Before boarding the flight, one thing that all the passengers must do is to check in on time. Checking in before the scheduled departure is essential because it leaves you time to check in with your baggage, select your seat, etc. If you fly with British Airways, you must know about the British Airways Check-in Policy. This blog will explain how to check in with British Airways on time and get the best deals.
Multiple Modes to Check-in With British Airways
If you want to check in with British Airways, then you must know that there are multiple ways by which one can get in touch with the airways, such as;-
- Main Website of British Airways.
- Download the main application of the BA.
- KIOSK Check-in.
- Airport Check-in Procedure.
British Airways Check-in Policy: Guidelines
To check in with British Airways, one must know all the rules and regulations and the check-in time for all international and domestic flights. Here are the points you must remember;-
- Passengers can check in at least 24 hours before departure using the online form.
- However, if you are a British Airways executive club member, you can check in online and select a seat.
- If any mishap happens, you can call the airline on their official number and ask for assistance.
- Lastly, for international flights, one must check in at least two hours before their scheduled departure.
How Can I check for a British Airways Flight?
If one wants to check in for British Airways, then one must ensure that they have chosen the best method to check at British Airways without any issues;-
(i) British Airways Web Check-in
For those who want to check in policy via the web option, then they must follow the below-listed steps;-
- Start by following the main website of British Airways and click on the check-in option.
- Once you have chosen the option, you can enter the booking reference number, flight number, passenger’s first name & last name.
- Choose the option of check-in to check-in before your scheduled time, etc.
- When everything’s in place, you can download the boarding pass.
(ii) KIOSK Check-in For British Airways
One must use the KIOSK option to avoid standing in long queues at the airport to check in for their flight. You must enter your details in the KIOSK machine and choose the check-in option. As soon as you finish the check-in procedure, you should take a print of the boarding pass.
(iii) Airport Check-in
Another way to check in with British Airways is through the airport. For this, all you have to do is go to the help desk at the airport. From there, you must share your reservation details to check in effortlessly. You can talk to the airport staff and verify your flight itinerary as soon as you are done. Also, remember to take a print of the boarding pass.
(iv) Mobile Check-in
To check in through a mobile application, one must download the application from the Apple Store or Play Store. As soon as you are done with that, then you can launch the app on your mobile and follow these below-listed steps;-
- Start by installing the mobile application and then launch it on your device.
- Afterward, you can log into your account, choose the check-in option, and provide your flight details.
- Once done, you can check in and even download your e-boarding pass.
British Airways Check-in Timings
| Check-in Time | Departure/Arrival @ US | Departure/Arrival @ anywhere (except US) |
| BEFORE FLIGHT DEPARTURE TIME | ||
| Minimum check-in time | 2 hours | 1 hour |
| Maximum check-in time | 23 hours | 24 hours |
| Ideal check-in time | 3 hours | 2 hours |
Check-in Timings Through Locations
| Airport | Minimum International flight Check-in time | Minimum Domestic flight Check-in time |
| BEFORE FLIGHT DEPARTURE TIME | ||
| London Heathrow Airport | 60 minutes | 45 minutes |
| London Gatwick | 60 minutes | 60 minutes |
| London City | 20 minutes | 20 minutes |
| London Stansted | 45 minutes | 45 minutes |
| Other UK airports | 45 minutes | 45 minutes |
| Paris | 45 minutes | 45 minutes |
British Airways check-in Baggage
According to the British Airways check-in policy, one must check-in with limited baggage. If you have no idea how much baggage you can take, then it would be wise to check out the below-listed instructions;-
- For starters, passengers cannot take more than 32 kg in their bag. For this, they would also have to split the bag into two parts.
- Then, you are allowed to carry even two handbags which you can take on a flight with yourself.
- Usually, your baggage has been divided into three categories such as handbag, cabin bag, as well as checked baggage.
- All of your bags must not exceed 23 kg.
British Airways Baggage Allowance
The BA allows its passengers to carry one hand luggage as well as one personal item which includes a handbag, laptop bag, etc. Remember, according to the British Airways baggage allowance, the size limit must be within 56x45x23 cm and it should weigh not more than 23 kg. For a breakdown of baggage limitations, check out this list;-
| Baggage Type | Size | Weight Allowance | Fees | Additional Fees |
| Carry-on baggage | 56 x 45 x 25cm | 23kg | None | Fees apply if oversized or overweight |
| Checked luggage | Up to 90 x 75 x 43cm | 23kg – 32kg | £20 – £65 depending on route and ticket type | If your baggage surpasses the given limit then you would have to pay extra. |
| Excess baggage | Over 90 x 75 x 43cm | 32kg | £65 | N/A |
British Airways Checked Baggage
While traveling with British Airways, one can add their baggage during the time of the booking or at the airport during check-in. However, if you are booking your flight from the airport, then you must know that it will cost you more than the regular flight.
