You can begin checking in for a British Airways flight 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. Online and mobile check-in is available exactly 24 hours prior to your flight and remains open until shortly before boarding starts. This allows you to confirm your flight details, select or change seats, and obtain your boarding pass digitally. If you’re traveling with only carry-on luggage, online check-in lets you skip the airport counters and go straight to security and your gate. However, if you have checked bags, you’ll need to drop them off at the airport. British Airways’ bag drop counters generally open three hours before departure and close 45 minutes prior to domestic and European flights or 60 minutes before long-haul international flights.

At the airport, self-service kiosks are available starting about three hours before the flight. These kiosks enable you to check in, print your boarding pass, and print baggage tags if you have checked luggage. After tagging your bags, you proceed to the bag drop area to hand them over. Using kiosks helps speed up the check-in process and reduces wait times, especially during busy travel periods.

If you need assistance or prefer a personal touch, staffed check-in counters are open roughly three hours before departure and close in line with bag drop deadlines. These counters are ideal for passengers who require special services, are traveling with infants, or want to speak to an agent. British Airways staff can assist with seat assignments, baggage issues, and any questions you might have.

It’s important to arrive at the airport early enough to allow time for check-in, security, and reaching your gate. British Airways recommends arriving at least two hours before domestic and European flights and three hours before international flights. Boarding usually begins about 45 minutes before departure, and gates close 15 minutes before takeoff. Being punctual for boarding is essential to avoid missing your flight.

To sum up, British Airways check-in opens 24 hours before departure online and about three hours before at the airport via kiosks or staffed counters. Arriving early and preparing your travel documents helps ensure a smooth and stress-free start to your journey. Whether you choose to check in online or at the airport, knowing the times and options available will make your travel experience easier.