AirBaltic is the largest airline in Latvia. The punctuality of the organization and execution of flights allows increasing passenger traffic, maintaining a competitive airfare, adjusting the flight schedule for long-distance flights at large hubs, minimizing waiting in them. Let's talk about the features of her work.
About AirBaltic
AirBaltic was founded in 1995. It is headquartered in Riga and is the main low-cost airline in the region.
The largest shareholder, as of 2021, is the Republic of Latvia (80% of shares). Danish businessman Lars Thuesen controls the remaining 20% through Aircraft Leasing LLC.
The main airport of the company is Riga, additional ones are international in Vilnius and Lennart Meri airport in Tallinn.
AirBaltic aircraft serve over 90 destinations. In 2021, the company posted a net profit of € 4.6 million on a turnover of € 347.7 million.
Air fleet of the company
The company operates modern aircraft that are environmentally friendly, comfortable, fast and efficient. In December 2021, AirBaltic owned a fleet of 30 aircraft:
- Boeing 737-300 - 6 units;
- Boeing 737-500 - 5 units;
- Q400 NextGen - 12 units;
- Bombardier CS300 - 7, by the end of 2021 it is planned to increase the number to 14 units.
The airline takes care not only of the material and technical base, but also of high-quality training at the AirBaltic Pilot Academy, whose graduates are guaranteed to get jobs.
Directions of the company
The company serves over 80 destinations in Europe, the CIS, and the Middle East. If necessary, convenient conditions for transfers along the route are provided. The company operates direct flights:
| Direct flight | Travel time | Regularity |
|---|---|---|
| Copenhagen - Riga | 1 h 40m | ezhd |
| Riga - Copenhagen | 1 h 40m | ezhd |
| Riga - Helsinki | 1 h 05m | ezhd |
| Helsinki - Riga | 1 h 00m | ezhd |
| Vilnius - Riga | 0 h 50m | ezhd |
| Riga - Tallinn | 0 h 50m | ezhd |
| Riga - Prague | 2 h 10m | ezhd |
| Riga - Vilnius | 0 h 50m | ezhd |
| Prague - Riga | 2 h 05m | ezhd |
| Oslo - Riga | 1 h 50m | mon, tue, wed, thu, fri, sun |
| Riga - Kiev | 1 h 50m | mon, tue, wed, thu, fri, sat |
| Riga - Moscow | 1 h 40m | mon, tue, wed, thu, fri, sat |
| Riga - Vienna | 2 h 25m | mon, tue, wed, thu, fri, sun |
| Kiev - Riga | 1 h 55m | mon, tue, wed, thu, fri, sun |
| St. Petersburg – Riga | 1 h 20m | mon, tue, thu, fri, sat, sun |
Passenger check-in for AirBaltic flights
If you have access to the Internet, online registration is the most convenient, since it:
- free (saving € 30);
- starts 5 days before the departure of the flight;
- ends according to the rules of the airport of departure (one hour before departure);
- provides free baggage transportation;
- provides for the use of a mobile boarding pass (QR code).
When checking in at the airport, you need to have enough time left to pay the fee and go through the check-in itself.
Upon check-in, you will receive a boarding pass in paper or electronic form, giving you access to the security area for security screening and boarding.
The intricacies of registration at various airports and flights can be found in detail on the official website of the company. The official website in Russian is www.airbaltic.com/ru.
About baggage transportation
According to the AirBaltic rules, baggage must not exceed 100x50x80 centimeters, the weight is limited to 20 kilograms. In addition, the passenger can carry hand luggage (55x40x20 cm) and personal item (30x40x10 cm) with a total weight of no more than 8 kilograms.
Holders of a Business ticket or PINS VIP card can take 2 carry-on luggage and 1 personal item. The latter includes umbrellas, laptops, carry-on bags, photographic equipment, and tax-free purchases.
The cost of baggage transportation depends on the type of ticket and the place of its check-in:
- Basic - 19.99 euros per seat each way when buying online, 40 euros when checking in luggage at the counter, 60 euros at the gate.
- Premium - one piece of baggage is free.
