—do not wait until check‑in. In the cabin, your companion must stay inside a suitable soft carrier under the seat in front of you for the entire flight. Animals that are too large for the cabin, or additional pets beyond the cabin quota, may travel in the temperature‑controlled hold in an IATA‑compliant crate.
airBaltic accepts only dogs and cats as pets; other species (rabbits, birds, rodents, reptiles) are not accepted as baggage. Most routes allow pets, but some destinations restrict them to cargo or ban them entirely; typical examples include the United Kingdom, Ireland, Iceland, and the United Arab Emirates, where only recognized assistance dogs may be possible subject to local rules. Codeshares and connections on other airlines follow the most restrictive policy along the journey. If you travel with a trained assistance dog, contact airBaltic early so they can arrange seating, paperwork checks, and any route‑specific approvals.
For the cabin, airBaltic sets an 8 kg (about 17 lb) limit for the pet plus carrier. The soft carrier must fit under the seat and close fully; the usual maximum size is about 55 × 40 × 23 cm (21.5 × 15.5 × 9 in). Your pet must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down naturally inside. Generally only one carrier per passenger is allowed; two small littermates (up to about 6 months) of the same species may share one carrier if calm and within the weight limit.
For the hold, use a rigid IATA‑compliant crate with secure metal door, ventilation on at least three sides (four for larger crates), leak‑proof floor, and no wheels (or wheels removed). As a handling rule, many European carriers—including airBaltic—limit a single pet+crate to around 32 kg (70 lb); heavier animals usually must move as air cargo. Maximum crate size depends on the aircraft’s door; on the Airbus A220 fleet, very large kennels may not fit—crates above roughly 120 × 80 × 85 cm are unlikely to be accepted. Brachycephalic (snub‑nosed) breeds face elevated heat‑stress risk and are often refused in the hold; if accepted at all, they are safer in the cabin within limits.
International travel hinges on identification and rabies control. EU trips require an ISO‑microchip and a valid rabies vaccination recorded in an EU Pet Passport (or an EU Animal Health Certificate for pets entering from non‑EU countries), with a 21‑day wait after a first rabies shot. For many itineraries this means your pet must be at least 15 weeks old; airlines commonly refuse very young animals. Some countries (e.g., Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway) require tapeworm treatment on a specific timeline, and additional import permits may apply outside the EU/Schengen.
Quick paperwork checklist you’ll usually need:
airBaltic charges a pet fee per one‑way flight, differing for cabin vs hold and by where you pay; booking it online during or after ticket purchase is typically cheaper than paying at the airport. Fees apply per carrier, and each segment is charged. Route restrictions matter: some countries do not allow pets to arrive as passenger baggage, and seasonal temperature limits can trigger refusals for hold transport. Pregnant or ill animals, unweaned litters, and emotionally‑support animals (treated as pets under EU rules) have special restrictions or are not accepted; always confirm details before you book.
A few weeks out, introduce the exact carrier as your pet’s safe space—feed treats inside, lengthen practice sessions with the door closed, and take short car rides to mimic motion. Schedule a pre‑travel vet check to confirm fitness, review vaccines, and discuss airway risks if your pet is snub‑nosed. Avoid sedation unless a veterinarian insists; sedatives can depress breathing and are widely discouraged for air travel. The day before travel, trim nails, attach ID to collar and carrier, and pack absorbent bedding, a small blanket smelling like home, and a spill‑proof water setup.
On departure day, offer a light meal four hours before check‑in and water as normal; do not overfeed. Exercise your pet well before security, then allow a final relief break. Freeze a small dish of water for hold travel so it melts gradually, and tape feeding instructions to the crate. Keep a printed set of documents in your hand baggage and a duplicate inside a clear pouch on the carrier.
Arrive early and check in at a staffed desk so agents can verify paperwork and the carrier. For security screening, you’ll remove your pet from the carrier and carry them through the metal detector while the empty carrier is X‑rayed; a snug harness and leash help. Cabin pets must remain inside the closed carrier at the gate and in flight; place the carrier under the seat and avoid aisle protrusion. If your pet travels in the hold, you’ll hand off the crate at oversize baggage, and retrieve it at the special baggage area on arrival.
