Is BA a reliable airline?

Yes, British Airways is generally considered a reliable airline. As mentioned, it's the UK's flag carrier and also one of the oldest airlines in operation today. It operates on a vast network of routes both domestically and internationally, and it has earned a reputation for consistent performance, punctuality, and safety. BA has a strong safety record, employs experienced pilots and crew members, and operates well-maintained, modern aircraft, which all contribute to its reliability.

Are British Airways flights really cheap?

In short, no. Though, while BA isn't a budget airline, the prices of its flights can be quite competitive, especially when taking into account the breadth and quality of services it provides. The fare typically includes certain amenities such as free meals and drinks on long-haul flights, free seat selection 24 hours before departure, and a generous free baggage allowance. British Airways also has regular sales and offers that can make their flights more affordable.

How uncomfortable is BA?

The comfort level on British Airways flights can depend on various factors such as the specific aircraft type, the class in which you're travelling, and personal preferences. Generally, the airline is known for offering a comfortable experience to its passengers. Even in Economy Class, seats are designed with adjustable headrests and lumbar support, and on long-haul flights, you're provided with blankets and pillows. Business and first-class offer even more comfort with flat-bed seats and extra amenities.

Does British Airways give free water?

Yes, BA provides free water and other beverages on all its flights. Regardless of the length of the flight or the class in which you're travelling, British Airways ensures passengers stay hydrated by offering regular drinks services throughout the flight.

Can I take a 10kg bag on BA for free?

Yes, you can. The British Airways carry-on policy generally allows passengers in all classes to carry one piece of hand luggage and one small item (like a laptop or handbag) onboard. While BA doesn't explicitly specify a weight limit for hand luggage, they require that you be able to lift and store your hand luggage without assistance and that it meet certain size requirements. For example, hand luggage should not exceed 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (including handles and wheels) and must be able to fit into the overhead locker or under the seat in front of you. The smaller item must not be larger than 40cm x 30cm x 15cm and should fit under the seat in front of you. British Airways' checked baggage allowance varies depending on the class of service and ticket type, typically ranging from 23kg for Economy and Premium Economy Class passengers to 32kg for Business and First Class passengers. As this policy is subject to change, it's always best to check the details directly on the BA's website.

Why do people not like British Airways?

While many passengers have positive experiences with BA, some criticisms include unexpected delays or cancellations, inconsistent quality of in-flight meals, or perceived shortcomings in customer service. However, customer experience can vary greatly from flight to flight, and British Airways generally receives more positive feedback than negative.

In 2008, a British Airways Boeing 777-236ER flying from Beijing, China to London Heathrow, England, crash-landed just short of the runway at Heathrow due to a fuel system problem caused by ice. Although the plane was severely damaged, all 152 passengers and crew on board survived, with only a few minor injuries reported. While this incident is notable, it's essential to remember that it represents a tiny proportion of the flights that British Airways has operated in its history. The airline adheres to rigorous international safety standards, maintaining one of the strongest safety records in the aviation industry.

Does British Airways fly Boeing or Airbus?

BA operates a diverse fleet of both Boeing and Airbus aircraft. This includes Boeing 747s, 777s, 787 Dreamliners, and Airbus A320s, A350s, among others. The specific aircraft for your flight would depend on the route and schedule.

Does BA cancel flights often?

While it's impossible to guarantee that flights will never be cancelled, it's fair to say that British Airways does not frequently cancel flights. As a major global airline, BA operates a robust network with multiple daily flights on many routes, which gives it considerable flexibility in managing its schedule. They also have extensive experience and resources to anticipate and respond to potential issues that could lead to cancellations. Flight cancellations are typically the last resort for any airline, as they lead to logistical complexities and potential reputational damage. BA follows industry standards to avoid cancellations whenever possible. However, unforeseen circumstances such as severe weather, air traffic control directives, or mechanical issues may sometimes necessitate cancellations. The airline is also subject to UK and EU regulations, which mandate compensation and assistance to passengers in case of significant delays or cancellations. Therefore, British Airways, like other airlines, has a vested interest in minimising cancellations to provide a reliable service and avoid financial penalties.

