British Airways Questions

We’ve had the experience of booking with American, that had a codeshare BA flight as part of the itinerary. In that case we couldn’t book seats ahead of time at all. I think each airline has its own rules about what’s included in each fare class. And it doesn’t always translate to the fare classes of other airlines.
Yes, in my experience wine is included during the meal service on long haul BA flights, even in Economy. Can’t speak to the quality bc I’m not a wine person and drinking it on a flight would probably just give me a headache, so I always turn down the offer. Not sure about beer, I’m guessing not since they’ve never offered?
After check in, you can switch your seat for free if something looks more attractive than what you were allocated in the same class (but you always pay more for bulkhead or exit row, etc). We always check in as close to the 24 hour mark as possible, if we want to try to switch seats, because it seems like there might be more flexibility early, but thats just my theory.

No idea if they’d give you extra legroom because of needing special assistance. On the large, long haul BA planes I’ve been on, the only Economy extra legroom seats are in the Exit Row (which you may not be eligible for if you have mobility issues since technically you have to be able to help in case of emergency) or the bulkhead. The bulkhead also has baby bassinets built in, so I feel like there’s a chance of getting bumped if they’re needed for a family with an infant (again no proof of this, just my theory). BA doesn’t seem to have something like ‘Main Cabin Extra’ like American has, which is an economy seat with a few extra inches of legroom. Again, this is just my experience with the BA flights I’ve taken, maybe your market uses different planes.

It’s hard to believe they’d upgrade you to Premium Economy, but you never know. Definitely ask for assistance if it makes your journey easier and less stressful!

The amenities offered for free may depend on the level of ticket you purchased. I recommend that you download the British Air app if you haven't already done so.
I will be travelling soon on an American round trip ticket with connection in London LHR to my final destination. 3 of the 4 flights are BA operated. Only the first flight is AA-operated.
The BA app provides more details for the trip including the seat assignments and arrival & departure terminals. I have to go-online to the AA web page to check on my AA flight seat assignment.

Re the seat price - because that is what BA charges when you book with them - they sell their seats, not their partners. I have several times booked though AA where tit was n BA out (usually because of an ongoing connection in Heathrow) and on AA back, we have done so because of price. The AA seats in economy were cheap, as always. For the BA segment(s) refused to pay their surcharge and left it to where they put us when I checked in online 24 hours early - and not one second before.

The British Air app also provides the baggage details for the number and weight of checked bags allowed and the dimensions for your carryon and personal item. The BA app warns guests to check the American baggage allowances that are different from BA.

Firstly it's British Airways or BA but not British Air.

BA has charged for booking seats before 24 hours before your flight for years, it's perfectly normal, if different to what airlines in the US do. They even charge for Business class seats unless you have high status.

On the positive side they have better consumer protection for your flight into the UK than US airlines like American have.

Alcohol is included for all classes, including beer, wine and spirits.

It is "perfectly normal" to choose American AIRLINES seats at the time of purchase without an extra charge. The cost of the seat is included in the level of tickets available for purchase. I was able to select my AA seat assignment (row and letter - window, aisle etc) before finalizing my purchase.

BA charges for seat selection in most classes, even business class, unless you have elite status. You could have chosen your seats for free within 24 hours of check-in.

Many international airlines now charge for seat selection in advance if check-in.

Here's the link to the amenities in World Traveller BA's economy class. Click on the various links to learn more.

If you require extra legroom, the airline expects you to purchase a seat or class of service offering extra legroom. If they automatically gave free extra legroom seats to passengers claiming a disability, everyone would suddenly claim a disability.

Here's the link How to Request Assistance for British Airways.

Yes, to summarise:

-Beer, wine, spirits (and mixers) are all offered for free to everyone on long-haul flights. They normally come around and offer twice- once before the meal (along with a snack) and once with the meal. If you're flying overnight you normally get dinner and breakfast. Of course soft drinks/tea/coffee/etc are offered as well.

-Seat selection always costs money if you want to reserve a seat when booking. However the free seat selection opens up 24 hours in advance (when check-in opens). I always just wait till 24 hours ahead and select my seat then.

-Since you have mobility issues, definitely let them know you would like additional assistance! They can help you at Heathrow as well.

