flyniki - Questions & Answers

Service (FAQ)

Booking

The most reasonably priced tickets
What is the breakdown of airberlin prices?
What is the difference between saver and flexi fares at airberlin?
Is there a Business Class on board airberlin 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 time for last minute booking?
Does airberlin offer an online check-in facility and other e-services?
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?
Taking the train to the plane: Does airberlin offer Rail&Fly tickets?
How can I redeem an airberlin flight voucher?
How do I get the travel documents?
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?

Passengers with special needs

Until which period of their pregnancy can expectant mothers fly?
How do I travel with an infant/a child?
Are there any special arrangements for unaccompanied minors?
Are there any arrangements for passengers with special needs?
Does airberlin offer a patient transport ambulance service?

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

What are the regulations concerning baggage?
What does the EU regulation on hand baggage contain?
What needs to be considered with regard to the carriage of pets?
Damaged and 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?
How can I get help with technical problems?
How does the MMS Check-in work?
How does SMS Seat Reservation work?
Can I check in the evening before?
Is there an onboard service?
Is there a hotline for the press?
Is there a special service for businesses?
How to download airberlin’s timetable?

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 always pleased to provide information about special offers, e.g. where additional tickets, for a short period only, are available online at absolute bargain prices.
Go to the free airberlin Newsletter subscription

What is the breakdown of airberlin prices?

The total price per person is shown after the flight selection stage in the airberlin booking process. This price consists of the net fare (shown next to each flight in the selection), taxes and charges, as well as the fuel surcharge. It does not yet include the service charge. The total price is itemised separately for outbound and inbound flights.

The gross fare incl. taxes, charges and fuel surcharge, but excluding the service charge, is shown on the page containing the flight offers.

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 25 EUR per person one way; on medium-haul routes covering our tourist destinations, the fuel surcharge is 35 EUR per person one way; on longer medium-haul routes to the Canaries, Funchal and Egypt it is 45 EUR per person one way; on long-haul routes the fuel surcharge is 95 EUR per person one way.

What is the difference between saver and flexi fares at airberlin?

If you have booked a saver fare, you can rebook your flight up to 30 minutes prior to the agreed departure time. A fee of 30 EUR will be charged for short-haul and medium haul flights, and a fee of 50 EUR for long-haul flights (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, but excluding the service charge.

Is there a Business Class on board airberlin flights?

Yes, you can book Business Class seats on our long-haul routes. The excellent service you can enjoy in Business Class includes drinks to welcome you on board, luxury leather seats with a comfortable tilt facility, optimum conditions for working if you wish, an extensive selection of drinks and a multi-course menu in elegant surroundings. In addition our Business Class offers other benefits that include an increased free baggage allowance, exclusive check-in desks and more topbonus miles.

Further information about airberlin’s Business Class

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.

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.

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 is 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.

How can I make a booking?

You can book your flights online at airberlin.com, at a travel agent’s or by telephoning our
Service Centre

A service charge of 15 EUR per person and booking applies to any online bookings. This charge is reduced to 10 EUR if payment is made by direct debit. For flights booked at an airport desk and flights rebooked by telephoning our Service Centre a service charge of 25 EUR per person and booking applies, which is reduced to 20 EUR if payment is made by direct debit. This charge does not apply to infants under 2 years old.

The service charge per person is shown after the flight selection stage in the airberlin booking process and is also itemised on the invoice. No additional service charge is incurred for rebookings. This charge is not refundable if the flight booking is cancelled.

No service charge is applied to flights booked for holders of a topbonus Card Gold, an adult person and any children under 12 years old accompanying the cardholder.

What is the latest time for last minute booking?

You can book online up to two hours before the plane’s scheduled departure. Flights may be booked even later than this by telephoning our Service Centre, at an airport desk or via a travel agency.

Does airberlin offer an online check-in facility and other e-services?

airberlin offers a range of e-services for an easy and convenient check-in. Our Check-in & e-services service page provides all the information you need about the various check-in options for your airberlin flight, including online check-in, quick check-in, MMS check-in and SMS seat reservation.

How can I reserve a seat or XL seat?

Seats can be reserved via our Service Centre and travel agencies until 48 hours before the departure of the flight.

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 3,000 miles).
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.

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 calling our 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.

Saver fare: If you have booked a saver fare, you can rebook your flight up to 30 minutes prior to the agreed departure time. A fee of 30 EUR will be charged for short-haul and medium haul flights, and a fee of 50 EUR for long-haul flights (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.

Flexi fare: 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; 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 also the case when a flight is rebooked. An additional fee of 30 EUR per person is also charged to a short-haul or medium-haul flight, and 50 EUR for a long-haul flight. The flexi fare allows the passenger name to be changed free of charge until the date of departure by calling the Service Centre.

