British Airways FAQ: Everything You Need Before You Fly

Here is British Airways' punctuality data from the last 7 days of operations to help you set realistic expectations:

• On-time performance: 59.45%. This means 3883 of the 6532 total flights operated arrived within 15 minutes of their scheduled gate time.

• Canceled flights: 873 flights. Of these cancellations, 107 were on domestic routes and 766 were on international routes.

• Major delays: 38 flights These flights experienced significant delays, arriving more than 3 hours after their scheduled time.

Flight numbers shown are estimates, based on internal databases and third parties.

Over the last week, British Airways’ international flights had:

• a cancellation rate of 13.42%, and

• a severe delay rate (>180 minutes) of 0.58%.

The airline operated 5707 international flights during this period.

Reliability often depends on the specific route, airport, and external factors like weather or air traffic control issues.

British Airways’ performance can vary, but AirHelp’s data offers an objective snapshot. British Airways has an AirHelp Score of 7.44 out of 10, which evaluates airlines based on on-time performance, claim processing, and customer service.

Like all major carriers, the airline has experienced incidents in its history, but it continuously invests in pilot training, aircraft maintenance, and safety protocols. Modern aviation is statistically one of the safest modes of transportation, and British Airways adheres to strict international safety regulations.

British Airways operates a comprehensive global network, flying to hundreds of destinations across Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

Primary hubs are London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and London Gatwick Airport (LGW), which serve as the central gateways for its global network.

British Airways is a founding member of the oneworld alliance. Its key partners include American Airlines, Iberia (its joint-venture partner), Finnair, Qatar Airways, and Japan Airlines, along with all other oneworld member airlines.

If you’re flying on a codeshare operated by another airline, your passenger rights usually depend on the operating carrier (the airline that actually flies the plane). However, if that airline is EU-based or your flight departs from the EU/UK, you may be entitled to compensation under EC 261 (or UK 261) for eligible delays or cancellations. Let AirHelp check your eligibility and file the claim.

You may bring one carry-on bag and one personal item. Carry-on size limits and liquid restrictions follow UK and local security regulations.

Checked bag allowances depend on your route and ticket type. Weight and size limits apply, and fees may be charged for additional or overweight bags.

You should report it immediately to the Baggage Service Office (or at the British Airways service desk, if available) and get a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) as proof. On international flights, your baggage rights are protected by the Montreal Convention: if you are an AirHelp+ member, you can let AirHelp handle your claim to obtain the reimbursement and compensation you are due (up to approximately $1,950).

You can check in online on the British Airways website or mobile app starting 24 hours before departure. You can also check in at a kiosk or the service counter at the airport.

For flights within the UK and Europe, arriving at least 90 minutes before departure is recommended. For long-haul intercontinental flights, plan for at least 3 hours before departure.

Prohibited items include explosives, flammable liquids, and many sharp objects. Common items like certain lighters and gel-type sports equipment are also not allowed. Check the regulations of your departure and arrival countries, as well as British Airways's official list of prohibited items, for full details.

You can track your flight on the British Airways app or website, or use the flight tracker built into the AirHelp app.

US law does not provide compensation in case of delay. However, if your flight departs from Europe or the United Kingdom, you may be entitled to compensation of up to $650 if the airline is responsible for the delay. With our compensation checker, you can check for free whether you are entitled to compensation.

It depends on numerous circumstances, such as the law governing that specific flight, the notice period with which the airline communicates the cancellation, and the delay of the replacement flight. Under EC 261 and UK 261 laws, you may be entitled to assistance at the airport and compensation of up to $650.

Airlines first ask for volunteers to give up their seats in exchange for compensation. If not enough volunteers are found and you are involuntarily denied boarding, you are entitled to compensation under EC 261/UK 261 and under DOT rules.

You can file your claim directly on the airline's website. For flight compensation under EU law, submit it through AirHelp: we’ve won compensation for 3.3 million passengers worldwide. AirHelp operates on a no-win, no-fee basis so you don’t pay us anything up front.

British Airways provides services for passengers with mobility, hearing, and vision disabilities. Common services include wheelchair assistance and pre-boarding.

You can request these accommodations during booking, via the airline's website or mobile app, or by contacting their customer service in advance. Learn more about rights for passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility here.

British Airways provides family boarding, child seat guidelines, and infant travel options depending on age and route.

Most airlines allow small dogs and cats to travel in the cabin for a fee, subject to size and carrier restrictions. Larger pets may travel in the hold on some routes, but strict regulations (especially for snub-nosed breeds) and additional fees apply. Health and vaccination documents are always required. It is essential to check British Airways's specific pet policy well in advance of your trip.

Wi-Fi is available on most of its aircraft. It is a paid service with various data packages (Messaging, Browse, Stream). British Airways Executive Club Members may receive discounts, and it is complimentary in First Class.

All long-haul aircraft and most short-haul aircraft feature seatback screens with on-demand entertainment. On select short-haul flights, passengers can stream entertainment to their personal devices for free via the British Airways app.

Complimentary meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages are provided on all flights, with the service level depending on flight duration, destination, and cabin class (Euro Traveller, World Traveller, Club World, First).

Complimentary beer, wine, and spirits are served in all cabin classes on most flights. The selection is more extensive in premium cabins like Club World and First.

Yes, you may bring your own food on board, provided it complies with airport security regulations. Liquids (such as sauces or yogurts) must generally adhere to the rules for carrying liquids.

The airline in its current form was established in 1974 following the merger of British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) and British European Airways (BEA), but its heritage traces back to the birth of UK civil aviation in 1919.

Corporate headquarters, known as Waterside, is located near its main hub at London Heathrow Airport (LHR), in Harmondsworth, United Kingdom.