FAQs (FAQ)
Booking
The most reasonably priced ticketsWhat is the breakdown of airberlin prices?
What is the difference between saver and flexi fares at airberlin?
Which advantages do the Relax Class and the Business Class offer on airberlin long distance flights?
Do the prices apply to one leg of the journey only or to the return flight?
Can I combine different flights?
What is an AB-TIX?
How can I make a booking?
What is the latest for a last-minute booking?
Can I check in online?
How can I reserve a seat or XL seat?
Can I change the booking?
Can I cancel a flight?
How can I pay for the flight?
How do I get the travel documents?
How can I get help with technical problems?
Are the tickets transferable?
I have missed the flight – what do I do now?
Discounts
Are there any discounts for children?Are there any group discounts?
Is there a frequent flyer program?
What are the benefits of the topbonus Card Silver?
What are the benefits of the topbonus Card Gold?
What are the benefits of a topbonus Service Card?
Passengers with special needs
Until which period of their pregnancy can expectant mothers fly?How do I travel with an infant/a child?
Can I take a child seat with me on the plane?
Are there any special arrangements for unaccompanied minors?
Are there any arrangements for passengers with special needs?
Your duties
Which passport, visa and health regulations apply?Do I need a visa to enter the Russian Federation?
When do I have to be at the airport at the latest?
Do I need to reconfirm the departure time?
Baggage
Banned items in cabin baggage and baggage that is checked inWhat does the EU regulation on hand baggage contain?
Valuables – where is the best place to keep them during the flight?
What is the free baggage allowance?
Excess baggage – what happens now?
Special baggage – what are the rates?
Pets – what do I need to consider?
Damaged baggage - who is the right person to contact?
Lost baggage - who is the right person to contact?
Service
How and when can I contact the Service Centre?Where and how can I find out about special offers?
Can I check in the evening before?
How does the MMS Check-in work?
How does SMS Seat Reservation work?
How does the E-mail Check-in Invitation work?
Is there an onboard service?
Is there a hotline for the press?
Is there a special service for businesses?
The most reasonably priced tickets
As a rule, the further ahead you can book, the cheaper the ticket. You are also more likely to be able to buy a low-cost ticket outside the busiest times, e.g. for flights during the week. The fares increase as the departure date approaches. So if you book as early as possible you can take advantage of our low-cost fares.
We are delighted to inform you about our special offers such as special price campaigns, during which we offer additional tickets at an absolute low price only for a short time in the Internet.
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What is the breakdown of airberlin prices?
During the airberlin booking procedure the total price per person is shown once the flight has been selected. This total price consists of the net fare (shown next to the flight in the selection list), taxes and charges, as well as the fuel surcharge. The total price is itemised separately for outbound and inbound flights. On the pages describing the available products the total price is shown, including taxes, charges and fuel surcharge.
The page listing special offers shows the gross fare, including taxes, charges and fuel surcharge. With airberlin the price of your ticket always includes onboard service.
The fuel surcharge is adjusted to take account of changes in the price of oil. Currently the fuel surcharge on short-haul routes, which include our Euro Shuttle City Highlights, is 18 EUR per person one way; on medium-haul routes covering our tourist destinations, the fuel surcharge is 28 EUR per person one way; on LTU long-haul routes the fuel surcharge is 70 EUR per person one way.
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What is the difference between saver and flexi fares at airberlin?
In the case of the saver fare, changes in reservations are possible at any time up to the original departure date on payment of a charge of 30 EUR for a short or medium-haul flight and 50 EUR for a long distance flight (distance between departure location and destination at least 3,000 miles) per rebooking transaction and passenger. If the fare as originally booked is no longer available at the time of rebooking, then the difference between the original and the available fare is payable in addition to the rebooking fee. If the flight is rebooked to one with a lower fare, then the difference between that and the original fare will not be refunded. A saver fare cannot be rebooked as a flexi fare. The ticket only remains valid if it is rebooked in good time, otherwise it expires. The ticket is not refundable.
Flexi fare flights can be rebooked free of charge until the date of departure. It is possible to rebook a flexi fare as a saver fare. If airberlin has received notice of cancellation by telephone or in writing before the passenger embarks on the journey, the ticket will be refunded in full, i.e. the full fare, including taxes and charges.
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Which advantages do the Relax Class and the Business Class offer on airberlin long distance flights?
airberlin offers you additional comfort on your flight. Our Relax Class is available to you on the long distance tourist routes. On other long distance routes you can book the Business Class which will become the Premium Business Class from autumn 2008 onwards.
The excellent service that you can enjoy on board includes welcome drinks, comfort leather seats with a comfortable angle of inclination, optimum working conditions, an extensive selection of drinks and a multi-course menu in a stylish ambience. In addition, our Relax Class and Business Class offer you among other things advantages such as an increased free baggage limit, an exclusive check-in desk and more topbonus Miles.
You can obtain further information about the Relax Class and the Business Class here
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Do the prices apply to one leg of the journey only or to the return flight?
Our prices always relate to one leg of the journey, i.e. a single flight, since you are free to combine any flights to suit your itinerary – with just a few exceptions. Please also note the following section in this context.
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Can I combine different flights?
Any flights can be combined as required. There is no minimum stay and no surcharges apply if your trip is for a period in excess of four weeks. Please note: The maximum stay when flying to Egypt is 30 days.
Any flights can be combined – both within Germany and abroad (e.g.: Flight: Berlin - Palma - Ibiza - Cologne/Bonn). Domestic and international flights are processed separately. This is because the taxes have to be recorded separately as well. One-way flights may be booked from Germany or from another country to Germany. Exceptions: Tunisia, Egypt and Cyprus. We are only able to offer return flights to these countries from Germany.
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What is an AB-TIX?
In the case of flight-only passengers, i.e. those who have not booked a package holiday, AB-TIX applies to the entire route network. This means flying without a paper ticket, where passengers have instead received a transaction reference number.
Your travel data are stored and transferred electronically to the check-in desk at the airport. When making a booking you will receive a transaction number that you will need to quote at the check-in desk, where you will also need to show a passport or ID card as well as your topbonus Card (if you have one). You will then be given your boarding pass.
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How can I make a booking?
