British Airways Flight

Everything You Need to Know About British Airways

While or before any kind of reservation, we always wonder something if the provider has this or that. To make this process much easier, we have this British Airways guide for you to find all the answers to the questions in your mind. For example, the carrier may have a baggage limit, you may have specific dining options, or you want to fly with your pet. Finding answers to such questions about British Airways beforehand can be ideal for your flight. Without further ado, let’s start our quick British Airways FAQs.

Popular Countries British Airways Flying To

• United Kingdom
• United States
• Spain
• France
• Italy
• Canada
• India
• South Africa
• Thailand
• China

What are the Fare Classes of British Airways?

Here is a table outlining the main fare classes of British Airways:

What are the Baggage Allowances of British Airways?

Here is a table for British Airways baggage allowances based on classes:

How Much are Excess Baggage Fees with British Airways?

Excess baggage fees for British Airways are structured as follows: for bags weighing between 23 kg and 32 kg (51 lb to 70 lb), the fee is £65/$100/€75 per bag. Any bag exceeding 32 kg must be shipped separately as cargo, incurring additional charges. For domestic flights, excess baggage fees typically start at around £40 for additional pieces of luggage, with costs increasing based on weight and route.

How to Reserve a Flight with British Airways?

For mobile users: Simply search for your departure airport and the destination you want to fly. Then, you can see the mobile menu right down on your screen: “Filters” on left, “Sort by” in the middle, and “Share” on the right. Click on “Filter” and a window will pop up from which you can see all the available airlines. There, you can find all the airlines flying to the destination you’d like to go. Have a great flight!

For desktop users: Simply search for your departure airport and the destination you want to fly. Then, on the left side of the screen, you should find the “Airline” filter right under the “Transfer Count” filter. If British Airways has a flight to your destination, you can find the provider’s name there and list all the available tickets.

For tablet users:  It’s the same as desktop. Search for your flight from your location to the destination, then you can find the airline filter on the left side of your screen.

Can You Modify Your Reservation with British Airways?

Yes, you can modify your reservation with British Airways. To do so, visit their website, navigate to the 'Manage My Booking' section, and log in using your booking reference and last name. Once logged in, you can make changes like adjusting flight dates, adding baggage, or selecting seats. Keep in mind that fees and availability may vary.

Cancellation and Refund Policies of British Airways

British Airways offers full refunds for flights they cancel. If you cancel voluntarily, you may receive a refund minus a cancellation fee, unless you cancel within 24 hours of booking.

Online Check-In Process with British Airways

To check-in online with British Airways, visit the "Manage My Booking" section on their website starting 24 hours before your flight. You can print, download, or email your boarding pass.

Required Documents for Check-In with British Airways

To check-in online with British Airways, you need your booking reference (six alphanumeric characters) and the last name of the passenger, which must match the travel document.

Onboard Dining Options of British Airways

British Airways offers a variety of onboard dining options:

• Short Haul Flights:
  • Economy: Purchase sweet and savory items from the High Life Café.
  • Business: Enjoy meals like breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner.
• Long Haul Flights:
  • Economy: Includes meals, snacks, and drinks.
  • Premium Economy: Sparkling wine, meals, and snacks.
  • Business: Main course with additional meal options and drinks.
  • First: A la carte dining with snacks and beverages.

British Airways Special Dietary Services

British Airways offers special dietary meals to cater to various dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, halal, and other medical or religious needs. 

Is Dining with British Airways Free?

No, the standard meal served is complimentary, along with other meal services and drinks served on board.

Children and Infant Services of British Airways

British Airways offers various services for children and infants:

• Seating: Families can choose seats in advance, often for a fee. Children under 12 are always seated with an adult.
• Infants: Seats can be booked for infants under 2 years old, or they can travel on an adult's lap. Carrycots and infant seats are available for long-haul flights.
• Car Seats: You can bring your own compliant car seat for children over 2 years old.

Services for Disabled Passengers of British Airways

• Types of Assistance: Support for mobility issues, visual impairments, hearing impairments, and non-visible disabilities.
• Requesting Assistance: Passengers should request assistance at least 48 hours before their flight via "Manage My Booking."
• Arrival at Airport: Recommended to arrive three hours early for long-haul flights and two hours for short-haul flights.
• Pre-boarding: Disabled passengers can board before other travelers, with staff assistance available.
• Service Dogs: Assistance dogs are allowed, and specific requirements must be met.
• Accessible Facilities: Availability of accessible toilets and step-free access when necessary.
• SignLive Service: Video relay service for customers using British Sign Language (BSL).

