About British Airways
British Airways is the flag carrier airline of the United Kingdom, headquartered at Waterside, Harmondsworth. Founded in 1974, British Airways is the second largest UK-based carrier, based on fleet size and passengers carried. The airline flies to over 200 destinations worldwide, including six domestic and 26 in the United States.
As a founding member of the Oneworld alliance, British Airways offers an extensive global network in partnership with other world-class airlines. The airline is known for its high-quality service, comprehensive route network, and its iconic Concorde service (which operated until 2003). British Airways operates a mixed fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft and is currently in the process of modernizing its fleet with new, more fuel-efficient aircraft.
Baggage Allowance
Cabin Baggage
British Airways allows passengers to bring:
- 1 cabin bag (56 x 45 x 25cm) plus 1 personal item (40 x 30 x 15cm)
- Maximum weight for cabin bags: 23kg per item
- First and Club (Business) passengers may bring an additional personal item
Checked Baggage
Checked baggage allowance varies by cabin class, route, and frequent flyer status:
- Economy (Euro Traveller/World Traveller): 1 bag up to 23kg
- Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus): 2 bags up to 23kg each
- Business (Club Europe/Club World): 2 bags up to 32kg each
- First: 3 bags up to 32kg each
Executive Club members and oneworld alliance status holders may receive additional baggage allowances.
Check-In Information
Online Check-In
British Airways offers several check-in options:
- Online check-in: Available from 24 hours up to 1 hour before departure
- Mobile app check-in: Download the British Airways app for convenient check-in and mobile boarding passes
- Airport kiosks: Self-service check-in available at most airports
- Counter check-in: Available with British Airways customer service agents
Check-In Deadlines
To ensure a smooth travel experience, British Airways recommends:
- Long-haul international flights: Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure
- Short-haul international flights: Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure
- Domestic flights: Arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before departure
- Check-in/bag drop deadline: Usually 60 minutes before departure (may vary by airport)
- Boarding gate deadline: 20 minutes before departure
Special Assistance
Traveling with Children
British Airways offers several services for families:
- Priority boarding for families with young children
- Bassinets available for infants (must be reserved in advance)
- Special children's meals (must be requested at least 24 hours before departure)
- Unaccompanied minor service for children 5-11 years old (additional fee applies)
Passengers with Disabilities
British Airways is committed to making air travel accessible to all passengers:
- Wheelchair assistance throughout the airport
- Accessible seating options
- Accommodation for service animals
- Special assistance for passengers with visual or hearing impairments
- Medical equipment allowances
Contact British Airways' Special Assistance team at least 48 hours before your flight to arrange special assistance.
Cancellation and Change Policy
British Airways' cancellation and change policies vary by fare type:
- Basic fares: Changes permitted for a fee plus fare difference; cancellations may not be eligible for refunds
- Standard fares: Changes permitted for a fee plus fare difference; cancellations may be eligible for partial refunds
- Flexible fares: Free changes; cancellations eligible for refunds
- Business and First Class fares: More flexible change and cancellation policies
All tickets booked directly with British Airways have a 24-hour cooling-off period during which changes or cancellations can be made without penalty.
For specific information about your fare's terms and conditions, refer to your booking confirmation or contact British Airways directly.
Contact Information
For reservations and customer service:
- Phone (US): 1-800-247-9297
- Phone (UK): 0344 493 0787
- Website: www.britishairways.com
For Air To Connect assistance with British Airways bookings, contact us at:
- Phone: +1-888-816-7948
- Email: info@airtoconnect.com