Nonetheless, checked baggage will depend on your flight route. But, for reference, it must not weigh more than 23 kg or 32 kg (depending on the destination). However, the maximum size must be around 90x75x43 CM and if your baggage surpasses this limit then it will be considered oversized and you will have to pay extra money.
| Luggage | Online Price | Airport Price |
| First Bag | £20 – £40 | £40 – £65 |
| Each Additional Bag | £36 – £60 | £40 – 65 |
| Bags On Connecting Flights | £65 | £40 – £65 |
| Cabin | Checked bags |
| Economy Basic (cabin and handbag only) | 0 |
| Economy (with checked bag) | 1 x 23kg bag |
| Premium economy | 2 x 23kg bags |
| Business | 2 x 32kg bags |
| First | 3 x 32kg bags |
British Airways Baggage Fees
For starters, if your baggage has exceeded its given baggage limit then you would have to pay an additional fee also known as the baggage fee. Here’s the complete breakdown of the British Airways fee;-
| Baggage Type | Size Restrictions | Weight Allowance | Fees | Additional Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabin Baggage | 56 x 45 x 25cm | 23kg | N/A | Airport fees apply if oversized or overweight |
| Checked Baggage | 90 x 75 x 43cm | 23kg – 32kg depending on route/ticket type | £20 – £65 depending on route/ticket type | If it is considered to be oversized or overweight by the airways |
| Excess Baggage | 90 x 75 x 43cm | 32kg | £65 per bag | N/A |
Things to Remember While Check-in At British Airways
- Those traveling with their spouse, friends, and family have been assigned different boarding groups; then, you can ask the agent to board them, and you’re together.
- For those who are traveling with their children, would have to arrive at least 40 minutes before their flight. This will give you enough time to analyze the baggage situation and get your boarding pass.
- All passengers with a disability and require boarding assistance must inform the airline at least 48 hours before their scheduled departure.
Conclusion
To conclude, one can check in from anywhere and anytime using several modes we discussed. British Airways is known for its services and customer service, available 24/7. For starters, checking in at least 90 minutes or 60 minutes before your scheduled departure is advised, depending on your flight type. This way, you would have enough time to get your boarding pass (if you haven’t already) and drop your baggage at the baggage station. Hence, for more information regarding the flights, you can visit the main website of British Airways for updated info.
Faqs
The procedure to check in with British Airways is quite easy and only takes a few minutes, such as.
- Start by navigating to the British Airways official website and logging in to your account.
- Next, you can click on the check-in option and check in at least 24 hours before your scheduled flight departure.
- From there, one can also download the boarding pass.
- Lastly, there are many modes by which one can check in and get their boarding pass, such as the official website, phone number, airport self-serve KIOSK, and check-in desk.
According to the British Airways check-in policy, there are certain rules and regulations when it comes to check-in timings, such as;-
- For all flights between the United States, passengers can check in at least 24 hours or 2 hours before the scheduled departure.
- However, for other flights, one must check in for their flight between 24 hours or at least one hour before flight departure.
As per British Airways check-in rules and regulations, unaccompanied minors cannot check in through the online method, but it can happen at the airport. During check-in, one can drop their bags at the baggage station and get their boarding passes either through the KIOSK or from the airport.
British Airways usually has 5 group numbers as well as one boarding group. However, the pre-boarding group is for people traveling with their friends, family, and spouses. Then, they can board through group 5, reserved for families and those who need assistance due to disability.
Most airlines require their passengers to arrive at least three hours before the scheduled departure of international flights. In addition to that, most international flights start boarding a little earlier than domestic flights. That is why it is advised for the passengers to arrive at least 90 minutes or 2 hours before their scheduled flight with British Airways. Arriving early leaves you time to drop off your baggage and get your boarding pass.
As we have said before, passengers can check in via different modes such as online, via calling, at the airport, through the KIOSK machine, etc. To answer your question, yes, you can check in online for your international flight, as it allows you to reserve your seats and complete all the required information about your flight and baggage at least 24 hours before your flight. During check-in, you can either confirm or change your seat according to your requirements and get your e-boarding pass.