British Airways

British Airways is the national flag carrier of the United Kingdom. The airline is the largest airline in the United Kingdom based on fleet size, international flights and international destinations. Its main hubs are London Heathrow and London Gatwick. The company was formed in 1974 through the nationalization and combination of BEA (British European Airways) and BOAC (British Overseas Airways Corporation) together with two smaller airlines, Cambrian and Northeast. The company was privatized in 1987 and today only operates out of Heathrow and Gatwick. British Airways has its own exclusive Terminal 5 at Heathrow, which, despite some early problems when it first opened, is now functioning smoothly. In January 2008 British Airways unveiled its new subsidiary OpenSkies, which takes advantage of the liberalisation of transatlantic traffic rights, and flies non-stop between major European cities and the United States.

British Airways offer either three or four classes of service on their long haul international routes serviced by Boeing 747, Boeing 767 and Boeing 777 aircraft. 'World Traveller' (Economy Class), 'World Traveller Plus' (Premium Economy) and 'Club World' (Business Class) always feature. All Boeing 747 aircraft and most Boeing 777 aircraft are fitted out for First (First Class).

World Traveller and World Traveller Plus are the two main economy classes offered internationally on British Airways. World Traveller is standard economy and offers a 31" seat pitch. World Traveller Plus is premium economy and, in comparison to World Traveller, offers a better (38") seat pitch, fewer seats abreast, and in-seat laptop power. Club World is the longhaul business class product of British Airways. Passengers have access to business lounges at most airports. In November 2006 the company launched a new Club World service (named Next Generation New Club World), offering larger seats and a service revamp. First is the long haul first class product on British Airways and is offered only on Boeing 747s and Boeing 777s. There are 14 private "demi-cabins" with 6' 6" beds, in-seat power for laptops, personal phones, and entertainment facilities. Meals are available in First on demand. BA offers dedicated check-in facilities at some airports.