British Airways
BA · United Kingdom
Expert Editorial ReviewFlightLogic score: 7.7/10
British Airways vs Qantas
Side-by-side policy and rating comparison — baggage, Wi-Fi, legroom, lounges, and loyalty programmes.
Verdict
Qantas scores higher on FlightLogic at 8.1/10 vs 7.7/10 for British Airways. Policy comparison below covers cabin baggage, checked bags, Wi-Fi, and seat pitch.
Comparison data last updated 6 July 2026
Policy comparison
Structured operational tokens — verify current fare rules on each airline before booking.
| Policy | British Airways | Qantas |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin baggage | Included | Included |
| Checked baggage | Not on Basic; 1×23 kg on standard long-haul | 1×23 kg international economy |
| In-flight Wi-Fi | Paid | Partial (messaging/select routes) |
| Economy seat pitch | 30–31" | 31" |
| Loyalty programme | Executive Club (Avios) | Qantas Frequent Flyer |
| Lounge access | Galleries / Concorde Room for Club World/First and BA Gold | Qantas Club / First lounges |
| Changes & refunds | Basic non-refundable; standard fares change fee + difference | Red eDeal restricted; Flex allows changes |
Individual profiles
Qantas
QF · Australia
Expert Editorial ReviewFlightLogic score: 8.1/10
Editorial profiles
7.7 / 10
Quick Answer
British Airways scores 7.7/10 on FlightLogic (safety 9.1/10), ranking #9 globally. verified in-flight Wi-Fi averages 5 Mbps on measured routes. Catering: Special meals (VGML, MOML, NFML) ordered 24h ahead — reliable on long-haul; short-haul buy-on-board limited
Is British Airways a good airline?
British Airways scores 7.7/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic, ranking #9 globally with a safety score of 9.1/10. British Airways is the UK's flag carrier and oneworld founding member, operating roughly 280 aircraft from its London Heathrow Terminal 5 fortress hub to 200+ destinations worldwide. Long-haul Club Suite business class — with direct aisle access, closing doors, and full plated dining — has transformed BA's premium product and now competes credibly with Virgin Upper Class and US carrier suites on transatlantic routes. Short-haul Euro Traveller remains dated, and operational punctuality trails European rivals, but for UK-based Avios collectors BA's Heathrow dominance, Reward Flight Saver pricing, and credit card ecosystem make it the default loyalty programme. See full profile →
Overall 7.7 Very Good
Safety 9.1 Excellent Safety
Service 7.8 Cabin crew & ground
Value 7.0 Fare vs product
Star rating 4★ FlightLogic tier
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology
Score breakdown
Key facts
- Hub
- London Heathrow (LHR)
- Alliance
- oneworld
- Founded
- 1974
- Fleet
- 280 aircraft
- Region
- europe
- IATA / ICAO
- BA / BAW
Passenger policies
| Cabin baggage | Included — standard carry-on allowance applies |
|---|---|
| Checked baggage | Not on Basic; 1×23 kg on standard long-haul |
| In-flight Wi-Fi | Paid Wi-Fi or messaging packages |
| Economy seat pitch | 30–31" |
| Lounge access | Galleries / Concorde Room for Club World/First and BA Gold |
| Changes & refunds | Basic non-refundable; standard fares change fee + difference |
| Loyalty programme | Executive Club (Avios) |
Strengths
- Club Suite business class with direct aisle access and privacy doors on most long-haul widebodies
- Concorde Room and Galleries lounges at Heathrow T5 — among the UK's best ground experiences
- Avios loyalty programme with Reward Flight Saver, household accounts, and strong UK credit card earn
- Unmatched London Heathrow connectivity across oneworld and partner airlines
Weaknesses
- Short-haul Euro Traveller uses buy-on-board catering on many European routes
- High carrier-imposed surcharges on long-haul Avios redemptions reduce reward flight value
- Heathrow T5 congestion and occasional ATC-related delays affect punctuality scores
Awards & recognition
- Best Business Class Club Suite
- Best UK Full-Service Carrier
8.1 / 10
Quick Answer
Qantas scores 8.1/10 on FlightLogic (safety 9.6/10), ranking #10 globally. in-flight Wi-Fi is paid or partial on most long-haul routes. Special meals require pre-order on long-haul.
Is Qantas a good airline?
Qantas scores 8.1/10 (Excellent) on FlightLogic, ranking #10 globally with a safety score of 9.6/10. Qantas combines Australian warmth with Project Sunrise ambitions, refreshed A380 cabins, and the strongest domestic network in Australia. See full profile →
Overall 8.1 Excellent
Safety 9.6 Maximum Safety
Service 8.5 Cabin crew & ground
Value 7.5 Fare vs product
Star rating 4★ FlightLogic tier
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology
Score breakdown
Key facts
- Hub
- Sydney & Melbourne
- Alliance
- oneworld
- Founded
- 1920
- Fleet
- 130 aircraft
- Region
- asia pacific
- IATA / ICAO
- QF / QFA
Passenger policies
| Cabin baggage | Included — standard carry-on allowance applies |
|---|---|
| Checked baggage | 1×23 kg international economy |
| In-flight Wi-Fi | Partial — free messaging or select routes/cabins only |
| Economy seat pitch | 31" |
| Lounge access | Qantas Club / First lounges |
| Changes & refunds | Red eDeal restricted; Flex allows changes |
| Loyalty programme | Qantas Frequent Flyer |
Strengths
- Refreshed A380 upper deck
- Qantas First lounges
- Strong safety record
Weaknesses
- Premium pricing on kangaroo routes
- Older 737 domestic fleet
Awards & recognition
- World's Safest Airline (Top 10)
- Best Long-Haul Premium Economy
FAQ
Which is better — British Airways or Qantas?
Qantas scores higher on FlightLogic at 8.1/10 vs 7.7/10 for British Airways. Policy comparison below covers cabin baggage, checked bags, Wi-Fi, and seat pitch.
Does British Airways or Qantas include a carry-on bag?
British Airways: Included. Qantas: Included.
Which has free Wi-Fi — British Airways or Qantas?
British Airways: Paid. Qantas: Partial (messaging/select routes).
Does British Airways include checked baggage?
British Airways checked baggage: Not on Basic; 1×23 kg on standard long-haul.
Does Qantas include checked baggage?
Qantas checked baggage: 1×23 kg international economy.