Yes. Group travel on British Airways is available for parties of 10 or more people in most cabins, and First Class needs only 6 or more. Infants under 2 aren’t counted toward the minimum.
If you’re organising a family reunion, school trip, wedding party or work retreat, you’ll be dealing with a group sales team rather than the normal online booking engine. Online bookings are capped at nine passengers.
British Airways Group Booking Rules at a Glance
These vary depending on the country, so make sure to read the regional version on the official site.
Detail | UK & Ireland | North America |
Minimum group size | 10+ (6+ in First) | 10+ (6+ in First) |
Deposit | 20%, non-refundable, due within two weeks | From $100 per passenger |
Balance due | 8 weeks before departure | 30 days before departure |
Passenger details | 2 weeks before departure | 30 days before departure |
Quote hold | Two weeks, free | Two weeks, free |
Name changes | Free before tickets are issued | Free before tickets are issued |
If you are flying with other airlines as well, then British Airways would need your information 30 days before your flight.
How to Make a British Airways Group Booking: Step-by-Step Guide
Download and complete the 'Group Travel Request Form', which is available on the British Airways website or through Group Sales.
Review the quote. BA holds your flights for two weeks at no cost.
Please call for confirmation and make the deposit payment.
Submit names and Advanced Passenger Information (API) before the deadline.
Make the balance payment by the due date.
Booking a few weeks before departure alters the timetable. Late bookings might require you to pay the total amount at the time of booking.
Pros and Cons of British Airways Group Bookings
Pros
Your reservations will be managed by a professional team.
A small deposit will guarantee your seats.
Names can be changed for free before ticketing.
A free two-week hold gives everyone time to commit.
One person manages the whole booking.
Cons
The booking runs by phone and quote, so it’s slower than clicking “buy”.
The United Kingdom and Ireland deposit is non-refundable.
Date changes and upgrades of cabins attract more charges.
Charges apply for seat selection and excess baggage.
Payment deadlines are strict.
British Airways Group Travel: Seat Selection and Baggage Rules
If you don't purchase pre-selected seats in advance, BA will allocate you seats for free at the airport on the day of departure. If you wish for all members to sit together, you must get in touch with group sales and purchase the seats in advance.
The standard checked luggage allowance is 23 kg per piece of luggage. Any additional luggage is possible to have via the team. The actual allowance of luggage will depend on the class of ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions About British Airways Group Booking
1. What counts as a group on British Airways?
Ten or more passengers in most compartments and six or more in first class, except for children less than 2 years old.
2. Can I book 10 people online?
No. Online bookings are limited to nine passengers, so you’ll need to contact group sales.
3. How much deposit do I pay?
In the UK and Ireland, the deposit charge is 20%. In North America, the deposit charge commences at $100 per person. Clarify the charges according to your booking destination.
4. Can I change passenger names later?
Yes, at no cost until the tickets are issued based on the relevant group criteria. After that, a charge may be levied, depending on the country.
5. Can I book through a travel agent?
Yes. If you book through a travel agent, send your passenger details to the agent rather than directly to British Airways.
Final Thoughts on British Airways Group Travel
Group travel with British Airways is easy to plan once you realize that it includes a quote and confirmation process. Get your quote early, utilize the free two-week hold to confirm your numbers, and schedule your payments in your calendar. A British Airways Group Booking can make it easier to coordinate flights for eligible passengers. Because the terms are regional and subject to change, you should verify them with British Airways group sales before confirming your trip.
