British Airways

British Airways is the flag carrier of the United Kingdom and a founding member of the oneworld alliance. Its main base is London Heathrow, with a second London operation at Gatwick, and it is part of International Airlines Group (IAG) alongside carriers such as Iberia. BA flies a dense short-haul network across Europe and a large long-haul network, particularly across the Atlantic.

Hubs and network

Most BA flights operate from London Heathrow (LHR), where Terminal 5 is the airline’s main home; some BA flights use another Heathrow terminal, so always check your booking. Through oneworld, BA connects with partners such as Qatar Airways, and tickets can combine both airlines.

Baggage allowance

From British Airways’ hand baggage page, the hand baggage allowance is the same in every cabin (Economy, Premium Economy, Business and First):

• One handbag (or laptop bag or small backpack) up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm, which goes under the seat in front of you and is guaranteed to stay in the cabin. Keep medication, electronics and documents in this bag.
• One cabin bag up to 56 x 45 x 25 cm, including wheels and handles, that you can lift into the overhead locker yourself. On busy flights it may have to go in the hold, so don’t pack valuables or essential medicines in it.
• BA’s page does not state a weight limit for hand baggage at the time of checking; confirm in the airline’s baggage calculator for your fare.

Basic (hand-baggage-only) fares include no checked bag; any hold bag must be paid for. Other fares include a checked allowance that depends on route and cabin: use BA’s baggage essentials page to see yours.

Check-in

You can check in online or in the BA app ahead of departure, then drop bags at the airport if you have them. Check-in windows and bag-drop deadlines differ by airport and route, so confirm them in Manage My Booking for your flight, and allow extra time at Heathrow for security.

Seats, meals and onboard service

On long-haul flights, meals and drinks are included in all cabins. On short-haul flights, the Economy (Euro Traveller) offer differs from Business (Club Europe), so check what is included on your route. Whether advance seat selection is free or paid depends on your fare and status.

Changes, cancellations and refunds

Change and refund conditions depend on the fare type you buy. If BA cancels or significantly delays a flight covered by UK or EU rules, you may be entitled to rebooking or a refund, care and possibly compensation: see the UK Civil Aviation Authority guidance.

Practical tips

• Use the handbag for essentials. It is the only bag guaranteed to stay with you.
• Know your terminal before you set off for Heathrow; see our Heathrow guide for rail links and connections.
• Plan your London time with our London city guide and United Kingdom guide.
• Compare Basic and standard fares including the cost of a hold bag before you book.

Official links

• Booking and Manage My Booking: britishairways.com
• Baggage: Hand baggage allowances · Baggage essentials

Rules and services checked against official sources in October 2026. Airlines and airports change their policies, fares and services regularly: always confirm the details for your own booking on the official pages linked here before you travel.

Header photo: Steve Lynes from Sandshurst, United Kingdom / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0