The national carrier of the UK, British Airways, often known as BA, is also the largest airline in the country. It flies to more than 550 destinations worldwide from airports across the UK, and operates more transatlantic flights from Europe than any other airline. Its hubs are London Heathrow and Gatwick airports. In 2008, BA moved to capitalise on the liberalisation of transatlantic air travel between Europe and the US by launching its new subsidiary OpenSkies, which takes its name from the historic EU-US aviation treaty.
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Hand luggage: each passenger can carry one standard sized bag (56 x 45 x 25cm) and one laptop-sized bag, handbag or briefcase. Size restrictions include handles, pockets and wheels, and can be verified at the gauge in the check-in area.
Checked: varies by destination. For all routes except Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and direct connections between India and the USA, or Bermuda and Canada, the free checked allowance is one bag with a maximum weight of 23kg and maximum dimensions of 90 x 75 x 43cm. For the above exceptions, the free checked allowance is two standard-sized bags, which are subject to the same weight restrictions.
Excess: a flat fee of £30 is applied to bags weighing 23 - 32kg, or exceeding the standard size dimensions by up to 240 x 75 x 65cm. Long-haul customers with a single bag allowance who wish to carry a second item of luggage must pay £40, while a third item costs £90. Extra bags on domestic routes cost £35 each.
Name changes are not permitted, though corrections will be considered. Depending on the type of fare (restricted, non-upgradeable or non-refundable), the date and time of the flight can be changed online at the 'Manage My Booking' section or by calling the reservations number. It can cost between £50 and $250USD per transaction, plus any difference in the cost of the fare.
BA's in-flight magazine, High Life, is available on all flights.
See Cheapflights' review of the magazine on Cheap Flight News.
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