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 our 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 that day. Rebooking of the flight at the destination airport is only possible subject to local approval.

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 booked long-haul flight (the distance between the departure point and the destination being at least 3,000 miles) is not taken or is cancelled, the airline is entitled to charge the following, but at least 25 EUR per person:
- 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)
Please note that the service charge is not refundable.

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. Please note that the service charge is not refundable.

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.
Go to the telephone numbers of our Service Centre in Germany and abroad.

We recommend that you take out travel insurance, e.g. with ETI International Travel Protection, our co-operation partner. You can book the special airberlin offers via our Service Centre or directly when booking your flight online. More information about the individual insurance policies

How can I pay for the flight?

By credit card: AirPlus Karte, American Express, Diners, MasterCard and Visa (we do not accept Visa Electron). If you pay by airberlin MasterCard, your topbonus account will be credited with two Miles for every 1 EUR you spend with airberlin. 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.

Taking the train to the plane: Does airberlin offer Rail&Fly tickets?

Our co-operation agreement with Deutsche Bahn takes any stress out of getting to the airport – starting from just 25 EUR (Price applies to a single 2nd class fare).

The Rail&Fly ticket is valid for travel within Germany using any local or long-distance passenger train operated by Deutsche Bahn AG if the departure station and the departure airport are in different public transport regions. The Rail&Fly ticket is valid on the date of the flight, as well as 1 day before departure and 1 day after arrival. Stopovers on the journey to and from the airport are permitted. Children under the age of 12 travel free of charge when accompanied by their parents or grandparents with a valid Rail&Fly ticket.

Rail&Fly tickets can be booked online at airberlin.com when you are booking your flight. The offer is only valid in conjunction with an international flight from/to Germany. This offer does not apply to flights to/from Amsterdam, Basel, Paris, Salzburg, Vienna and Zurich.

More information about airberlin’s Rail&Fly

How can I redeem an airberlin flight voucher?

airberlin flight vouchers can only be redeemed via the airberlin Service Centre and you will need to quote the voucher number and code.

airberlin flight vouchers are valid for one year from the date of purchase. The amount shown on the voucher cannot be used for flight bookings until the airline has received the payment for the voucher. Please note that for an airberlin flight voucher to be credited, the currency shown on the voucher must match the currency selected when booking the flight.

Create your airberlin flight voucher here
Select the amount you wish to spend and your preferred motif and add a short personal message. Your airberlin flight voucher can be sent by e-mail or printed out for presentation as a gift.

How do I get the travel documents?

Your travel data is 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.

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. Further information about changing the passenger name »

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 for transport, 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.

Therefore please note the exact check-in deadlines » for individual departure airports.

Are there any discounts for children?

Yes, airberlin offers child reductions on fares for children under 12 years old.
Detailed information about child discounts

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 (does not apply to business class). 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

Is there a frequent flyer program?

airberlin’s frequent flyer scheme is called topbonus. This programme allows you to earn status miles and award miles on flights operated by airberlin and topbonus partner airlines. You can also collect award miles from numerous topbonus partners (major hotel chains, car hire companies, financial service providers and many more) and when you use your airberlin MasterCard for any purchases. Status miles determine your frequent flyer status and consequently the exclusive benefits you can enjoy with the topbonus programme.

A one-way flight (plus taxes, charges and fuel surcharge) on airberlin and topbonus partner airlines is available from just 7,500 award miles. You can use the flight yourself or transfer it to another person. And you have three full years to collect topbonus award miles, which is how long they are valid.

The status miles that you collect by flying will qualify you for a higher topbonus status. As soon as you have collected 20,000 status miles within a period of 12 months, you will be upgraded to topbonus Silver status, or if you have collected 40,000 status miles within the same period you will be upgraded to Gold status. topbonus Status Cards provide exclusive benefits, such as priority check-in, free seat reservation, additional free baggage allowance – to mention just a few.

With the topbonus Service Card you can enjoy many benefits irrespective of your frequent-flyer status, and make some real savings at the same time. The topbonus Service Card is valid for 12 months and available for an annual fee of just 40 EUR.
More about topbonus

Until which period of their pregnancy can expectant mothers fly?

Expectant mothers are carried up to 4 weeks before the expected delivery date. The return flight also has to be completed before this date. As proof that the 36th week of pregnancy has not been exceeded, the presentation of pregnancy records or a medical certificate may be required.

How do I travel with an infant/a child?

The service for families » page in our service section provides all the information you need on the subject of child discounts, seat reservation and free baggage allowance for children, as well as our onboard service for our younger passengers. You will also find details about which child seats can be used on board airberlin aircraft.

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 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 not considered 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. Our Service Centre will be pleased to give you information about all the terms and conditions.

