Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold; Flying Blue Life Platinum; LH Sen.; Hilton Diamond; Kemal Kebabs Prized Customer
Posts: 64,064
A Basic fare is hand baggage only. In essence it means just that. At LHR passengers can check in their cabin baggage, and sometimes emails go out on busy flights inviting people to do it. But it's not an absolute right, it's a policy waiver which will apply in particular scenarios. So in essence HBO = HBO, but sometimes BA will offer it proactively. If you want a clear checked baggage allowance it is best to pay an extra few pounds for a Plus fare, otherwise you are on best endeavours.