British Airways Baggage Policy

The amount of baggage you can bring on British Airways depends on different factors like your travel class, route, type of ticket, and frequent flyer status. If your musical instruments or sporting equipment are not too heavy or too big, you can bring them with you as part of your baggage allowance.

Points to Keep in Mind About British Airways Baggage Allowance

1- All passengers are allowed to bring carry-on baggage (also known as hand baggage) for free:

1. You can bring a handbag that is no larger than 40cm x 30cm x 15cm (16in x 12in x 6in) and weighs up to 51lb/23kg. 
2. You can bring one cabin bag that is no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22in x 18in x 10in) and weighs no more than 51lb/23kg.

Lap infants are allowed to bring 1 extra cabin bag with them. The bag should be a standard size of up to 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22in x 18in x 10in) and weigh no more than 51lb/23kg.

2- The quantity of free checked baggage you can bring on British Airways flights is:

1. You can bring a handbag that is no larger than 40cm x 30cm x 15cm (16in x 12in x 6in) and weighs up to 51lb/23kg. 
2. You can bring one cabin bag that is no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22in x 18in x 10in) and weighs no more than 51lb/23kg.

All bags that are checked must be no bigger than 90cm by 75cm by 43cm (35.5in by 29.5in by 16in).

Children and babies ages 2 to 11 who have their own seats can bring the same amount of luggage as the adult traveling with them, plus up to two extra items like a foldable chair, car seat, backpack, or travel cot.

3- A checked bag can’t be bigger than 190cm by 75cm by 65cm (75 inches by 29.5 inches by 25.5 inches), and it can’t weigh more than 70lb/32kg. 

4- You can take up to 10 bags, but each bag can only weigh so much. 

5- It costs less to pay baggage fees online than at the airport. 

6- Waivers. Executive Club Gold and Oneworld Emerald members can bring one more checked bag in any ticket class (except for Hand Baggage Only prices), as long as each bag doesn’t weigh more than 70 pounds (32 kilograms). Executive Club Silver and Oneworld Sapphire members can bring one more checked bag, but they can’t bring more than two bags per person in Economy Class (except for Hand Baggage Only prices), and each bag can’t weigh more than 70 pounds (32 kg).

7- Mobility tools like personal wheelchairs can be checked for free, but if they weigh more than the maximum allowed, you must let the airline know at least 24 hours before you leave.

*2 bags weighing 51lb/23kg each for flights to/from: Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria; between Europe and Japan; flights from Shanghai to London Heathrow and back; between India and Canada/USA/Bermuda; between Islamabad and Canada/USA/Bermuda; flights from Saudi Arabia to Canada/USA/Bermuda; flights from Kuwait to the BA network and back to Kuwait; flights from UAE to Canada/USA/Mexico and back to UAE. On trips from London to Doha, you can bring one bag that weighs up to 70 pounds (32 kg).

Read Aslo: How to do pet reservation?

British Airways Carry-on Baggage Allowance

According to British Airways’s baggage policy, each person is allowed to bring one handbag and one normal carry-on bag for free, as long as the bags don’t exceed the following weight and size limits:

• Standard Cabin Bag- 1 
  • Includes the handle, pockets, and wheels. 22 by 18 by 10 inches (56 x 45 x 25cm)
  • Must fit inside the bag measured in the check-in area.
  • Max weight is 51lb/23kg
  • You have to be able to lift it yourself and put it in the overhead bin.
• Hand Bag- 1
  • Includes the handle, pockets, and wheels. 40cm x 36cm x 15cm x 6in
  • Has to fit under your front seat.
  • Max weight is 51lb/23kg

British Airways Checked Baggage Allowance

Your checked baggage allowance on British Airways, including the number and weight of your luggage, depends on your travel class, route, purchased fare, and membership status.

Note: 

1. The maximum weight and size allowed for a checked bag is:
   1. The maximum weight allowed is 70 pounds or 32 kilograms.
   2. We do not accept bags that weigh more than 70lb/32kg.
   3. The maximum size is 190cm x 75cm x 65cm (or 75in x 29.5in x 25.5in).
2. Each ticketed passenger is allowed a maximum of 10 extra checked bags. However, the weight of each bag must still comply with the baggage allowance limit. 
3. Baggage Allowance Waivers 
   

    

   1. If you are an Executive Club Gold or Oneworld Emerald member, you can bring an extra checked bag when you travel, regardless of the travel class you are in (except for Hand Baggage Only fares). The maximum weight for each bag is 70lb/32kg. 
   2. If you are an Executive Club Silver or Oneworld Sapphire member, you can bring one extra checked bag when traveling in Economy Class. However, please note that you cannot have more than two bags per passenger. This rule does not apply to Hand Baggage Only fares. Also, each bag should not weigh more than 70lb/32kg.
4. Passengers can check mobility aids like wheelchairs for free. If your wheelchair is heavier than the maximum weight limit, you need to let British Airways know at least 24 hours before your flight.
5. It is less expensive to pay your excess baggage fee online compared to paying at the airport.

British Airways Extra Baggage Fee

You can pay your extra baggage fee with British Airways either online or at the airport. If you choose to pay at the airport, the cost will be higher.

British Airways no longer displays its excess/additional baggage fee on its website. Instead, they suggest using their online baggage calculator tool to determine the fee specific to your route. Here is an estimate of the extra fees for excess baggage if you choose to pay online.

British Airways Baggage Fee: Hand Baggage

The baggage fee for Hand Baggage Only fares (also known as Basic fares) with British Airways depends on your flight route and how you choose to pay the fee. You can pay the fee online or at the airport. 

