british

British Airlines is the second largest UK-based carrier. This flag carrier has been operational for over 50 years and is the third-largest airline group in annual revenue worldwide.

How to Book a Flight With British Airlines? All That You Need to Know

British Airways is a leading European airline operating flights to over 200 global locations. It transports 38 million passengers annually, with a fleet of 253 aircraft, under strict safety regulations. The number of aircrafts is supposed to increase by 40 shortly in 2025.

British Airways prioritizes timely departures, seamless and effective check-in procedures, and luxurious in-flight amenities. It frequently makes investments to improve customer service.

With that said, we have got everything covered for first timers. This page explains several policy sets, streamlines the booking procedure, and offers helpful hints and techniques.

Booking Your First British Airways Flight: How You Can Do It?

Booking a flight with British Airways is a matter of a few minutes. All you need is a smart device, an uninterrupted internet connection and your travel itinerary. Here’s how you can start:

Go to britishairways.com and pick your booking type: Flight, Flight + Hotel, Flight + Car, Hotel, or Car.
Select between Return and One-Way.
Fill in your departure and destination using three-letter codes.
Set your departure date and input your return date.
Choose between Economy and Business class.
Select the number of passengers. Consider other details, including Multi City & Round the World.
Finally, click Find Flights and choose your preferred flight from the various options.

Advantages of Booking Directly from the Website:

Immediate confirmations and special offers
Reliable customer service

Mobile App Advantages:

Download the British Airways App for free from the Google Play Store or Apple Store on your smart device.
The app allows you to book flights, promptly check in, track, and select seats.
Download boarding passes (up to 8 passengers).

How Can You Change Your British Airways Flight?

Making changes in your British Airways flight takes minimal effort and is processed within no time:

Start by logging into the Manage My Booking section on the British Airways website.
Enter your booking reference and last name, or sign in as an Executive Club member.
Review your itinerary, then select the flight you want to adjust by clicking the 'Change/Amend Booking' option.
Available alternatives allow you to change dates, times, or even destinations. British Airways shows applicable fees, usually between $75 and $300.

Note: Fare differences apply, and you pay extra if the fare increases, but no refunds occur if it decreases.

If you supply a mobile number, passengers receive email, SMS, or phone updates.

Important Considerations:

Specific tickets, like the basic economy or promo fares, restrict changes.
Flexible tickets incur only fare differences.

What is the Cancellation Policy at British Airways?

Canceling your flight with British Airways is as easy as booking one. The airline maintains a flexible and transparent cancellation policy.

Passengers with direct bookings with the airline can benefit from a 24-hour risk-free cancellation window. However, this window only applies when their departure is at least one week away. Passengers can proceed with refundable and non-refundable tickets within this window.

24-Hour Cancellation Process:

Access the Manage My Booking section online.
Enter your booking reference and last name.
Follow the steps to cancel and request a refund with no fees.

For cancellations after 24 hours:

Even refundable tickets require a cancellation fee if you cancel your British Airways ticket after 24 hours of booking. The fee depends on fare conditions.
Non-refundable tickets that are not refunded after 24 hours generally do not qualify for refunds. Still, British Airways offers rebooking or travel vouchers in some instances.
Refunds are processed within 7-10 business days.

Additional Details:

Ring at 0344 493 0787 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. for any kind of assistance in flight cancellation.
Cancellation for all third-party bookings must be handled by the respective agency and not the passenger directly.
In-flight disruptions, the airlines may provide refunds for unused segments or alternative travel arrangements.
Always verify your ticket's fare rules and airlines' guidelines for comprehensive cancellation information.

Upgrading Your British Airways Flight: What Are The Steps?

Besides flight cancellation and change in schedule, passengers can also choose to upgrade. The process is quick, ensuring you are always at ease.

You can upgrade by using Avios on a ticket purchased with cash, paying the fare difference at check-in.
Or apply an upgrade voucher earned through your Executive Club. Elite status doesn't guarantee an upgrade; it only helps you earn vouchers.

Upgrade Process:

Avios Upgrade: Sign into "Manage My Booking" and redeem your Avios and any extra fees.
Cash Option: Opt for a paid upgrade at check-in if seats are available.
Voucher Upgrade: Passengers receive one voucher upon reaching 2,500 Tier Points and the other two upon reaching 3,500 Tier Points.

Passengers receive improved meals, priority boarding, more legroom, and greater in-flight amenities thanks to British Airways' upgrades.

Note: Certain fare classes (Q, O, G) cannot be upgraded.

Understanding British Airways Baggage Policy

British Airways baggage policy is tailored to travel class, booking type, and Executive Club status. The standard checked bag allowance is 23kg per bag. Bags in Business and First cabins can weigh up to 32kg each. Extra baggage incurs additional fees that vary by route and purchase method.

Allowances:

Economy Basic: Cabin bag and handbag only (no checked bag).
Economy: 1 checked bag (23kg).
Premium Economy: 2 checked bags (23kg each).
Business: 2 checked bags (32kg each).
First: 3 checked bags (32kg each).
Executive Club: Gold and Silver members may receive extra benefits.

Extra Baggage Pricing:

First bag: From $25–$35 (if booked online)

Additional bags: From $65–$95.

Baggage Size:

Cabin bag = 56×45×25cm, max 23kg

Handbag = 40×30×15cm, max 23kg

Children with a booked seat enjoy the same allowance plus up to two extra items.

Unaccompanied Minors on British Airways: What Should You Know?

Unlike other leading airlines, British Airways isn't very flexible when it comes to minor flyers. It does not permit children under 14 without a guardian aged 16 or older on the same or linked booking. Kids aged 14 or above can travel unaccompanied on domestic and international flights.

Since it does not provide an unaccompanied minor service, no fee structure is available. Still, teenagers aged 14 or 15 traveling alone must carry a parent/guardian consent. This form requires contact details and a signed identification copy.

A Quick Overview of British Airlines Web Check-In

For web check-in:

Visit the British Airways Check-in page.
Enter your ticket number and last name. Tap on Check-In.
Web check-in opens 24 hours before departure.

It is advisable to print, download, or email your boarding pass for ease in the airport.

British Airways also have a mobile app available for iPad and Apple Watch. The app allows online check-in and the downloading of board passes on the go.

In-flight Entertainment and Dining Options

British Airways offers in-flight entertainment and dining. Using onboard Wi-Fi, you can watch movies, kids' films, a monthly magazine, and Paramount+ shows.

At High Life Café, enjoy sweet and savory treats with Grind Coffee. Or in Club Europe, indulge in a British breakfast, lunch, tea, and dinner. Passengers can also try hot, cold, and alcoholic beverages.

Overall, British Airways provides excellent service and amenities, making every travel a delight. Book your journey now and enjoy easy check-in, customizable options, and premium in-flight experiences.