British Airways Airline Guide

British Airways is the UK's national carrier and offers scheduled flights from airports across the UK to hundreds of destinations around the world. British Airways (BA) calls London Heathrow and London Gatwick airports home.

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Check-in

Check-in times and procedures vary between airports so it pays to check the details for your departure point. The stress-free way is to check-in online and then use the 'fast bag drop'. You can also check-in at self-service kiosks in the airport or the traditional way at the check-in counter. Online check-in closes one hour before departure and check-in desks usually close 45-minutes prior.

Luggage restrictions and security

Hand luggage: each passenger can take on one item with maximum dimensions of 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22'' x 17.5'' x 9.85''), weighing no more than 23kg; plus one briefcase, laptop bag or handbag. You're also allowed one extra bag if you?re travelling with an infant.

Checked-in luggage: UK domestic routes, excluding the Americas and Nigeria: one bag with a maximum weight of 23kg (51lb) and maximum dimensions of 158cm (L+W+H). For other destinations you can bring two bags with the same weight and dimensions. A flat fee of £25 applies to bags weighing more than 23kg (51lbs).

Families, elderly and disabled

On British Airways families can take advantage of Skyflyer service which gives you discounts for infants and children, priority boarding, activity packs and special meals for the kids. Children have the same baggage allowance as adults. Seats and carrycots are available for infants. Children between six and 12 can fly solo with Skyflyer Solo, this service must be pre-booked and incurs a fee.

If you have a disability and require assistance let the staff know when you make your booking. If you are bringing a wheelchair you may be asked for details of its size and weight. You can bring up to two mobility aids with you without incurring an extra baggage charge. Long-haul flights have disabled toilets and on-board wheelchairs. Certified assistance dogs are allowed on the flight.

Selecting a seat

You can select a seat at the time of booking if you are travelling with infants; you are in First class; are a Gold and Silver Executive Club member or a oneworld Emerald and Sapphire equivalent; hold certain flexible tickets or in special circumstances. British Airways lets you reserve a seat three days in advance if: you are travelling with children aged two - 11; you are a child travelling alone; or if you are travelling in a specialised group. Everyone else can select a seat 24-hours in advance. Economy seat pitch: 31''.

In-flight food and entertainment

One of the benefits of forking out for a BA flight is the menu of classic and contemporary British cuisine. BA often asks a top chef to overlook their menu and wine list. Onboard you'll be able to watch new, classic and alternative films and television programmes; listen to radio channels created just for BA and a range of CDs and check out programmes from the BBC archives. BA also has three monthly in-flight magazines.

Pets, sports gear and musical instruments

Pets can be taken in the hold and need to be booked with British Airways World Cargo; guide dogs can be taken in the main cabin. Musical instruments and sports gear can be taken on as standard check-in items.

Alliances and air miles

British Airways is a member of the oneworld alliance with American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Lan Airlines, Malev, Qantas and Royal Jordanian. This allows you to travel to about 700 destinations when you book through BA. Frequent Flyer miles can be accumulated through British Airways Executive Club.

Search for cheap British Airways flights on our flights page.

Contact

Call 0844 493 0 787 (from the UK) or visit www.britishairways.com.