- Business - two pieces of baggage are free.
Excess baggage
The cost of a luggage space when purchasing an air ticket is 29.99 euros. When registering online at travel agencies, the cost will rise to 35 euros.
The price of a piece of luggage at the check-in counter will be 40 euros, and upon boarding, it will increase to 60.
If your baggage weighs between 20 and 32 kilograms, then you will have to pay 50 euros. Excess baggage will also lead to an increase in costs up to 60 euros with a weight of up to 20 kg and up to 110 euros if the weight exceeds the specified threshold and dimensions of 100x50x80 cm.
Non-standard baggage
Any non-standard baggage (musical instruments, furniture, sports equipment, other items) that cannot be counted in the total baggage allowance is transported as agreed with the company. You can get additional information by contacting the carrier or his representatives in advance.
Money spent on baggage payments is non-refundable. Musical instruments and items that require careful handling are carried in the cabin next to the passenger.
For non-standard baggage, there is also a weight limit of 32 kg for all types of aircraft. Overall dimensions should not exceed:
- cello / guitar 35x50x150 cm - for Boeing and Bombardier CS300;
- cello / guitar 35x40x135 cm - for Bombardier Q400;
- other baggage 43x45x95 cm - for Boeing and Bombardier CS300;
- other baggage 42x43x85 cm - for Bombardier Q400.
Tickets for baggage can be purchased only at the airline ticket offices or at travel agencies. Paying for baggage online or in any other way does not entitle you to transport it.
The company allows for additional baggage with a weight of no more than 8 kg and with dimensions no more than 55x40x20 cm. If the sports equipment or musical instrument exceeds the specified dimensions and is the only carry-on baggage, then the fee will be charged as for additional carry-on baggage.
Disabled passengers on AirBaltic flights can carry a wheelchair that they need to get around at no additional charge. You can also take a baby stroller-crib, a folding and light stroller, a baby car seat for free, if a child is indicated in the seat reservation form.
Delayed, Lost or Damaged Baggage
Delayed baggage must be reported as soon as possible to the lost property office of the airport of arrival, but no later than 21 days from the date of arrival. Timely notification will greatly increase the chances that your baggage will be found and you will be able to receive compensation for the damage caused. The passenger will be notified about the location of the baggage and the timing of its delivery.
Before the baggage is found, the passenger is advised to keep receipts for purchased essential goods so that the amount of compensation when they are transferred to AirBaltic's customer service department is accurate.
You should also contact this address if your baggage is delayed for more than five days. It is important to note that the claim for delayed baggage must be submitted by the person for whom it is registered.
If the baggage is not found within 21 days, then it is considered lost - upon submission of a corresponding application in writing.
In order to receive full compensation, it is also recommended to contact the insurance company, as the carrier has limited liability for the lost baggage (Article 22 of the Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules Governing International Carriage by Air, Montreal, 28 May 1999). To do this, you must obtain a confirmation letter from the carrier for the insurance company.
To claim compensation from the airline, a list of lost property should be submitted along with the application, preferably with sales receipts attached.
If damaged baggage is received, it must be reported to the Lost and Found office on arrival or to AirBaltic's customer service within seven days. The owner of damaged baggage can count on the following types of compensation:
- luggage repair at the expense of the carrier;
- provision of a luggage bag of equal value, taking into account wear and tear (it is considered 15% per year, but not more than 50% of the cost of new luggage).
If there are no documents confirming the cost of the damaged baggage, then the amount of compensation may be determined by the standard prices for similar products. AirBaltic is not responsible for discovered defects, damage to baggage caused by airport security, incorrect packaging or caused by normal wear and tear.
Baggage on flights not operated by AirBaltic
Online purchases of extra baggage are made for flights operated only by AirBaltic. If the route of your movement involves the use of the services of several carriers, then the amount and conditions for accepting baggage are determined by the rules of the company that provides the services first. The support service will answer in detail questions about the rules of baggage transportation for a specific route when you contact us by phone or address.
Baggage payment
Using the services of AirBaltic, part of your baggage can be transported free of charge. If you need to take more things with you, their transportation is paid when buying a ticket or in the period before the departure of the plane.