Will British Airways automatically refund Cancelled flights?

If BA cancels a flight, they will typically offer you the option to rebook on a later flight, a re-routing under comparable conditions, or a full refund. The choice lies with you. However, it's important to note that the refund or rebooking process is not automatic - you need to contact the airline to arrange this.

Yes, British Airways does provide free food on its flights. The nature of the meal depends on the duration and time of the flight. On long-haul international flights, you're typically served a full meal that includes a starter, main course, dessert, and beverages, including a selection of wines and spirits. On shorter domestic or European flights, you receive complimentary snacks and beverages. If you have specific dietary requirements, BA offers a range of special meals that must be pre-ordered at least 24 hours before the flight. However, it's always good to check the latest service provisions at the time of booking, as they may occasionally adjust their onboard offerings.

How can I avoid British Airways baggage fees?

To avoid BA baggage fees, it's important to stay within the airline's baggage allowance, which differs depending on your ticket class. Generally, British Airways allows one piece of hand luggage and one personal item in the cabin. If you're travelling in Economy Class on a long-haul flight, you're typically allowed one piece of checked luggage up to 23kg free of charge. Business and First Class passengers are allowed additional or heavier bags.

Where is the best place to sit on a BA plane?

The best place to sit on a British Airways plane depends on your preferences. If legroom is your priority, you may want to book an exit-row seat. These provide more space but may come at a fee and with additional safety responsibilities. For quieter seating, try to find a seat as far away from the engines as possible, usually towards the front of the plane. The very front of each cabin section tends to be quieter and provides quicker service. If you're travelling on a twin-aisle aircraft, the window seats in the centre section can give you direct aisle access while still providing the advantage of a window view.

How old are British Airways planes?

The average age of BA's fleet is about 14 years, which is generally typical for most large airlines. The fleet consists of a mix of older and newer planes, with the Boeing 747s and some Boeing 777s being among the oldest, and the Airbus A350s and Boeing 787 Dreamliners being among the newest. Regular maintenance ensures that all aircraft, regardless of their age, meet strict safety and performance standards.

British Airways, like any large airline, aims to operate its flights on time. However, punctuality can be influenced by a range of factors, including operational issues, air traffic control restrictions, and weather conditions. While no airline can guarantee 100% on-time performance, BA generally has a solid on-time performance record. The airline is regularly ranked among the top major airlines for punctuality, but it's always wise to check recent performance statistics for the most accurate information.

How to get a good seat on British Airways without paying?

Securing a good seat without paying extra on BA can be a bit of a gamble, but there are ways to increase your chances. If you don't choose and pay for a specific seat, British Airways will automatically assign one for you when online check-in opens, which is 24 hours before the flight. At this point, you can check if any desirable seats are available for free. Flying off-peak or on less busy routes might increase your chances of getting a good seat without paying. Additionally, BA’s Executive Club members can usually select their seats for free from a certain period before their flight, depending on their tier level.

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British Airways Reviews and Ratings

839,213 reviews

Check 839,213 verified passenger reviews to find out if British Airways is good. Find out how travellers rate flights, comfort, overall service, and leave your own review.

Pros

Extensive global network
Good in-flight entertainment
Professional cabin crew

Cons

Inconsistent Service
Baggage Handling Issues
Uncomfortable economy seating
Delays and poor communication

Skip to ratings

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British Airways reviews

4.12

Terrible
(37)
Poor
(13)
Average
(23)
Very Good
(3)
Excellent
(9)

Martin H

Verified | Nov 8, 2026

Alicante-London
Economy
Claim escalated to airline

Flight delay

Very efficient in keeping you updated when flight was delayed. Would of given a five star rating, but due to the fact the 8 euro e-voucher is unable to be accepted if you haven’t got Apple Pay account set up.

