British Airways is the UK’s flag carrier. For millions of UK passengers, flying with British Airways means access to more than 200 destinations across 80 countries, all served through Heathrow Terminal 5 and a network of regional UK airports. It is the default choice for long-haul travel and a reliable option for European routes from Heathrow, Gatwick, and London City.
This guide covers what you need to know before your next BA flight: hand luggage rules, cabin classes, how check-in works, when BA runs its sales, and your rights if things go wrong.
Flying with British Airways
Use our guides to get the most from your next British Airways flight.
We also have guides on other UK carriers, including flying with easyJet, flying with Ryanair, flying with Jet2, flying with TUI, and flying with Virgin Atlantic.
Checking in for your British Airways flight
BA opens online check-in 24 hours before departure for most routes. You can check in via the British Airways app or the website at ba.com. The app stores your boarding pass digitally, so you do not need a paper copy at the gate.
Airport check-in desks are available at Heathrow and other BA airports, though BA charges a fee at some airports for passengers who chose not to check in online. If you have hold baggage, use the bag drop desks once you have completed online check-in rather than a full-service queue.
The BA Executive Club
BA’s frequent flyer programme is the Executive Club. Membership is free and earns Avios points on every BA flight and with a wide range of partner airlines, hotels, and retailers.
Points can be redeemed against flights, seat upgrades, and seat reservations. If you fly regularly with BA, joining before your first booking means you accumulate points from the start.
Cabin classes and fares
BA has a more detailed cabin structure than most UK short-haul carriers. On European routes, the choice is Euro Traveller (economy) or Club Europe (business class, with the middle seat blocked). On long-haul routes, there are four options: World Traveller, World Traveller Plus, Club World, and First.
| CABIN | ROUTE TYPE | CHECKED BAGS | MEALS | SEAT PITCH |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Euro Traveller | Short-haul | Not included | Buy on board | 29–31 in |
| Club Europe | Short-haul | 2 × 23 kg | Complimentary | 30 in (middle blocked) |
| World Traveller | Long-haul | 1 × 23 kg | Complimentary | 31 in |
| World Traveller Plus | Long-haul | 2 × 23 kg | Enhanced menu | 38 in |
| Club World | Long-haul | 2 × 32 kg | Premium dining | Lie-flat bed |
| First | Long-haul | 3 × 32 kg | Fine dining | Flat suite |
Club Europe on European routes includes two 23 kg checked bags and a full meal service, with the middle seat left empty for extra space. On long-haul, World Traveller Plus is a significant step up, with a 38-inch seat pitch and an upgraded meal menu. Club World and First offer lie-flat and fully flat beds on long overnight routes.
Food and drink on British Airways flights
On European routes, BA operates a buy-on-board service in Euro Traveller. The trolley includes snacks, sandwiches, hot drinks, and alcohol. Club Europe passengers receive a complimentary meal and drinks on most routes.
On long-haul flights, all cabins receive complimentary meals. World Traveller menus are refreshed seasonally and typically offer two or three main course choices. Club World provides a more formal dining service, and First passengers can dine on demand at any point during the flight.
The British Airways fleet
BA operates a mixed fleet. Short-haul routes use Airbus A319, A320, and A321 aircraft. Long-haul routes are served by Boeing 777, Boeing 787 Dreamliner, and Airbus A380, depending on the route and demand.
The 787 Dreamliner features larger windows, lower cabin altitude, and higher humidity than older wide-body types. Many passengers find it more comfortable on long overnight routes, particularly to North America and East Asia.
Flight delays and your rights
If your British Airways flight is delayed by two hours or more on departure, you are entitled to meals and refreshments. If the delay reaches five hours and you choose not to travel, BA must offer a full refund.
For delays of three hours or more on arrival, UK261 entitles most passengers to compensation of between £220 and £520, depending on the flight distance. This applies to flights departing from a UK airport. You can submit a claim directly at ba.com/claim.
Flying with British Airways: frequently asked questions
Does British Airways charge for hand luggage?
No. All cabins allow two free pieces of cabin luggage: a main bag up to 56 × 45 × 25 cm and a smaller item such as a handbag or laptop bag up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm. There is no weight limit on either.
When does British Airways check-in open?
Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure. You can check in via the BA website at ba.com or through the British Airways app.
Does British Airways include food on short-haul flights?
Euro Traveller passengers on European routes buy food and drink on board. Club Europe passengers receive a complimentary meal and drinks service on most routes.
What is the BA Executive Club?
The BA Executive Club is British Airways’ free frequent flyer programme. Members earn Avios points on BA flights and with partner airlines, hotels, and retailers. Points can be redeemed against flights, upgrades, and seat reservations.
What cabin classes does British Airways offer?
On European routes: Euro Traveller (economy) and Club Europe (business). On long-haul routes: World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy), Club World (business), and First.
What compensation does British Airways pay for flight delays?
Under UK261, you may be entitled to between £220 and £520 for a delay of three hours or more on arrival. The amount depends on the flight distance. Claims can be submitted directly to BA at ba.com.
Kate Acaster is Chief Editor at Flight Tribe. She writes about practical travel planning, budget airlines, baggage rules, city breaks, beach holidays and good hotels that do not cost daft money.
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