During layovers, reconfirm the onward pet booking and local entry rules, especially if you change airlines. Weather can affect hold acceptance; if temperatures are extreme, ask about rebooking options. No matter where you’re headed, the golden rule is simple: reserve early, measure carefully, and double‑check destination veterinary requirements on airBaltic.com and the official government site so your pet’s trip is as smooth as yours.
On airBaltic, age matters because it shapes tickets, seats, and pricing. An infant is a child under 2 years old on the day of each flight segment, while a child is from 2 through 11 years. From 12 years and up you’ll be booked as an adult, even when traveling with family. These categories determine whether your little one can sit on your lap or needs their own seat, and what you’ll pay. It’s always wise to add children correctly at booking so the airline can apply the right safety and seating rules from the start.
You may carry an infant under 2 years old on your lap; airBaltic applies a reduced, fixed infant fee rather than a full fare for this option. Only one lap infant per adult is permitted; if you’re traveling solo with two babies, the second infant must have a separate seat. For lap infants, the crew provides an approved loop-belt to be used during taxi, take-off, landing, and turbulence. Keep in mind that infants and children are never allowed in exit rows, and cabin crew may adjust seats to ensure the row has enough oxygen masks. When in doubt, ask at check-in to be seated in a row suitable for a lap infant.
If you prefer extra space or your baby is close to turning two, you can buy a seat for the infant. In that case, the child must use an approved car seat/child restraint during critical phases of flight, following the manufacturer’s age/weight limits. The device should bear recognized approval marks (such as ECE R44/04, UN R129/i-Size, or FAA “Approved for Aircraft Use”) and fit within the economy seat dimensions. Even with a purchased seat, infants cannot occupy exit-row seats and must be secured per crew instructions. Booking early helps you choose adjacent seats for the whole family and avoid last‑minute reassignment.
Children aged 2–11 with their own seat generally receive the same baggage allowance as the adult fare you’ve chosen; if your ticket includes checked baggage, your child’s typically will too. If your fare is hand‑baggage‑only, you can add checked bags for a fee—useful for prams, extra clothes, and supplies. Pack essential medications, spare clothes, and comfort items in your cabin bag so you’re covered if your checked bag is delayed. Label everything with your name and phone number because family items often travel separately (for example, gate‑checked strollers). A small, soft baby‑care pouch inside your main carry-on keeps nappies, wipes, creams, and a spare outfit within reach.
airBaltic Club is the loyalty program of airBaltic (BT), designed to reward the trips you already take across the Baltics and beyond. You earn two balances at once: redeemable points you can spend, and status points that determine your tier. Joining is free, and your membership number links to bookings, partner purchases, and even select credit card spend in the region. The program is intentionally straightforward, yet flexible: use points for flights, upgrades, and many extras, or combine them with cash when that suits you best. If you travel regularly with BT, the status benefits can make your journey smoother from check‑in to arrival.
There are three status levels: Club (entry), Executive (mid-tier), and VIP (top-tier). You qualify by collecting status points or by flying a required number of eligible one‑way segments on airBaltic within a 12‑month qualification period. Status points accrue from paid fares, with higher fare families typically earning more, and tiers may also add earning multipliers. Once you reach a tier, it remains valid for a defined period shown in your account, and you can requalify by meeting the same criteria in the next cycle. Think of Executive as ideal for frequent regional travelers, while VIP is built for very frequent flyers who are often on the road.
On flights marketed and operated by BT, you earn points based on your ticket type and route, with bonuses for Executive and VIP members. Add-ons such as seat selection or prepaid baggage may earn points when purchased through airBaltic channels, giving you value even when you tailor your trip. Beyond flights, airBaltic partners with hotels, car rental brands, retailers, and select financial institutions in the Baltics so you can collect points on everyday spending. You can also credit eligible codeshare itineraries when they carry a BT flight number, though accrual rules vary by partner and fare.
