British Airways

At the airport
Heightened security measures have increased the time needed at the airport and the variety of security measures you may encounter. You will need to allow sufficient time to clear security screening and arrive at your departure gate on time.

Allow extra time

We suggest you arrive at the airport in plenty of time to catch your flight especially at peak times, such as school and national holidays. The following tips may help smooth the process:


Opening and closing times for check-in and boarding vary by airport so it is important to find out what your local airport times are in order to arrive there in plenty of time for your flight. Click here for check-in and boarding times.
You will need to allow extra time if you are travelling with young children, infants, or persons with disabilities
You can save time at the airport by using Self-Service Check-in kiosks or Online Check-in

Pack carefully:


Avoid packing your carry-on bags tightly so that it is easier for security personnel to check them
Travellers may bring one carry-on and one personal item (such as a handbag or briefcase) on all flights
Check your standard checked baggage allowance and ensure that you have included your name and contact details on tags outside and inside your baggage
When travelling to and from North America, the Transportation Safety Administration recommends you do not lock your checked baggage, as security may need to open your luggage to complete security checks
Pay attention to what you're bringing with you. Please note that you cannot carry sharp items in your carry-on bags
Certain items should not be carried on an aircraft because of the danger they represent. Many of these items are commonly used at work or home, but may become a hazard in flight due to changes in temperature and pressure. Check what are considered restricted baggage items

Ensure your personal information is accurate and complete:


Be sure to have a valid passport and any required Visas. You may be asked to provide your passport and boarding card at subsequent points, such as at the gate or security checkpoints
For travel within the UK only, you do not need to carry either photographic ID or your passport
Be sure to provide British Airways with your Advance Passenger Information. Laws in the UK, USA and other countries require British Airways and other airlines to collect Advance Passenger Information (passport and associated information). For more information click here. You can provide us with this information by using Manage My Booking.
If possible, when making your booking, ensure your overseas contact details are listed in British Airways reservation systems. Even if you have provided your travel agent with this information, British Airways may also need to reach you directly outside travel agency hours to ensure you are taken care of in the event of a service disruption

Be prepared for security checkpoints:


Only ticketed passengers are allowed beyond the security checkpoints, except for those with specific medical or parental needs
All electronic items, such as laptops and mobile phones, will be subjected to additional screening. Be sure to remove your laptop from its travel case so that both can be X-rayed separately
Keep your ticket, boarding pass, and ID within easy reach
Wear shoes that can be taken off and put back on relatively easily
Limit the amount of jewellery or other metal objects that you wear, and remove all metal objects prior to passing through the metal detectors in order to facilitate the screening process

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