British Airways is the UK’s flag carrier, based near London Heathrow, and a founding member of oneworld. This guide covers its hubs, fleet, cabins, baggage, check-in, lounges, Avios and airport transportation.
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Schedules, aircraft assignments, terminals and passenger-service rules can change. Confirm operational details directly with British Airways before travel.
British Airways Plc
SPEEDBIRD
United Kingdom
1974
International Airlines Group (IAG)
Harmondsworth, near London Heathrow, England
oneworld (founding member)
The British Airways Club, with Avios as its currency
British Airways is the flag carrier of the United Kingdom, headquartered in Harmondsworth near London Heathrow. The airline was formed in 1974 and is part of International Airlines Group (IAG). British Airways is a member of the oneworld alliance.
Its main hub is London Heathrow, with a second base at London Gatwick.
Network
British Airways operates a broad network from London Heathrow and London Gatwick.
Routes and frequencies vary by season, demand and operational requirements. Some itineraries carrying a BA flight number are operated by BA CityFlyer, BA Euroflyer or a oneworld partner under a codeshare agreement. Check the “operated by” line when booking to identify the operating carrier and the rules that apply.
United Kingdom and Ireland
Domestic routes linking London with Scotland, Northern Ireland and other UK cities, plus services to Ireland.
Europe
Major capitals, commercial centers and seasonal leisure destinations from Heathrow and Gatwick.
North America
One of the largest transatlantic networks, serving many US and Canadian cities in cooperation with American Airlines.
Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America
Leisure and business destinations including Mexico City, Cancún, Caribbean islands and South American gateways.
Africa and the Middle East
Routes to major cities across Africa and the Gulf region.
Asia-Pacific
Gateways in India, East and Southeast Asia, and onward connections to Australia with partners.
Aircraft
British Airways flies a mix of Airbus, Boeing and Embraer aircraft. The aircraft shown at booking is not guaranteed until departure.
Airbus
The A320 family and the A350.
Boeing
The 777 and 787 families.
Embraer
The E190.
On board
Cabins and seat products vary by aircraft and route. Not every aircraft offers every cabin.
First
The premium long-haul cabin, on selected aircraft.
Club World
The long-haul business cabin.
World Traveller Plus
The long-haul premium economy cabin.
World Traveller
The long-haul economy cabin.
Club Europe
The business cabin on short-haul flights.
Euro Traveller
The economy cabin on short-haul flights.
Before you fly
British Airways baggage allowances depend on the fare, cabin, route and British Airways Club or oneworld status, and are shown during booking.
Hand baggage
One cabin bag plus one smaller personal item, such as a handbag or laptop bag, on all fares. Weight and size limits are shown during booking.
Checked baggage
Short-haul Basic fares are hand-baggage-only. Most long-haul fares include at least one checked bag, and premium cabins include more.
Special items
Sports equipment, pets, oversized items and medical equipment follow separate rules. Check the official British Airways baggage page before you fly.
Online check-in on britishairways.com or the British Airways app opens 24 hours before departure. Follow the check-in and bag-drop deadlines shown in your booking, which are longer for long-haul flights.
Confirm the operating airline (British Airways, BA CityFlyer, BA Euroflyer or a partner), the London airport and the terminal.
Review passport, visa and entry requirements, including the UK ETA where it applies.
Check in online or in the app as soon as it opens.
Download the mobile boarding pass or print it.
Allow time for bag drop, security and border control, especially at Heathrow.
British Airways operates lounges at Heathrow and at other airports, including a First Wing lounge for eligible First passengers. Access depends on your cabin, tier and same-day itinerary, so check the current rules before you travel.
The British Airways Club is the airline’s loyalty program, and Avios is its currency. Earning, redemption and tier rules change, so check the program terms on britishairways.com for the conditions that apply to your trip.
For current operational information, use British Airways’ official services:
British Airways website
britishairways.com for booking, check-in, trip management and flight status
Where you land
LHR · London
British Airways’ main hub and the home of its long-haul network.
LGW · London
A second London base, mainly for leisure and short-haul services.
Rio de Janeiro/Galeão – Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport
GIG · Rio de Janeiro
Ground transport
Public transport, authorized taxis, shared shuttles or a pre-booked private transfer. Arriving long-haul or with a lot of luggage is the case for booking ahead: fixed price, and a driver in arrivals with your name on a sign.
Airport Transportation is an independent platform and is not affiliated with or endorsed by British Airways.
Questions
British Airways’ IATA code is BA, its ICAO code is BAW, and its callsign is SPEEDBIRD.
British Airways’ main hub is London Heathrow, and it also operates from London Gatwick.
Yes. British Airways is a founding member of the oneworld airline alliance.
British Airways’ loyalty program is The British Airways Club, and its currency is Avios.
Most long-haul flights use Terminal 5 at Heathrow, but some flights use other terminals. Check your booking and boarding pass before travel.
No. Airport Transportation is an independent transportation-booking platform and is not affiliated with or endorsed by British Airways.
Information reviewed in October 2026. Airline schedules, fleet figures, baggage rules and passenger services are subject to change.
oneworld
Transfer for British Airways arrivals
Fixed price, driver in arrivals