You can book your flights online, at a travel agency or by calling our Service Centre. The telephone numbers for our Service Centre in UK and other countries are shown here. A service charge of € 10 per person and booking applies to any online bookings. Flights booked at an airport desk and flights rebooked by calling our Service Centre are subject to a service charge of € 20 per person, or € 10 per person for group bookings. This charge does not apply to infants under two years old.
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What is the latest for a last-minute booking?
You can book online up to two hours before the plane’s scheduled departure. You will then be flying without a paper ticket (AB-TIX).
You can book even later by telephoning the airberlin/NIKI Service Centre, at the airberlin airport desk or at a travel agency. If you choose this option, you can collect the ticket from the relevant airberlin airport desk before departure by quoting your booking reference number and showing your passport or ID card.
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Can I check in online?
Yes! Passengers can opt not only for the easy and fast online booking procedure for flights with airberlin, LGW and NIKI, they can check in online too – from the comfort of their own office or home, and even the night before. It takes just a few clicks to check in and print out the boarding pass from your computer. Once you arrive at the airport you can go straight to the gate. To board you will simply need to show your passport or ID document together with the boarding pass that you have printed out. This allows business travellers in particular to save precious minutes.
Go to online check-in
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How can I reserve a seat or XL seat?
You can reserve a seat when you are booking your flight online, or at a later stage. Seats can be reserved via the Service Centre and travel agencies up until 48 hours before the departure of the flight. The telephone numbers for our Service Centre in UK and other countries are shown here
The cost of reserving a seat on a short-haul or medium-haul flight is 10 EUR per person and 15 EUR per person for a long-haul flight (the great circle distance between departure point and destination being at least 3,500 km).
Seat reservations are free of charge for families with infants and for the severely disabled (German disability code "B", i.e. companion pass) and an accompanying person. If you have a topbonus Card Silver/Gold or a topbonus Service Card, seat reservations are free of charge for you, as well as for one adult travelling companion and any children under 12 travelling with you.
You can also reserve a seat with more legroom. The cost of reserving these "XL seats" is 20 EUR per person on short-haul and medium-haul flights, and 60 EUR on long-haul flights. If you have a topbonus Card Silver or a topbonus Service Card, these seats can be reserved for 10 EUR on short-haul and medium-haul flights, and for 45 EUR on long-haul flights. Reservation of these seats is free of charge for owners of a topbonus Card Gold. XL seats can only be reserved via our Service Centre. Please note that flights may also be operated by a code-share partner. If that is the case, please contact the airline that is operating your flight. The airline will be identified on your flight confirmation document.
On account of official safety regulations these XL seats cannot be reserved for the following passenger categories:
- Infants and children under the age of 12
- Anyone travelling with children under 12, infants, or pets in the cabin;
- Expectant mothers;
- Physically and/or mentally disabled persons;
- Persons with limited mobility for reasons of body size, illness or age.
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Can I change the booking?
Flights can be rebooked and/or the passenger name changed while the ticket is valid (365 days). This can be done by telephoning the Service Centre. A flight may be rebooked up to 30 minutes prior to the agreed departure time. You can rebook the flight online until 48 hours before the original departure. No refunds will be issued for unused flights. The telephone numbers for our Service Centre in UK and other countries are shown here
Saver fare: In the case of the saver fare, changes in reservations are possible at any time up to the original departure date on payment of a charge of 30 EUR for a short or medium-haul flight and 50 EUR for a long distance flight (distance between departure location and destination at least 3,000 miles) per rebooking transaction and passenger. There is no rebooking fee for anyone holding a topbonus Card Silver/Gold, one adult and any children under 12 travelling with the cardholder, provided that all flights are rebooked at the same time and with the same details (this only applies to flights taken by 31.05.2008). If a flight is changed from an originally booked, higher-cost fare to a lower-cost fare, rebooking is only possible at the original price of the flight. If a flight is rebooked, only the difference between the original fare and the current, possibly higher fare applicable on the day will have to be paid. A saver fare cannot be rebooked as a flexi fare.
Flexi fare: Flexi fare flights can be rebooked free of charge until the date of departure; it is also possible to rebook a flexi fare flight as a saver flight.
An international flight cannot be rebooked as a domestic flight. The same applies to rebooking a domestic flight as an international flight or as a domestic flight within another country.
The passenger name may be changed up until the departure of the first leg of the flight. If the name on the ticket is changed, then the higher fare is payable, as is the case when a flight is rebooked. An additional fee of 25 EUR per person also applies. The flexi fare allows the passenger name to be changed free of charge until the date of departure by telephoning the Service Centre. The charge for changing the name is waived for holders of a topbonus Card Gold, provided that it is the name of the cardholder that is being changed or the cardholder who is being registered as a passenger.
Rebooking fees, i.e. fees for change of flight and/or passenger name, may only be paid by approved credit cards or by direct debit. Rebooking fees are not charged for infants (children under 2 years old). Discounts do not apply to rebooking fees.
Rebooking from the destination: To change the date of your return flight, simply call the Service Centre up to 30 minutes prior to the agreed departure time. For flights booked as saver fares, airberlin charges a fee of 30 EUR for a short-haul or medium-haul flight and 50 EUR for a long-haul flight per person for rebooking, plus the difference between the original fare and the current, possibly higher fare applicable on the day. Rebooking of the flight at the destination airport is only possible subject to local approval.
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Can I cancel a flight?
Saver fare: If a passenger cancels or fails to travel on a short-haul or medium-haul flight booked as a saver fare, the airline’s claim for payment continues to apply.
If a passenger cancels or fails to travel on a long-haul flight (the great circle distance between departure point and destination being at least 3,500 km), the airline is entitled to charge the following:
- Up to 21 days before departure: 20 % of the fare
- Up to 14 days before departure: 30 % of the fare
- Up to 7 days before departure: 40 % of the fare
- Up to 1 day before departure: 50 % of the fare
- On day of departure: 100 % of the fare (net)
Flexi fare: Cancellation is possible until the date of departure. airberlin must have received notice of cancellation by telephone or in writing before commencement of travel. The price of the ticket is refunded in full, i.e. the full fare plus taxes and charges.
