Traveller's checklist

Views of sites in London, Washington, Rio de Janeiro and Sydney.

 

We want to help you make the most of your journey with us, so here are some useful tips to help you prepare.

Top priorities

There are some things you must do before you can travel, so please be aware of them and make sure you take action where necessary.

  • Check your passport and visas are up-to-date.  You must have a valid passport for the whole of your journey, and you are responsible for ensuring you have a valid visa, if it's required.

  • Advance Passenger Information is required by Immigration authorities in a number of countries.  You will be notified if you need to do this on ba.com when you use Manage My Booking.

  • Vaccinations and health information for your destination country is free and easily available through the IATA Travel Centre.

  • Check-in for your flight.  You can do this using online check-in from 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time and choose your seat early.  Alternatively, you can use an airport check-in kiosk which takes just a few minutes.

 

  • You must go through airport security and be at the departure gate at least 20 minutes before your flight’s scheduled departure time.

Print and take with you

You should always have a copy of your itinerary with you to show at Immigration as proof of your booking.  This information includes the:

  • flight number
  • operating airline (some British Airways flights are operated by other airlines on our behalf)
  • scheduled departure time
  • departure terminal. 

If you are transferring flights, you will need the important information contained in your itinerary.

You can print your e-ticket or itinerary receipt on ba.com or at an airport check-in kiosk.

Useful information

Baggage allowances

Baggage allowances vary by class of travel and by route, so check that you understand what your free baggage allowance is before you travel.

If you are travelling with another airline as well, check their baggage allowances, which may be different.

Purchase extra baggage allowance



If you wish to take additional baggage that is over your free checked baggage allowance, we will charge you for this.  You can pre-pay on ba.com and receive a discount.

You cannot pay to take more hand baggage than your free allowance.

Packing your bags

 

  • Label your bags inside and out with your name, destination address, email address and mobile or cell number.
  • Ensure all bag tags from previous flights are removed from your checked baggage before you travel.
  • 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, i.e. Barbados and Jamaica.
  • Don’t pack valuables in your checked baggage.
  • Carry medication, money and important documents in your hand baggage.

Security checks at the airport

Please allow yourself plenty of time to go through airport security checks, as you may have to queue, particularly at peak times.

  • Only passengers with tickets are allowed beyond the security checkpoints.
  • Keep your boarding pass and ID within easy reach to show to security staff.
  • Wear shoes that can be taken off easily as you may be asked to remove them for screening.
  • Remove all metal objects before going through the metal detectors.
  • You may need to remove your laptop from its travel case so that both can be x-rayed separately.
Vaccination and health information

It is important to check with your doctor 6-8 weeks before travelling for advice about the vaccinations required for the places you’re visiting.

We have partnered with MASTA which is a travel health provider with a network of travel clinics across the UK.

UK Government advice about travel

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office website contains the following useful information:

  • official Foreign Office travel advice about over 200 countries, country specific Travellers’ Tips, and links to travel advice of foreign governments

  • ‘Know Before You Go’ - government advice for your travel abroad

  • security and general tips on laws and customs abroad

  • what you should do if something goes wrong during your trip

  • answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Foreign currency

  • You can buy currency at the airport, although facilities may be limited at smaller airports.
  • At large airports there are usually a number of currency exchange locations, which stock the most commonly used currencies.
  • You may need to order some currencies with your local bank or post office before you travel.
  • Most currency exchange vendors will charge commission, and exchange rates may vary, so shop around.

Disabilities and special assistance

Please let us know before you travel if you have a disability and need assistance during your journey, such as travelling with a wheelchair.

To arrange supervision for a child travelling alone, you will need to contact us by phone so that we can make the necessary arrangements.



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