British Airlines: Complete Guide

British airlines are among the world’s most established carriers, offering extensive flight networks, modern fleets, and quality service. Whether you’re flying from Dhaka to London or exploring Europe, understanding the British airlines landscape helps you choose the best airline for your journey. This guide covers the major UK carriers (like British Airways and Virgin Atlantic), budget airlines, booking and ticket check processes, baggage rules, loyalty programs, and more. We’ll also highlight how FTO Travel can help you book flights with these airlines.

Britain’s airlines include full-service and low-cost carriers. The UK’s flag carrier, British Airways (BA), connects London to hundreds of global destinations and is known for its premium service. Other major UK airlines include Virgin Atlantic, a long-haul leisure carrier; easyJet, a leading low-cost airline in Europe; and Jet2, a popular holiday charter airline. We’ll introduce each major airline, plus useful tips like how to manage your booking or perform a ticket check online.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a thorough understanding of British airlines – their strengths, routes, and policies. You’ll also know how to book and check your flight tickets, and why booking through a trusted agency like FTO Travel can make your trip smoother. Let’s dive into the world of British airlines and see what makes them unique.

British Airways – The UK Flag Carrier

British Airways (BA) is the largest airline in the United Kingdom and serves as the UK’s flag carrier. Established in 1974 from the merger of BOAC and BEA, BA operates an extensive international network. Headquartered in London, its main hub is London Heathrow (LHR) with another hub at Gatwick (LGW). Key points about British Airways:

Destinations & Fleet: BA flies to over 180 destinations worldwide across all continents. Its fleet includes modern aircraft like the Boeing 777, 787 Dreamliner, Airbus A380, and A350.
Alliance: BA is a founding member of the Oneworld alliance, offering seamless connections and frequent-flyer benefits with partners like American Airlines, Qantas, and others.
Cabin Classes: BA offers multiple classes – Economy (Euro Traveller on short-haul, World Traveller on long-haul), Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus), Business Class (Club World), and First Class. Amenities include in-flight entertainment on long flights, complimentary meals, and lounge access for premium passengers.
Frequent Flyer: The Executive Club allows you to earn and redeem Avios points on BA and partner flights. Points can be used for upgrades, seat upgrades, and partner rewards.
Booking & Ticket Check: BA’s website (ba.com) lets you book flights and manage bookings. Use the “Manage My Booking” tool to check or modify your reservation online. Through this tool you can perform a ticket check (view flight details, update passport info, select seats) before your flight.
Travel from Bangladesh: British Airways offers direct flights between Dhaka (DAC) and London Heathrow, and connects via one-stop itineraries through the Middle East or Europe. If you need help booking BA flights, FTO Travel’s Flight Booking service can assist with finding the best prices and routing.
Example Service: British Airways is known for on-time service and punctuality. In 2022, BA was rated among the top carriers in punctuality and customer satisfaction in some industry surveys. (For up-to-date schedules and reviews, see international flight reviews and BA’s official info.)

British Airways sets a high standard among British airlines with its global reach and service. If you’re booking a long-haul or premium flight, BA is often a top choice. For more information on flying from Dhaka or booking Europe trips, check FTO Travel’s International Flights page.

Virgin Atlantic – UK’s Leisure Airline

Virgin Atlantic is another major UK airline, founded by Sir Richard Branson in 1984. It focuses on long-haul, leisure-oriented routes, and is famous for its stylish branding and service. Key features of Virgin Atlantic:

Destinations & Fleet: Virgin flies to about 30+ destinations, primarily across the Atlantic (USA, Caribbean), Africa, and Asia (including India and selective Asian cities). Its modern fleet includes Airbus A350s and Boeing 787s, offering lie-flat seats in Upper Class (business) and premium economy.
Partnerships: Unlike BA, Virgin is not part of an alliance but has a joint venture with Delta Air Lines for transatlantic flights. Flying Club is its frequent-flyer program (uses Avios points too, since Delta partnership).
Service: Emphasis on comfort and entertainment; many flights feature onboard bars or social spaces in Upper Class. Food and entertainment are British-themed (often including healthy snack options, as Virgin was innovative with vegan menus).
Booking & Ticket Check: Use the Virgin Atlantic website or the Flying Club account to manage bookings. The “Manage My Booking” page lets you do a ticket check – verify flight times, seats, and baggage allowances.
Bangladesh Travelers: Virgin Atlantic doesn’t fly directly from Bangladesh, but it partners with other airlines via codeshares. For example, one could fly to Delhi or Islamabad on partner carriers and connect to Virgin flights to the UK or USA. FTO Travel can help plan such multi-airline itineraries.
Why Fly Virgin: If flying to the USA (especially New York or LA), Virgin is a competitive option for nice service and at times lower fares than BA on the same route. It’s often voted for friendly staff and onboard experience.