Don’t count on getting moved from economy to premium economy for free. Premium economy has an additional 8” of legroom, but it comes at a cost. If the flight isn’t full and the crew in a good mood, it could move the person with mobility issues to the premium economy section, but don’t bet your paycheck on it. If you want to be guaranteed the extra legroom reserve a premium economy seat.

Johnew52

Thank you for correcting me. I did the same thing back when. Thought I had it right this time but ......
and thank you for the other information.

BA is so much easier, anyways.

I did go back and edit my discussion.

And to everyone else

Thank you for your helpful feedback.

Knew I could count on forum.

I will download the BA app on my iPad and will do so on my phone when I get my new one. Yes, I am going to get a new phone soon finally, Hoping to do so the end of this month.

I’ve been flying overseas two or three times a year for the past ten years or so, and, with very few exceptions have always had to pay, on all different airlines, to choose a particular seat.
Airlines are there to make more and more money, not to please their paying passengers.
You’re buying space up there by buying a ticket, but if you want a comfy seat in that air space….buck up.
Or, wait till check in and get what’s left over for free.
It’s a bit of a racket….but that’s just my opinion.

B. Phil: I would just book and pay for your preferred seat in advance…you don’t want to get stuck in a cramped middle seat.

Oh…also…do book assistance in advance.
Heathrow Airport has some very long corridors…..make it easier on yourself to manoeuvre the airport.

For those who book free 24 hours in advance of flight, do you usually get seats you desire like an aisle seat if you want an aisle seat? Or do some of you end up in the middle seat when you hate the middle seat?

I've flown BA a lot, and I've always been successful at getting the seat I want (aisle seat). Set an alarm so you can go online exactly 24 hours before and ensure you get the one you want!

BA won't place you in an exit row if you have mobility issues for safety reasons and there's not really any option elsewhere for extra legroom without changing class. Any upgrades will go to passengers with status with BA and Oneworld partners first so it's very unlikely that you'll receive an upgrade but you never know.

As stated, beer, wine and spirits are available 'free' in economy but they're not free flowing as they are in business or first.

If you want an aisle seat then you may be more lucky as window seats are the most popular and are quickly snapped up.

You won't be offered much in way of assistance on board but go online to 'Manage My Booking' on the BA website and you can request assistance at the airport. This assistance isn't provided by BA but by the airport themselves.

Hello bonstonphil7

We used BA's mobility assistance for DH for our previous flight. While he is able to walk the long distances and standing in long lines would be exhausting for him.. The assistance people were compassionate and patient. The service was excellent.

This is how it went for us:

From our local airport they collected him in a wheelchair near the check-in counter. From there they whizzed us through security and then along to our gate where they parked him nearby the gate's information check-in desk. From the gate they scooted him down the ramp and left him at the door as he was able to walk unassisted onto the plane.

At Heathrow they collected DH just off the ramp, wheelchair waiting. There was a long walk, he rode & I hurried along, and then a buggy ride to passport control & security where they provided assistance for those processes in special lines. We were then taken to a very quiet space to wait for our connecting flight.

I do recommend you try this free service. The assistance people will help you to be safe on your way.

If you usually fly American Airlines, or any other One World Alliance Airline, you may have One World Status which would allow you to pick your seat for free on British Airways earlier than the 24 hours depending on your status.

One World Emerald and Sapphire- free seat selection at time of booking.
One World Ruby- free seat selection 7 days prior.

One World Emerald and Sapphire can also use the British Airways lounges.

Whilst you need to book a request for assistance with the airline you’re flying with, BA in this case, the actual service is provided by employees from each airport you use and not the airline.

Thank you everyone

I do not really need a wheelchair although I believe that I may be eligible for one.

I get in line with everyone else but usually someone comes to take me out of line and to a faster line for those with mobility issues.

Do not really need assistance on board except for asking someone to put my cane in an overhead bin and then get it for me when we land. I do not even need my cane all the time but will bring it with me for when walking outdoors.

I check one small bag and have a backpack that fits under the seat.

As for alcohol, I am not much of a drinker but will have an occasional glass of wine, beer or spirits . My max is one but I do enjoy an occsional drink and if it comes with the price of the ticket, why not.

Assistance is not just for those who need a wheelchair. It's for anyone for whom covering the distances involved in getting through airports is harder and will take time. It sounds like you are much more deserving of assistance than many I have seen using it over the years.

$156 to just pick my seat going and coming

Wow, that's actually a really good deal. We usually pay more.