British Airways Baggage Policy: A Guide to Checked and Carry-on Allowances and Fees

Founded in 1974, British Airways (BA), is a major flag European carrier from United Kingdom. They operate a global network connecting London with destinations worldwide, offering flights to 200+ destinations.

British Airways' baggage allowance is primarily determined by the cabin class and fare type selected, ranging from Economy Basic to First Class. The policy is also influenced by the specific flight route and the passenger’s executive club status, with Silver and Gold members receiving additional complimentary allowances.

Checked bag vs carry on vs personal item

Packing starts with understanding your bags:

• Checked baggage is the larger luggage checked into the cargo hold; for British Airways, the maximum standard size is 90 x 75 x 43 cm.
• Carry-on bags (also referred to as cabin bags) go into the cabin for essentials, subject to the 100ml liquid rule, with a max size of 56 x 45 x 25 cm.
• The Personal Item is the smallest (like a laptop bag or purse) and must fit under the seat in front of you.

For safety, remember all spare lithium batteries, power banks, and e-cigarettes must be in your carry-on, while sharp objects must always be placed in checked baggage.

British Airways carry-on allowance

Cabin bags should not exceed 56 x 45 x 25 cm and must be stored in the overhead locker. While there is no enforced weight limit, you must be able to lift your bag into the locker unassisted. You are also allowed one personal item (max 40 x 30 x 15 cm) which should fit under the seat in front of you.

British Airways checked baggage allowance

British Airways primarily operates on the Piece Concept for its checked luggage.

The Piece Concept limits the number of bags you can bring (e.g., 2 bags maximum, each up to 23kg), meaning you cannot consolidate one big bag into two small ones without paying extra. Conversely, the Weight Concept limits the total combined weight of all your bags (e.g., a total of 30 kg across any number of pieces).

Executive Club Silver members receive a 32 kg weight allowance for up to two checked bags in any cabin, and Gold members receive one additional checked bag at 32 kg in any cabin.

British Airways extra baggage fees

British Airways charges fixed, flat-rate fees for bags that exceed standard weight or size limits. These fees are applied per bag, per journey. If a bag is both overweight and oversized, you may be charged for both.

Overweight Fees

If your bag weighs more than your ticket allowance (typically 23 kg) but is under 32 kg, you must pay an extra charge of £65 / €75 / $100 USD / $100 CAD. No single bag can exceed 32 kg (70 lbs), and items over this limit must be shipped as cargo.

Oversized Fees

Bags larger than the standard 90 x 75 x 43 cm but within the maximum limit of 190 x 75 x 65 cm are subject to an oversized fee o f£65 / €75 / $100 USD / $100 CAD.

Additional Baggage Fees

The cost for extra bags is highly variable and depends on your specific route (short-haul vs. long-haul), travel zones, and when you pay. British Airways offers lower rates for purchasing extra bags online in advance compared to paying at the airport. To find the exact cost for your journey and fare type, you can use the official British Airways baggage calculator before you fly.

British Airways special baggage policy

• Infants and Children: Infants (under 2 years old) not occupying a seat are permitted one checked bag up to 23 kg (in all cabins except Economy Basic).Additionally, up to two essential infant items can be checked free of charge, including a fully collapsible pushchair/stroller, a car seat, a booster seat, or a travel cot. This allowance does not apply on Economy Basic fares.
• Musical Instruments: Instruments up to 80 x 45 x 25 cm (31 x 18 x 10 in) can be carried in the cabin as the passenger's larger hand baggage piece (in place of the standard 56 x 45 x 25 cm bag). Instruments within the standard cabin bag size (56 x 45 x 25 cm) count as the cabin bag.
• Musical Instruments: Instruments larger than 80 x 45 x 25 cm but not exceeding 140 x 50 x 30 cm (e.g., guitars, cellos) require the purchase of a separate seat in the cabin and must be booked by contacting the airline directly. Instruments larger than 140 cm must be checked and are subject to the 32 kg maximum weight limit and all relevant fees, and may be sent as cargo if too large.

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