For booking tips and to compare fares, see our British Airlines page and consult FTO Travel’s Flight Deals section.

easyJet – UK’s Low-Cost Carrier

easyJet is one of Europe’s largest low-cost airlines and the most well-known British budget carrier. Founded in 1995, it primarily serves short-haul and medium-haul flights.

Network: easyJet flies to over 150 destinations across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Major UK bases include London Luton and Gatwick, with many domestic and European flights.
Fares & Booking: easyJet offers very competitive prices, especially if booked early. Tickets are basic – they include seat and one small hand bag; checked baggage, seat selection, and meals are extra. To book, use easyJet’s website or app.
Ticket Check: easyJet provides online check-in and a “Manage Bookings” section where you can enter your booking reference to view flight details and add services. This acts as your ticket check portal for e-tickets.
Service Level: Cabins have high-density seating. There is no free meal service, but snacks and drinks are sold onboard. They do allow buy-on-board snacks. In-flight entertainment is mainly via one’s own devices (download the easyJet app for maps/updates).
Frequent Flyer: easyJet has no traditional loyalty program. They do have EasyJet Plus and Flexi fares for perks like flexibility and speed boarding.
Travel from Bangladesh: easyJet doesn’t fly to Asia or Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh travelers may use easyJet for travel within Europe (e.g., after arriving at LHR, one could take easyJet to other UK cities or Europe).

Overall, easyJet is a top pick among British airlines for travelers on a budget traveling in Europe. If you’re planning multi-city Europe trips, combine legacy carriers (like BA) with easyJet for low-cost segments. FTO Travel’s agents can help build such itineraries using easyJet flights for part of the journey.

Jet2 and Other UK Carriers

Besides BA, Virgin, and easyJet, the UK has several other carriers:

Jet2 (Jet2.com): A UK leisure airline based in Leeds, offering flights and package holidays mainly to Mediterranean destinations (Spain, Portugal, Greece, etc.). If you plan beach holidays from the UK, Jet2 is a common choice. It operates a fleet of Boeing 737s and 757s.
TUI Airways (UK): Formerly Thomson Airways, TUI is part of the holiday and resort brand TUI Group. It flies from the UK to holiday destinations worldwide. Often included in holiday package deals.
Loganair: A small regional airline (based in Scotland) flying to remote and domestic UK destinations (like the Scottish isles). Not relevant for Dhaka travelers, but part of the UK airline list.
Flybe: Flybe was a UK regional carrier (focus on domestic/short routes), went bankrupt in 2020, and has since relaunched at a smaller scale.
Others: There are cargo, charter, and specialty airlines (e.g. Helicopter services, seaplanes) in the UK, but most travelers focus on BA, Virgin, easyJet, Jet2, and TUI.

For booking flights internationally, you’ll mostly deal with the first three.

Booking British Airlines Tickets

Booking a ticket with a British airline can be done via the airline’s website, a global travel site, or through a travel agency like FTO Travel. Here are key tips:

Airline Websites vs. Agencies: Booking directly on the airline’s website (BA, Virgin, easyJet) often gives you the best insight into fares and seat options. However, using a travel agent like FTO Travel can save time. FTO Travel can compare multiple airlines (including British airlines) at once and may have special fares. See our Flight Booking page for more info.

Ticket Check & Manage Booking: After booking, you should perform a “ticket check” by logging into the airline’s booking management portal. For example, on British Airways, use “Manage My Booking” on ba.com; on Virgin Atlantic, use “Manage Booking” on virginatlantic.com. Enter your booking reference (PNR) and last name to view your ticket and flight details. This lets you confirm flight times, seating, baggage rules, and even make changes (some changes might cost extra).

E-tickets: All British airlines issue e-tickets (electronic tickets). After payment, you receive an email with a booking reference and e-ticket number. You can use these details to check your booking online or check in for your flight (often 24–48 hours before departure).