Alicante-London
Economy
Claim escalated to airline

Anonymous member

Verified | Nov 8, 2026

Seattle-Ndola
Economy

British Airways canceled my return flights

I flew British Airways in August 2026 on a three-leg journey from the United States to Zambia. After more than 30 hours of travel, I missed the final connecting flight from Johannesburg to Zambia, operated by a smaller carrier as part of the round-trip itinerary arranged through British Airways. The missed connection and the subsequent handling of my booking led to a deeply disappointing customer service experience. My phone was not displaying the correct local time, and I was unfamiliar with the airport’s “silent gate” arrangement. My three traveling companions and I waited near the gate for approximately 45 minutes to an hour. During that time, I did not see our destination displayed on the gate information sign or hear any boarding announcements, final calls, or requests for us to identify ourselves. When we asked the gate attendant about boarding, he told us that the flight had already departed. The attendant said he was busy assisting passengers for the next flight and could not help us. He advised us that our luggage had been removed and that we would need to go through customs, collect it, and purchase new tickets. At the operating carrier’s ticket counter, we were told to contact British Airways because we had purchased the itinerary through them. We were unable to locate a British Airways customer service counter at Johannesburg Airport and were directed to an unmarked office elsewhere in the airport to request assistance. A British Airways agent eventually met with us and explained that we had been classified as no-shows, that our tickets to Zambia had been canceled, and that he could not assist us. We explained that we had been waiting near the gate, but he said he could not verify our account because he had not been present. Although he contacted someone by phone to discuss the situation, he maintained that no assistance was available. I would have appreciated an effort to review the circumstances with the gate attendant. During that conversation, I learned that all of my return flights had also been canceled, including the flights I had paid for to travel home two weeks later. This was particularly distressing because I was far from home and now needed to arrange alternative return travel. Over the following several days, I attempted to contact British Airways customer service from a remote area where electricity, internet access, and telephone service were unreliable. When I was able to reach them, I was repeatedly told that nothing could be done. I have also contacted British Airways since returning home, but those efforts have not resolved the matter. I understand that I missed the connecting flight. However, I remain concerned about the lack of assistance afterward and the cancellation of my return itinerary. I do not feel that the consequences of the no-show policy were clearly communicated to me before this occurred. Learning about them while abroad left me in a difficult position, with no practical support from British Airways. When I looked into purchasing a replacement return flight, the quoted one-way fare was substantially higher than the cost of my original round-trip ticket. I ultimately returned home with a different airline at a lower cost. British Airways offered only a refund of the taxes on the canceled flight, less a substantial penalty, leaving a proposed refund of $182. No other financial reimbursement or points toward future flights were offered. Overall, I was disappointed by the lack of a meaningful resolution and by the support provided throughout this experience.

Overall

poor customer service and resolution
none

Seattle-Ndola
Economy

Comments

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Nicholas B

Verified | Nov 7, 2026

London-New York
Economy

Worst Airline Ever British Airways

On 26 October I flew Malta to Gatwick with British Airways, with a same-day connection from Heathrow to JFK. One booking, one airline, all BA. At Heathrow my boarding pass wouldn't scan. I was sent to a BA desk and told there had been a "booking error" or the flight was overbooked, and I simply didn't have a seat. I wasn't the only one. Several other passengers in the same queue got the same news. Whether it was overbooking or their own system mess-up, it was BA's mistake and we paid for it. I was told I'd have to stay overnight in the UK, with no guarantee of a flight the next day, even though I had an event in the US the following day. Eventually they put me on another airline's flight at 8am the next morning, which was far too late. By then I had already lost: - €200 on hotel accommodation - €100 on taxis - €150 on the event I missed I opened a compensation claim (ref. 16004008) and haven't had a single update since. Every time I contact customer service, I'm told they "don't have access" to my claim. So what exactly is your job? Reading out FAQs? A chatbot could do that. Under EU261, being denied boarding on a long-haul flight like this entitles me to €600 in compensation, plus reimbursement of my out-of-pocket expenses. BA knows this. Pay what you owe. Overbooked, stranded, out of pocket, and stonewalled. British Airways is the worst airline I have ever flown with. Avoid at all costs.

Overall

Everything worst service ever
Nothing positive to say unfortunately

London-New York
Economy

Comments

Passenger rights expert: Don’t leave money on the table. You could be owed up to £520 for Flight cancellation.

See if you can claim now.

