Booking is very simple on ba.com. It is especially easy to select the day with the cheapest tickets. Unlike budget airlines, there is no extra charge for using a credit card on ba.com.

You can check-in online from 23hr 59mins 59 mins prior to departure, as long as the system is working OK! You will need the booking reference that BA will email to you when you book. You can then collect your boarding pass from the self-service machine at the airport, as long as you have the credit card you used to book, and drop any luggage as the Fast Bag Drop counter.

Edited to say: Spottie is right. You cannot use on-line check-in if you have children under 12 in the booking. This is to stop you giving them exit row seats (I think).