British Airways FAQs: Key Information for Passengers

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

• On-time performance: 49.81%. This means 2662 of the 5344 total flights operated arrived within 15 minutes of their scheduled gate time.

• Cancelled flights: 668 flights. Of these cancellations, 122 were on domestic routes and 546 were on international routes.

• Major delays: 51 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 12.07%, and

• a severe delay rate (>180 minutes) of 0.88%.

The airline operated 4524 international flights during this period.

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

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 and UK safety regulations.

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

British Airways's 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 UK-based or your flight departs from the UK/EU, you may be entitled to compensation under UK 261 (or EC 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, which also applies to flights departing from or arriving in the UK.

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 £1,550).

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 UK airport security regulations website and British Airways's prohibited items list 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.

Compensation rights depend on the laws that apply to your specific flight. Flights departing from the United Kingdom or operated by a UK airline may qualify for compensation of up to £520 under UK 261, while EU-related flights fall under EC 261, provided 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 UK 261 and EC 261 laws, you may be entitled to assistance at the airport and compensation of up to £520.

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 UK 261, EC 261, and other local aviation regulations.

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 million passengers worldwide. AirHelp operates on a no-win, no-fee basis so you don’t pay us anything upfront.

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.

British Airways does not allow regular pets (dogs or cats) to travel in the cabin or as checked baggage. Pets must be transported as cargo via IAG Cargo (with fees and strict requirements). Recognised assistance dogs are permitted in the cabin free of charge (with prior approval, documentation, and restrictions on routes/breeds). It is essential to check British Airways' specific pet policy well in advance of your trip.

Wi-Fi is being rolled out across most aircraft with high-speed Starlink connectivity starting in late 2025. From 2026, it will be completely free for all customers in every cabin (Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First), with gate-to-gate access for browsing, streaming, and messaging. Currently, it is a paid service with packages (messaging often free for Executive Club members; 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, which often features British brands and a curated wine list, 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 yoghurts) 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.

British Airways's corporate headquarters, known as Waterside, is located near its main hub at London Heathrow Airport (LHR), in Harmondsworth, United Kingdom.