When preparing for air travel, one of the most crucial aspects that travelers often overlook is understanding the airline’s baggage regulations. The Air Baltic Baggage policy plays a vital role in ensuring that passengers can pack smartly, avoid unnecessary fees, and experience a hassle-free journey. 

With specific rules governing cabin baggage, checked luggage, special items, and restricted goods, Air Baltic provides clear guidelines to help travelers make informed decisions. This comprehensive guide breaks down every detail of the Air Baltic baggage policy, offering insights into allowances, upgrades, fees, and practical tips to stay compliant.

Air Baltic’s Cabin Baggage Allowance

The Air Baltic baggage policy ensures that cabin baggage allowances are included in the ticket price for all Air Baltic-operated flights:

  • Business and Business EXPERIENCE Fares: Passengers can bring 2 cabin bags (each 55 x 40 x 23 cm) plus 1 personal item (30 x 40 x 10 cm). The combined weight must not exceed 24 kg.
  • Economy FLEX Fare: This fare type allows for 1 cabin bag (55 x 40 x 23 cm) and 1 personal item, with a total weight of up to 8 kg.
  • Economy CLASSIC and BASIC Fares: It includes 1 cabin bag and 1 personal item, with a maximum combined weight of 8 kg.
  • airBaltic Club VIP Members: Regardless of ticket type, VIP members may bring 2 cabin bags plus 1 personal item with a combined weight of 24 kg.
  • airBaltic Club Executive Members (Economy tickets): Entitled to 1 cabin bag and 1 personal item with a total weight of 12 kg.
  • Tickets under Other Airline Codes: Economy class passengers may carry 1 cabin bag and 1 personal item with a combined weight of 8 kg, while business class ticket holders can bring 2 cabin bags and 1 personal item not exceeding 24 kg in total.

For itineraries involving codeshare or interline flights, passengers must follow the stricter baggage allowance when regulations differ between airlines.

Air Baltic Policy for Heavy Cabin Baggage

Passengers holding Economy BASIC, CLASSIC, or FLEX tickets can upgrade their cabin baggage allowance to as much as 12 kgs from 8 kgs by paying extra. While the number of pieces and dimensions remain unchanged, this option offers greater flexibility for those carrying slightly heavier items.

Air Baltic’s Cabin Baggage Restrictions and Special Conditions

Here are some rules and regulations for Air Baltic’s cabin baggage allowance. 

  • Cabin baggage should be accommodated under the seat or stowed comfortably in the bin overhead.
  • Infants are not entitled to cabin baggage, while children receive the same allowance as adults based on the travel class.
  • Passengers with reduced mobility may carry necessary assistive devices.
  • Cabin baggage exceeding permitted dimensions or weight will incur a €30 fee for heavy baggage or may be checked into the hold for €75.
  • Compliance with size and weight restrictions is mandatory; airport staff may check baggage dimensions at any time.
  • Passengers on connecting flights should follow the stricter baggage policy of any partner airline involved.
  • For stopovers in Riga over 24 hours, heavy cabin baggage fees apply to each flight segment separately.
  • Failure to comply with baggage rules or to pay applicable fees may result in denied boarding.
  • Baggage acceptance on the first flight does not guarantee acceptance on subsequent legs if limits are exceeded.
  • Retain heavy cabin baggage receipts for multi-leg airBaltic journeys.
  • Baggage rules of partner airlines take precedence for flights operated by those carriers.

Personal items allowed include handbags, laptop bags, camera bags, and umbrellas. The combined weight of the personal item and cabin bag must not exceed the class allowance.

All baggage fees are non-refundable. Additionally, on flights between Riga and Marrakesh or Agadir, the transport of drones, firearms, and weapons is strictly prohibited.

Rules for Carriage of Liquids On Air Baltic Flights 

Passengers must follow standard liquid restrictions:

  • Each liquid container must not exceed 100 ml.
  • All containers must fit in a transparent and resealable bag no larger than 1 liter (20 x 20 cm).
  • Each passenger can get only a single bag of liquid, which they must check at the security 
  • Larger quantities of liquids that may not fit in re-sealable bags go in as checked baggage. 

Large Toy Transportation in the Cabin

Air Baltic allows large toys on board under the following conditions:

  • The toy may occupy a free seat if available, but no advance seat assignment is guaranteed. There will even be no issuance of boarding passes as well. 
  • Toys can include large soft toys or boxed items like Lego sets (max. 60 x 40 cm) which fit well in the seat, and doesn’t hinder access to other aircraft seats. 
  • Passengers must accept that the toy’s seat may not be adjacent to their own.
  • If no free seats are available, toys must be checked into the hold, with passengers responsible for proper packaging. A €75 baggage fee applies.
  • Air Baltic does not provide packaging materials.
  • This service is provided as a courtesy and is subject to seat availability and safety regulations.

