BA Cheap Flights

British Airways, better known as BA, is the national carrier of the United Kingdom. It is the largest airline in the country, flying to more than 500 destinations all over the world. The main hubs of BA are London’s Heathrow Airport and Gatwick Airport.

Passengers are recommended to check-in online and print their boarding passes via BA.com. There are also self-service check-in machines at the airport. “Fast bag drop” machines are available for passengers that have checked in online or using self-service machines to drop off their baggage. Check-in counters are available at certain airports and the check-in time varies from one airport to another. For smaller airports, passengers may check in 20 minutes before departure or 45 minutes early for long-haul flights.

Two pieces of hand-held baggage are allowed per passenger, which include a standard-sized bag with dimensions not larger than 56 x 45 x 25cm. This includes wheels, pockets and handles, and a laptop-sized luggage, handbag or briefcase. The baggage must not be heavier than 23kg and passengers should be able to store their baggage in the overhead storage.

Checked bags vary by destination. Passengers can check-in a bag no heavier than 23kg, with maximum linear of 158cm (length + width + height). This applies for domestic UK routes and all international travels, except to USA, Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana. For American destinations and Nigeria, passengers can check-in two bags, no heavier than 23kg and no larger than dimensions of 158cm for each bag.

From November 2008, a flat fee of £25 will be applies to luggage weighing more than 23kg. Prior to this, BA accepts a piece of luggage that is less than 23kg as a checked baggage for free. Any bags weighing more than that will not be accepted as checked luggage.

Passengers are not allowed to change names on their tickets. The date and time of the flight can be changed online or by calling the reservations number, but this depends on the type of fare, whether it is restricted, non-upgradeable or non-refundable. One transaction may cost between £30 and £50, plus any difference in the fare cost.

On long-haul routes, children aged 2 to 11 are charged 75 percent of an adult’s fare, while infants up to two years old can travel for up to 10 percent of the adult fare, if travelling on an adult‘s lap. These apply on all long-haul routes. Senior citizens can fly free of charge.

Pets are allowed but must be carried by British Airways World Cargo and travel in the hold. Guide dogs may travel for free in the cabin for most routes.

Passengers can carry their musical instruments on the aircraft as standard hand-held items. To carry large musical instruments, a separate seat may be purchased.

BA is well known for serving delicious meals in-flight. BA has created their own culinary council to take care of the menu and the whole food operation. Reviews can be read from fliers and photographs of the meals can be viewed online.

The official club of BA is the British Airways Executive Club. The in-flight magazine for BA is High Life, which is available on all flights. BA is a member of oneworld alliance.