Trip Report: airBaltic Business Class from Tallinn to Berlin

TALLINN — On July 30, 2025, I flew on board YL-ABN, an airBaltic (BT) Airbus A220-300, from Tallinn to Berlin. I had the opportunity to experience the airline’s intra-European Business Class.

Business Class Upgrade

On my way from TLL to BER, I secured a free Business Class upgrade. As a member of the airBaltic Club and owner of Planie NFT, I receive one upgrade voucher for each 10 flights I take, applicable to each Planie NFT I own. This was my second time using an upgrade voucher received from Planie.

The upgrade process was quick and straightforward. I phoned the airBaltic Club support line, provided my details, and they confirmed the upgrade's availability. Within a few minutes, the upgrade was visible on my booking.

Tallinn Airport

The airport is not too crowded except during morning (5 am - 7 am) and evening (4 pm - 6 pm) pick-up hours; therefore, the way from the airport’s entrance to the boarding gate can take less than 10 minutes.

The airport is conveniently located near the city centre. It is well connected to various parts of the city via public transport buses 2, 7, 13, 15, 45, and 49, with a tram connection set to be introduced next year. Short- and long-term car parking is available for passengers as well as parking for rental cars and car sharing (Bolt Drive and City Bee).

After passing through the security checkpoint, you'll find a free shop available right away, followed by a selection of restaurants and cafes. You have access to a Subway fast-food restaurant and a food kiosk (automated and open 24 hours a day).

Gates are presented in various themes and features, including the Olympic Games, a gym, an airBaltic-themed gate, and an E-Estonia digital gate.

Fast Track at Tallinn Airport

Airport features a SEB fast track gate, which can help you skip the queue at security check during peak hours. In addition to Business Class passengers and airline loyalty customers, SEB, Dragonpass, HighPass, and Gate1Pass card owners can use the gate. Fast track access can also be purchased for 9 EUR.

Tallinn Airport LHV Lounge

The renovated LHV Lounge, which opened in 2024, is very quiet and spacious. Here you can have snacks, salads, warm drinks, and refreshing beverages. Between 12:00 and 17:00, warm food is offered. What I found particularly useful is the tremendous number of power sockets. 

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My personal favourite is the outdoor terrace, where you have a view of an apron and aircraft landing on runway 08.

Boarding at Tallinn Airport

We boarded from gate 5C. As a Business Class passenger, I had a priority. For unknown reasons, we boarded via stairs, despite the presence of a jetbridge at a parking position; perhaps it was malfunctioning, but it was a plus for me, as I enjoy the engine view while boarding.

My Seat on Board

I was seated in seat 2A with a perfect engine view and three windows all to myself. The only downside is that I did not find a power outlet. For me (175 cm), the legroom was perfect enough.

‍ Business Class Service

Right after boarding was completed, complementary drinks were offered and menus handed out. After take off, just as the seatbelt sign was off, warm towels were handed out and refreshing drinks provided once again, before the leading service.

About 20 minutes into the flight, we received a Business Class meal. There was only one option on the menu, but it was very delicious. You can see the detailed information with the photo attached below.

And special thanks go to the crew for professional and friendly service from the moment I entered the aircraft. At the end of the flight, when we parked at our gate, I was also allowed to visit the cockpit and have a great chat with the pilots.

Startlink Internet

The quality and speed of the internet onboard were impressive. I tried chatting online, tracking my flight, and even watching YouTube, and everything worked perfectly. What I especially liked is that the internet is free for everyone on board. 

Conclusion

Tallinn Airport 8.5/10

• The airport is conveniently located near the city center, offering good connectivity to other parts of the city, making it easy for passengers with cars.
• The airport is relatively small, which means walking distances, such as from security to the gate, are relatively short.
• Airport gates are designed specially, and the airport in general feels cozy and home-like.
• Good choice of cafes and restaurants, and self-service kiosks available 24/7.
• During a security check, you still have to take out all your liquids and electronics from your bag. In Berlin, for example, that was not required.
• Passengers using a fast track lane have to just cut in line with other passengers, which might cause misunderstandings with them.
• The boarding process happened on a first-come, first-served basis. Business Class passengers, airBaltic Club members, or passengers were given priority as per the announcement, but had to wait in line with other passengers to receive priority.

LHV Lounge 10/10

• Good variety of snacks and drinks, warm food available during the busiest hours of the day.
• Spacious lounge that is rarely crowded, allowing for a quiet and relaxed pre-flight experience.
• Outside terrace to grab fresh air and enjoy views of the apron of arriving aircraft.
• A lot of power sockets are available around the entire lounge space.

airBaltic intra-European Business Class experience 10/10

• Easy and fast upgrade process.
• The blocked seat next to me allows for greater privacy. 
• Enjoy a delicious Business class meal, along with a wide variety of drinks and refreshing beverages on board.
• A more personal approach during onboard service, with flight attendants performing their job very professionally and quickly, checking whether passengers need anything, and ensuring that the onboard experience is smooth.
• Comfortable modern seat (without power socket, unfortunately) with outstanding legroom, bright, pleasant cabin design.
• Not a Business Class feature, but free Starlink internet is a big step forward in improving the in-flight experience. 
• Increased baggage allowance, lounge and fast track access, and priority boarding are included in a Business Class ticket, making the pre-flight experience much more comfortable.