Book British Airways cheap flights with Opodo

British Airways is one of the most recognisable and respected names in the global aviation industry. It is synonymous with high standards, unbeatable service and reliability. Its fleet is the largest in the UK, specialising in long-haul flights in comfort. It operates the largest fleet of Boeing 747s and has even more of Boeing’s 777s, the world’s largest twinjet aircraft. So, when you consider a British Airways flight, expect comfort and relaxation no matter the length of your journey.

British Airways was a founding member of the Oneworld alliance, the third largest alliance of airlines in the world, offering competitive prices and benefits with its allied carriers. The airline itself was founded in 1973 and has since merged with Iberia in 2011, forming International Airlines Group, which boasts the third highest revenues of any airline group in the world. This led to greater cooperation on transatlantic routes with American Airlines. It has other subsidiary arrangements with airlines and providers across the world. Its most important routes to date include the Paris-JFK direct flight operating since 2012 and the stake Qatar Airways purchased in 2015, opening up better, more affordable routes to the Middle-East. Competition for its premier UK-USA routes from the likes of Virgin Atlantic ensure that British Airways constantly strives to maintain the best possible service at a competitive, affordable price. All this culminates in an airline which has enjoyed increasing passenger numbers (up 10 million over the last decade) as well as increasing profits (which have more than doubled in the same period, to £1.4 billion).

British Airway’s reward programme, Executive Club, is based on Avios. Avios can be earned on any flights within the Oneworld alliance, not just British Airways, and can be spent in the same way. The scheme also allows you to extend any earning to up to 6 relations who live with you, so any holidays or business trips you enjoy can be paid back to the whole family. Membership also offers many benefits and priority boarding and lounges. These range from standard priority boarding benefits all the way up to exclusive lounges inclusive of spa treatments, depending on the level of membership you decide.

You can check in 24 hours before you fly, via the British Airways check-in app, online or at the airport. If using a digital method, you can download your boarding pass and print it. If this is lost, you can have it printed again at a kiosk. The app also allows you display this information directly on your device, making its loss much less likely. If you are checking in at the airport, you’ll need your booking reference or relevant identification (passport, or Executive Club membership card). It should be noted that if you are travelling from London Gatwick before 15:15 you can check in the day before, for free, if you visit their kiosk. All boarding closes from 45 minutes before take off, so to avoid disappointment check in early!

Basic tickets on British Airways come with seat allocation at check in. So, if you are someone who needs to reserve a seat you can pay to reserve a seat up until check in opens by accessing you booking online, or calling British Airways. Depending on your membership benefits for the Executive Club, you may be able to get a range of free seat allocation, sometimes right from when you book (Gold membership) through to 24 hours before departure (the lowest level of Blue membership).

A nice feature offered is a training course for nervous flyers, which might mean that where you sit is less of an issue. However, anyone who does feel nervous about a flight is recommended to sit towards the centre of the cabin, so as to avoid the worst effects of turbulence, etc.

The British Airways baggage policy is generous. Checked baggage can measure 90 cm x 75 cm x 43 cm and weigh up to 23 kg-32 kg, depending on the route you take. Fees can vary, again depending on the route flown. This is based on a single checked baggage suitcase per flyer. Excess baggage also has attached fees. Executive membership benefits, depending on level, range from 1 free 23 kg bag, up to 3 x 32 kg bags.

For musical instruments, sports equipment and other unusual baggage, British Airways is able to cater up to 45 kg and measuring 190 cm x 75 cm x 65 cm. Such baggage will need to be booked well in advance, and should be done so via their dedicated airline contact service.

The British Airways hand luggage allowance is similarly generous. There is no fee for a single piece of cabin baggage within the size restrictions 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm and weighing less than 23 kg. Any sizes or weights above this may still be taken on board, but will incur additional fees. The standard restrictions on liquids (including liquid foodstuffs, such as soups) apply - so nothing over 100ml and it must be in a sealed, transparent container. However, infant milk and baby food is not affected by such restrictions.

The most popular British Airways destinations include:

• London to Barbados flights
• London to Barcelona flights
• London to Dubai flights
• London to Florida flights
• London to Las Vegas flights
• London to Edinburgh flights
• London to Mauritius flights
• London to New York flights
• London to Nice flights
• London to Rome flights