In light of airBaltic’s first aircraft installed with Starlink Wi-Fi taking flight, the airline invited Inflight to experience its Business Class seating and lounge prior to the special Starlink flight. Grace Hardy reports on the experience.
The airBaltic A220-300 Business Class is a discreet yet charming service that provides a personal touch rather than any features that are specific to the cabin, and from a personal perspective, a very enjoyable experience for a short-haul flight.
My journey began at London Gatwick Airport where I headed straight to the No.1 Traveller Lounge, open to all Business Class ticket holders. A breakfast buffet, bar, and comfortable seating were completed with a sprawling view of the South Terminal runway, where I watched the aircraft take-off and land until it was time to head to my gate. On my return flight from Riga, I was able to use the Primeclass Business Lounge, a tranquil space with comfy chairs, complimentary food and drink, toilets and showers.
No.1 Traveller Lounge
I was invited to board the plane with my fellow Business Class passengers before the main cabin. An important element of the ticket is baggage, with the Business Class option allowing passengers to bring two carry-on bags instead of one, which for me, eliminated the need for hold-luggage and significantly sped up my journey.
The seating is the same as the main cabin: grey-coloured RECARO seats with a slight incline, however Business Class passengers are ensured a vacant middle seat in the three-seat rows, or a private seat for the two-seater configuration. Business Class uses the first rows of the aircraft, with a curtain to separate from the main cabin. While I was initially seated in the aisle with another passenger at the window on a three-seat row, I was invited to move to my own window seat once boarding was completed, as the Business Class section was not fully booked, which happened again on my return flight.
The cabin crew were beyond helpful and attentive from the very start, hanging our coats on hangers and offering us orange juice and water before take-off. We were provided with the breakfast menu, which consisted of cured elk, scrambled eggs with feta, turkey breast, aubergine, cheese with cumin, olives, and fruit. Alongside this, baskets of croissants and breads were offered to us, including a Latvian rye bread that the flight attendant encouraged me to try, which was very nice! Perhaps testimony to how tired I looked, the flight attendant also kindly came to offer me a blanket and pillow.
The toilets at the front of the aircraft were exclusively for the use of the cabin crew and Business Class passengers, which meant, miraculously, no queues. There weren’t any specific luxury products, such as lotion, in the bathroom, however this was offset by the ease of access to the facilities.
Business Class Breakfast
During the flight, I was frequently checked-in on and offered drinks and a hot towel, which provided a friendly and personal experience. While airBaltic does not provide in-flight entertainment, the flight time of 2.5 hours did not feel lacking in any way, and with Starlink Wi-Fi to be installed on each aircraft over the coming year, passengers in any class are sure to be entertained throughout their journey.
Overall, this experience ensured a pleasant journey from airport to airport, with the cabin crew particularly standing out for their attentiveness and friendliness.
Photos: Inflight
