Here are some handy tips so that you can get packing and have a smooth journey.
Checked baggage
Label your bags inside and out with your name, destination address, email address and mobile or cell number.
If you have checked-in bags with another Airline or at another Airport prior to your British Airways flight, you MUST see an Agent at the Departure Gate to ensure we have your baggage details.
Make sure you know your free allowance for baggage which goes in the aircraft hold.
A flat fee of GBP 25 will be applied to any checked bag weighing more than 23kg (51lbs). Any item weighing more than 32kg (70lbs) cannot be accepted as checked baggage.
Don’t pack any valuables in your checked baggage.
Remember that you won’t have access to your checked baggage on board the flight.
Any items over your allowance will be charged as excess baggage.
Remove tags and labels left over from previous flights.
Make sure there are no loose straps or other items hanging from the bag, this applies particularly for rucksacks.
Boxes or crates should be within the dimensions (H+W+L): 158cm (62in) and be packed in a sturdy manner.
Fragile items should be packed in a container capable of withstanding airport and baggage processes.
Hand baggage
Make sure you know your hand baggage allowance.
If you have checked-in bags with another Airline or at another Airport prior to your British Airways flight, you MUST see an Agent at the Departure Gate to ensure we have your baggage details.
Do not take sharp objects in your hand baggage that will be confiscated at security.
Cigarette lighters are not permitted in hand baggage or about your person when travelling to/from/via the USA and specific Caribbean countries, notably Barbados and Jamaica.
Make sure you take medication, important documents, valuable items and cash in your hand baggage.
After check in, go immediately through security. At busy times of the day, at some airports, you may have to queue.
Allow extra time to go through security checks at the airport. You must get to your gate on time or you may not be allowed to fly.
Minimise your hand baggage and remove your laptop from its bag to be screened separately (at London Heathrow and some other airports).
Your hand baggage will be checked by security staff using x-ray machinery.
Film material over 1000ASA/31 DIN should be removed and offered for screening separately.
Do not carry packages with unidentified contents on behalf of other people. If asked to do so, contact the local police, customs or member of staff immediately.
You may lock your bags except when travelling from the USA.
In some instances you may be required to identify or claim your baggage, for security or local customs reasons, at the connecting point.