The cost of baggage transportation depends on the time and place of payment (ascending):
- when buying a ticket at the company's box office (the most favorable fare);
- when paying / checking baggage online;
- baggage check-in at the airport before departure.
Refund and exchange of tickets
You should be aware that the company's tickets are sold for economy and business classes, and are also divided into types:
- Basic - a refund is possible during the validity period of the ticket, but only in terms of airport taxes.
- Premium - ticket cancellation is possible before the confirmed departure time, 50 euros are lost, the presence of the “No-show” mark does not allow refunding the funds.
- Business (business) - allows you to cancel the reservation at any time and get the full amount.
Regardless of the type of ticket, the passenger can:
- abandon the flight;
- cancel the trip online;
- get a refund if you miss your flight due to illness.
When canceling round-trip tickets or canceling one destination, you should make sure that such an operation is possible. If the answer is positive, a recalculation is made and the funds are returned to the passenger minus the amounts that are not subject to reimbursement in accordance with the carrier's rules and legislation.
The ticket is considered valid for one year from the date of issue or one year from the date of the first flight (partially used).
In addition, by paying a non-refundable fee of 5.99 euros when purchasing a ticket, the passenger has the opportunity to refund its full price in case of illness on the day of departure. At the same time, it is impossible to return money for other purchased services.
Sickness refunds are available for passengers who cannot take advantage of flight insurance or whose travel time exceeds 31 days.
This service must be used before the flight date by sending an email to the address with a doctor's certificate and your booking number. It takes up to 30 days to process the request and return the money. In this case, the money is returned to the account from which the booking was paid.
Additional services on board
One of the most important and popular services is meals on board. Ordering this service in advance gives the passenger a number of noticeable advantages:
- priority service in flight, you do not have to wait long for ordered meals;
- the cost of food is lower than at the airport;
- the possibility of ordering food without gluten and other preservatives;
- taking into account the necessary dietary requirements;
- a wide range of products and dishes.
An additional service of AirBaltic from 2021 is the ability to pay with the Bitcoin cryptocurrency.
At the airports of Riga, Liepaja, Jurmala, the passengers of the company can use the services of Baltic Taxi, which has more than 170 units. Calling Baltic is made by calling 8500 or from the aircraft via iOS or Google Play mobile applications (at Baltic Taxi tariffs).
Bonuses for clients
The company offers the Airbaltic Pins passenger loyalty program with a special PINS currency. For the convenience of customers, a special prepaid payment card (Payment Card) is issued.
The loyalty program includes special offers and discounts, special conditions for checked baggage, promotions for children, travelers, family flights.
The loyalty program also applies to the corporate sector, which should be of interest to companies whose employees often make business trips:
- favorable prices for tickets for Business and Econom classes;
- taking into account specific requests and requirements of the customer;
- individual agreements with each company;
- AirBaltic's own manager, which speeds up and simplifies the solution of various cooperation issues.
BalticMiles holders are encouraged to exchange them for PINS MasterCard or AirBaltic Payment Card in order to take advantage of all the new benefits of the company's new bonus programs. Special "currency" PINS will allow you to accumulate it and exchange it for airline tickets, discounts for purchases at airports, car rentals or various rewards in the online store.
BalticMiles card number is saved for PINS. The recommendation also applies to corporate and VIP clients of the company.
PINS can be used to pay for services such as baggage check-in, sports equipment, pre-order meals, changing the service class to Business, expedited security checks, and fast check-in.
AirBaltic contact information
Official website: www.airbaltic.com
Email: [email protected].
Support service: +371 67006006 (from any country), 90001100 (within Latvia).
Official appeals and documents should be sent to the legal address:
Air Baltic Corporation AS, Riga International Airport, st. Technikas, 3 (Marupe region). Phone: 67207069.
Conclusion
AirBaltic regularly monitors the performance of its personnel and takes measures to improve the quality of work. The company's flight schedule is well thought out, which significantly reduces the waiting time at transfer points. The wide geography of flights minimizes transfers, allowing you to get directly to almost any region of the European Union.
