You can check in for a British Airways flight starting 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. Online and mobile check-in opens exactly 24 hours before your flight and allows you to confirm your flight details, select or change your seat, and obtain your boarding pass. This method is convenient for passengers traveling with carry-on luggage only, as it lets you bypass the airport check-in counters and proceed directly to security and your gate. If you have checked bags, you will need to drop them off at the airport bag drop counters. These counters typically open three hours before departure and close 45 minutes before the flight for domestic and European flights, or 60 minutes before for long-haul international flights.

British Airways also provides self-service kiosks at many airports. These kiosks open about three hours before the flight and close according to the same times as the bag drop counters. At the kiosk, you can check in by entering your booking details, print your boarding pass, and print baggage tags if needed. After tagging your bags, you proceed to the bag drop area to hand over your checked luggage. This option helps reduce wait times and speeds up the check-in process.

Staffed check-in counters are available for passengers who need assistance, are traveling with infants, or prefer to check in with an agent. These counters open about three hours before departure and close with the bag drop counters. Arriving early is important to complete check-in, security screening, and reach the boarding gate on time. British Airways recommends arriving at least two hours before domestic and European flights and three hours before long-haul international flights. Boarding usually starts 45 minutes before departure, and gates close 15 minutes before the flight leaves.

In summary, British Airways check-in opens 24 hours before departure online and three hours before at the airport counters and kiosks. Arriving early and preparing your documents ensures a smooth check-in and boarding process.