Air Baltic’s Policy for Checked Baggage

Checked baggage allowances under the Air Baltic Baggage Policy depend on ticket type:

  • Business, Business EXPERIENCE, Economy FLEX: 2 bags (100 x 50 x 80 cm each), total weight up to 46 kg (max 23 kg per bag).
  • Economy CLASSIC: 1 bag up to 23 kg, alongside a dimension of 100 cm x 50 cm x 80 cm. 
  • Economy BASIC: No checked baggage included; available for purchase online or via customer service.

Checked baggage fees vary by route, weight (23 kg or 32 kg), and booking method. Fees start from €29.99 online, rising to €75 if baggage is checked unexpectedly at the gate, especially if it has exceeded the size and weight dimensions. 

Heavy Checked Baggage

If any checked bag exceeds the 23 kg allowance, passengers can purchase extra weight of as much as 32 kg. When purchased online with the ticket, the fee varies by route. At the airport, a flat €60 per bag applies. This fee is charged per bag, not per kilogram, and is in addition to the standard baggage fee.

If a bag exceeds both the weight and number of permitted pieces, both the extra weight fee and additional baggage fee apply. For example, a standard heavy bag (32 kg) at the airport costs €135 (€75 baggage fee + €60 heavy baggage fee).

Bulky Baggage (up to 23 kg)

Baggage exceeding the size limit of 100 x 50 x 80 cm but weighing a maximum of 23 kg incurs a bulky baggage fee of €75 per one-way journey. At the airport, such a bag will cost €150 (€75 baggage fee + €75 bulky baggage fee).

Bulky Baggage (up to 32 kg)

Bulky items exceeding both the size limit and the 23 kg weight cap will incur bulky and heavy baggage fees, totaling €135. The maximum weight of any single checked bag is capped at 32 kg.

For oversized and overweight items (bulky 32 kg bag), the total airport fee amounts to €210 (€75 as baggage fee + €75for bulky baggage + €60 for heavy baggage). Passengers must contact Air Baltic in advance to confirm acceptance of such baggage.

airBaltic Club VIP & Executive Members

  • VIP: Business—4 bags (23 kg each); Economy FLEX—3 bags; Economy CLASSIC—1 bag; Economy BASIC—no bags.
  • Executive: Business— Three bags; Economy FLEX— Two bags; Economy CLASSIC—One bag; Economy BASIC—No baggage allowance.

Infants are entitled to 1 checked bag up to 10 kg plus a stroller or car seat. Adult + infant baggage may be pooled.

You are not permitted to bring important documents, valuables, electronic goods, or fragile items in your checked baggage. Musical instruments and other fragile items may only travel in the cabin with a separate seat purchase.

All baggage fees are non-refundable. Pooled allowances apply only to passengers on the same booking.

Baggage on Flights Not Operated by airBaltic

For itineraries involving other airlines, at least one checked bag is typically included. The allowance is determined by the Most Significant Carrier rule. Passengers should check directly with the operating airline for baggage specifics.

Air Baltic Baggage Policy for Sports Equipment

The Air Baltic Baggage Policy allows various types of sports equipment on board for an additional fee. Charges vary based on ticket type and booking method:

  • From €39.99 when booking online (bicycles or golf equipment from €44.99).
  • €44.99 via Manage Booking; bicycles or golf equipment from €49.99.
  • €45 when booked through agencies or ticket offices; bicycles or golf equipment from €50.
  • €75 if paid at the airport.

Accepted Sports Equipment Types:

Here is a list of sports equipment allowed on Air Baltic flights: 

  • Bicycles: You should remove the pedals, turn the handlebars, and deflate the tires. The maximum permissible weight is 25 kg. Some airports require bikes to be packed in hard protective cases or in boxes devised for transporting bicycles. Inappropriately packed bikes may not be accepted for transportation. 
  • Diving Equipment: It includes an empty tank, a scuba regulator, a mask, two fins, a knife, a safety vest, and a spear gun. The maximum weight is 23 kg. 
  • Golf Equipment: It includes a bag with as many as fourteen golf clubs, around twelve golf balls, and golf shoes (one pair). You are allowed 23 kg of golf equipment. It should be booked through the airline’s call center or ticket office. You may even book through any third-party travel agencies as well. 
  • Ski Equipment: It includes skis, ski poles, and ski boots (all single pair), alongside a helmet. The maximum baggage allowance is 23 kg. 
  • Snowboarding Equipment: It includes snowboards (one pair), a snowboard, and a helmet. The maximum weight allowance is 23 kg. 
  • Ice Hockey Equipment: You can carry a single ice hockey helmet, sticks, and ice hockey wear, which includes protectors and pads. You can pack hockey equipment in two bags. 
  • Fishing Equipment: It comprises a rod, an angler’s bag, and a bait box. They should be packed properly. The maximum allowable weight is 23 kg. 
  • Surfing, Kiteboarding, Windsurfing: You can carry a kite and a kiteboard or a surfboard, or windsurfing equipment (one set). They should be packed together in a single bag. You are allowed a maximum weight of 23 kg. 