If a booked flight or other confirmed service (e.g. seat reservation, carriage of pets, special reservations) is cancelled, the passenger must inform the airline of this by telephone or in writing, quoting the booking reference number, before embarking on the journey:
- By e-mail to serviceteam@airberlin.com,
- By fax to +49 (0)30-4102 1003 or
- By letter to Air Berlin PLC & Co. Luftverkehrs KG, Service Team, Saatwinkler Damm 42-43, D-13627 Berlin. The decisive date is the date of receipt at airberlin.
The telephone numbers for our Service Centre in UK and other countries are shown here
We recommend that you take out travel insurance, e.g. with HanseMerkur, our co-operation partner. You can book the special airberlin offers via our Service Centre or directly when booking your flight online. More information is available We recommend that you take out travel insurance, e.g. with HanseMerkur, our co-operation partner. You can book the special airberlin offers via our Service Centre or directly when booking your flight online. More information is available here
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How can I pay for the flight?
By credit card (AirPlus Card, American Express, Diners, ec/Maestro Card, Visa and MasterCard). If you pay by airberlin MasterCard, your topbonus account will be credited with two Miles for every 1 EUR you spend with airberlin. In the case of new bookings, a credit card charge of 7 EUR for flights within Germany and 6 EUR for international flights arises per transaction unless you are paying by airberlin MasterCard. The AirPlus Card may only be used for online payments.
You can also pay by direct debit - without any additional charge - if you have a German, Austrian or Dutch bank account, provided that you are making the booking at least one week before the flight.
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How do I get the travel documents?
Your travel data are stored and transferred electronically to the check-in desk at the airport if you are using an AB-TIX e-ticket. When making a booking you will receive a transaction number that you will need to quote at the check-in desk, where you will also need to show your passport or ID card as well as your topbonus Card (if you have one). You will then be given a boarding pass.
If you book online, you can print out your booking confirmation immediately. You will also be sent confirmation by e-mail if you have entered your e-mail address. When booking online you can also choose to have the transaction reference number and the key flight data sent to your mobile by SMS.
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How can I get help with technical problems?
If you have technical problems please e-mail: webmaster@flyniki.com
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Are the tickets transferable?
No, our tickets are not transferable. They are always issued to a specific person, and that person is required to identify himself or herself at the check-in desk by presenting a passport or identity card along with the booking reference number.
However, the passenger name may be changed up until the departure of the first leg of the flight. For further information abour rebooking flights please refer to the FAQs relating to booking a flight/"Can I change the booking?".
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I have missed the flight – what do I do now?
If you do not appear at the check-in desk in time, you will forfeit your entitlement to carriage, but you are still required to pay for the flight.
Unfortunately we are unable to change or cancel your booking free of charge in such a case. You can only take a different flight if you make another booking and payment. Please also note the section of the FAQs entitled "When do I need to arrive at the airport?".
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Are there any discounts for children?
Yes, the fare for infants (children under 2 years old) on all international routes is 10 % of the adult fare. Infants (children under 2 years old) are carried free of charge on all domestic German routes. The fare for children between the ages of 2 and 11 inclusive is 67 % of the adult fare plus taxes, charges and fuel surcharge.
For infants under 12 months you can also reserve a cot in the first row, free of charge (exception: flights under 90 minutes). Only one infant is allowed per row of seats. Infants receive the full free baggage allowance.
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Are there any group discounts?
Yes! A group booking is one where at least 10 persons (not counting infants) have the same outward flight and/or the same return flight to/from a destination.
There is a 3 per cent discount for groups of 10 or more paying passengers and a 5 per cent discount for groups of 15 or more paying passengers. The discount is based on their individual group flight price, which is independent of the system price. A free seat is allocated for every 21st person booked, based on the average fare for all passengers.
Group discounts do not apply to options/bookings via CRS, online bookings and bookings via the service team.
Contact us for an individual quote:
Group booking enquiry (min. groups of 10)
Tel.: +49 (0)30-3434 2630
Fax: +49 (0)30-3434 2888
E-mail: Gruppen1@airberlin.com
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Is there a frequent flyer program?
airberlin’s frequent flyer program is called topbonus. You can collect status and award miles when you fly with airberlin (AB), LTU (LT), Belair (4T), NIKI (HG) and LGW-Walter (HE). You can collect more award miles when you hire a car, book a hotel room or whenever you pay with an airberlin MasterCard. Many renowned hotel chains, car hire companies and financial service providers are already partners in the topbonus Program – and their numbers and increasing!
You can obtain a one-way award flight on airberlin (AB), LTU (LT), Belair (4T), NIKI (HG) or LGW-Walter (HE) from just 7,500 miles. You can use the flight yourself or transfer it to another person. And you have three full years to collect award miles, which is how long they are valid.
By collecting status miles (valid for 1 year) you can qualify for a higher topbonus status. As soon as you have collected 20,000 status miles within a period of 12 full months, you will be upgraded to topbonus Silver status, or if you have collected 40,000 within the same period you will be upgraded to Gold status. With the topbonus Card Silver and the topbonus Card Gold you can enjoy numerous benefits and privileges associated with your flight, e.g. priority check-in, free seat reservation and many more.
With the new topbonus Service Card you can enjoy many benefits irrespective of your frequent-flyer status, and make some real savings at the same time. The card costs € 40 and is valid for 12 months. More information about topbonus
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What are the benefits of the topbonus Card Silver?
- Free seat reservation for you and an adult travelling companion, as well as children under 12 years old travelling with you!
- 10 EUR / 15 EUR discount on XL seats for medium-haul and long-haul flights respectively for you and one adult travelling companion.
- Greater baggage allowance! Card holders may check in 10 kg extra – free of charge.
- More sports baggage! You can take one additional item of sports baggage/equipment up to 30 kg (e.g. bicycle or surfboard) with you free of charge.
- Additional desk for faster check-in procedure at many airports.
- Security fast lane at some airports.
- For date of travel up to 31.05.2008: Free flight rebooking for you and an adult travelling companion, as well as children under 12 years old travelling with you, provided all reebookings are identical and made at the same time! You save 30 EUR per person on each rebooking.
Please note that some of these benefits may not be available for all flights at present.
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What are the benefits of the topbonus Card Gold?
- Free seat reservation for you and an adult travelling companion, as well as children under 12 years old travelling with you!
- Free reservation of XL-Seats for you and an adult travelling companion.
- Greater baggage allowance! Card holders may check in 10 kg extra – free of charge.
