BA Checking-in: Essential Steps to Help You Save Time & Sanity

Written By Joanna Teljeur

Last Updated: November 04, 2024

British Airways scored a 4.05/5 overall rating, but when it came to their checking-in process they were given only a 3 out of 5 rating based on 644,477 consolidated reviews. The airline offers online and airport check-in options, but many passengers have reported having problems with online functionality and then poor customer service at the airport checking-in desk. Other passengers have breezed through the process without a problem at all. 

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about BA’s checking-in so you can have a seamless experience and a more enjoyable journey.

What You Need for Checking-in

Whether you check-in online or at the airport, you will need the following information to complete the process. 

• A valid passport
• Your reservation number or
• Your eTicket number
• Visa documents (depending on where you’re going)

British Airways Online Check-in Options

Completing the check-in process on the BA website or mobile app can make your journey much easier and convenient. However, as mentioned, the airlines’ online check-in tools have been known to be glitchy. Sometimes they don’t work at all. 

One passenger wrote a review on Tripadvisor complaining that they missed their British Airways flight because the online and kiosk methods didn’t work. It illustrates how important it is to check-in as soon as it opens so that you can allow for more time at the airport if needed.

Also, it’s important to note that not all routes will accept mobile boarding passes, so be sure to check which ones will accept them before you head to the airport. You can also print a copy of your boarding pass as a backup and to use in case the mobile pass isn’t accepted. 

You can jump to the list here.

How to Check-in on the BA Website - Open 24 Hours Before Departure

1. Open the BA website homepage and look for the Check-In tab at the top menu
2. Add your booking details 
3. Choose the correct flight to check-in
4. Make sure all your details are accurate
5. Select or change your seat
6. If you plan to check bags, then you can add or change the number of bags
7. Confirm that everything is correct and print, download, or email your boarding pass

Always print a copy of your boarding pass even if you plan to only use the digital copy. If your phone batteries die, you lose connectivity, or anything else, then you’ll have a backup ready!

How to Check-in on the BA Mobile App - Open 24 Hours Before Departure

1. Download the British Airways mobile app if you haven’t already done so.
2. Log in or enter your booking information
3. Look for “Upcoming Flights” and select the flight you need
4. Choose the Checking-in option (of Get boarding pass)
5. Make sure your travel documents are correct
6. Select or change your seat
7. Add or change your baggage choices
8. Check and finalise the procedure and your boarding pass will save to your mobile device.

Check-in for your BA flight now

Passengers who need extra help including those travelling with pets, lap babies, oversized luggage, or those who need mobility assistance should check in at the airport.

Routes That Accept Mobile Boarding Passes

If your flight is departing from any of the following locations, you can use your mobile pass to board. If you do not see your destination on this list, you will have to print your boarding documents in order to get on your flight!

What About Checked Baggage? Can you do this with online check-in?

You can add baggage options during the online check-in process and pay for any related fees, however you will still have to visit the airport counter or kiosk to print your bag tags. Because of this extra step, you must go to the airport early enough to allow for congestion and long queuing times. 

Learn more about British Airways baggage allowance.

British Airways Airport Checking-in Process

First, if you plan to check-in at the airport, be sure to arrive early! Also, the checking-in desks may have varying hours depending on your departure airport, so be sure to double check in the Manage My Booking tab or option. 

When to arrive at the airport

• Domestic flights: At least 2 hours before departure
• International flights: At least 3 hours before departure

Flying with kids from Heathrow? Head to Terminal 5 because they have a dedicated area for families with oversized baggage drop for car seats, strollers, and other larger items. 

Checking-in at the BA Counters

This is the easiest way to complete the process, especially if you need special assistance of any kind, or you just have questions and concerns. International travellers can usually complete check-in online, but there may be some situations where your passport, visa, or other documents will need to be reviewed by an agent.

Because of the long wait times for in-person check-in desks, you might consider using the self service kiosks.

Using British Airways Kiosks

In addition to being very easy and efficient to use, Kiosks are also a quick way to print your baggage tags if you’ve already checked-in online. From there, you attach the tag to your luggage and then head to the bag drop-off area. 

You can also print a copy of your boarding pass.

How to use the BA Kiosks

1. Find a kiosks and insert your credit card the way you would at an ATM
2. Use the touch-screen and confirm your booking when prompted
3. Choose your seat
4. Print your boarding pass & bag tags

Airports with British Airways Kiosks

Kiosks availability can change pretty fast. Airports that haven’t offered this self-serve option may now be in the process of installing them. So, while we don’t have a comprehensive list, we do know that British Airways has 39 locations with kiosks, and usually they can be found at the bigger airports in larger cities as in the list below. 

ALWAYS CHECK WITH THE AIRPORT WEBSITE as availability can vary.

BA Kiosks are usually available at the following airports:

Airport Checking-in Hours for BA Flights

In most cases, the checking-in hours will apply to both the counter and the kiosk, but again, always double check with your departure airport, and always allow more time if you will be flying from a bigger (and busier) airport.

Delayed or cancelled BA flight? You could claim up to £520! Check your flight below to see if you’re eligible.Check Your Flight

Essentials for a Smooth BA Check-in Experience

1. While digital boarding passes are convenient, consider printing a paper copy in case you can’t access your device.
2. Download BA’s app to stay abreast of any changes to your flight like last minute gate changes.
3. Always check in as early as possible to minimise any issues at the airport.
4. Keep photos of all your travel documents in case they go missing.
5. If you have a British Airways flight delay or cancellation, be sure to keep track of when you actually arrived at your final destination, and use our compensation calculator to see if your flight qualifies.

Why Check-in is Important

It might seem like the airline check-in process is redundant, especially when travellers must include so much information during booking. But this step does serve a purpose beyond checking baggage and choosing seats. 

Emergency Preparedness

The check-in process allows British Airways to determine exactly who is going to be on a specific flight for emergency reasons as well as to provide passenger manifests to aviation security agencies as required by law.

Immigration & Border Control

On international flights, BA is required to disclose information about passengers for immigration and border control purposes. The check-in process allows the airline to check travel documents to ensure all passengers are legally able to enter the destination country.

Operational Purposes

Baggage and operational issues are also dealt with during check-in. Specifically, the airline can plan for weight and balance of the aircraft, plan for meal services, and plan for no-shows.

Legal Requirements

Lastly, all airlines are required to retain accurate passenger records for aviation regulations established by the FAA and IATA.