British Airways is the UK’s flag carrier and one of the most widely used airlines for flights from London and regional airports. Whether you are booking a short European break, flying long haul or connecting through Heathrow, understanding its fares, baggage rules, check-in process and passenger rights can make the journey much smoother.
This guide explains how British Airways flights work in practice: where it operates from in London, how to check in, what baggage you can bring, how the Executive Club and Avios work, and what to do if your flight is delayed or cancelled.
What is British Airways?
British Airways, often shortened to BA, is the UK’s national flag carrier and part of the International Airlines Group. It operates a large network of short-haul and long-haul services, with London Heathrow as its principal hub and additional operations from Gatwick and London City.
For UK travellers, British Airways is particularly useful for flights from London to Europe, North America, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and destinations across the UK and Ireland. It also operates codeshare and partner services through the oneworld alliance, which can be helpful for onward travel beyond its own network.
The airline’s main customer-facing tools are its website and mobile app. You can use them to search flights, manage a booking, check in, choose seats, add baggage and receive flight-status updates.
Where British Airways flies from in London
British Airways operates from three London airports: Heathrow, Gatwick and London City. Your airport and terminal depend on your route, so always check your booking confirmation and boarding pass before travelling.
| London airport | British Airways operations | Useful to know |
|---|---|---|
| Heathrow | Terminal 5 and Terminal 3 | BA’s main hub, with the widest range of domestic, European and long-haul services. |
| Gatwick | South Terminal | All British Airways flights operate from the South Terminal. |
| London City | Selected services | A smaller, more central airport, often convenient for business travel. |
Heathrow and Gatwick are approximately 48km, or 30 miles, apart. British Airways advises allowing at least three hours if you need to connect between the two airports, so avoid booking separate tickets with a tight transfer between them.
Booking a British Airways flight
British Airways sells several fare types, and the differences matter most for baggage, seat selection and flexibility. In Euro Traveller and World Traveller, the airline offers Basic, Standard and Plus fares. Basic fares are hand-baggage-only fares and do not include a checked bag, while Standard and Plus fares include checked baggage.
When comparing prices, look beyond the headline fare. A cheaper Basic ticket can become less attractive once you add a checked bag, seat selection or flexibility. If you are travelling with a suitcase, compare the total cost of a Standard fare against a Basic fare plus paid baggage.
What to check before booking
- Airport and terminal: Confirm whether your flight leaves from Heathrow, Gatwick or London City.
- Baggage allowance: Check whether a checked bag is included and what the weight limit is.
- Connection time: Allow enough time for a tight connection, especially if you are changing terminals or airports.
- Passport and visa rules: Check entry requirements for every country on your itinerary.
- Fare flexibility: Review change and cancellation conditions before paying.
Checking in for a British Airways flight
British Airways online check-in opens 24 hours before departure through Manage My Booking. You can print, download or email your boarding pass, or use the British Airways app to store it on your phone. If you lose your boarding pass, you can reprint it at an airport kiosk.
You must have your boarding pass before check-in closes. At London Heathrow, check-in closes 60 minutes before long-haul flights and 45 minutes before short-haul flights. These times can differ at other airports, so check the details for your specific flight.
Online check-in is usually the quickest option, but some passengers will still need to visit a kiosk or desk, for example to check a bag, resolve a documentation issue or collect a boarding pass.
Arriving at the airport
Check-in closing times are not the same as recommended arrival times. If you have a checked bag, need assistance or are flying long haul, arrive earlier than the minimum check-in time. Security queues, passport control and walking distances in large terminals can take longer than expected.
For Heathrow Terminal 5, allow time to reach your gate after security. The terminal is large, and gates can involve a train or a longer walk depending on your departure.
British Airways baggage allowances
Baggage is one of the most important differences between British Airways fares. Your allowance depends on your route, cabin, fare type and Executive Club status.
On hand-baggage-only Basic fares, passengers receive one cabin bag measuring up to 56 x 45 x 25cm and one handbag or backpack measuring up to 40 x 30 x 15cm. The smaller bag must fit under the seat in front of you and is guaranteed in the cabin.
Where a checked bag is included, the standard allowance is one bag weighing up to 23kg, with maximum dimensions of 90 x 75 x 43cm. The 23kg limit applies to each individual bag and cannot be split across several bags. No checked bag may exceed 32kg; bags between 23kg and 32kg that exceed your allowance may attract a heavy-bag charge.
Baggage rules to remember
- Basic fares do not include a checked bag; you can pay to add one through Manage My Booking.
- You can add up to 10 extra checked bags for personal items, subject to the airline’s rules and charges.
- Checked baggage allowances cannot be pooled or shared between travellers, even within the same booking.
- Infants without a seat on standard fares receive a 23kg checked bag allowance, but not on hand-baggage-only Basic fares.
- Children and infants with a seat receive the same free baggage allowance as adults.
- Essential baby items, such as a fully collapsible pushchair, car seat, travel cot or baby carrier, can be checked in addition to the standard allowance.
If you think your bag may be overweight, weigh it at home. It is usually cheaper and less stressful to repack or pre-pay for additional baggage than to deal with airport charges at check-in.