- More sports baggage! You can take one additional item of sports baggage/equipment up to 30 kg (e.g. bicycle or surfboard) with you free of charge.
- Priority check-in desk for faster check-in procedure at many airports.
- Security fast lane at some airports.
- For date of travel up to 31.05.2008: Free flight rebooking for you and an adult travelling companion, as well as children under 12 years old travelling with you, provided all reebookings are identical and made at the same time! You save 30 EUR per person on each rebooking.
- Free rebooking of the passenger name if the name of the cardholder is being changed or if the cardholder is being included as passenger.
- 25 per bonus on award miles earned on flights with airberlin (AB), LTU (LT), belair (4T), NIKI (HG) or LGW-Walter (HE)! It makes it even easier to reach the target for your free flight.
- Gold Card holders have an exclusive hotline to contact the Service Center.
- No service charge in case of telephone booking.
Please note that some of these benefits may not be available for all flights at present.
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What are the benefits of a topbonus Service Card?
- Free seat reservation for you and an adult travelling companion, as well as children under 12 years old travelling with you.
- 10 EUR / 15 EUR discount on XL seats for medium-haul and long-haul flights respectively for you and one adult travelling companion.
- 10 kg additional free baggage allowance for the cardholder.
- One additional item of sports baggage/equipment up to 30 kg (e.g. bicycle or surfboard) is carried free of charge.
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Until which period of their pregnancy can expectant mothers fly?
We carry expectant mothers up to the 4 weeks before the calculated date before the baby is due. The inbound flight must have been completed by then as well. We may demand to see a maternity card or medical certificate to prove that the passenger has not yet reached the 35th week of pregnancy.
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How do I travel with an infant/a child?
Infants can be carried in their own child seats on an additionally booked seat provided that the Airline has been notified of the intended use of such a seat up until 48 hours before the departure of the flight. For infants under 12 months you can reserve a cot in the first row, free of charge, on many routes by calling the Service Centre. Only one infant is allowed per row of seats.
Prams, buggies and child seats that are not approved for use in aircraft must be checked in at the check-in desk. However, no extra charge is made for such items. Seat reservations for families with infants are free of charge.
Please note that children have to be identified at the check-in desk just like adults (e.g. own passport, on parents’ passport).
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Can I take a child seat with me on the plane?
Passengers travelling with an infant can use their own child safety restraint systems on board airberlin flights, provided that these are one of the following models approved by TÜV Rheinland:
Maxi Cosi Mico
ID-Nr.: 8011000571
Weight: 0-10 kg
Height of child: 75 cm max.
Storchenmühle Maximum
ID-Nr.: 2711305500
Weight: 0–10 kg
Height of child: 75 cm max.
Maxi Cosi City
ID-Nr.: 881141410300
Weight: 0-13 kg
Height of child: max. 75 cm
Römer King Quickfix
ID-Nr.: 8811400300
Weight: 9-18 kg
Height of child: 98 cm max.
Luftikid
ID-Nr.: 7011000571
Weight: 9-25 kg
Height of child: 71–120 cm
Please note that aircraft operated by NIKI and Fokker 100s, as well as some aircraft in our Airbus fleet, are not allowed to be used with safety restraint systems. Further information will be provided during the booking procedure or can be obtained from our Service Centre.
The child safety restraint system must be marked with the TÜV Rheinland seal of approval "For Use in Aircraft" and it must be fixed onto the passenger seat with the seat belt before take-off.
The child safety restraint system must be registered with the Service Centre up until 48 hours before the departure of the flight. Please note that a seat must be reserved if you wish to carry an infant (child under 2 years old) in a child seat. The telephone numbers for our Service Centre in UK and other countries are shown here
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Are there any special arrangements for unaccompanied minors?
Please note that a child under the age of 2 may only travel when accompanied by a parent / legal guardian or an adult (18 years or older). Children under the age of 5 may also be accompanied by an older brother or sister (at least 16 years of age), provided that a parent / legal guardian has signed a written declaration of consent to confirm that an older sibling may accompany younger ones. Children between the ages of 5 and 11 are only considered not to be unaccompanied minors (UMNR) if they are accompanied by a person at least 16 years old. Please note that for unaccompanied minors a written declaration of consent may be required from the parents / legal guardians. Please contact our Service Centre for further details. The telephone numbers for our Service Centre in UK and other countries are shown here
Children aged five years or more may travel unaccompanied on airberlin. Our flight attendants will take special care of our young passengers. Unaccompanied minors between 5 and 11 years old must be booked in as such via the Service Centre. A charge of 30 EUR per flight applies. At the same time a seat will be reserved for them. Such a seat reservation is subject to change, although similar seats will be allocated in the event of changes to the schedule.
Please note that children must be accompanied from/to the airport and that the persons accompanying children must remain at the airport until the aircraft has taken off or until the aircraft’s scheduled time of arrival at the airport, as applicable. Persons collecting children must be nominated on departure of the flight and must be able to provide identification when collecting children at the point of arrival. Please arrive at the check-in desk 2 hours before the scheduled departure of the flight so that all the formalities can be completed.
Your child will be checked in for the flight at the check-in desk, where the UMNR wallet that your child will be carrying during the flight is also prepared. This wallet contains your child’s ticket, the boarding pass for the flight, the child’s valid passport or ID document and the UMNR form.
Please enter the following on the form:
- Name and age of the child;
- Name, address and telephone number of the person accompanying the child to the airport;
- Name, address and telephone number of the person collecting the child at the destination airport.
You can prepare the UMNR form now. Simply enter the required details in the form available here and then print out five copies.
airberlin and NIKI reserve the right to take any measures they deem fit to ensure that any child is safely looked after if the child is not collected as arranged. These measures may include returning the child to the departure airport. The airline must be reimbursed for the costs incurred as a result.
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Are there any arrangements for passengers with special needs?
airberlin will accompany passengers with restricted mobility or severely disabled passengers at the departure airport and on arrival at their destination. We also provide wheelchairs where necessary to take passengers to and from the aircraft.
