British Airways Online Check-In Guide (2026)
British Airways online check-in opens 24 hours before departure and closes 45-60 minutes before most flights. You can check in via their website, mobile app, or airport kiosks using your booking reference.
Check-In Timing
| Airline | British Airways (BA) |
|---|---|
| Check-In Opens | 24 hours before departure |
| Check-In Closes | 45 minutes before short-haul flights and 60 minutes before long-haul flights from London Heathrow and Gatwick; 30 minutes before all flights from London City |
| Check-In URL | https://www.britishairways.com/check-in/ |
| Mobile App | British Airways app (iOS, Android, Apple Watch) |
| Mobile Boarding Pass | Yes |
| Airport Kiosk | Yes |
Step-by-Step Check-In Guide
1. Visit britishairways.com or open the British Airways app. 2. Enter your booking reference (PNR) and surname. 3. Confirm your flight details and passenger information. 4. Choose or confirm your seat assignment. 5. Add any extra baggage if needed. 6. Download, print, or email your boarding pass.
Documents Needed
Booking reference (PNR) or e-ticket number, valid passport for international flights, and any required visas or travel documents for your destination
Seat Selection
Free seat selection opens 24 hours before departure for most fares, except Basic tickets where seats are allocated. Executive Club members (Bronze, Silver, Gold) and oneworld equivalents get free advance seat selection at different stages before check-in opens. Paid seat selection is available in advance.
International Check-In Rules
Passport and visa checks are required before going through security for intercontinental flights from London Heathrow Terminal 3 or Terminal 5. Passengers must go to an Assistance desk for document verification. Advance Passenger Information (API) is required for many international destinations.
Group Check-In
Up to eight people on the same booking can have their mobile boarding passes downloaded to one device. Groups of more than nine people must contact British Airways Group Sales for paid seating and check-in arrangements. All children can be checked in with one adult at kiosks, but other adults in the group must check in individually.
Troubleshooting
1. 'Online check-in unavailable' - You may be flying from an airport that doesn't support online check-in (e.g., Dubrovnik, Split) or require document verification at the airport. 2. 'Unable to get mobile boarding pass' - You might be selected for additional security checks or need a visa check; proceed to an airport desk. 3. 'Seat selection fee shown' - You may have a Basic ticket or are trying to select a seat before the free 24-hour window opens.