Group boarding: a smoother way to fly!

To make boarding faster and more comfortable, passengers are now invited to board in groups. We have introduced a group boarding system on all our flights to reduce congestion at the gate and avoid overcrowding in the aisle. This helps speed up boarding, reduces the chance of delays, and allows all our passengers to begin their journey in a more relaxed way.

What’s more, the new boarding system assigns groups by taking into account not only the ticket type you have purchased, but also the amount and weight of baggage you are travelling with. Every airBaltic passenger is permitted to carry one cabin bag and one personal item (up to 8 kg in total). However, passengers who have purchased a heavy cabin bag allowance (up to 12 kg) are assigned to one of the priority boarding groups – Group 2, which gives them the advantage of having access to the overhead bins earlier than others and relieves any worry about limited space. airBaltic has now fine-tuned its boarding process to go hand-in-hand with its baggage policies, creating a seamless experience from check-in to take-off.

We begin with pre-boarding for families with young children, passengers requiring assistance when travelling, and children travelling alone using the Unaccompanied Minor Service. Pre-boarding is followed by Groups 1 and 2, which include Business class passengers and other priority travellers. Economy class passengers board next, grouped by their seat location.

Prepare for boarding by following these steps:

• Be at the gate on time. Your boarding gate and time are displayed on your boarding pass.

• Find your boarding group on your boarding pass.

• Prepare your documents. Have your boarding pass and travel documents ready to show at the gate.

• Pay attention to announcements. The gate agent will announce when your group is invited to board. In some airports, the current boarding group may also be shown on the screen in the gate area.

• Wait until your group is called before approaching the gate.

• Please note that boarding groups are called individually and in sequence to ensure an organised and smooth process.

PRIORITY BOARDING GROUPS

Be first to board and access the overhead bins, and have more time to settle in comfortably! Especially suited for passengers travelling with children, those on a tight schedule, and people who require extra baggage allowance.

• Pre-boarding

1. Families travelling with children under 12 years old*

2. Children travelling alone using the Unaccompanied Minor Service 

3. Passengers requiring assistance when travelling

* Checked baggage allowance for an infant (0–2) is one checked bag up to 10 kg, plus one collapsible stroller or car seat free of charge. Checked baggage allowance for a child (2–11) is the same as for adults, depending on fare type.

• Group 1

1. Business class passengers**

2. airBaltic Club VIP and Executive members

** Business class passengers are permitted to carry two cabin bags plus one personal item. The total maximum weight for all carry-on pieces is 24 kg. In terms of checked baggage, two bags and one piece of sports equipment are included. The total Weight of checked baggage may not exceed 46 kg (max. weight of 23 kg per bag).

• Group 2

1. Passengers with Economy Flex tickets

2. Corporate passengers

3. Passengers with prepaid heavy cabin baggage (up to 12 kg in total)

OTHER BOARDING GROUPS

Organised boarding reduces aisle congestion and encourages a smoother flow in boarding, which speeds up the boarding process for everyone. A good choice for those travelling light!

• Group 3

Economy class passengers with window seats and their travel companions***

• Group 4

Economy class passengers with middle seats and their travel companions***

• Group 5

Economy class passengers with aisle seats***

*** Checked baggage allowance depends on the ticket type.

BAGGAGE TYPES – CHOOSE WHAT SUITS YOU BEST!

1. Cabin Baggage (standard)

Pros:
No need to wait at baggage claim
Keeps essentials close at hand
Ideal for short trips or light packers
Included in all fares: one cabin bag + one personal item (up to 8 kg in total).

2. Heavy Cabin Baggage

Pros:
Total carry-on baggage weight can reach up to 12 kg (one bag and one personal item)
More packing space without checking in a bag
Early boarding (Group 2) included
Available as an add-on.

3. Checked Baggage

Pros:
Travel hands-free through the airport
No stress about overhead bin space
Ideal for longer trips or group travel
Included in some fares and available as an add-on.

A pro tip:

If overhead bin space is important to you, upgrade to heavy cabin baggage –you’ll board earlier and avoid the stress of gate-checking your bag!

Find out more about our baggage policy at airbaltic.com/en/baggage and choose the options that best suit your needs!