To keep balances growing efficiently, consider a family or household setup if available in your market, which lets members pool points into one pot. Co-branded or partner credit cards can accelerate earning, and occasional promotions offer boosted accrual on specific routes or dates. If a flight doesn’t post automatically, you can typically request retro-credit with your boarding pass and receipt. Points can expire after a set time; check the “My account” page for your personal timeline and keep activity flowing so your balance stays fresh.
If you fly with BT, chances are you’ll board an all‑Airbus A220‑300. As of 2024, the airline operates 47 A220‑300s, and every scheduled mainline flight uses this single‑type setup. The streamlined fleet simplifies training and maintenance while giving you a consistent onboard experience wherever you go. Early in the 2020s, airBaltic retired its Boeing 737 classics and Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 turboprops, completing the transition to a modern jet fleet. From short Baltic hops to six‑hour leisure routes, the same quiet, efficient aircraft ties the network together.
On board, the A220‑300 is arranged 2‑3 across with 145 seats in airBaltic’s layout. Even in Economy, the A220’s wider cabin makes the seat feel roomier, and the big windows plus LED mood lighting help the aircraft feel calm and bright. You’ll find USB power at every seat—on the newest deliveries, both USB‑A and USB‑C—along with personal‑device holders and generous overhead bins. Service is zoned rather than re‑seated: Business at the front with more personal space and elevated catering, followed by extra‑legroom rows and standard Economy, all on the same comfortable seat. For you, it means a predictable setup whether you’re commuting to Tallinn or chasing sun in the Canaries.
airBaltic launched the A220‑300 (then the Bombardier CS300) in late 2016, and those early airframes are now the oldest in service. They remain young by airline standards and have been progressively updated with software and cabin tweaks. The newest jets arrived in 2024–2025, benefiting from incremental improvements to the Pratt & Whitney geared‑turbofan engines and fresh cabin touches like USB‑C power. A handful of aircraft wear special national‑flag liveries for Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia—easy to spot and hard to forget.
Looking ahead, airBaltic’s plan is simple: more A220s. A significant top‑up order in 2023 raised total firm commitments to about 80 A220‑300s, with purchase rights providing additional flexibility for growth. Deliveries continue through the second half of the decade, gradually increasing capacity while keeping the fleet uniform. The Boeing 737s left in 2019 and the last Q400s bowed out by 2023, and the airline has no announced plans to introduce other types. Seasonally, some A220s operate for partner airlines under wet‑lease agreements—a smart way to balance demand while keeping crews current.
Flying with airBaltic, you’ll find a meal service that’s simple, flexible, and tuned to short- and medium‑haul travel. In Economy, food and drinks are available to buy from the onboard café, while Business Class includes a complimentary meal and beverages. Most routes are under three hours, so service is adapted to flight length and time of day. If a proper hot dish matters to you, the safest choice is to pre‑order. Think of the offer as practical and nicely curated rather than extravagant, with a few Baltic touches when departing the airline’s Riga hub.
In Economy, airBaltic runs a cashless onboard café featuring snacks, sandwiches, wraps, salads, pastries, and sweets. Hot items are available on many flights and are warmed when time permits; on very short sectors, expect a quicker run focused on drinks and cold choices. You can also pre‑order a hot meal to be served shortly after take‑off, which guarantees availability even if the trolley sells out. Portions are travel‑friendly, so consider adding a side or dessert if you have a bigger appetite. The overall feel is straightforward and good‑quality for the distance flown.
Business Class includes an all‑inclusive service with a welcome drink and a meal tailored to time of day. On longer sectors, you’ll usually receive a starter, a warm main or substantial cold plate, bread, and dessert, with coffee or tea to follow. On shorter hops, expect a refined cold tray with fresh bread and a sweet bite, keeping things efficient without feeling rushed. Beverage top‑ups are offered proactively, and the pacing is adjusted to the remaining flight time. It’s a polished experience that remains realistic for European flight lengths.