Payment and Fares: British airlines typically accept major credit cards, and many allow mobile payment (depending on the airline). Fares can vary widely by season and how far in advance you book. BA and Virgin often have sales. easyJet frequently has limited-time offers. FTO Travel’s experts can notify you of deals on British airlines flights.

Travel Agents: FTO Travel can handle the entire booking process. We can also issue tickets for carriers we are authorized to sell, which may include British Airways or its codeshares. Using FTO can save you the hassle of ticket check yourself, as agents can track your booking and provide support.

Remember to double-check visa and entry requirements for the UK (or your destination) when booking. If your British Airlines flight involves a UK layover, make sure you have any necessary UK visas or transit permissions if required.

Checking Your British Airlines Ticket

A ticket check typically means verifying your flight booking details after purchase. Here’s how you can do it for British airlines:

British Airways: Go to the Manage My Booking page on ba.com. Enter your 6-character BA reference (also called PNR or record locator) and your last name. You’ll see your flight itinerary, e-ticket number, and can update passenger details.
Virgin Atlantic: On virginatlantic.com, use the Manage Booking section. Log in or enter your reference to view flights, seats, and meal preferences.
easyJet: Visit easyJet.com and click Manage Bookings. Input your booking reference and email to retrieve the booking. You can then add baggage or check-in.
Jet2/TUI: Similar Manage Your Booking pages exist on jet2.com and tui.co.uk. Use those to verify your ticket.

When you check your ticket: confirm the following information is correct – passenger names (as on passport), flight dates/times, departure and arrival airports, and seat assignments (if any). Also verify baggage allowance (e.g., does your fare include one checked bag or carry-on only) and fare rules (refundable? change fees?).

Some British airlines also allow you to download or print your boarding pass via the website or mobile app after checking in. Keep your e-ticket number handy (usually starts with a 125 for BA, 628 for Virgin, etc.) – you’ll need it at check-in if you go to the airport desk.

If you have any issues with your booking, FTO Travel’s customer support can help do a ticket check on your behalf. We can also reissue tickets if needed or make changes under certain conditions.

Baggage Allowance on British Airlines

Each British airline has its own baggage policy. Here is a quick summary for international flights (always verify on your ticket):

British Airways:
- Economy (Euro Traveller/World Traveller): 1 cabin bag (shoulder bag or small case) plus 1 personal item (like a laptop bag). Checked baggage: 1 free checked bag (23 kg) for Economy fares if flying long-haul; domestic/European Economy sometimes has no free checked bag unless ticket includes it.
- Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus): 2 cabin bags (one can be a larger rollaboard) and 2 checked bags (23 kg each).
- Business (Club World) & First: 2 checked bags (32 kg each) plus larger cabin bag allowance. Lounge access and priority baggage handling.
Virgin Atlantic:
- Economy: 1 cabin bag (no free checked bag unless you pay extra or have a special fare). Premium Economy / Upper Class include more.
- Upper Class (Business): 3 checked bags up to 32 kg each, plus 2 cabin bags.
- Flying Club Members: Silver/Gold tiers get extra baggage allowances.
easyJet:
- Economy/Standard Tickets: 1 small cabin bag (like a backpack). Additional cabin bag (rollaboard) and checked bags are add-ons.
- Plus/Flexi Tickets: Include extra perks like larger cabin bag and priority boarding.
Jet2:
- Typically, Jet2 holidays come with 1 cabin bag and 1 checked bag (20-23 kg) included. Flight-only bookings allow only 1 cabin bag; checked bags cost extra.

Always check your airline’s baggage page for the latest rules: for example, BA’s baggage policy is on BritishAirways.com under “Manage My Booking” or “Help”. If you’re unsure, FTO Travel can clarify baggage rules at booking time. Overweight or extra bags incur high fees, so plan accordingly.

