Vary according to airport. The shortest is 20 minutes before departure at the smaller airports and the longest is 45 minutes for most long-haul flights. You can also check-in online or with the self-service machines at the airport. "Fast bag drop" machines are available in many airports to drop off any hold luggage if you've used online or self-service check-in.
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Hand luggage: one piece per passenger is permitted, with maximum dimensions of 22 x 18 x 10in.
Checked: varies by destination. For domestic UK routes and all international travel except the Americas and Nigeria, the free checked allowance is one bag with a maximum weight of 51 lbs and maximum linear dimensions of 62 inches (length + width + height). For American destinations (USA, Canada, Bermuda, Brazil, Mexico, Caribbean and Central America) and Nigeria, the free checked allowance is two bags, each with maximum dimensions of 62in and maximum weight 51lbs.
Excess: any items over the free allowance will be charged for excess luggage, though you can pre-pay online if you know you will be over. This saves 30 per cent of the cost incurred at the airport. Charges are high: £120 ($240) per bag for long-haul routes (£84 ($168) if booked online in advance); £60 ($120) per bag for short-haul (£42 ($84) online); £30 ($60) per bag for domestic (£21 ($42) online).
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Name changes are not permitted. The date and time of the flight can be changed online at the "Manage my Booking" section or by calling the reservations number.
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Yes, on long-haul routes children (aged 2 to 11) are charged 75 per cent of the adult fare. Infants travel for 10 per cent of the adult fare on any of the routes, if they are traveling on an adult's lap.
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Pets must be carried by British Airways World Cargo and travel in the hold. Guide dogs will be carried free of charge in the cabin on most routes - call the reservations number to book.
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Musical instruments can be carried on the aircraft as standard carry-on items. A separate seat can be purchased to carry a large musical instrument.
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You wouldn't be flying BA if you didn't get a pretty tasty in-flight meal. British Airways take their food so seriously that they've even created their own "culinary council", the members of which, including Michel Roux, design the in-flight menus.
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There’s nothing like heading up in the skies to work up an appetite. Check out the airline’s menu before you fly so you can decide if you need to bring any extras. See photographs taken by fellow flyers of meals they’ve been served and read reviews at AirlineMeals.net.
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Moby Dick, War and Peace, Leaves of Grass… Do you need to pack a weighty tome or will the in-flight magazine keep you happily occupied for the duration of the flight? BA's in-flight magazine, High Life, is published monthly is available on all flights.
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