Executive Club and Avios
The British Airways Executive Club is the airline’s free-to-join loyalty programme. Its reward currency is Avios, which members can collect by flying with British Airways or partner airlines, booking holidays, shopping through British Airways’ shopping portal or using selected everyday partners.
Avios can be spent on Reward Flights, upgrades and other travel-related rewards, subject to availability, taxes, fees and carrier charges. British Airways has also operated Avios-only flights, where every seat is available exclusively to Executive Club members as a Reward Seat.
Executive Club status can also bring practical benefits, including additional baggage allowance on eligible fares. Blue and Bronze members travelling in Economy receive an additional hand bag allowance, for example. Check the current membership terms before relying on status benefits.
If your British Airways flight is delayed
If your British Airways flight is delayed by more than two hours, the airline says it will aim to provide refreshment vouchers. If it cannot, it may reimburse reasonable expenses, excluding alcohol.
If the delay reaches three hours, you may be entitled to compensation, depending on the cause and the length of the delay. If the delay reaches five hours and you no longer wish to travel, you may claim a refund for the part of the journey not flown.
Under UK261, compensation depends on flight distance and arrival delay. For flights of up to 1,500km, the amount is £220 per person. For flights between 1,500km and 3,500km, it is £350. For flights over 3,500km, it is £520, although the amount can depend on the length of the delay.
What to do during a delay
- Check the British Airways app, airport screens and announcements for the latest status.
- Keep receipts for reasonable food, transport and accommodation costs.
- Ask airport staff about refreshment vouchers or assistance if you are eligible.
- Use Manage My Booking to review rebooking options if your travel plans change.
- Submit a claim through British Airways’ online compensation form if you believe you are entitled to compensation.
If your British Airways flight is cancelled
If British Airways cancels your flight, you can normally rebook onto the next available British Airways flight free of charge through Manage My Booking. You can also request a refund, or contact the airline to discuss alternative airlines or transport if no suitable British Airways option is available within 24 hours.
If the next available flight does not leave until the following day, British Airways says it will offer overnight accommodation. The airline may also consider reimbursing reasonable costs for hotels, transport between the hotel or home and the airport, alternative transport, food and drink excluding alcohol, and limited communication costs.
Compensation for a cancellation depends on when you were told and the reason for the cancellation. If you received less than 14 days’ notice and the cancellation was within the airline’s control, compensation may be due. Extraordinary circumstances, such as severe weather, air-traffic-control restrictions or security risks, are generally not eligible for compensation.
Connecting flights with British Airways
British Airways operates from Heathrow Terminal 3 and Terminal 5, as well as Gatwick South Terminal and London City. If you are connecting at Heathrow, check whether your flights both use Terminal 5 or whether you need to move between terminals.
If you have a boarding pass for your connecting flight, follow the Flight Connections signs. If you do not, go to a kiosk or customer service desk to check in before continuing. Allow extra time if you need to collect baggage, clear passport control or change terminals.
Avoid booking separate tickets with a short self-transfer. If one flight is delayed, the airline may not be responsible for rebooking you onto a separately booked flight.
Practical tips for flying British Airways
- Download the British Airways app before you travel for boarding passes and flight updates.
- Check in as soon as it opens, 24 hours before departure, especially if you want a better seat.
- Weigh your checked bag at home to avoid excess-baggage issues.
- Keep medication, travel documents, chargers and valuables in your hand baggage.
- Check passport validity and visa requirements well before departure.
- Allow extra time at Heathrow during peak periods, school holidays and adverse weather.
FAQs
What time does British Airways online check-in open?
British Airways online check-in opens 24 hours before departure through Manage My Booking. You can print, download or email your boarding pass, or use the app.
Does a Basic British Airways fare include a checked bag?
No. Basic fares in Euro Traveller and World Traveller are hand-baggage-only fares. You can pay to add a checked bag, while Standard and Plus fares include checked baggage.
What is the British Airways cabin bag size?
The main cabin bag can measure up to 56 x 45 x 25cm. You can also bring one handbag or backpack measuring up to 40 x 30 x 15cm, which must fit under the seat in front of you.
How heavy can a British Airways checked bag be?
A standard included checked bag can weigh up to 23kg. No checked bag may exceed 32kg, and a bag between 23kg and 32kg that exceeds your allowance may incur a heavy-bag charge.
Which London airports does British Airways use?
British Airways operates from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and London City. At Heathrow it uses Terminal 5 and Terminal 3, while all its Gatwick flights use the South Terminal.
Can I get compensation for a delayed British Airways flight?
You may be entitled to compensation if you arrive more than three hours late and the cause was within the airline’s control. The amount depends on the flight distance and delay length.
What happens if British Airways cancels my flight?
You can normally rebook onto the next available British Airways flight free of charge or request a refund. Depending on the circumstances, you may also be entitled to assistance, accommodation or compensation.
Final thoughts
British Airways can be a straightforward choice for UK travellers, particularly from Heathrow, Gatwick and London City. The key is to understand your fare before you book, check your baggage allowance early and use online check-in to save time at the airport.
If disruption happens, know your options: keep receipts, use Manage My Booking for rebooking, and submit a claim if you believe you are entitled to compensation. With a little preparation, a British Airways trip can be far less stressful from booking to arrival.
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