In-Flight Services and Seat Classes

British airlines offer a range of services onboard: from basic chair to luxury suites. Here’s a quick guide:

Entertainment & Wi-Fi: British Airways and Virgin Atlantic offer seat-back screens with movies and music on long-haul flights. Many UK airlines now have Wi-Fi on select aircraft for a fee (e.g., BA charges per flight). EasyJet has no screens, but you can stream content via your device (download the easyJet app first).
Meals: On BA and Virgin long-haul flights, meals are included in the ticket price (except when flying within Europe on economy). On short-haul BA/Euroflyer flights, meals/snacks are available to purchase. EasyJet sells snacks/drinks; no free meals.
Seats: BA offers fully flat beds in Club World (business) and first, angled flat in Premium Economy, and recliner in Economy. Virgin Upper Class features fully flat beds and even onboard bar areas. Jet2 and easyJet have standard recliner seats (no lie-flat on low-cost carriers).
Lounges: Premium cabin passengers (Business/First) on BA and Virgin can access airport lounges. They provide free food/drink and Wi-Fi. Some UK lounge passes can also be bought or accessed with certain credit cards.
Families & Special Needs: All UK airlines provide assistance for children, disabled passengers, etc. Parents with infants get bassinets on long flights. When booking through FTO Travel, we can ensure special assistance is noted on your ticket.

These details matter for comfort. If you care about extra legroom or lounge access, check upgrade options or pay for extra legroom seats. FTO Travel can often book seat upgrades or help with special requests on British Airlines.

Why Choose British Airlines for Your Flights

British airlines are popular for several reasons:

Reputation & Safety: British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are internationally recognized brands with high safety and service standards. In recent global ratings, BA often scores well on customer satisfaction. UK airlines strictly adhere to international safety regulations.
Extensive Networks: From Heathrow or Gatwick, BA and others connect to virtually every continent. If you’re planning multi-destination trips, booking through BA (or a UK-based airline) can simplify connections.
Service Options: With multiple cabin classes, they cater to budget travelers (via easyJet) and premium travelers (via BA First/Club World). You can choose exactly the service level you want.
Alliance and Codeshares: Being part of alliances, British airlines offer flexibility. For example, you can earn and use points across Oneworld carriers. If one airline is fully booked, there’s often a partner alternative.
Convenience in Bangladesh: British Airways has direct flights to Dhaka, which saves time. Also, UK-based travel agents (like FTO Travel) are expert at handling British airlines bookings, whereas airlines in Asia may not serve all UK airlines directly.
English Language Service: For English-speaking travelers, UK airlines have English-speaking crews and support, which can be reassuring.

However, be mindful of pricing. BA and Virgin fares can be higher than Middle Eastern or Gulf carriers. Low-cost airlines like easyJet don’t fly long-haul to Asia. Always compare itineraries. Tools on the FTO website let you compare British Airlines with others in one place.

British Airlines Ticket Check and Manage Booking

After booking, use the airlines’ online systems to manage your trip:

Manage My Booking: On each airline’s website, find the Manage Booking page. Enter your booking details to do a “ticket check”. You can confirm flights, add services (like extra bags or meals), and even check in. We recommend doing this a few days before departure.
Mobile Apps: BA, Virgin, and easyJet have apps where you can log in to see your booking. These let you receive notifications if there are schedule changes.
Online Check-In: Generally opens 24–48 hours before departure. Check in online to save time at the airport and to choose/confirm your seat. Many British airlines will email you a digital boarding pass.
Flight Status: If you need to check your flight’s status on departure day, use the airline’s website or app, or refer to airport flight boards.
Contact Support: If the ticket check reveals an error (wrong name spelling, date, etc.), contact FTO Travel or the airline immediately. Corrections may have fees but should be addressed early.

Performing a ticket check ensures everything is in order and lets you correct issues. It also helps reduce stress at the airport.

FTO Travel – Your Partner for British Airlines

Booking and flying with British airlines is easy with FTO Travel’s support:

Flight Booking Service: Use FTO Travel’s Flight Booking page to search and book. We specialize in flights from Bangladesh to the UK and beyond. Our agents can find British Airways and other carriers’ schedules, often with competitive pricing.
Deals & Offers: FTO often has special deals on flights. Check our Flight Deals section for promotions. If a sale is on for BA or Virgin flights, we’ll highlight it.
Travel Packages: Looking to combine your flight with UK tour packages? Our holiday packages include flights, hotels, and guided tours in the UK and Europe, often booked on British Airlines for convenience.
Customer Support: After booking, if you need assistance (ticket check, reconfirmation, or itinerary changes), our support team is just a phone call away. We liaise with airlines on your behalf, so you don’t have to navigate complex airline websites alone.
Visa & Docs: Traveling on British Airlines means entering the UK or EU. We also help with visa guidance. Ensure you have your visa (e.g., UK Standard Visitor visa) ready well before your flight.

