British Airways offers three options for flight check–in:
- Online: Passengers may check in from 24 hours before their flight departs, printing their own boarding pass, saving it or emailing it to print later. Lost or forgotten boarding passes can be printed at the airport at a check–in kiosk.
- On Smart Phone: Passengers may check in from 24 hours before their aircraft departs using the British Airways app or online. Passengers can download and save their boarding pass on their phones.
- At the Airport: Passengers may use airport kiosks to check in and print their boarding pass. Booking reference or form of identification, such as credit/debit card, Executive Club card or passport, is required for airport check–in. If passengers prefer, they may use a check–in desk instead. Passengers traveling in a group of more than 9 people, children traveling alone or children traveling on a separate booking from their adult guardian will need to go to a check–in desk at the airport. Passengers are advised to visit the ‘Manage My Booking' section of the British Airways website to find out check–in times at the airport.
Boarding Information
Boarding times depend on the flight and passengers are advised to confirm this time upon arrival at the airport to avoid being denied access to the flight after the gate has closed. Passengers are advised that increased security measures can increase the time it takes to screen hand baggage and should therefore allow plenty of time to travel through the airport.
Details for specific airports and departure locations:
London Heathrow: Passengers departing from Terminal 1, 3 or 5 must clear security at least 35 minutes prior to their scheduled departure time.
Travelers from the USA: Even if passengers have already checked in, they must go to a security desk to have travel documents reviewed prior to clearing security. Passengers must have their boarding pass, ID, and in some cases passport and visa, ready for inspection at the boarding gate. Cabin crew will inspect passengers' boarding passes again upon entry to the aircraft.
Frequent Flyer Information – Executive Club
British Airways' frequent flyer program is called the Executive Club and offers many rewards for passengers. Joining the club is free and passengers collect Avios – the club currency – to spend on treats such as cabin upgrades and to put towards discounts on flights. Avios may be shared by linking household members' accounts. There are four tiers of the club – Blue, Bronze, Silver and Gold, which offer increasing incentives and bonuses for members as they fly increasingly with British Airways. British Airways frequent flyers are also permitted additional baggage allowances. Depending on the tier of the club achieved, members are permitted both additional bags for themselves and an accompanying traveler as well as additional weight per bag. Precise baggage allowances for frequent flyers vary and should be checked on British Airways' website prior to departure.