Does aircraft boarding impact on-time performance?

I think that the actual boarding process does not really impact on-time performance. However, the boarding process seems to be fastest if the cabin crew stands in the front rows and helps passengers stowing their hand bags. This is aimed at reducing congestion. At the same time, they can send passengers further down the aisle if their seats are there. This could be done by a team that moves from aircraft to aircraft. Yet, this is a costly alternative.

Experience shows that on-time performance related to the ground process is mostly dependent on

• On-time boarding start and end.
• Performance of cleaning process which defines the length of the ground time (critical path).
  
• Cooperation of cockpit crew. The captain is eventually responsible for the OTP of his flight.

airBaltic offers delayed arrival warranty

For a fee of EUR 19 (non-refundable) per passenger per one-way journey, passengers can purchase a guaranteed double refund of the ticket price (including fare and fuel surcharge) if airBaltic delivers their passenger to their final destination more than 1 hour later than promised on the ticket. This gift voucher can be used to purchase the next flight at the airBaltic website.