You can pre‑order a meal for any ticket type via Manage Booking or the airBaltic app, then choose delivery on your specific flight. The cut‑off is typically 24 hours before departure, though some outstations close earlier—always check your itinerary. Choices rotate but commonly include chicken or fish entrées, vegetarian pasta or grain bowls, and a plant‑based option, plus a dedicated children’s meal. Pre‑ordered dishes are prioritized and delivered first, which is helpful on tight turnarounds. It’s the best way to secure a hot entrée or your preferred cuisine.
airBaltic accommodates common special diets: vegetarian, vegan, gluten‑free, and lactose‑free can be selected when you pre‑order. If you have food allergies—especially to nuts—be aware the cabin is not a nut‑free environment and cross‑contamination is possible. Kosher or halal meals are not routinely stocked; contact customer service well in advance to discuss feasibility on your route. For strict medical diets, carry essential snacks and medications, and keep your requirements noted in the booking as well as with the crew.
airBaltic’s in‑flight entertainment leans into simplicity: your own phone, tablet, or laptop becomes the screen. On its all‑Airbus A220‑300 fleet, there are no seatback screens, but you’ll find an easy browser portal with flight info and a light content library, and on many aircraft, fast onboard Wi‑Fi to keep your favorite apps humming. This setup suits short and mid‑length routes where minutes matter between boarding and landing. It also means you control the experience—from language to subtitles to parental controls—without learning a new interface. If you prefer to disconnect, the moving map and digital magazine still offer a calm, low‑effort way to pass the time.
Expect a rotating mix of short‑form videos and a handful of movies, bite‑sized TV shows, curated music or podcast playlists, and casual games like puzzles and trivia on the wireless portal. The depth is modest compared with long‑haul seatback systems; airBaltic favors quality that fits a 45–120 minute window rather than hundreds of titles you won’t touch. You’ll also find a real‑time flight map, destination notes, and a digital edition of the airline’s magazine (often titled Baltic Outlook) for reading without internet. Video and audio quality are optimized for mobile screens, with adaptive streaming where available and subtitles on selected titles. It’s a tidy selection that pairs well with the option to use your own subscriptions when Wi‑Fi is available.
Once seated, set your device to airplane mode, then enable Wi‑Fi and connect to the aircraft’s network; a portal page should open automatically in your browser. If it doesn’t, type the web address mentioned in the onboard announcements or on the card in your seat pocket—no special app is required. From the portal, you can browse free content and, on equipped aircraft, start internet access. Bring your own headphones—Bluetooth works with your device, but wired headphones are a reliable fallback if Bluetooth is restricted during safety‑critical moments. USB power is available at many seats on the A220, yet a small power bank is still a smart backup.
airBaltic has been rolling out high‑speed, low‑latency Wi‑Fi powered by SpaceX Starlink across its A220 fleet, designed to be fast enough for music and video streaming. On most equipped aircraft, access is complimentary and simple, though speeds can vary with route, weather, and the number of users onboard. Your own services—Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, podcasts—generally work, but expect the usual geo‑rights and DRM caveats once you’re airborne. Service typically runs from shortly after take‑off until just before landing, with occasional pauses due to local regulations along the route. To keep the cabin quiet and bandwidth fair, voice and video calls are blocked.
Infants traveling on a lap don’t usually have a separate cabin baggage allowance on airBaltic, so their items should fit within the accompanying adult’s allowance. Security rules in the EU/UK allow reasonable quantities of baby food, formula, and breast milk; present them separately at screening. Cabin crew can provide hot water on request, though heating food or bottles may be limited by safety procedures. Pack liquids in easy‑to‑open containers and bring a lightweight changing mat for tight lavatories. For ear pressure, offering a feed, dummy, or sippy cup during take‑off and landing works wonders.