Disabled passengers with a type "B" pass or equivalent, denoting severe disability, can reserve seats for themselves and one person accompanying them. This reservation can be made via our Service Centre and is free of charge. The accompanying person is only required to pay the airport charges on German domestic flights. Medical equipment and medication is carried free in the hold. Blind passengers can take their guide dogs with them into the cabin. Please contact the Service Centre if you require our services for special needs passengers. The telephone numbers for our Service Centre in UK and other countries are shown here
You can find out more about airberlin’s safety regulations for the carriage of passengers with limited mobility here
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Which passport, visa and health regulations apply?
A valid passport or visa is required for entry into some countries. The health regulations also vary.
We recommend that you find out about the exact requirements before you go on holiday. This information is available from the following website: www.timaticweb.com »
Please note that the information is only provided in English. Information in your own language is generally available from the foreign office/ministry of foreign affairs.
Information for parents: If you are travelling with children, it is quite normal for checks to be carried out to ensure that children are travelling with their parent(s) or legal guardian(s), or with their permission. That is why parents whose children do not have the same surname should carry additional documents as evidence that these are their own children. If in doubt please contact the ministry of foreign affairs in your destination country to check if there are any specific local regulations.
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Do I need a visa to enter the Russian Federation?
All foreign (i.e. non-Russian) nationals need a visa to enter the Russian Federation (RF). As a rule the visa application must be submitted to a consular representative of the Russian Federation. Visas are not issued at the border. The application is subject to various conditions and formalities, depending on the reason for travel (private/business trip, single or multiple entry to the Russian Federation or transit).
The documents required before a visa can be granted do not always have to be issued by consular representatives, but can sometimes also be issued by private agencies. Some of the partners in the UK and in other countries, can be found on the following web page: www.visatorussia.com
More details and information about prices concerning travel to the Russian Federation can be obtained directly from the Embassy of the Russian Federation.
Embassy of the Russian Federation
Address: Unter den Linden 63-65 in D-10117 Berlin
Tel.: +49 (0)30-229 111 029
Fax: +49 (0)30-229 9397
E-Mail: info@Russische-Botschaft.de
berlin.rusembassy.org
Please note the entry requirements applicable to your nationality, otherwise you might not be allowed to enter the country and will have to pay for your return to the country of departure at your own expense.
Russian tourist visa
You will need a Russian tourist visa in most cases. When applying for a Russian tourist visa you are required to submit the following papers to a Russian Consulate or to the Russian Embassy.
1. Your passport with at least 2 blank pages (the passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel).
2. Two completed and signed applications for a Russian visa.
3. One recent photograph.
4. For groups and cruise passengers: A letter from the travel agency or cruise operator confirming the itinerary and a copy of such confirmation from an authorised travel agency showing the reference number and confirmation of the visa number.
5. For private trips: Confirmation of a hotel booking provided by an authorised travel agency or by the hotel itself. The document must show the reference number and the visa confirmation number.
Important: Since 15.04.1999 all documents supporting visa applications must be completed in accordance with the new forms. For help in obtaining a Russian via please refer to the web page for Russian visa support
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When do I have to be at the airport at the latest?
Our check-in desks generally open 120 minutes before the scheduled departure of the aircraft and close 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes or 90 minutes before the scheduled departure, depending on the departure airport. A summary of these times can be found here. Please note that for long-haul flights (3,000 miles and more) you must generally be in possession of your boarding pass 90 minutes before the scheduled departure.
We are unable to check in passengers arriving at the check-in desk after the check-in deadline. These passengers lose their entitlement to be carried on the flight and do not have any right of reimbursement, issue of a credit note or free rebooking.
Passengers who have used the online check-in option (Web Check-in) and who are only carrying cabin baggage should arrive at the appropriate gate by the time shown on their boarding pass.
Please also note that, depending on the airport, the time you spend waiting at the check-in desk and at the security controls is likely to vary. You should also consider that you might have to travel considerable distances within the airport. Passengers have to go through the security check at Hurghadad airport before checking in; since this is likely to take some time, we recommend allowing an extra hour.
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Do I need to reconfirm the departure time?
You do not need to reconfirm the departure time of your flight. We will notify you if there are any changes with regard to your flight. It is therefore vital that you give us your contact details (mobile phone and e-mail) when booking your flight.
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Banned items in cabin baggage and baggage that is checked in
The following items are generally not allowed to be carried on the aircraft:
1. Items that could jeopardise the aircraft, equipment on board or persons, including in particular
- Explosive substances
- Compressed gases
- Oxidising, radioactive, corrosive or magnetising substances
- Highly flammable substances
- Poisonous or aggressive substances
- Liquid substances of any kind, i.e. all items or substances that are classified as hazardous in accordance with the dangerous goods regulations.
2. Items that are unsuitable for carriage on account of their weight, size or nature.
Passengers may not carry the following either in their hand luggage nor on their person:
- Weapons of any kind, in particular firearms, batons or knives
- Ammunition and explosive substances of any kind
- Sharp objects such as knives, scissors, ski poles and walking sticks
- Blunt instruments that can cause injury, e.g. golf clubs and snooker cues
- Petrol lighters (Zippos)
Passengers may carry 1 gas lighter on their person.
The following may only be carried in baggage that has been checked in:
- Cutlery
- Razor blades
- Toy guns and commercially available toys that could be used as a weapon
- Catapults
- Sports rackets and other sports or leisure equipment that could be used as a weapon
- Knitting needles
- Any other sharp objects such as knives, nail scissors, tail combs and hypodermic syringes (except for documented medical purposes).
The list of prohibited items is not final and can be added to at time. Additional regulations may apply to certain flights. Please also note the IATA regulations on hazardous goods. The airline can provide these regulations on request.
Important: Please also note the EU cabin baggage regulations! You can view these in the FAQ section on baggage.
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What does the EU regulation on hand baggage contain?
The EU regulation on hand baggage will apply to all flights departing from airports in the European Union and from Great Britain and Switzerland, irrespective of their destination (in other words also to all flights within Germany and within Europe).
1. What does the regulation say?
Passengers may only carry liquids or comparable items of a similar consistency in small quantities and in small single containers in their hand baggage. In this respect, it must be ensured that the liquids are in single containers with a capacity not greater than 100 ml or a comparable unit of measure (as per the maximum filling amount printed on the container – a half-full 200 ml container is not permitted). All of these single containers must be packed in one transparent, re-sealable plastic bag with a capacity not greater than 1 litre. Only one plastic bag per person is allowed. The relevant plastic bag must be transparent and have an integrated fastener (e.g. zip, Velcro, tie or string fastener). The simplest and most inexpensive option is to use freezer bags with zip-fasteners, which are offered in the majority of supermarkets.
