OSLO & RIGA – AviationSource writer and photographer Joris Wendt got to test out airBaltic’s Business Class onboard its flagship Airbus A220-300 aircraft on a flight from Oslo to Riga.

Details:
Airline: airBaltic
Flight number: BT152
Aircraft: Airbus A220-300
Seat: 2A
Route: OSL-RIX
Date: 15.05.2022

Oslo Check-In & Security:

After spending a weekend in Oslo to do some plane spotting, it was time for me to head home to Berlin. I booked this flight as part of a one-way booking from Oslo to Berlin.

This was the first time for me flying with airBaltic and the first time flying the A220.

I arrived at the airport 2 hours prior to my departure, I checked in using the dedicated Business Class Check-In. Check-In was done within minutes, and the Check-In agent even asked me if he should check the load factor for me in Business Class (Spoiler: I was the only one up front) – what a treat!

I soon headed through security at Oslo, which I always find to be very convenient and fast. After passing the security line, I made my way to the contract lounge, which airBaltic Business Class passengers get access to.

Lounge and Boarding:

The airport lounge in Oslo wasn’t particularly special. They only offered cold cuts and some cereals as well as overnight oats. The drink selection was quite good, especially the champagne, and I became good friends.

I left the lounge as my aircraft for the quick hop over to Riga touched down and made my way to the gate. I boarded first, even though priority boarding didn’t take place.

The Seat:

I settled into my seat 2A and was soon given a menu for the flight and a welcome drink. 2A was a standard economy seat, at the bulkhead, with the adjacent seat staying empty.

The free middle seats in airBaltic Business Class feature little tables that I found to be very good for work or as a “cocktail table”.

We took off with a little delay. I was enjoying the views out of the A220 as we took off over Norway. I loved the big windows, as they offered awesome engine views.

airBaltic Service:

The Business Class was divided from the Economy with an actual divider and a curtain.

About 20 minutes after departure, the flight attendant came by and placed my meal, all on one tray. The appetizer, marinated mozzarella with tomatoes, tasted quite good, I especially liked the tomato pesto as the main course breakfast was offered.

There was only one choice, a spinach omelet with cream cheese, fried chicken, and ratatouille vegetables. The dessert, honey-roasted granola, was quite good as well, I liked it, especially for breakfast.

With the meal service, I received a bread basket, with a croissant, two different buns, and some Latvian bread. I went with champagne and a coke for my meal service.

The crew was very friendly and was always looking after me. I felt very welcomed on board and had a long chat before we touched down in Riga.

airBaltic from Oslo to Riga – Final thoughts:

I wasn’t expecting a lot from a low-cost carrier’s business class, but the service on this short flight blew my mind, it didn’t match the fifth freedom flights I had with Ethiopian and Singapore Airlines, but a European Low-cost carrier, airBaltic, showed off their best side.

Comparing the service to any other European Legacy carrier, this was unbeatable. airBaltic made this experience very enjoyable.

One other aspect that made this flight very enjoyable was the A220, the aircraft was very new and shiny. I loved the aircraft, the crew, and the service. Good job, airBaltic!

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