Overview
British Airways is the United Kingdom’s national carrier, servicing an impressive selection of destinations across Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa and beyond. Founded in 1974 following a merger between the British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) and British European Airways (BEA), the airline is now considered one of the world’s leading airlines, transporting passengers to most corners of the globe. The airline prides itself on making every journey special, offering great service, exceptional support and a uniquely British experience.
Pre-Flight Information
Airport check-in
If you choose to check-in at the airport ahead of your British Airways flight, you may do so at a check-in desk or using one of the airline’s airport kiosks. Check-in closure times do vary between departure airports and flight duration. Check-in for most short-haul European flights closes 45 minutes prior to departure, while flights from most long-haul international airports close one hour ahead of departure. It’s important to check your boarding pass and booking information to find the correct check-in closure time for your flight.
Online check-in
British Airways offers two online check-in options for those looking to save time at the airport: the British Airways website and the British Airways app. Online check-in opens 24 hours prior to departure across both the website and app, allowing you to check-in before heading to the airport. Use the British Airways website to download, print or email your boarding pass, or download your boarding pass to the British Airways app.
Baggage
British Airways offers several baggage options.
Cabin baggage
British Airways passengers may travel with two pieces of cabin baggage, including one handbag or laptop-sized bag and one cabin bag. The handbag or laptop-sized bag may weigh up to 23kg and measure up to 40cm x 30cm x 15cm, while the cabin bag may weigh up to 23kg and measure up to 56cm x 45cm x 25cm.
Checked baggage
British Airways’ checked baggage allowance varies between flight classes and travel routes. For international flights, Economy Class passengers are typically permitted to travel with one bag weighing no more than 23kg. Premium Economy Class passengers may travel with two checked bags, weighing up to 23kg each, while Business Class passengers are allowed two bags weighing no more than 32kg each. Those choosing to fly First Class with British Airways have an allowance of three checked bags, weighing up to 32kg each. All checked bags, regardless of flight class or baggage allowance, must measure less than 90cm x 75cm x 43cm.
Rewards
British Airways’ loyalty program is the Executive Club. It’s free to join the Executive Club, with members collecting points, known as Avios, when booking British Airways flights and holiday packages. Points may also be collected in various other ways, such as when flying with Oneworld airline partners, booking partner accommodation and car hire, or while shopping with select partner retailers. Avios can be used to claim reward flights and flight class upgrades and may also be redeemed for additional baggage allowances, hotel stays, car hire, tours, experiences and retail discounts.
As members of the Executive Club accumulate Avios, Tier Points are also collected. These points allow for admission into each of the loyalty program’s membership tiers. There are four tiers, including the entry-level Executive Club Blue tier, the Executive Club Bronze tier, the Executive Club Silver tier and the Executive Gold tier. Benefits vary between membership tiers, with potential perks including priority check-in, additional baggage allowances, lounge access and more.
Flights
Airfare Specials
Lounges
In-Flight Experience
In-flight entertainment
British Airways’ in-flight entertainment offering features an assortment of popular and award-winning films, television shows, music, audiobooks, games and more. Availability does vary from flight to flight, with the airline displaying the content available on each flight route online a month in advance. British Airways passengers also have access to more than 7,000 digital magazines and newspapers using the PressReader app, with titles available in more than 60 languages. Passengers can download the titles of their choosing onto a mobile device prior to departure.
For those who enjoy a touch of retail therapy, a variety of items, from fragrances and makeup to watches, gifts and accessories, can be pre-ordered through British Airways’ High Life Shop. Orders are delivered directly to your seat, ready for the journey ahead.
Dining
Dining options served on British Airways flights vary depending on the route flown and travel class. Short-haul Economy Euro Traveller passengers enjoy a complimentary snack and bottle of water. They may also pre-order items from the Speedbird Cafe, including a range of gourmet sandwiches, pies and wraps designed by Tom Kerridge, a Michelin-starred chef. Those travelling with a Business Class Club Europe fare are served a selection of meals, from full British breakfasts and lunches to afternoon tea and dinners. A range of cold, hot and alcoholic beverages are available.
Long-haul Economy and Premium Economy Class passengers are served a selection of cold, hot and alcoholic beverages, as well as a starter, main and dessert. On longer flights, snacks and second meals are also served. Premium Economy passengers also enjoy a glass of sparkling wine following take-off.