No matter which British carrier you fly, FTO Travel is here to streamline the process. You can also visit our contact page for personalized help.

British Airlines Travel Tips

Book Early for Best Price: Airfares on BA and Virgin fluctuate. Booking 2–3 months in advance often gets better prices. easyJet tickets are cheapest when released (typically 9–12 months ahead).
Seat Selection: If you want extra legroom or a specific cabin seat, reserve it early (often at a fee for cheaper tickets).
Loyalty Programs: If you fly British Airways or Virgin frequently, sign up for Executive Club or Flying Club. You can earn points (Avios) even when booking through FTO Travel.
Alliances: To maximize benefits, use the same alliance. For example, BA’s Oneworld means you could earn American Airlines AAdvantage miles instead of Avios if you prefer.
Check Baggage: UK airlines have strict limits. Double-check weight/size limits for both carry-on and checked luggage to avoid hefty overweight fees at check-in.
Airport Transfers: If flying into Heathrow or Gatwick, know your onward transport. Trains (Heathrow Express, Tube) or coaches are common; book in advance if possible.
Travel Insurance: Consider insurance that covers flight cancellations or delays. British weather (fog, snow) can occasionally affect flights.
Stay Updated: Check the FTO blog for news like UK travel advisories or airline policy changes (e.g., latest COVID-19 rules or baggage policy updates).

By following these tips, your travel with any British airline can be smoother and more enjoyable.

British airlines like British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and easyJet play a vital role in connecting Bangladesh and the world to the UK. This guide has covered their networks, services, and booking tips – from how to perform a ticket check online to understanding baggage rules. Whether you choose BA’s extensive route network, Virgin’s unique service, or easyJet’s budget fares, you now have the knowledge to fly confidently.

Ready to book your British Airlines flight? Contact FTO Travel today for expert help with flights, or visit our Flight Booking service to search and book online. Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more travel guides and subscribe for updates on flight deals and travel tips. Happy flying!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the major British airlines?

Major British carriers include British Airways (the flag carrier), Virgin Atlantic, easyJet, and Jet2. Each serves different routes: BA and Virgin cover global long-haul flights, while easyJet and Jet2 focus on short-haul/holiday destinations in Europe.

Q: How can I book a flight with British Airways from Bangladesh?

You can book directly on British Airways’ website or use a travel agency like FTO Travel. FTO’s Flight Booking page lets you search BA flights from Dhaka to London and beyond, often with competitive fares.

Q: How do I perform a British Airlines ticket check?

After booking, go to the airline’s Manage Booking page (e.g., BA’s “Manage My Booking” on ba.com) and enter your reference number and name. This lets you view and verify your flight details online (the “ticket check”) before departure.

Q: Do British airlines fly to Bangladesh?

Yes, British Airways operates direct flights from Dhaka to London Heathrow. Other carriers (like Virgin or easyJet) do not fly directly to Bangladesh, but you can connect via partner airlines. FTO Travel can help arrange multi-leg itineraries.

Q: What is British Airways Executive Club and Flying Club?

These are loyalty programs of British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, respectively. Members earn Avios points for flights and purchases, which can be redeemed for award flights, upgrades, or other rewards.

Q: How much baggage can I bring on British Airways?

Baggage allowances vary by class. Typically, Economy passengers get 1 checked bag (23 kg) and 1 cabin bag, while Business/First get 2 checked bags (32 kg each). Always confirm on your ticket or BA’s website before travel.

Q: Is British Airways safe to fly?

British Airways has a strong safety record and adheres to strict regulations. It was rated 5-stars by Skytrax and has robust operational standards. All UK carriers comply with EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) rules for safety.

Q: How do I check in for a British Airways flight?

Online check-in is available 24–48 hours before departure via ba.com or the BA mobile app. Enter your booking reference and last name to check in, select seats, and obtain a boarding pass.

Q: Can I change or cancel my British Airways booking?

Changes/cancellations depend on your fare class. Use Manage My Booking to view your options. Many low-cost fares are non-refundable, while flexible tickets allow changes with a fee. Contact FTO Travel for assistance with changes.

Q: What airline is the cheapest British airline?

The cheapest options are usually easyJet and other low-cost carriers (such as Wizz Air UK or Jet2 for holiday routes). For long-haul, British Airways and Virgin occasionally offer sale fares, but their standard fares are higher than budget airlines.