AirBaltic welcomes baby equipment and makes it straightforward to travel with it. You can take at least one item of child equipment—typically a fully collapsible stroller/buggy or a car seat—free of charge; if you need more than one piece, the extra item usually counts toward your checked-baggage allowance or can be purchased. Most airports let you use a stroller right up to the gate, where it’s tagged and placed in the hold; on arrival, it’s returned at the aircraft door or baggage belt depending on local rules. On board, bassinets are not provided on airBaltic’s Airbus A220‑300 fleet, so plan for in‑arm holding or a purchased seat with an approved restraint. If you intend to use a car seat in the cabin, reserve adjacent seats early and confirm compatibility with airBaltic before travel.
Short‑haul flights on airBaltic are efficient, so there are no seatback screens, and Wi‑Fi may not be available—download shows, music, and games in advance. Food is buy‑on‑board or pre‑order on many routes; there isn’t a complimentary dedicated kids’ meal, but you can preorder suitable options when offered. Bring familiar snacks and bibs, and keep any purées accessible for quick service. Crews are friendly and can help with water or warming checks, yet they must follow safety limits, so a small thermos of warm water you’ve prepared airside can be handy. Wipes, anti‑bac gel, and a compact toy rotation keep the space tidy and spirits high.
Families with infants and young children are typically invited to pre‑board, giving you a calmer few minutes to install a car seat, stow gear, and settle in. If you don’t hear an announcement, politely ask at the gate—staff will guide you. Choose seats away from exits and consider an aisle for quick lavatory trips versus a window for fewer bumps and distractions. On the A220, rows of two on one side can feel cozy for a parent‑child duo, while a block of three works well for two parents plus a child. A light blanket also doubles as shade during naps.
Build a little buffer into your day: arrive early, check documents twice, and let kids burn energy before boarding. Keep your booking marked with the infant/child from the start so the system assigns you to rows with sufficient oxygen masks. If traveling solo with a baby, pre‑order a seat close to the front to speed deplaning and make help from crew easier to access. For international flights, children need valid passports (and visas where required), and some countries request a parental consent letter when one guardian travels alone. Policies can change, so it’s always smart to review airBaltic’s latest rules or contact customer support before you fly.
The headline redemption is award travel on airBaltic’s network, from short Baltic hops to longer flights to Central Europe, the Middle East, and the Caucasus. Pricing is dynamic, so popular dates may require more points, while off‑peak days can be surprisingly affordable; one‑way awards are available, and you’ll pay taxes and fees in cash. When you’re a little short, use Points + Money to top up an itinerary, which is often the sweet spot between convenience and value.
If you prefer comfort, you can redeem for upgrades to Business class when space allows, or use points for extras like seats, baggage, and lounge access passes. Non‑flight options—hotels, car rentals, gift vouchers, and partner offers—give you flexibility, though flights usually deliver the best cents‑per‑point value. airBaltic is not part of a global alliance, so partner-airline redemptions are limited and typically require a BT‑marketed ticket; always check fare and partner rules before booking.
Even at the base level you’ll see member‑only offers, but status is where the journey becomes smoother. Benefits may differ by airport and aircraft, yet the pattern is consistent: faster airport touchpoints, more baggage flexibility, and better seats—plus higher earning. Here’s how the tiers generally stack up on BT‑operated flights:
Specific entitlements can vary by booking class, airport facilities, and local regulations, so it’s wise to review the benefit table for your route before you fly.
With a little planning—and a focus on flights where BT offers strong schedules—airBaltic Club can feel both simple and rewarding, letting you turn routine travel into upgrades, smoother airport flows, and trips you genuinely look forward to.