Anonymous member

Verified | Oct 29, 2026

Islamabad-London
Economy

By far one of the worst airline exp...

By far one of the worst airline experiences I have ever had. Apauling to see so called British Airways to be performing at such a level. Had to request to move twice, first time I was relocated to a different seat, second time relocated again with similar experience of passenger touching my leg. Finally they decided to give me a seat which they had the whole time completely empty at the back.

Overall

POOR CABIN CREW.
Nothing

Islamabad-London
Economy

Comments

Passenger rights expert: That Baggage problem might not be a total loss — you could still claim up to £1,600 in compensation.

Check here.

Nur Batrisyia Binti S

Verified | Oct 15, 2026

Paris-London
Economy
Claim escalated to airline

Flight cancellation

1.no notification for cacellation our flight 2.just at caunter .the staff said our ticket flight is cancelled 3.no helpfull from british airways

Paris-London
Economy
Claim escalated to airline

Nur Batrisyia Binti S

Verified | Oct 15, 2026

Paris-London
Economy
Claim escalated to airline

Flight cancellation

1.No notification..email..etc for cancellation 2.just at caunter.the staff said our ticket is cancelled 3.no helpfull from britiah airways

Paris-London
Economy
Claim escalated to airline

Juraidah Binti A

Verified | Oct 15, 2026

Paris-London
Economy
Claim escalated to airline

Flight cancellation

1.no notification to us about flight cancellation we realize only at the counter 2.staff not help much 3.bad experience

Paris-London
Economy
Claim escalated to airline

Alison Jane W

Verified | Sep 22, 2026

Manchester-Chicago
Economy

Flight cancellation

Left our luggage in Heathrow had no clothes toiletries and medication so had to go buy clothes suitcase toiletries and less affective meds.

Manchester-Chicago
Economy

Susan L

Verified | Sep 12, 2026

Business

Never again will we fly on British Airways

My husband and I, along with another couple flew from Dublin, through London Heathrow with a destination of Inverness Scotland on September 8th. The entire UK flight software was shutdown. I realize this wasn’t British Airways fault, but everything that has happened since is. They couldn’t get us to Inverness until Sept 13th. We were only spending from the 8th-11th there. We had to cancel golf, fly fishing, and our Air BNB. We had to find lodging in London. We’re now in Paris and only have 2 of 4 bags. Customer service has no idea what’s going on. The number of hours we’ve spent on the phone trying to get our bags is outrageous. My bag has been in Paris at CDG since 9/11, but they wouldn’t release the bag to me as it was scheduled for delivery to our hotel. They promised it would arrive last night and promised again this morning it would arrive today. I then just received notification it’s being shipped from Paris to Inverness tomorrow. The other lost bag got sent to India. Thank goodness we all have AirTags in our bags so we can clue BA in on where they are. Tomorrow will be day 6 with no bag for me and with the other bag in India who knows how long that will be gone for. British Airways customer service is less than one star. Do not fly this airline. They care nothing about their customers and their online software doesn’t work. You’re forced to call and it has been a constant run around for days.

Overall

Lost bags for days

Business

Comments

Passenger rights expert: Compensation alert! Did you have Flight cancellation? You could be due up to £520.

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Cristiano S

Verified | Sep 12, 2026

London-Glasgow
Economy

Flight cancellation

When flights are cancelled there should be desks at the airport where it is possible to rebook it. It is very hard to apply for a refund online. Eventually, I personally received an email and that was then straightforward

London-Glasgow
Economy

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British Airways Ratings

All-time Rating & Reviews

Average Star Rating

4.12

Total Reviews count

839213

Review Sites Distribution

AirAdvisor
4.12
839213 (100%)
Feefo
4.3
731521 (87.2%)
TripAdvisor
3
63333 (7.5%)
TrustPilot
1.5
16508 (2%)

