airBaltic has been using a one-way pricing structure for all EU flights since 2003, and the change in network partner SAS massively extends the benefits of the policy. From now on, airBaltic passengers linking into the SAS European network will be able to craft their own unique itinerary, based on their individual needs. For example, if you want to make your very own grand tour of Italy, you can now fly Riga – Copenhagen (or Vilnius – Copenhagen) on airBaltic’s daily flights, take an SAS flight from Copenhagen to Venice, wend your way across the beautiful slopes of the Apennines, fly back with SAS from Rome to Stockholm, and pick up airBaltic’s regular Stockholm flight for the voyage home – all done with one-way ticketing.

To maximise the flexibility of the offer, one-way tickets fall into three pricing categories. Business tickets offer all the traditional benefits of the class, with access to the airport lounge before departure, extra leg-room on board, priority service and a wide range of food and drinks. Their inbuilt flexibility means that you can book at any time up to the moment of departure, and have full freedom to change or refund your ticket.

Economy Flex tickets are the ideal companion for travellers who need the extra freedom modern ticketing can provide. This ticket type offers priority boarding and, when available, fast-track security clearance. As with business class, tickets can be bought up to the moment of departure and can be changed and refunded as necessary, and once in the air, a meal and drinks are yours.

Economy tickets offer our most competitively-priced, value-for-money service. Food and drink are not included in the fare, but you can always order from our delicious on-board menu. It is also possible to change your reservation before you fly, but options to do so are more limited than with other tickets: you can change your reservation once only on payment of an administrative fee, as long as the same fare is available on the new flight of your choice.

With all types of ticket, the emphasis is on choice and simplicity. The “Sunday rule” – the traditional system whereby passengers had to stay away for a Saturday or Sunday to receive the best price – is eliminated, and online booking facilities have been restructured to show the three levels of ticket available for each routing, allowing you to choose the level of service you require.

At present, one-way ticketing is available to all SAS European destinations except those located in Germany: the latter destinations will be included in the system as of January 2006. For airBaltic passengers, this opens up a range of more than 40 destinations across Europe, including cities in countries where airBaltic has not yet established a presence, such as Poland. The system will make it even easier and better value for money to book online through airBaltic’s website (www.airbaltic.com). As always, it will also be possible to plan and book journeys via telephone or through travel agencies and ticket offices.

In the words of Jørgen Lindegård, President and CEO of the SAS Group, “This is a further step in our commercial activities, and we are following up on the success of one-way fares in Norway and Sweden by introducing the same concept on all European routes.” We look forward to introducing many more of our passengers to the SAS European network in the months to come.