Like most airlines, AirBaltic has specific policies regarding carry-on bags.
These policies are designed to ensure the safety of both the airplane and passengers.
But, they can sometimes be confusing, leaving travelers unsure about what they can bring on board.
So, how strict are AirBaltic with carry-on bags?, and what are its baggage policies?
In this post, we explore how strict AirBaltic is with its luggage allowance, what the baggage policy entails, and provide tips on packing your hand luggage to ensure compliance.
Let’s dive right in.
It’s always cheaper to Book your baggage before you get to the airport. You can book with your flight or if you already have flights you can use the manage my booking service online.
Travel tip

How Strict Are AirBaltic With Carry-on Bags?
AirBaltic has a relatively lenient hand luggage policy:
- Economy Class: Passengers are allowed one cabin bag ( 55 x 40 x 23 cm) (21.7 x 15.8 x 9.1 inches ) plus one personal item (30 x 40 x 10 cm) (11.8 x 15.8 x 3.9 inches) for free, with a total weight limit of 8 kg (17.6 lbs). If upgraded, the total cabin baggage allowance increases to 12 kg (26.5 lbs).
- Business Class & airBaltic Club VIP: Passengers are allowed two cabin bags (55 x 40 x 23 cm each) (21.7 x 15.8 x 9.1 inches ) and one personal item (30 x 40 x 10 cm) (11.8 x 15.8 x 3.9 inches).
- airBaltic Club Executive & VIP: Members are entitled to heavy cabin baggage free of charge.
- Cabin baggage must be stowed under the seat in front of you or in the overhead locker.
- Passengers with reduced mobility may bring auxiliary devices into the aircraft cabin, provided they comply with safety regulations.
If you are unsure about the size or weight of your cabin baggage, check at the baggage drop-off desk before security.
If it exceeds the limits, you will need to check it in for a 60 EUR fee.
What is AirBaltic hand luggage Restrictions
Oversized cabin baggage will be refused at the boarding gate or placed in the hold for a 60 EUR fee.
For connecting flights operated by another airline, passengers must follow the strictest baggage policy of both airlines.
If your trip includes a stopover in Riga exceeding 24 hours, the heavy cabin baggage fee applies to each flight separately.
Airport agents may request passengers to place their bag inside the baggage gauge unit to verify dimensions.
If the bag does not fit properly or exceeds weight limits, it must be checked in for an additional fee.
What Counts as a Personal Item?
- Handbag
- Laptop bag
- Tax-free shopping bag
- Camera bag
- Umbrella
The personal item is considered part of your total cabin baggage allowance and must not exceed weight limits.
How strict is AirBaltic with Checked baggage allowance?
Standard checked baggage has a maximum weight of 20 kg (44.1 lbs ) per bag, with dimensions 100 x 50x 80 cm (39.4 x 19.7 x 31.5 inches.).
Business Class passengers are allowed two checked bags with a total weight of 40 kg (88.2 lbs) free of charge.
Premium Class includes one checked bag (max 20 kg, 44.1 lbs ) for free, while Basic Class passengers must pay from 19.99 EUR per bag per one-way journey when booked online.
AirBaltic Checked Baggage Fees
Booking online costs 19.99 EUR / 22.39 USD, while booking through travel agencies and ticket offices costs 30 EUR / 33.59 USD.
If baggage is checked in at the airport, the fee rises to 60 EUR / 67.19 USD.
If your baggage exceeds size or weight limits at the boarding gate, you will also need to pay 60 EUR / 67.19 USD.
Special Baggage Policy
Musical Instruments & Fragile Items
Cellos, guitars, and other large instruments require a special ticket to be placed on a seat next to you. The maximum weight allowed is 32 kg (70.6 lbs), and dimensions vary by aircraft type.
Small fragile items that do not require an extra seat may be taken on board as extra hand luggage for 60 EUR per one-way journey.
Wheelchairs
Passengers who require a wheelchair can transport it free of charge, but it must be reported to AirBaltic at least 48 hours before departure.
Prams & Infant Items
If traveling with an infant or child, one collapsible pram, stroller, carrycot, or car seat is transported free of charge.
Restricted Items
- Restricted items: Lithium battery-powered devices (allowed under certain conditions), flammable liquids, poisons, explosives, and weapons (strictly prohibited). Smart luggage with integrated lithium batteries requires carrier approval.
- Security check: Ensure your baggage has not been tampered with, you have not accepted items from others, and no sharp or dangerous items are in your hand or checked baggage.
AirBaltic Baggage Allowance FAQ
The maximum dimensions for cabin luggage are 55x40x23 cm, with one personal item (max. 30 x 40 x10 cm) (11.8 x 15.8 x 3.9 inches) allowed. The total combined weight must not exceed 8 kg 17.6 lbs. (Basic / Premium tickets).
No, unless a special seat ticket is purchased. Guitars exceed the standard cabin baggage dimensions.
A 50 EUR heavy baggage fee applies per bag, with a maximum weight per checked bag of 32 kg, 70.6 lbs..
A 60 EUR bulky baggage fee applies. If also overweight (21-32 kg) (46.3 lbs , 70.6 lbs.), a total 110 EUR fee is charged.
Report it immediately at the Lost & Found office at your arrival airport. Lost baggage must be reported within 21 days, while damaged baggage must be reported within 7 days.
Final thoughts
AirBaltic has a clear hand luggage policy that you must follow.
The airline enforces size and weight limits, so ensure that you seat within their limits to avoid additional fees or inconvenience at the airport.
I hope this helps
Happy travels
More resources:
- Is Ryanair Strict With Carry-on Baggage Size?
- How Strict Is Finnair With Carry-on?
- How strict are Wizz Air with hand baggage
- How strict is Lufthansa with baggage allowance?
- How strict are Eva air with baggage allowance?
Disclosure: Some information in this guide is sourced from the airline’s website. Policies are subject to change. Always check the official AirBaltic website for the latest updates.