2. What do "liquids" include?
Gels, pastes, lotions, combinations of liquids and solid matter such as toothpaste, hair gels, beverages, soups, syrup, perfume and other items of a similar consistency, and the contents of pressurised containers such as aerosols, shaving foam, hairspray.
3. Are there any exceptions for medicines or baby food?
Yes: Liquids that are used during the flight and are used either for medical or special dietary purposes, including baby food, milk or juices for fellow baby or infant passengers are permitted. The passengers must present these at the check point and they must also be separated from the remaining hand baggage and their necessity authenticated if required (e.g. by means of prescriptions, describing the necessity, plausibility etc.).
4. What regulations apply to purchases in duty free shops and on board the plane?
Duty free goods, which have been purchased on the day of the flight in a shop following the checking of boarding cards at an EU airport or on board a plane of an EU airline, may be taken by the passenger through the security check, if they are in a transparent bag sealed by the sales outlet. The bag must contain a proof of purchase that can be read from outside the bag, on which the date and place of sale are recorded.
5. What needs to be observed in the case of connecting flights?
If the flight in question is a connecting flight, where the first flight and the connecting flight take place from an airport within the EU, liquids that satisfy the conditions of point 4 may be taken on board the connecting flight. This does not apply to flights from non-European Union countries, which are not subject to the EU regulations.
6. Are longer waiting periods to be expected at the airport because of the EU regulation?
As the EU regulation requires a complex and thorough checking of the hand baggage, it can be assumed that the present waiting periods at the security check will lengthen. We recommend that you arrive at the check-in desk in good time before the planned departure.
7. Are there any further security regulations that must be observed at the airport?
Passengers will be required to remove their coats, jackets or blazers during the security check at the airport and take large electronic devices such as notebooks out of the pockets. Please note that the hand baggage in airberlin aircrafts is restricted to a maximum size of 55 x 40 x 20 cm. Exeptions, such as for musical instrument, will continue to be valid.
The existing regulations on prohibited items in the hand baggage and in the checked-in luggage remain valid. These are available under Questions and Answers/Luggage.
airberlin has no influence on these statutory requirements and requests passengers to take these into account when planning the trip and to reduce the hand baggage to essential items.
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Valuables – where is the best place to keep them during the flight?
Passengers are recommended to carry valuables, medication, perishable goods or fragile items in their hand baggage (up to a maximum weight of 6 kg is permitted). The information on the ticket concerning the limitation of liability also applies. In addition please refer to our general terms and conditions of business, section 8: Liability.
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What is the free baggage allowance?
For short-haul or medium-haul flights the maximum free baggage allowance for checked baggage is 20 kg per passenger. For long-haul flights (the great circle distance between departure point and destination being at least 3,500 km) the maximum free baggage allowance is 20 kg per passenger (30 kg in business class), unless other regulations apply (e.g. two-piece concept). This free baggage allowance also applies to children and infants. We recommend that you do not check in any items of baggage heavier than 32 kg.
If the length of the trip is exactly 28 days or more, the free baggage allowance for checked baggage is 30 kg per passenger, provided that the outbound and inbound flights were booked together under the same transaction number. As owner of a topbonus Card Silver/Gold or the topbonus Service Card your free baggage allowance is 30 kg. You can also take sports baggage/equipment weighing up to 30 kg with you without any additional charge. For details please refer to the FAQ section on baggage/"What are the benefits of the topbonus Card Silver/Gold?".
Please note that for reasons of health and safety at work, any item of checked baggage on flights to and from Great Britain, Northern Ireland and South Africa must not exceed a weight of 32 kg, irrespective of the free baggage allowance. On flights to Hungary the maximum weight for any item of baggage checked in must not exceed 50 kg.
The "two-piece concept" applies on flights to the USA and Canada. This allows economy class passengers to have 2 items of baggage weighing up to 23 kg each, and business class passengers to have 2 items of baggage weighing up to 32 kg each. Please note that the two-piece concept does not apply to children under the age of 2.
For reasons of safety as well as convenience, each passenger is only allowed to take one item of hand luggage into the cabin. Hand luggage must not weigh more than 6 kg (8 kg for Laptop) and the dimensions must not exceed 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm.
Important: Please note the requirements of the EU hand luggage regulations. You will find the relevant information in the FAQ section on baggage.
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Excess baggage – what happens now?
The carriage of baggage that exceeds the applicable free baggage allowance in terms of weight is subject to a charge. Unless otherwise agreed, an additional charge of 5 EUR/kg one way will apply to baggage in excess of the free baggage allowance. For flights of 3,000 miles or more this charge is 10 EUR/kg one way.
Please note that for reasons of health and safety at work, any item of checked baggage on flights to and from Great Britain, Northern Ireland and South Africa must not exceed a weight of 32 kg, irrespective of the free baggage allowance. On flights to Hungary the maximum weight for any item of baggage checked in must not exceed 50 kg.
In accordance with the two-piece concept on flights to the USA and Canada, the following additional carriage charges are levied if the free baggage allowance is exceeded:
- 25 EUR in economy class for an item of baggage weighing more than 23 kg, but less than 32 kg
- 125 EUR for every additional item of baggage with a maximum weight of 32 kg
- 375 EUR for every item of baggage with a weight of more than 32 kg, as well as for bulky items (from 203 cm overall dimensions H+W+D)
Important - please note: Excess baggage of more than 10 kg must be registered via our Service Centre. The telephone numbers for our Service Centre in UK and other countries are shown here
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Special baggage – what are the rates?
We can transport items of special baggage at very favourable rates. In addition to the free baggage allowance stipulated on the ticket, one additional item up to 30 kg max. may be carried subject to the conditions set out below (please note the revised charges for flights from 01.11.2008). Any weight exceeding this limit will be subject to an excess baggage charge. For detailed information please refer to the following table. Please note that we can only accept the sports equipment listed here as sports equipment.