Air Baltic’s Baggage Policy for Special Baggage and Musical Instruments

The Air Baltic Baggage Policy allows the transport of special baggage such as bulky items, musical instruments, and child seats. Special baggage is counted within the total baggage allowance. Passengers must arrange the carriage of special items in advance due to limited space.

For items guitars, cellos, or fragile instruments, a separate seat should be bought from Air Baltic’s ticketing office or the travel agencies from where you booked your ticket. These items must not exceed 32 kg and are limited in dimensions (floor: 145 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm; strapped: 105 cm x 45 cm x 40 cm). Online bookings for such items are not accepted.

Small fragile items or instruments that don’t require an extra seat can be brought as additional cabin baggage for €60, with size limits of 55 x 40 x 23 cm (length up to 80 cm for instruments).

Wheelchairs are transported free but must be pre-reported at least 48 hours prior to departure.

Prams, strollers, or car seats for infants/children are transported free of charge. Compact YOYO™ strollers may be taken into the cabin.

Rules for Transporting Weapons on Air Baltic Flights

Firearms and weapons can be transported for €75 per direction but must be declared in advance. Firearms must be split into two pieces, with ammunition (max 5 kg) separately packed. You cannot carry a firearm and a bolt together. Weapons are not allowed on Riga-Agadir-Riga, Riga-Marrakech-Riga, or Palanga-Riga flights.

Restricted Items

Passengers must review restricted item guidelines prior to travel, including rules on dangerous goods and prohibited articles.

Baggage Restrictions on Air Baltic Flights 

When flying with airBaltic, passengers must never carry anything on behalf of someone else. If you suspect an item has been placed in your baggage without your knowledge, check your bag before reaching the airport or inform the check-in agent immediately.

Is Your Baggage Cleared for Flight?

Ensure the following before check-in:

  • No one has interfered with your baggage since packing.
  • No one has given you anything to carry.
  • You have not packed sharp or dangerous items.

Air Baltic’s Baggage Policy for Transporting Lithium Batteries

Carrying lithium batteries safely is essential to ensure flight safety and compliance with regulations.

Portable Electronic Devices

  • Allowed in both checked and hand baggage.
  • Lithium content: max 2 g (lithium-metal) or 100 Wh (lithium-ion).
  • No carrier approval required.

E-Cigarettes

  • Only in hand baggage.
  • Max battery: 2 g lithium or 100 Wh; e-cigarettes include e-pipes, e-cigard, as well as other personal vaporizers 
  • Charging on board is prohibited.

High-Power Lithium Devices

  • Devices (e.g., large drones, medical equipment) over 100 Wh but not exceeding 160 Wh allowed.
  • Carrier approval required.
  • Allowed in both baggage types.

Smart Luggage

  • Lithium batteries must be removable.
  • Max battery: 100 Wh (or up to 160 Wh with approval).
  • Must comply with safety standards for power banks.
  • Not allowed in checked baggage.

Spare Lithium Batteries

  • Max two batteries (100–160 Wh) allowed in hand baggage.
  • Proper protection against short circuits required.

Note: Devices like hoverboards and mini-segways are prohibited in both checked and cabin baggage.

Dangerous Goods and Restricted Articles On Air Baltic Flights

Certain items are strictly forbidden in cabin baggage, including:

  • Firearms, toy guns, bows, slingshots.
  • Stunning devices, incapicatating chemicals, disabling sprays (pepper sprays, capsicum sprays, acid sprays, tear gas, animal repellant sprays) 
  • Sharp or pointed-edged objects: knives, scissors (over 6 cm), box cutters, razor blades, sabres, swords, etc
  • Work tools: Drills, saws, crowbars, nail guns, blowtorches, nail guns, bolt guns 
  • Blunt instruments: Bats, martial arts equipment.
  • Flammable, toxic, corrosive substances.
  • Crossbows, bows, arrows
  • Spear guns and harpoon guns 
  • Explosives: fireworks, ammunition.
  • Prohibited gadgets: hoverboards, drones (on specific routes).
  • Instruments with magnets 

Passengers must surrender prohibited items before boarding. Airlines are not responsible for storing or returning these items.

The items that you cannot carry in checked baggage include: 

  • Flammable liquids, as well as solids
  • Organic peroxides
  • Tear gas devices
  • Instruments with mercury or magnets
  • Matches
  • Explosives and substances that may cause immense injury like blasting caps, grenades, mines, dynamite, plastic explosives, gunpowder, etc 

For more details on objects restricted in checked or carry-on baggages or both, you may contact Air Baltic’s helpline.

