Book cheap flights with British Airways

Tickets / About the airline

British Airways is the United Kingdom's flagship carrier and one of Europe's largest airlines. Founded in 1974 through the merger of earlier British carriers, BA is headquartered in London and operates a vast international network connecting Europe, North America, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. The airline serves passengers ranging from budget-conscious travelers to premium customers seeking luxury travel experiences.

BA is a full-service carrier with major hubs at London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW), and London City (LCY). The fleet comprises modern wide-body aircraft including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Airbus A380, and Boeing 777, alongside narrow-body Airbus A320 family jets for European and short-haul routes. British Airways is renowned for its extensive transatlantic network and is particularly known for connecting London to major North American cities. The airline operates as part of the International Airlines Group (IAG) and participates in Oneworld, a major airline alliance.

Check-in

British Airways offers flexible check-in options to accommodate different passenger preferences. Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure through the BA website or mobile app, allowing passengers to check in remotely and select seats. Those checking in online receive their boarding pass digitally, which they can display on a mobile device or print at the airport. For most flights, online check-in must be completed at least one hour before takeoff (longer for international flights).

Passengers unable to check in online can use airport check-in desks, though this typically incurs longer wait times during busy periods. BA recommends arriving at the airport 2-3 hours before long-haul flights and 1.5-2 hours before short-haul flights. Mobile boarding passes are preferred but physical copies are available upon request. Self-service kiosks are available at major airports for quick check-in and baggage drop-off for eligible flights.

Seats

Seat selection policies vary by ticket type and cabin class. Passengers in premium cabins (Club World and First Class) receive complimentary premium seat selection, including aisle access and enhanced seating locations. Customers booked in World Traveller Plus (premium economy) can select seats during booking or check-in, with some premium positions available for an additional fee. Economy passengers holding standard or flexible fares can reserve seats for a small fee, typically £5–15 depending on seat location and flight distance.

Economy lite fares include a standard allocated seat at check-in, though premium seat selection is unavailable. Families traveling together are prioritized for adjacent seating, and children typically sit with adults at no extra charge. Passengers requiring extra legroom can upgrade to Extra Legroom seats on most routes for an additional fee. Window and aisle seats in preferred zones command higher selection fees than standard middle seats.

Fares & baggage

British Airways offers four main fare types across economy: Economy Lite (basic, restricted fares), Standard Economy, and Flexible Economy, alongside premium economy and business/first-class options. Economy Lite is the most affordable but includes limited carry-on allowance and no seat selection. Standard and Flexible fares include greater flexibility for changes and cancellations, along with enhanced baggage allowances.

Baggage allowances depend on the route and ticket type. On short-haul European flights, Economy passengers typically receive 1 carry-on bag (40cm × 20cm × 55cm) and 1 personal item; hold baggage must be purchased separately for Economy Lite but is included with Standard and Flexible fares (typically 1 checked bag, 23kg). On long-haul international routes, Economy passengers usually receive 1 checked bag (23kg) at minimum, with premium economy and business class allowing 2-3 bags and higher weight limits. Cabin baggage limits remain consistent: 1 carry-on bag plus 1 personal item. Oversized items and sporting equipment require advance notification and may incur additional fees.