United Kingdom · BA / BAW · OneWorld
British Airways Online Check-in Guide
The UK's flag carrier and OneWorld founder. Online check-in opens 24 hours before short-haul departures, up to 36 hours for some long-haul routes.
Opens on britishairways.com in a new tab.
Is British Airways check-in open right now?
Pick your departure time — we'll show you whether the check-in window is open, when it opens, or whether it's already closed. Your input never leaves the page.
Direct British Airways actions
Skip the homepage — go straight to the page you actually need on British Airways's official site.
- Manage bookingChange your British Airways reservation
- Flight statusReal-time on-time, delays, gate changes
- Account loginFrequent-flyer / loyalty sign-in
Get the British Airways app for the smoothest check-in experience:
When does British Airways check-in open and close?
How to check in online with British Airways
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Have your booking reference and ID ready
You'll need a 6-character booking reference (PNR) and a valid travel document (passport or EU/EEA national ID).
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Open the official check-in page
Use the button at the top of this page or visit britishairways.com directly. Avoid third-party "check-in" sites.
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Enter passenger details
Add passport / ID number, expiry date, and country of issue if travelling internationally. This step is mandatory and blocks check-in if skipped.
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Choose seats and add extras
Random seats are free in the 24-hour window; named seats and priority boarding cost extra. Skip if you don't need them.
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Save the boarding pass
Add to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. The British Airways app stores it offline once downloaded.
Mobile vs desktop check-in
| Feature | Mobile (app) | Desktop (web) |
|---|---|---|
| Boarding pass in Wallet | Yes (recommended) | Email link only |
| Passport scan | Yes (camera) | Manual entry |
| Push gate updates | Yes | No |
| Print boarding pass | Via email link | Yes |
| Best for | Day-of-travel use | Troubleshooting, family bookings |
British Airways baggage at a glance
| Type | Dimensions | Weight | Included? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal item | 40×30×15 cm | 23 kg | Yes |
| Carry-on | 56×45×25 cm | 23 kg | Yes |
| Checked | — | 23 kg | From €65 |
Common British Airways check-in problems
Hand Baggage Only fares can't add bags at airport
Problem: BA's basic 'Hand Baggage Only' fare blocks adding checked baggage after check-in.
Solution: Add the bag in 'Manage My Booking' before check-in (cheaper) or pay £65+ at the gate.
Avios redemption tickets need separate check-in flow
Problem: Some award bookings cannot complete online check-in due to fare class restrictions.
Solution: Call BA Executive Club or use the airport First Class counter at LHR T5.
British Airways check-in FAQ
When does British Airways check-in open?
24 hours before departure for most flights. Premium cabins and long-haul routes from London open 36 hours before.
Is there a free seat selection with British Airways?
Yes if you check in within the 24-hour window — random seats are free. Specific seats cost from £7 (short-haul) to £75+ (long-haul Club World).
Can I check bags in for the whole journey on a connecting BA flight?
Yes, BA checks bags through to the final destination if all flights are on a single ticket — including OneWorld partners.