An all‑A220 strategy is also a sustainability play. The type typically burns 20–25% less fuel per seat and cuts CO2 accordingly versus the older generation it replaced, while reducing the noise footprint by up to 50%. airBaltic layers in practical measures such as single‑engine taxi, lighter catering and cabin materials, continuous‑descent approaches, and digital flight planning to trim fuel. The carrier supports the use of sustainable aviation fuel where it’s available and has operated flights with SAF blends, planning to increase uptake as supply scales. Put simply, you get a quieter, cleaner ride today—and a credible path toward tomorrow’s goals.
airBaltic operated the world’s first commercial A220‑300 flight in 2016 and remains one of the largest operators of the model in Europe. The A220’s range lets BT connect Riga with farther‑flung destinations like Dubai and Tenerife nonstop, stretching the idea of a short‑haul jet. Training and maintenance are largely in‑house in Riga, including an A220 full‑flight simulator that helps underpin strong operational reliability. And if you’re into liveries, keep your camera ready: the bold flag‑painted aircraft are among the most photographed A220s anywhere.
Menus lean into simple, fresh flavors with a Baltic touch when catered from Riga, while outstations reflect local suppliers. Expect crisp salads, hearty sandwiches, and warm dishes like chicken with grains, fish with vegetables, or plant‑based pasta or risotto. Desserts and breakfast pastries rotate seasonally, and presentation is neat rather than elaborate. Packaging is compact to suit short‑haul service, and cutlery in Business tends to feel more premium.
Beverages include still/sparkling water, juices, sodas, and hot drinks. In Economy these are part of the buy‑on‑board menu; in Business they’re included and refilled generously. A compact wine list and European beers are standard, joined by a few spirits and liqueurs; availability can vary by route. Coffee and tea typically follow the meal in Business, while in Economy they’re offered during the trolley pass.
Alcohol is served only to passengers aged 18+ and must be provided by the crew; consuming your own alcohol is not permitted. Service begins after take‑off and may pause during turbulence or the approach phase, so on very short flights there might be time for only one round. The crew can limit or refuse service if a passenger appears intoxicated, in line with safety rules. Payment for Economy purchases is primarily by card or contactless, and options can vary by route, so keep a backup method handy.
airBaltic works with regional catering partners in Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius, and at outstations across Europe, so exact items can vary by departure point. Rather than a celebrity‑chef program, menus are curated in‑house with established caterers and seasonal local suppliers. You’ll often notice Baltic favorites—think hearty breads, simple dairy, and chocolate from regional brands—alongside international staples. This keeps the experience consistent while allowing subtle local character. Expect updates through the year as recipes and suppliers rotate to reflect seasonality and availability.
On short‑haul flights, a little planning goes a long way, especially if you’re particular about ingredients or timing. Pre‑ordering ensures you’re served first and that your choice doesn’t sell out. If you’re connecting through Riga, pre‑order for the longer leg and keep a snack for the shorter one. Families and travelers with allergies should double‑check ingredients in the booking flow and speak to the crew early; carry your own safe snacks as a backup.
In short, airBaltic’s food and beverage offer is thoughtfully tailored to short European flights: straightforward in Economy with solid pre‑order choices, and comfortably complete in Business. Plan ahead, and you’ll eat well at 35,000 feet without surprises.
Entertainment access is essentially the same in Economy and Business because the system runs on personal devices rather than seatback hardware. If a flight uses paid plans for connectivity, Business fares may include an allowance or voucher, but the portal and media library don’t change by cabin. Boarding earlier in the forward cabin gives you a few extra minutes to connect and settle, which helps on shorter hops. Power availability can vary by row on any narrow‑body, so it’s wise to board with your devices topped up regardless of seat. Bottom line: it’s your device, your apps, your pace—whichever cabin you choose.
Connectivity comes via the airline’s partnership with SpaceX Starlink, bringing satellite bandwidth tuned for aircraft and low‑latency browsing. The wireless portal and its media are delivered with specialist inflight technology providers, and titles are licensed on a rotating basis. Expect a mix of international crowd‑pleasers and regionally relevant picks that reflect the Baltic network. Catalogs change regularly, so what you see this month may differ on your next trip.
A little preparation pays off, especially on short flights where setup time is precious. Think of the portal as a bonus and the Wi‑Fi as a bridge to your own ecosystem, with offline backups as insurance against spotty coverage.
We couldn't find any special offers for flights by airBaltic