Children aged five years or more may travel unaccompanied on airberlin. Our flight attendants will take special care of our young passengers. Airline tickets for unaccompanied children between the ages of 5 and 11 inclusive must be booked via the Service Centre. The carriage of unaccompanied minors is subject to a processing charge of 40 EUR one way. For flights of over 3,000 miles this charge is 80 EUR one way. 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.

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 these services.

Special safety regulations apply to the carriage of passengers with reduced mobility on airberlin flights.

Does airberlin offer a patient transport ambulance service?

airberlin also offers a PTA (patient transport ambulance) service on its routes. The airline can take passengers who have been taken ill on holiday back to their home country. The PTA service uses modern stretchers that can be installed in Boeing and Airbus aircraft. The PTA contract is issued by the patient’s insurance company.

airberlin’s medical team is available every day between 09:00 and 17:30 hours and can be contacted by calling the telephone hotline +49 (0)30-3434 3969, sending a fax to +49 (0)30-3434 3971 or an e-mail to medicaltransport@airberlin.com.

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.

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 visa please refer to the web page for Russian visa support

When do I have to be at the airport at the latest?

To ensure a smooth check-in procedure and punctual departure of your flight, please make sure that you are at the check-in desk in good time so that you are checked in and have received your boarding pass before the check-in deadline. Click here for details of the exact check-in deadlines at individual departure airports.

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.

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.

Do I need to reconfirm the departure time?

We advise passengers to confirm the departure time of their flight by telephoning our Service Centre between 24 and 48 hours prior to their outbound or inbound flight. When booking your flight, you should also provide us with a telephone number where we can reach you at your destination.

What are the regulations concerning baggage?

On our baggage » service page you will find comprehensive information about free baggage allowance, cabin baggage, excess baggage, sports and special items of baggage. The page also contains information about the articles that are not allowed to be carried in baggage.

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 laptops 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.

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.

What needs to be considered with regard to the carriage of pets?

airberlin will carry pets either in the cabin or the hold, depending on the weight and size of the animal. Please note that the relevant animal protection regulations as well as the regulations on bringing animals into and out of the countries concerned will have to be observed.
Further information about the carriage of pets

Damaged and lost baggage - who is the right person to contact?

Please contact the Lost & Found desk at the airport if one or more items of baggage cannot be found or are damaged on arrived.
Further information about what to do about lost or damaged baggage can be found on the Baggage service page.

How and when can I contact the Service Centre?

Click here for the telephone numbers of our Service Centre in UK and abroad.

Where and how can I find out about special offers?

We will keep you informed of any special offers and corporate news with our regular, free Newsletter that we send out by e-mail. The Newsletter also includes attractive competitions and offers from our co-operation partners.

Go to the free airberlin Newsletter subscription

How can I get help with technical problems?

If you experience technical problems, please tell us by completing our contact form

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. As soon as your flight is available for online check-in (for advance bookings this will be approx. 30 hours before the scheduled departure, for last-minute bookings this will be approx. 3 hours before departure) we will automatically send you an SMS asking you whether you would like to check in by mobile phone. This invitation will be sent to you for each leg of your journey. You can pre-check in by replying to the text message with the relevant flight number. We will take your individual preferences – window, aisle seat or sitting together – into account, subject to availability. You will need to text us with the reply at least one hour 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 along 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.

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 in Germany and Austria for the german and austrian mobile phone network. Please note that you will be charged for the reply SMS and for recieving an MMS in foreign countries by your mobile phone provider.
Each mobile number can be accepted only once. Please use a different mobile number for each customer regarding this e-Service.

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. As soon as your flight is available for seat reservation (for advance bookings this will be approx. 30 hours before the scheduled departure, for last-minute bookings this will be approx. 3 hours before departure) we will automatically send you an SMS asking you whether you would like to reserve a seat in advance. This invitation will be sent to you for each leg of your journey. This invitation will be sent to you for each leg of your journey. You can reserve a seat by replying to the text message with the relevant flight number. We will take your individual preferences – window, aisle seat or sitting together – into account, subject to availability. You will need to text us with the reply at least one hour 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.*

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.

* Each mobile number can be accepted only once. Please use a different mobile number for each customer regarding this e-Service. Please note that you will be charged for the reply SMS by your mobile phone provider.

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 the Airport Guide

Is there an onboard service?

Yes! Despite the low prices, airberlin offers its passengers on all flights a free onboard service, such as newspapers, magazines, food and drink, in-flight television and radio, as well as an onboard shop.
More information about airberlin’s Service on board

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

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

How to download airberlin’s timetable?

You can select a number of routes and travel months to create your personal flight timetable and save this as a PDF file. You can check up-to-date information about flight times and connections in the booking system.

Our free Newsletter will also keep you up to date with the latest information about routes and new timetables coming into effect. Go to the free airberlin Newsletter subscription