Continuing our trip, we’re headed to Riga Latvia. The last few years we’ve enjoyed traveling to the Baltics and thought it would be fun to see Riga. Today, we’re riding with Air Baltic on the A220. This is something we’ve done before, but I figured I should review Air Baltic again as they’ve continued to grow and RIX is their main hub. Today were traveling from CPH to RIX. It’s an early morning flight, I usually avoid that when on vacation, but this was one of two direct flights of the day, the other being somewhat late at night.
Bottom Line: AirBaltic is a solid little airline. Their A220 is extremely comfortable with it’s 2-3 seating arrangement in economy. Unsurprisingly, if you’re traveling to or from the Baltics, Air Baltic is a great option with their excellent route structure and low prices.
AirBaltic Copenhagen Boarding
We passed through security at CPH and stopped for a bite at the Aspire lounge. Soon the board showed got to gate so we started walking.
AirBalitic doesn’t board by zones or rows, just business class with frequent flyer status holders, followed by everyone else. While it seems kinda hectic, it does work. airBaltic is one of the few airlines that I’ve ever seen weigh carry on bags at the door. We purchased the large carry on size to avoid any issues.
Our A220 was boarded in about 15 minutes, though it’s not completely full.
Air Baltic A220 Economy Cabin
The A220 uses a 2-3 seating arrangement in the economy cabin. I really like it because there’s obviously fewer middle seats.
We found our seats on the left hand side of the plane in the 2 seat section. Perfect for couples.
Plenty of space overhead for our roller bags and then our backpacks below the seat in front.
Air Baltic A220 Economy Seat Comfort
Leg room on the Air Baltic A220 is decent for a low cost carrier. The seat in front has little carve outs where your legs can fit if you’re a little taller. But also note that the seat backs are hard plastic so if you’re very tall it would hit.
No in seat entertainment on the Air Baltic A220. There’s also no in seat power, something I think Air Baltic should add, it’s become an expected feature.
There are overhead video monitors that are used for things like the safety video and showing the moving map while in flight. They don’t really show any entertainment, more like destinations and such.
Outside the sun is rising over Denmark. The pilot greeted the cabin and told us it would be a 1 hour 5 minute flight down to Riga.
Air Baltic A220 Push Back and Take-off
As we pushed back, the safety presented was shown on the small overhead screens. There was a funny note, you may not wear a VR headset during takeoff or landing. That’s new, never heard that in a safety briefing before.
We taxied to the runway as the sun was starting to rise. Anyone who’s ridden on an a220 knows the funny whale noises the engines make as the spin up.
We took of towards the South West and made our left turn towards Riga.
Early morning flights are nice and peaceful, though I do try to avoid them, especially when on vacation.
Air Baltic A220 Drink and Snack Menu
Air Baltic still has an in flight magazine, it has little articles about the destinations that Air Baltic flys to.
As we made our climb through the clouds the seat belt sign was turned off. The flight attendants then made their pass through the cabin selling drinks and snacks. Nothing for us this morning, it’s a show flight, hopefully we’ll have breakfast soon in Riga.
Air Baltic in flight menu.
Air Baltic in flight menu.
Air Baltic A220 In Flight
The overhead monitors show our flight progress and information. There’s a 1 hour time change between Copenhagen and Riga to account for too.
It was a nice smooth flight. Sitting on the left side of the plane is the best choice. This flight is mostly due east so the sun is on the other side of the plane. We got some nice morning views without being blinded.
The cabin on the A220 is nice and bright with the mood lighting. One thing I will say is the A220 isn’t the most quiet cabin, it can be a little noisy with engine sound.
Air Baltic A220 Lavatory
The lavatories on the Air Baltic A220 are decent sized. This is the one in the rear of the plane. They were also nice and clean, even towards the end of the flight.
With a half hour left in the flight, the pilot told us we’d be starting our descent into Riga. The weather is slightly cloudy and 6C. So far on this trip, I’ve been surprised how mild the weather is.
Air Baltic A220 Landing and Arrival
With a few minutes left in the flight, the seat belt sign was turned on. The flight attendants came through the cabin and prepared for landing.
We began desending into Riga and passed through the top layer of clouds. Announcements were made and the overhead screens showed landing information.
We got our first glimpse of Latvia once we passed through the clouds. This is the part that I always find really exciting, getting to see our destination for the first time.
Just a minute or two later we landed in Riga.
Looks like it’s going to be a rainy day here in Riga. The good news is that our flight is right on time for arrival.
AirBaltic A220 Final Thoughts
I like airBaltic and I like riding on the A220. Quirky little airlines are always fun to me, but I’m not sure AirBaltic is in that category anymore. They’ve grown into a pretty solid regional player here in the Baltics. We’ve ridden with AirBaltic a few times, mostly because when visiting the Baltics, they are be best airline.
The A220 is a great aircraft, especially for these regional flights. The 2-3 seating is just better than what you’ll find on an A320 or 737 with 3-3 seating. Like most short haul European flights, everything is a la cart. Seats, baggage, drinks, and snacks. We’re carry on only people so we purchased the large carry on size option.
Copenhagen and Riga both have very nice airports that are easy to navigate. The airBaltic flight was right on time. Can’t ask for more than that.
Follow This Trip
Hotel Review: NH Collection Copenhagen
Flight Review: SAS A330 Business Class ATL-CPH
Hotel Review: Hilton Garden Inn Riga Old Town
Lounge Review: Primeclass Business Lounge Riga RIX