Sports equipment |
Description |
Charge |
Advance |
Bodyboard, kiteboard |
packed in soft case or similar | 25 EUR one way | yes |
Hang-glider |
packed in bag, etc. | 25 EUR one way | yes |
Bicycle |
packed in bag, etc. | 20 EUR one way (from 01.11.2008: 25 EUR one way) |
yes |
Kayak |
packed in soft case or similar | 25 EUR one way | yes |
Surfboard |
packed in bag, etc. | 25 EUR one way | yes |
Other sports equipment |
Description |
Charge |
Advance |
Badminton, squash or |
bag with 3 rackets | no charge (from 01.11.2008: 20 EUR one way) |
no (from 01.11.2008: yes) |
Sport for the disabled |
sports wheelchair plus associated sports equipment |
no charge (from 01.11.2008: 20 EUR one way) |
no (from 01.11.2008: yes) |
Parachute/paraglider |
equipment up to 30 kg | no charge (from 01.11.2008: 20 EUR one way) |
no (from 01.11.2008: yes) |
Golf baggage |
equipment up to 30 kg | no charge |
no |
Riding |
1 pair of boots, saddle | no charge (from 01.11.2008: 20 EUR one way) |
no (from 01.11.2008: yes) |
Roller sports |
1 skateboard, 1 pair of roller skates or 1 pair of inline skates | no charge (from 01.11.2008: 20 EUR one way) |
no (from 01.11.2008: yes) |
Skiing |
1 pair of ski and ski boots per person or 1 snowboard and ski boots per person o 1 skibob | no charge (from 01.11.2008: 20 EUR one way) |
no (from 01.11.2008: yes) |
Sport fishing |
1 rod, casting equipment | no charge (from 01.11.2008: 20 EUR one way) |
no (from 01.11.2008: yes) |
Diving baggage |
equipment up to 30 kg, belt without lead, empty compessed-air bottles, diving lamps(are only carried as hand baggage - with bulb or battery removed) | no charge (from 01.11.2008: 20 EUR one way) |
yes, diving lamps (from 01.11.2008: yes) |
Water skiing |
1pair of water skis or neoprene suite | no charge (from 01.11.2008: 20 EUR one way) |
no (from 01.11.2008: yes) |
Surfboarding |
1 bodyboard or kiteboard up to 140 cm in length | no charge (from 01.11.2008: 20 EUR one way) |
no (from 01.11.2008: yes) |
Special baggage |
Description |
Charge |
Advance |
Prams/buggies |
packed in bag, etc. | no charge | no |
Baby seats for cars |
no charge | no |
Animals |
Description |
Charge |
Advance |
Pets in the cabin |
in a suitable container (max. dimensions: 55 x 40 x 20 cm), max. weight 6 kg incl. container |
20 EUR one way | yes |
Pets in the hold |
in a suitable container | 30 EUR one way 60 EUR one way for flights of 3,000 miles or more |
yes |
Excess baggage |
Description |
Charge |
Advance |
Baggage exceeding free allowance |
5 EUR/kg one way 10 EUR/kg one way for flights of 3,000 miles or more |
yes, from 10 kg upwards | |
| two-piece-concept | 25 EUR if weight > 23 kg and < 32 kg (economy class) 125 EUR for every additional baggage item < 32 kg 375 EUR if weight > 32 kg, and for bulky items (from 203 cm overall dimensions H+W+D) |
yes, from 10 kg upwards |
You can register pets, sports equipment, special baggage and excess baggage by calling our Service Centre. The telephone numbers for our Service Centre in UK and other countries are shown here
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Pets – what do I need to consider?
You can take dogs and cats with you into the cabin if they are in a suitable pet carrier (max. measurements 55 x 40 x 20 cm) that weighs no more than 6 kg, including contents. The animal must remain in the pet carrier for the entire flight. The carrier must never be placed on a seat, even if an additional seat has been purchased. A charge of 20 EUR per flight will be made.
Pets weighing over 6 kg with the pet carrier are carried in the hold. They must also be kept in a suitable pet carrier. A charge of 30 EUR applies per flight. For flights of 3,000 or more the charge is 60 EUR one way. As a rule, the pets must be carried in an enclosed container that is leak-proof and escape-proof. They must have enough space to be able to stand in their normal position. Furthermore they must have space to lie down. The transport container is to be provided by the passenger.
Special regulations apply to rodents. The airline will not carry any kind of reptile (apart from tortoises). Please contact our Service Centre if you have any further queries.
Please note that all carriers used to transport animals in the hold must have a water/feed container that can be filled from outside. The water/feed container must not be filled during the flight.
The passenger bears sole responsibility for ensuring that all requirements and restrictions associated with the import and export of animals are complied with. The passenger is generally liable for any damage and consequential damage caused by the animal or its transportation.
The transportation of animals is governed by the IATA Live Animals Regulations, which the airline may provide on request.
You can register the carriage of a pet by calling our Service Centre, which is available 24 hours a day. The telephone numbers for our Service Centre in UK and other countries are shown here
On 1st October 2004 a EU regulation on the veterinary conditions for the movement of pet animals came into force. This regulation is designed to avoid rabies. If you want to travel with your pet animal, you will need to find out about the conditions of entry. Please read the regulations before booking. Alternatively you can obtain information from your vet, veterinary authority or border control post.
Please note that pets are not allowed to be carried out flights from and to the UK!
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Damaged baggage - who is the right person to contact?
If your baggage has been damaged, please contact the Lost & Found desk on arrival, where you will be asked to complete a claim form. If you are unable to do this, please send a written claim without delay to:
Air Berlin PLC & Co. Luftverkehrs KG
Kundenservice/Customer Services
Saatwinkler Damm 42-43
13627 Berlin
Germany
E-mail: kundenservice@airberlin.com
Fax: +49 (0)30-3434 1909
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Lost baggage - who is the right person to contact?
Have you lost your suitcase or other items of baggage that you have checked in?
The baggage will have been misdirected. Please contact the Lost & Found desk on your arrival, where you will be asked to complete a claim form. If your baggage has not been located within five days or if you have any questions relating to the misdirected baggage, please contact the Lost & Found centre in Berlin immediately:
Air Berlin PLC & Co. Luftverkehrs KG
Gepäckermittlungszentrale/Lost Luggage HQ
Saatwinkler Damm 42-43
13627 Berlin
Germany
Tel.: +49 (0)30-3434 4646 (Mondays to Fridays 09:00 to 18:00 h CET)
Fax: +49 (0)30-3434 4649
E-mail: ll-hdq@airberlin.com
Click on the link below to find out more about your search process:
Did you leave any personal items in the cabin?