Business Class passengers travelling with a Club World fare are given a choice of mains during their flight. The main course is served with a starter, a dessert and cheese, with snacks, wine, spirits and a selection of hot and cold drinks also served throughout the flight.
British Airways’ First Class passengers are welcome to select dishes from the airline’s a la carte ‘Dine Anytime’ menu, with various signature dishes available. Snacks and an assortment of beverages, such as Champagne, wine, spirits, cocktails and mocktails, are also provided. Meals and beverages are served with designer cutlery, crockery and glassware.
Special meals
Passengers with medical and cultural dietary restrictions may pre-order a selection of special meals. The special meals supplied on each flight may vary depending on availability.
Kosher meals must be requested at least 48 hours prior to departure for all flights except those departing from London Heathrow. Meals may be requested up to 24 hours ahead of departure for those departing from London Heathrow. All other special meals served by British Airways must be requested at least 24 hours in advance.
Meals for children and a limited supply of baby food and milk may also be available.
First Class
The most luxurious of British Airways' flight classes, with numerous features to ensure you have the most comfortable flight.
Economy Class
Economy Class offers comfortable ergonomic seating, complimentary beverages and menu items, and hours of entertainment.
Dining
Dining options served on British Airways flights vary depending on your destination and travel class, however you are guaranteed to enjoy a satisfying meal with us.
Cabin Classes
Economy Class
Comfortable contoured leather seats with adjustable headrests make it easy for Euro Traveller Economy Class passengers to settle into their flight. Access to in-seat power and WiFi on most aircraft ensure that passengers remain connected as they travel throughout the United Kingdom (UK) and Europe. A complimentary snack and bottled water are provided to all fare holders.
Those travelling with an Economy Class World Traveller fare relax in ergonomically designed seats complete with lumbar support, an adjustable headrest and a standard recline function. A cushion and soft blanket offer additional comfort, with an eye mask, socks and a toothbrush and toothpaste set available on request. All World Traveller fare holders are provided with a personal flat-screen and headphones, allowing them to explore British Airways’ in-flight entertainment offering.
Premium Economy Class
Offering an enhanced in-flight experience, British Airways’ Premium Economy Class is fitted with upgraded seating that is not only wider than that found in Economy but also provides a greater recline, extra legroom, headrests, footrests and lumbar support. Quilts and cushions are provided, as too are amenity kits containing lip balm, socks, an eye mask, a toothbrush and toothpaste set, and a pen. Each seat is fitted with a power supply and personal flat-screen, with a pair of noise-cancelling headphones also provided.
Business Class
Business Class passengers travelling throughout the UK and Europe enjoy contoured leather seats complete with adjustable headrests and a personal space maximising seat pitch of 76.2cm. Focusing on comfort, the middle seats of all rows are kept free, providing extra space to relax or work and a guaranteed aisle or window seat. Complimentary in-flight meals and beverages, departure lounge access and priority boarding help round out the experience.
Long-haul British Airways Business flights feature spacious seats with adjustable headrests and lumbar support that extend and convert into fully flat beds. Mattress toppers, blankets and luxury duvets offer additional comfort, while amenity kits by The White Company help passengers feel refreshed while in the air. Each Business Class flight seat is fitted with a 12-inch flat-screen, with a pair of noise-cancelling headphones also provided. Club World passengers also enjoy private lounge access and priority boarding. On select flights, Club Suites are also available, offering direct aisle access, enhanced privacy, a 79-inch fully flat bed and 17-inch high-resolution entertainment screens.
First Class
The most luxurious of British Airways’ flight classes, First Class fares come with private, personal suites as standard. Comfortable seating converts into a 198cm fully flat bed, complete with a quilted mattress and 400 thread count bedding, while in-flight amenities include skin and body care products by Elemis, Temperley London loungewear, slippers and seasonally designed amenity bags. Passengers are provided with a personal power supply, a 15-inch screen, noise-cancelling headphones and free WiFi access. Airport lounge access and priority boarding are also standard inclusions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where does British Airways fly to?
British Airways flies to more than 100 countries around the world. Although some services may be seasonal, the airline travels to countries across the United Kingdom and Ireland, Europe, Asia, Australasia, the Middle East, North America, South America and Africa.
Where does British Airways fly to in Australia?
British Airways operates flights to Adelaide, Albury, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Coffs Harbour, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.
How was British Airways formed?
British Airways was formed in 1974 after two existing airlines, the British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) and British European Airways (BEA), merged into one airline.