Flight Radar
4.05
14323 (1.7%)
Kayak
3.35
8229 (1%)
Yelp
1.9
1182 (0.1%)
FlightReport
3.65
1090 (0.1%)
eSky
3.9
549 (0.1%)
ConsumerAffairs
1.5
530 (0.1%)
Airlines-Inform
3.82
465 (0.1%)
Reviews.io
1.7
310 (0%)
Google
2.8
293 (0%)
PissedConsumer
1.7
248 (0%)
Airline Ratings
2.9
163 (0%)
Productreview
1.7
94 (0%)
SiteJabber
2
29 (0%)
Glassdoor
3.7
22 (0%)
Hellopeter
1
10 (0%)
SkyTrax Ratings
4
(%)
Tiket2
4
(%)

Join the conversation! What do you think of British Airways

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Star ratings breakdown

Ease of compensation and refunds
In-flight entertainment (WiFi, TV, movies)
Baggage policy & handling
Cleanliness
Customer service
Check-in and boarding
Value for money
Food and beverage
Legroom & seat comfort
Ticket change & cancellation flexibility

4.12

839213

4/5 overall

3 ways to claim compensation from British Airways

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Option 2 - Check how much you are owed right now with our instant compensation checker.
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Option 3 - Wait up to 20+ weeks to see if you can receive compensation direct with British Airways by following the steps below
1. Fill in the feedback and claims form on the British Airways website. (30 minutes with all the right documentation).
2. Keep in contact to handle delays and pushbacks. The average response time to wait is around 4 weeks.
3. If after 8 weeks your claim has been rejected or ignored, fill in a CEDR complaint application form.
4. Wait for the CEDR to confirm if your claim has been accepted. (Up to 12 weeks+)

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Related & Resources

What to expect from British Airways

The British Airways app and official website make purchasing British Airways tickets a typically straightforward task.
The British Airways website:
- Intuitive on mobile and computer, making it easy to use.
- Transparent pricing.
- Multiple purchasing methods available to buy tickets.
- Secure, meaning it’s safe to buy from.
- Detailed flight information.
- Multiple booking options.
- Reserve seats (great if you want that extra leg room).
- Purchase checked luggage.
The British Airways app:
- Intuitive, so it’s easy to use.
- Transparent pricing.
- Book with cash or miles.
- Secure, so you know paying is safe.
- Reserve seats.
- Purchase checked luggage.
You may get a lot of notifications if you use the British Airways app, but you can always block these in your phone’s notification settings.
Over the phone:
Purchasing British Airways tickets over the phone is possible. But it isn’t recommended unless you need support from a member of staff as there is an additional booking fee.
The check in process with British Airways can be done 24 hours before the flight departure. This is shorter than some airlines such as AirFrance which allows passengers to start checking in 30 hours before the flight.
Easily check in and get your boarding passes by selecting your booking through the British Airways app, or the website on either your mobile or computer. You can also check in at the airport with the help of British Airways staff.
In case you lose signal, if you are using the app or website to check in and don’t have a physical version of your boarding passes, take a screenshot.
It may also be worth bringing a portable charger for your phone in the case of delays and low battery.
When to arrive & security
Generally, you should aim to arrive at the airport 2 hours before for domestic flights, and 3 hours before for international flights. You may want to arrive earlier at airports known for slower security or being spaced out.
Most British Airways flights and connecting transatlantic BA flights go through London Heathrow Airport.
If you are travelling First, Club World, or Club Europe from Heathrow, you can use the dedicated Fast Track Security lanes, which means you can arrive around 30 minuets later.
Lounges
Some airports have British Airways lounges, Heathrow has 3:
1. Concorde Room (First Class passengers)
2. Galleries lounge (Club World, World Traveller Plus, and Gold Executive Club members)
3. Club Lounge (Club World, World Traveller Plus, Silver Executive Club, or Bronze Executive Club with a complementary upgrade)
The lounges feature complementary food and drinks such as hot food and snacks including vegetarian/plant based options, speciality coffees and champagne (although what’s on offer will vary depending on the lounge).
The amenities of the lounges vary from cinema rooms, children’s spaces, and special seats designed for power naps.
The Club Lounge has a quiet area to work and showers. The Club Lounge also offers comfortable seats near power outlets and USB charging ports.
For more information on British Airways lounges, head to: britishairways.com/content/information/lounges
British Airways typically boards using aero bridges that provide a walkway from the terminal to the aeroplane. Although they may need to use shuttle busses at some airports.
There can be up to 9 boarding groups. Typically these are:
1. Passengers with disabilities, families with small children, executive Club Gold members
2. Executive Club Silver members
3. Executive Club Bronze members, Premium Economy passengers
4. Economy Class passengers
Choosing a seat towards the back of the aeroplane may help you board quicker as an economy passenger.