The table below shows the baggage fee for the first bag if paid online in advance. For short-haul flights, the fee ranges from USD 30 to USD 72. If you choose to pay for your baggage fee at the airport, it will cost you between USD 75 and 110. 

The fee for bringing one bag on long-haul flights can vary depending on how you pay. If you pay online, it can range from USD 55 to USD 90. If you pay at the airport, it can range from USD 60 to USD 110. 

British Airways Baggage Fees: Economy Class 

Euro Traveller (Plus, Plus Flex)

The baggage fees for Economy Class fares (Euro Traveller Plus and Plus Flex) on British Airways are as follows:

• From/to London Gatwick Online USD 55/€46 
• Airport USD 75/€65 
• Other routes Online are USD 90/€70 
• Airport USD 100/€75

British Airways Baggage Fee: Premium Economy Class

The baggage fees for British Airways Premium Economy Class fares (World Traveller Plus) are as listed below:

• Per Bag Online USD 180/€140 
• Airport USD 200/€150

British Airways Baggage Fee: Business and First Class 

Club Europe:  The baggage fees for Business and First Class fares (Club Europe) on British Airways are as follows:

• From/to London Gatwick/Stanstead Online USD 55/€46 
• Airport USD 75/€65 
• Other routes Online are USD 90/€70
• Airport USD 100/€75

Club World: The baggage fees for Economy Class fares on British Airways are as follows: Club World and First Class.

• Per Bag Online USD 180/€140 
• Airport USD 200/€150

British Airways Overweight Baggage Fees 

The fee for overweight bags on British Airways is $100 per bag. This applies to bags that weigh between 51-70lb or 23-32kg. Bags that weigh more than 70lb/32kg will not be accepted and need to be shipped separately as cargo or freight.

Read Also: British Airways Flight Change Policy

British Airways Oversized Baggage Fees 

British Airways allows you to bring bags that are up to 190cm x 75cm x 65cm (75in x 29.5in x 25.5in) without any extra cost. They have temporarily waived the fee for oversized baggage. Make sure that the weight of your bag doesn’t go over the maximum weight allowed for your baggage allowance. If your bags are larger than this size, they will not be accepted and you will need to ship them as cargo. 

British Airways Sports Equipment Policy 

The British Airways sports baggage policy lets you bring your sports equipment with you.

• For Free 
  
  • If it fits in your hand baggage, you can bring it as cabin baggage. 
  • You can bring it as checked baggage if it fits and is not restricted.
  • Regarding baggage fees
  • If you have already used up your allowance, you will need to place your extra bag(s) in the hold.
  • If your sports equipment weighs more than 51lb/23kg, you might have to pay an extra fee for overweight baggage. If you have sporting items that are larger than 190cm x 75cm x 65cm, you usually have to pay extra fees. However, these fees are currently not being charged.
  • If your sports equipment is too big, you will have to ship it as cargo.
• You can bring sports items like bicycles without motors (with pedals) as part of your checked baggage allowance. If you have already used your free baggage allowance, you will have to pay for putting your bicycle box in the hold. If you plan to bring a bicycle with you, make sure to let BA know at least 72 hours before your flight. They will need to know the size and weight of your bike box container. 

Banned and Restricted Items 

Liquids, Creams, Aerosols & Powders 

You can bring liquids in your check-in baggage according to British Airways’ baggage policy. Many countries have rules about what you can bring in your carry-on bag, so it’s a good idea to check beforehand. 

• Toiletries
  
  • You can bring toiletries like perfumes, hair sprays, colognes, and cleaning products as long as they are not radioactive, flammable, or toxic (Division 2.2). 
  • Passengers are not allowed to carry more than 2 kg or 2 liters of items.
  • The maximum weight or volume for a single item is 0.5 kg or 0.5 liter.
  • To prevent accidental leakage, it is important to ensure that the release valves on aerosols are properly protected.
• Liquid medicines 
  

   

  • You can bring alcohol in your hand or check-in baggage for personal, sporting, or home use as long as there is no additional risk involved.
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks 
  
  • You can bring up to 5 liters of alcohol in your hand baggage or checked baggage. The alcohol should have a volume of 24-70%. This rule applies if you bought the alcohol from the duty-free shop at the airport.
  • You can have as many alcoholic drinks with less than 24% alcohol volume as you want. 
  • Drinks with an alcohol volume higher than 70% are prohibited. 
  • One bottle or container can hold a maximum of 5 liters.

Prohibited Items 

British Airways does not allow certain items to be carried, except in certain cases.

Firearms and ammunition, Explosives, Flammable substances and devices, Chemicals, Stunning devices, Sharp objects, Tools, and blunt instruments

FAQs

What are the carry-on baggage allowances for British Airways flights?

One handbag and one cabin bag are allowed. Handbag: 40cm x 30cm x 15cm, max weight 51lb/23kg. Cabin bag: 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, max weight 51lb/23kg.

How many checked bags am I allowed, and what are the limits?

Varies by class. Economy: 1 bag, 90cm x 75cm x 43cm, max weight 51lb/23kg. Business: 2 bags, 90cm x 75cm x 43cm, max weight 70lb/32kg.

Can I bring sports equipment?

Yes, within size/weight limits. Oversized waived fees currently. Notify for bikes in advance.

Are there baggage fee waivers for frequent flyers?

Yes, Executive Club Gold: 1 extra bag, 70lb/32kg. Executive Club Silver: 1 extra bag, max 70lb/32kg.

How can I save on baggage fees?

Pay online in advance. Check excess fees with the calculator.