Pet Services of British Airways

• Assistance Dogs: Allowed in the cabin; must meet specific training and documentation requirements.
• Pets in Cabin: Not permitted; only service dogs are allowed.
• Pets in Cargo: Pets can travel as cargo in the hold, arranged through IAG Cargo.
• Carrier Requirements: Strong, secure carriers with proper ventilation; pets must fit comfortably.
• Booking: Advance booking isrequired for all pet travel; contact BA's Special Assistance team for arrangements.
• Prohibited Breeds: Certain dog breeds, such as XL Bully and Pit Bull Terrier, are banned from entering the UK.

Layover Services of British Airways

• Lounge Access: Access to Business, First, and Arrivals lounges at major airports like London Heathrow and Gatwick, offering refreshments, workspaces, and relaxation areas. Eligibility depends on ticket class or frequent flyer status​ (British Airways)​.
• Airport Hotels: Partnered hotels for longer layovers, such as Sofitel London Heathrow, Holiday Inn Express, Hilton London Gatwick, and Bloc Hotel Gatwick, offering convenient access to airport terminals​ (British Airways)​.
• Transfers and Assistance: Services like the Heathrow Express and Flight Connections buses for terminal transfers, along with special assistance such as electric buggies and escort services for travelers with disabilities​ (British Airways)​.

Is British Airways Part of Any Fly Program?

Yes, British Airways is part of the Executive Club, which is its customer loyalty program:

• Avios Points: Members earn Avios points when flying with British Airways and its oneworld partners, as well as through various lifestyle partners.
  • Redemption Options: Avios can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, hotels, and car rentals.
  • Tiers and Benefits: Members can accumulate Tier Points to achieve higher status levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold), unlocking additional benefits like priority boarding and lounge access.
  • Household Account: Members can pool Avios with up to six people living at the same address to earn rewards faster.
  • No Expiry: Avios do not expire as long as there is activity on the account every 36 months.

How Can You Earn Points on British Airways?

You can earn British Airways Avios points through various methods:

• Flying: Earn Avios by flying with British Airways and its partner airlines, including oneworld® members.
• Credit Cards: Use the British Airways Visa Signature® Card or transfer points from programs like American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and others.
• Shopping Portal: Earn Avios through the British Airways online shopping portal with participating retailers.
• Heathrow Rewards: Accumulate points at Heathrow Airport and convert them to Avios at a 1:1 ratio.
• Car Rentals: Earn Avios when renting cars with partners like Avis and Budget.
• Surveys: Complete surveys with partners like e-Rewards to earn Avios.
• Vacation Packages: Book vacation packages through British Airways to earn additional Avios.

How to Use Your Points with British Airways?

Here’s how you can use your Avios points:

• Flights: You can redeem Avios for reward flights with British Airways or its oneworld® partners. This includes both short-haul and long-haul flights.
• Upgrades: Avios can be used to upgrade your existing booking to a higher class of service, such as from economy to business class.
• Hotels: You can use Avios to book hotel stays with a range of partners through the British Airways hotel booking system.
• Car Rentals: Avios can be redeemed for car rentals with various partners.
• Experiences: Avios points can also be used to book experiences such as concerts, shows, and other activities through British Airways’ experiences partners.
• Partnerships: Points can be redeemed through various partners for products and services beyond travel, offering a wide range of options.

How to Access Private Lounge of British Airways?

• Club and First Class: Passengers in Club or First class can access the lounge.
• Silver and Gold Members: Silver and Gold Executive Club members can use the lounge on British Airways and oneworld® partner flights.

• Emerald and Sapphire Members: Emerald and Sapphire members of any oneworld® frequent flyer program can access the lounge and bring one guest, provided the guest is traveling on British Airways or an Oneworld partner airline.

   

Can You Choose Your Seat with British Airways?

Yes,you can choose your seat for free from 24 hours before departure when check-in opens, unless you’ve booked a Basic ticket (economy, hand baggage only) where your seat is allocated to you.

Is Wi-Fi Available on British Airways Flights?

Yes, British Airways now offers Wi-Fi on most of its flights both long-haul and short-haul.