Please contact the Lost & Found office at the arrival airport in the first instance. If no one can help you there, please contact our Lost Luggage HQ in Berlin (see above for address).
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How and when can I contact the Service Centre?
The Service Centre is open round the clock.
The telephone numbers for our Service Centre in UK and other countries are shown here
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Where and how can I find out about special offers?
You can subscribe to our free e-mail Newsletter, which is sent out every two weeks and gives you information about special offers and the latest news about the company. As a special bonus the Newsletter generally includes very attractive competitions and offers from our partner companies.
Subscribe to our free of charge newsletter
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Can I check in the evening before?
We offer an evening check-in on some flights. For detailed information about the individual airports and services please refer to our Airport Guide
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How does the MMS Check-in work?
We will send your boarding pass in the form of a barcode directly to your mobile using the MMS facility. This barcode will allow you to go directly to the departure gate, where the code will be scanned from the display on your mobile.*
The new, paperless check-in facility by mobile. No more waiting at the check-in desk.
The airberlin MMS Check-in is an easy and quick way to manage your entire check-in procedure by mobile. All you need is an MMS-capable mobile.
We will send you a text message about 4 hours before the scheduled departure of your flight, asking you whether you would like check in by mobile. This invitation will be sent to you for each leg of your journey. If your flight is due to depart before 10 a.m., you will receive this message before 9 p.m. on the previous day. You can pre-check in by replying to the text message with the relevant flight number. We will take your individual preferences – window or aisle seat – into account, subject to availability. You will need to text us with the reply at least two hours before the scheduled departure time. We will send your boarding pass in the form of a barcode directly to your mobile using the MMS facility. In addition to the barcode, the MMS also contains important passenger information in text form, such as passenger name, flight number etc. Please show this MMS together with your passport or ID document to security control when requested to do so. This barcode will then allow you to go directly to the departure gate, where the code will be scanned from the display on your mobile. You can still check in your baggage at the check-in desk.
The MMS Check-in will initially be available at the following German departure airports: Berlin-Tegel, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Hanover, Munich. This does not include non-direct flights or some individual routes.
During the booking process (booking step 4 / Entering invoice data) the services available for the relevant flight will be shown in the "e-Services" column.
* Please make sure that your mobile phone is MMS-capable. Given the wide range of terminals, we regret that we cannot guarantee that the MMS Check-in facility will work in any individual case. The MMS Check-in service is available only in Germany and for the following mobile phone networks: E-Plus, T-Mobile, D2-Vodafone and o2.
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How does SMS Seat Reservation work?
This service allows you to reserve your seat when out and about – simply by sending us a text message. We will send you a text message about 4 hours before the scheduled departure of your flight, asking you whether you would like to reserve a seat in advance from your mobile. This invitation will be sent to you for each leg of your journey. If your flight is due to depart before 10 a.m., you will be sent the message asking you whether you would like to reserve a seat before 9 p.m. on the previous day. You can reserve a seat by replying to the text message with the relevant flight number. We will take your individual preferences – window or aisle seat – into account, subject to availability. You will need to text us with the reply at least two hours before the scheduled departure time. When you arrive at the airport you can obtain your boarding pass as usual from the airberlin check-in desk or from a Quick Check-in machine.
SMS Seat Reservation will initially be available at the following German departure airports: Berlin-Tegel, Bremen, Cologne/Bonn, Dortmund, Dresden, Dusseldorf, Erfurt, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hanover, Leipzig/Halle, Munich, Münster/Osnabrück, Nuremberg, Paderborn, Rostock-Laage, Saarbruecken, Stuttgart, Sylt. This does not include non-direct flights or some individual routes.
During the booking process (booking step 4 / Entering invoice data) the services available for the relevant flight will be shown in the "e-Services" column.
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How does the E-mail Check-in Invitation work?
As soon as your flight is available for online check-in, we will automatically e-mail you an invitation to check in online, using the e-mail address you have given us. You can then select your seat online and print out your boarding pass at home. Once you get to the airport you can go straight to the departure gate.
The E-mail Check-in Invitation will initially be available at the following German departure airports: Berlin-Tegel, Bremen, Cologne/Bonn, Dortmund, Dresden, Dusseldorf, Erfurt, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hanover, Leipzig/Halle, Munich, Münster/Osnabrück, Nuremberg, Paderborn, Rostock-Laage, Saarbruecken, Stuttgart, Sylt. This does not include non-direct flights or some individual routes.
During the booking process (booking step 4 / Entering invoice data) the services available for the relevant flight will be shown in the "e-Services" column.
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Is there an onboard service?
Yes! Despite the low prices, airberlin also offers its passengers an onboard service on all flights, such as newspapers, magazines, food and drink. There is also an onboard shop.
We offer a gourmet menu – freshly prepared onboard – on all airberlin flights with a minimum flying time of 90 minutes and a maximum flying time of 4 hours. A standard snack will still be included in the fare, and the additional menus cost between 5 and 11 euros. The gourmet menus as well as our generous breakfast vary depending on the time of day or season and contain everything that lovers of good food might wish for. On flights with a flying time of over 4 hours, as well as on flights to Agadir and Funchal, you have a choice of two menus. Drinks from our onboard bar will of course be served as well.
Please note that the number of gourmet menus carried on each flight is limited. As a result, individual menus may well be sold out and we apologise if that is the case.
You can find more information about gourmet menus here
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Is there a hotline for the press?
Yes, if you have any queries relating to media and PR please contact:
Press Office
Tel.: +49 (0)30-3434 1500
Fax: +49 (0)30-3434 1509
E-mail: ab-presse@airberlin.com
If you have any queries about press bookings please contact:
Journalistenbuchungsstelle/Press Bookings
Tel.: +49 (0)30-3434 1525
Fax: +49 (0)30-3434 1529
E-mail: journalistenbuchungen@airberlin.com
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Is there a special service for businesses?
airberlin offers corporate customers individual, flexible fares that are tailored exactly to their requirements. Please contact:
Air Berlin PLC & Co. Luftverkehrs KG
Corporate Service
Tel.: +49 (0)30-3434 2150
E-Mail: ab-corporate@airberlin.com
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