About British Airways

The United Kingdom's flag carrier airline, British Airways is now the second-largest airline in the country by passenger numbers.

The British government established the British Airways Board in 1974, in order to manage two nationalised airlines and two regional airlines. The four companies were merged and British Airways - often referred to as BA - was born.

Following 13 years as a state-owned enterprise, BA was privatised in 1987. Over the following years the company expanded as it acquired a number of other regional airlines.

At its formation, the company's large fleet consisted mostly of Boeing aircraft. In the 1990s, the company was the world's largest operator of Boeing 747-400s, with a fleet of 57 operating from its London hub.

Although it operates out of several UK airports, the airline's main hub is at London Heathrow. It was there that, as part of a joint endeavour with Air France, British Airways operated the world's first supersonic passenger service in 1976, on the supersonic Aerospatiale-BAC Concorde.

IATA Code	BA
Airline Hub	London Heathrow
Fleet Size	259
Number of Destinations	226
Airline Punctuality	'8 out of 10' rating
Alliance	Oneworld
Loyalty Program	Miles+Bonus (Blue \| Silver \| Gold Tiers)
Inflight Magazine	High Life
Airline Website	www.ba.com

Further information

Check-in information

Check-in Information: Passengers can either check-in online via the mobile app or at the airport.

Online Check-in:

Passengers can check-in via the airline's website or mobile app to save time. Online check-in opens 24 hours before a scheduled flight departure time.

Airport Check-in:

Passengers can also check-in at the airport by visiting the check-in desk and providing all relevant travel documents. Closing time for Airport check-in is subject to the airport of departure.

Food on board

Passengers on short-haul Economy Class flights have the option of purchasing meals from Marks & Spencer. In contrast, Premium Economy and Business Class passengers get complimentary meal service (courtesy of the Club Europe Service). Passengers on long-haul flights get complimentary breakfast and an option of either lunch or dinner. Afternoon tea is offered on select flights. Every BA passenger gets complimentary snacks and drinks.

Cabin classes

British Airways has different Economy Class tiers, including the Euro Traveller, Basic, Plus, Plus Flex, and Standard.

Economy Class:

Offers a variety of packages according to the traveller’s route.

Premium Economy:

Passengers can only fly BA Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus) on its medium and long-haul flights. They get to enjoy great in-flight entertainment with the same menu as the Economy class, but with added alcoholic cocktails and mocktails. Passengers also get amenity kits produced from recycled plastic bottles.

Business Class:

Business Class offerings depend on flight duration. Passengers on long-haul "Club World" flights enjoy the best night sleep possible while those flying within Europe (Club Europe) get the most comfortable flight experience.

First Class:

This is the most luxurious travel experience on British Airways. Passengers enjoy personalized, classy suites with exclusive spa treatments and premium meals.

Baggage information

Hand Luggage:

Passengers are allowed one free carry-on baggage not weighing more than 23kg and 56 x 45 x 25cms of maximum dimensions. They are, as well, permitted to carry a small personal item within 23kg of weight (40 x 15 x 30cms maximum dimensions).

Checked Luggage:

Economy class passengers get up to two pieces of hold luggage, weighing up to 23kg. Premium Economy passengers are permitted two pieces of free checked luggage, not more than 23kg apiece on all flights. Others in Business class are allowed two pieces of free checked luggage, not more than 32kg per bag on all flights. First Class passengers are allowed three pieces of free checked luggage, not more than 32kg per bag.

Infants and Children:

Children have the same baggage allowance as adults (depending on the cabin class). Infants are allowed one free checked bag (the same weight and size limit as adults as per travel classes).