Non-Certified Comfort Devices

Items such as seat extenders, leg hammocks, and cabin case seat extenders are not allowed for use on airBaltic flights as they may pose safety risks.

Transportation of Foods and Plants

Be aware of restrictions on transporting food and plants to protect against the spread of pests and diseases.

Prohibited to Import:

  • Meat, milk, potatoes, soil, plant protection products.
  • Betel leaves from Bangladesh, dried beans from Nigeria.

Restricted without Certification:

  • Large quantities (over 30 kg) of specified products.
  • Plants for planting, fresh produce over 2 kg.

Permitted:

  • Animal-origin products (max 2 kg).
  • Fish products like smoked, salted, dried, fresh, or thermally processed fish (max 20 kg).
  • Caviar (max 125 g).
  • Fresh fruits and processed foods in reasonable quantities.

Airport Security Liquid Restrictions

  • Liquids in containers max 100 ml.
  • Must fit inside one transparent, re-sealable 1-liter plastic bag.
  • One bag per passenger.

Larger quantities must be placed in checked baggage.

Duty-Free Liquids

Duty-free liquids from Schengen/non-Schengen airports or airlines can be carried in cabin baggage if:

  • Sealed at purchase with receipt inside a security bag.
  • Bag remains sealed until final destination.
  • Items may be rescreened during transit.

Passengers should allow extra time for security checks.

For full details, refer to the European Commission’s Information for Air Travelers.

Also Read: Volotea Baggage Policy

Air Baltic’s Policy for Delayed, Lost, or Damaged Baggage

airBaltic strives to assist passengers in case of baggage delays, loss, or damage while ensuring timely support and fair compensation.

Delayed Baggage

If your baggage is delayed, airBaltic works to locate it as quickly as possible, with most bags found within five days.

  • Report Immediately: Contact Lost & Found on arrival or register online within 4 days.
  • Tracing Updates:
    • After 3 days: Update your report with bag contents.
    • After 5 days: Complete the online form.
    • From 6 to 45 days: Air Baltic’s partner First Flight Forwarders LTD will assist you.
  • Essential Purchases: Buy necessary items and claim up to €10/day (max 4 days) with receipts submitted within 21 days.
  • Lost Baggage Compensation: After 21 days, claim compensation up to €1,800 (subject to depreciation); certain valuables are excluded.

Damaged Baggage

In case of baggage damage, airBaltic offers repair, replacement, or compensation based on the extent of the damage.

  • Report Damage: Immediately report damage at the airport or online (within 7 days; portal use within 4 days).
  • Repair or Replace: Use authorized repair services or submit receipts for approved costs.
  • Irreparable Bags: Provide proof of damage and original receipt for compensation (up to €1,800 with depreciation).
  • Damaged Items Inside: Submit claims for damaged or lost items (with receipts if available).
  • Exclusions: No liability for minor wear, defects, security damage, or poor packaging.

Conclusion 

The Air Baltic Baggage Policy is designed to ensure a smooth and safe travel experience for all passengers by providing clear guidelines on baggage allowances, restrictions, and procedures for handling delayed, lost, or damaged baggage. By understanding and following these regulations, travelers can avoid common issues and ensure their belongings are transported safely. 

The airline offers timely assistance and fair compensation in case of mishandled baggage while emphasizing safety through strict rules on dangerous goods and prohibited items. Familiarizing yourself with these policies before your journey will help you travel with confidence and peace of mind.

FAQs:

What is the maximum weight and size of cabin baggage?

Economy passengers may carry one cabin bag (55×40×23 cm) plus a personal item (30×40×10 cm), with a combined weight limit of 8 kg—upgradable to 12 kg online.

How much checked baggage is allowed with different fares?

Business/Business EXPERIENCE and Economy FLEX include 2 checked bags (max 23 kg each), Economy CLASSIC allows 1 such bag, and Economy BASIC requires purchasing baggage separately.

What happens if my checked bag exceeds 23 kg or size limits?

A heavy bag (over 23 kg) incurs a fee (e.g. €60 at airport), and oversized baggage is subject to additional bulky baggage charges.

Can I bring sports equipment on board and what is the policy?

Yes—bicycles, golf clubs, skis, etc., are permitted for a fee starting around €39.99 online, with a standard weight limit of 23 kg per set.

Are there strict rules for lithium batteries and smart luggage?

Yes—standard lithium batteries (≤100 Wh) are allowed in both baggage types; high-capacity batteries (100–160 Wh) and smart luggage require airline approval and must be in carry-on only.

How does airBaltic handle delayed, damaged, or lost baggage?

Report delays upon arrival; essential purchases (up to €10/day) can be reimbursed, and lost or damaged baggage may be compensated (up to ~€1,800) following the Montreal Convention guidelines.

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