airBaltic operates as the flag carrier from Riga International Airport (RIX) with a fleet of 50+ Airbus A220-300 aircraft serving 100+ destinations. Ryanair operates 40+ routes from Riga using Boeing 737-800 and MAX 8 aircraft. airBaltic offers a hybrid service model with wider seats and hub connections. Ryanair provides ultra-low-cost point-to-point travel primarily to Western Europe. Baggage policies differ significantly regarding cabin dimensions and included allowances.
Quick Comparison
| Category | Airline A | Airline B |
|---|---|---|
| Free cabin bag | 30x40x20cm underseat (Light) | 40x20x25cm underseat |
| Included cabin bag | 55x40x20cm 8kg (Classic) | 55x40x20cm 10kg (Priority) |
| Seat pitch | 30-31 inches standard | 30 inches standard |
| Seat width | 18.6 inches (5-abreast) | 17 inches (6-abreast) |
| Fleet type | Airbus A220-300 | Boeing 737-800/MAX |
| Checked bag 20kg | €30-65 online | €25-55 online |
| Seat selection | €5-25 | €3-20 |
| Change fee | €40 plus fare diff | €45 plus fare diff |
Class Comparison
Economy Light/Basic
Seat pitch: airBaltic 30in, Ryanair 30in, Width: airBaltic 18.6in, Ryanair 17in
Meal service: Buy on board both, sandwiches €6-9
Entertainment: Streaming to device on airBaltic, None on Ryanair
Economy Classic/Plus
Seat pitch: Same standard pitch, Width: Same width
Meal service: airBaltic includes snack on Classic, Ryanair buy only
Entertainment: airBaltic offers free streaming app, Ryanair none
Choose Airline A If…
- You value wider seats at 18.6 inches for shoulder room
- You need connecting flights via Riga to Nordic or CIS regions
- You prefer an included snack on Economy Classic fares
- You want lower cabin altitude pressure on Airbus A220
Choose Airline B If…
- You want the lowest possible base fare to Western Europe
- You travel with only a 40x20x25cm backpack
- You prefer frequent daily flights to London, Milan, or Barcelona
- You are willing to pay extra for priority boarding to guarantee overhead bin space
Verdict by Traveller Type
Budget backpacker
Winner: Ryanair
Base fares from Riga are often €10-20 cheaper than airBaltic. If you fit everything in the 40x20x25cm free bag, Ryanair is the most cost-effective option for point-to-point leisure travel.
Business traveler
Winner: airBaltic
Wider 18.6-inch seats reduce fatigue on frequent flights. Hub connections in Riga are smoother, and Economy Classic includes an 8kg cabin bag and snack, reducing hidden costs.
Family with kids
Winner: airBaltic
5-abreast seating means middle seats are less cramped. Consistent baggage policy reduces gate stress. airBaltic staff are based in Riga, offering better support for local families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper airBaltic or Ryanair from Riga?
Ryanair typically offers lower base fares starting at €15-25 one-way compared to airBaltic’s €30-45 for similar routes. However, airBaltic Economy Classic includes an 8kg cabin bag and a snack, whereas Ryanair charges €6-25 for priority boarding to get a 10kg cabin bag. For a return trip with one checked bag, airBaltic total cost is often €50-80, while Ryanair totals €60-90 after adding baggage. Book 6-10 weeks in advance for both airlines to secure the lowest advertised prices.
Is airBaltic or Ryanair better for baggage from Riga?
airBaltic Economy Light allows a 30x40x20cm bag, while Ryanair allows 40x20x25cm. Ryanair’s free bag is slightly wider but shorter. airBaltic Economy Classic includes a 55x40x20cm 8kg overhead bag, whereas Ryanair requires Priority purchase for a 10kg overhead bag. Checked baggage fees are comparable at €25-65 for 20kg. Ryanair enforces sizer boxes strictly at the gate in Riga, charging €60 for non-compliance. airBaltic is slightly more lenient with soft bags. For carry-on only, Ryanair wins on free dimensions, but airBaltic wins on included overhead allowance in Classic fare.
Which airline has more comfortable seats from Riga?
airBaltic operates Airbus A220-300 aircraft with 18.6-inch wide seats in a 5-abreast configuration. Ryanair uses Boeing 737s with 17-inch wide seats in a 6-abreast configuration. This 1.6-inch width difference is noticeable for adults. Seat pitch is similar at 30-31 inches. The A220 cabin has lower altitude pressure and higher humidity, reducing jet lag on flights over 3 hours. Ryanair seats do not recline. airBaltic standard seats have slight recline. For flights over 2 hours, airBaltic provides superior physical comfort due to seat width and cabin environment.
Where do airBaltic and Ryanair fly from Riga?
airBaltic uses Riga as a hub, offering 100+ destinations including Scandinavia, Nordic countries, CIS, and Western Europe. You can connect via Riga to Tallinn or Vilnius easily. Ryanair operates 40+ point-to-point routes from Riga, focusing on leisure hubs like London Stansted, Milan Bergamo, Barcelona, and Dublin. Ryanair does not offer connections, so each flight is separate. For direct Western European leisure travel, Ryanair has competitive frequency. For regional Baltic travel or connections beyond Europe, airBaltic dominates the network from Riga International Airport.
What are the hidden fees on airBaltic and Ryanair?
Both airlines charge for extras beyond base fare. Ryanair: Priority boarding €6-25, seat selection €3-20, airport check-in €55. airBaltic: Seat selection €5-25, airport check-in €50, excess baggage €10-15 per kg. Payment fees apply for certain credit cards on both. Name changes cost €40-60 on airBaltic and €50-115 on Ryanair. The biggest hidden cost is gate baggage fees. Ryanair charges €60 if your bag exceeds 40x20x25cm without priority. airBaltic charges €60 for oversized cabin bags on Light fares. Always measure bags and check in online 24 hours before departure to avoid penalties.
Can I cancel or change airBaltic or Ryanair flights?
Standard fares on both airlines are non-refundable. airBaltic changes cost €40 per flight plus fare difference. Ryanair changes cost €45 per flight online plus fare difference. Both allow free name corrections within 24 hours of booking for minor spelling errors. Flex fares cost 30-50% more but allow free changes. If the airline cancels the flight, EU261 regulation applies: €250 compensation for flights under 1500km, €400 for over. Refunds for cancellations are processed to the original payment method within 7 days. Travel insurance is recommended for both carriers.
Data updated: 2026-03