British Airways on-board service is known for being high-quality regardless of your seat class. The flight attendants are professional, polite, and walk the cabin ready to help you.

For its overall service quality, British Airways has been awarded 4 stars by independent ratings organisation Skytrax.

The interiors are typically comfortable, stylish, well lit, and with large overhead bins for carry-on luggage.

The higher the price point, typically the quieter your journey will be as there are fewer people around you.

Euro Traveller (economy for Europe)

Seat type	Contoured
In-seat power	Some aeroplanes
Entertainment
Seat width	43cm-45cm
Approximate seat pitch	73.7cm-78.7cm
Adjustable head rest
Lumbar support
Recline

Complementary food & drink:

Snack
Water

Paid for food and drink options are available on board.

World Traveller (economy for the rest of world)

Seat type	Ergonomic
In-seat power
Entertainment	Flat screen and headphones
Seat width	43cm-45cm
Approximate seat pitch	78.7cm
Adjustable head rest
Lumbar support
Recline

World Traveller seats come with a cushion and blanket.

Complementary food & drink:

Starter, main, and desert
Choice of hot and cold drinks
Alcoholic drinks
Mid-flight snacks (longer flights)
Second meal (longer flights)

If you're looking for extra legroom in Economy Class, you can book an exit-row seat.

But this may come at a fee and carries responsibilities for safety that other passengers don’t have.

Seat type	Ergonomic
In-seat power
Entertainment	Personal entertainment system & noise cancelling headphones
Seat width	46cm
Approximate seat pitch	96.5cm
Adjustable head rest
Lumbar support
Recline

Premium Economy Class British Airways seats also come with a cushion, blanket, and foot rest. They are only available on long-haul flights.

Complementary food & drink:

Starter, main, and desert
Choice of hot and cold drinks
Alcoholic drinks
Choice of snacks

Club Europe (business class for Europe)

Seat type	Contoured
In-seat power	Most aeroplanes
Entertainment
Seat width	45cm
Approximate seat pitch	76.2cm
Adjustable head rest
Lumbar support
Recline

The middle seat is always kept free for more personal space in Club Europe seats.

Complementary food & drink:

Full in-flight meal/s
Range of hot and cold drinks
Alcoholic drinks

Club World (business class for the rest of the world)

Seat type	Convertible to flat bed with bedding (182.9cm-185.4cm)
In-seat power
Entertainment	Personal entertainment system & noise cancelling headphones
Seat width	48cm-52cm
Adjustable head rest
Lumbar support
Recline

Complementary food & drink:

Starter, main, and cheese
Choice of hot and cold drinks
Alcoholic drinks
Choice of snacks

Seat type	Convertible to flat bed with bedding (185cm-200cm)
In-seat power
Entertainment	15” screen with ports for your devices & noise cancelling headphones
Seat width	55cm
Adjustable head rest
Lumbar support
Recline

First class seats are described as ‘suites’ and come with free WiFi. They are only available on long-haul flights.

Complementary food & drink:

A la carte ‘Dine Anytime’ menu
Range of hot and cold drinks
Alcoholic drinks including champagne
Choice of snacks

Legroom and seat dimensions for each seat class can vary. Information about booking spare seats can be found on the British Airways website:

britishairways.com/content/information/seating/reserving-your-seat

Further information about seat types can be found on the British Airways website:

britishairways.com/content/information/travel-classes

Although British Airways flight attendants are usually perceived well, opinions on the quality of British Airways customer service differ.
If you do want to talk to a British Airways representative, (for example to speak to them about ticket changes), then it is best to phone them on the following numbers.
New or existing bookings UK
+44 (0) 344 493 0787 (All days, 7am - 8pm) +49 (0) 421 2215 7897 (Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm)
New or existing bookings North America
1-800-247-9297 (Every day (EST) 7:00am - 11:00pm)
Luggage help
1-800-828-8144
Executive Club Member Services
UK: +44 (0) 344 493 0747
North America: 1 800 452 1201
Special assistance
UK : +49 (0) 421 2215 7897 (Monday-Friday 9am-6pm)
North America: 1 800 828 8140
Group bookings
0421 224 79847 Monday - Friday: 10:00-12:00 CET (except public holidays)
Only for urgent queries on bookings with travel dates, payment or ticketing deadlines within the next 72 hours.
A cancellation, delay, or if you are not allowed to fly (denied boarding) are disruptions covered under UK legislation UK261.
As long as the reason for your disruption wasn’t beyond British Airways’ control (extraordinary circumstances) and the disruption is deemed severe enough, you could be entitled to £220-£520 in compensation.
Use our free and instant claim checker to find out if you are entitled to compensation.
You may be entitled to overnight accommodation, and transport to this accommodation for longer delays.
Food and drink, or a way to access this should also be provided by British Airways if your delay is over:
- 2 hours - short-haul flight of under 1500km
- 3 hours - medium-haul flight of 1500km – 3500km
- 4 hours - long-haul flight over 3500km
Additionally, you may be able to get a refund or alternate flight (rerouted) for:
- Denied boarding
- Cancellation within 14 days of departure
- Delay to your destination is likely to be over 5 hours
British Airways flies Boeing 747s, 777s, 787 Dreamliners, and Airbus A320s, A350s, among others.
Since it first launched in 1974, British Airways has maintained a world-class safety record, experiencing only one fatal accident on September 10, 1976.
Despite some of the aeroplanes being over 13 years old, they are maintained well and considered very safe.

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British Airways FAQs

Most reviewers state that they have had a flight delay or cancellation with BA, so overall, the airline is not very reliable. In fact, only 64% of BA flights operate on time, but the reliability can vary among routes.
British Airways transatlantic flights have received mixed reviews. Some passengers enjoyed the service provided in the premium cabins, but others were surprised by the airline’s Economy Class, saying that they didn’t think the upgrade to Business Class was worth the extra cost. On the other hand, many reviewers described poor customer service and frequent delays and cancellations on transatlantic flights.
Many passengers report that BA’s European routes were more enjoyable than their transatlantic service. Specifically, the friendly cabin crew and Business Class service stand out as positives for flights in Europe. On the other hand, there were significant complaints about frequent delays and cancellations and poor customer service.
Most BA passengers praise the airline’s check-in and boarding process as well as the overall seat comfort and baggage handling policies. Many also mention a very helpful and friendly flight crew and a simple and efficient refund and compensation process.
Passenger reviews give British Airways a 2 out of 5 for customer service, so the general consensus is that there is much room for improvement especially with regard to providing assistance during flight delays and cancellations.
Premium class passengers frequently describe the meals as very high quality. Many reviewers also mentioned how much they enjoyed the themed menus offered. Economy class meals, on the other hand, were usually described as being low quality and bland with small portions.
One of the top benefits of booking directly with BA is getting better customer service, especially for ticket changes and flight disruptions.
This also means that the compensation claim process is easier and more efficient than it would be booking through a 3rd party.
Other benefits include:
Access to competitive fares through the BA website and app
Special discounts and promotions
Improved chances of complimentary upgrades

British Airways Reviews and Ratings

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British Airways reviews

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British Airways canceled my return flights

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Worst Airline Ever British Airways

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By far one of the worst airline exp...

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Never again will we fly on British Airways

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British Airways Reviews and Ratings

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Flight delay

Comments

British Airways canceled my return flights

Comments

Worst Airline Ever British Airways

Comments

By far one of the worst airline exp...

Comments

Flight cancellation

Comments

Flight cancellation

Comments

Flight cancellation

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Flight cancellation

Comments

Never again will we fly on British Airways

Comments

Flight cancellation

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British Airways Ratings

Join the conversation! What do you think of British Airways

How does British Airways compare?

Compare British Airways with:

3 ways to claim compensation from British Airways

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What to expect from British Airways

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