Used to flying with low-cost airlines such as Ryanair or Easyjet, I thought I would change for once and try British Airways thanks to a low cost ticket on a route from London to Basel, Switzerland.

Monitor showing the flight's announcement.

A monitor showing the flight’s announcement.

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On most low-cost airlines, tickets are very cheap but do not include any luggage. Oftentimes, you’re only allowed to take a backpack or handbag for free, and you must pay a supplement to add small cabin luggage.

A suitcase.

A suitcase.

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But with BA you are allowed small cabin luggage and a handbag or backpack that should fit under the seat in front of you.

A screengrab of BA's baggage allowance.

A screengrab of BA’s baggage allowance.

BA


My seat was automatically allocated to number 17 when I checked in through the BA app. The process was very easy and straightforward.

A selfie of Insider's Sam Tabahriti.

A selfie of Insider’s Sam Tabahriti.

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Apart from the first few rows at the front of the aircraft, all seats are the same and have similar legroom.

A view of the number of the seat.

A view of the number of the seat.

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It’s not too spacious, but it sure is enough for a short journey. My seat did feel different from the others I am used to on other airlines — it felt a bit more secure.

The legroom from the seat.

The legroom from my seat.

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BA has a grouping system when embarking. Each passenger is allocated to a group – from group 1 to group 9.

Inside the plane.

A view of the plane from my seat.

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Group 1 includes first-class passengers and business passengers, those who are executive club gold members, and Oneworld Emerald members.

A British Airways priority baggage label and First Class label on a suitcase.

A British Airways priority baggage label and First Class label on a suitcase.

Steve Parsons/Getty Images


When I boarded the flight, there was plenty of space in the overhead locker above the seats. I was even allowed to leave my backpack there instead of putting it under the seat in front of me.

A view of the shelf bin.

The shelf bin.

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Once everybody boarded the plane, the crew was quick to announce they were about to demonstrate the safety rules: “Please, pay attention as it may differ from other airlines,” the lead member said.

A picture of when the cabin crew demonstrated the safety rules.

The crew demonstrating the safety rules.

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