BA · United Kingdom · Full-service

British Airways Baggage Policy

Carry-on, personal item, checked bag fees, overweight, special items, and basic economy rules for British Airways, with every figure cited to the airline's own policy page.

Quick answer

  • Carry-on: up to 22 x 18 x 10", max 23 kg, free
  • Personal item: up to 16 x 12 x 6", free on every fare
  • Checked bag: $0 first, $90 second (domestic economy)
  • Basic economy: Basic allows a carry-on

Carry-on baggage

Max dimensions (in)
22 x 18 x 10"
Max dimensions (cm)
56 x 45 x 25 cm
Weight limit
23 kg (51 lb)
Fee
Free
Gate-check risk
Low

Weight limit is 23 kg per bag and you must be able to lift it into the overhead bin unassisted. Basic (hand baggage only) fares are limited to a personal item on many routes.

Personal item

Max dimensions (in)
16 x 12 x 6"
Max dimensions (cm)
40 x 30 x 15 cm
Included
Yes, free on every fare

Laptop bag, handbag, or small backpack. Must fit under the seat in front of you.

Does your bag count?

Bag typeTypical sizeFit
Standard backpack
Everyday daypack, laptop backpack
 18 x 13 x 8" Too big
Tote bag
Canvas or leather tote
 15 x 14 x 5" Too big
Laptop bag
Messenger or slim briefcase
 16 x 12 x 4" Fits
Small duffel
Gym or weekender
 18 x 11 x 11" Too big
Purse
Handbag or crossbody
 12 x 10 x 5" Fits
Under-seat roller
Mini wheeled bag
 16 x 14 x 8" Too big

Checked baggage fees

Compare fees across airlines →
Domestic economy
1st bag$0
2nd bag$90
Long-haul / international
1st bag$0
Weight limit51 lb
Linear dim81 in
Overweight & oversize
51–70 lb$100
71–100 lbNot published
63–80 in$100

Longhaul World Traveller fares (including Basic on transatlantic routes) include 1 checked bag up to 23 kg / 51 lb at 90 x 75 x 43 cm (208 cm / 81 in linear). Second bag is $90 online / $100 airport; 3rd/4th bag is $170 online / $200 airport. Shorthaul Basic (Hand Baggage Only) includes no checked bag. Over-23kg fee is $100. Max single bag 32 kg / 70 lb.

Ways to skip the British Airways checked bag fee

  1. Pack carry-on only. Confirm your bag fits the British Airways carry-on size.
  2. Use a British Airways co-branded credit card. These typically waive the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions.
  3. Earn elite status. Mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction.
  4. Book a higher fare. Premium Economy, Business, and First usually include 1 to 2 checked bags.

Special items & sports equipment

Ski / snowboard
Not published
Golf clubs
Not published
Bicycle
$65
Pet in cabin
Not published
Pet as cargo
Not published

Musical instruments: Small instruments count as carry-on. Larger instruments can be checked within allowance or booked as an extra cabin seat.

BA does not allow pets in the cabin except registered assistance dogs. Pets travel via IAG Cargo, priced by route and weight. Bicycles typically cost around $65.

Basic economy restrictions

Basic British Airways's lowest fare tier
Carry-on allowed
Yes
Personal item allowed
Yes
Checked bag surcharge
Not published
  • Shorthaul Basic is hand-baggage only (no checked bag)
  • Longhaul Basic includes 1 checked bag
  • No seat selection until check-in
  • No changes or refunds
  • Last to board

Frequently asked questions

What is the British Airways carry-on size limit?

British Airways allows a carry-on bag up to 22 x 18 x 10" (56 x 45 x 25 cm), including handles and wheels. The weight limit is 23 kg (51 lb).

What is the British Airways personal item size?

The personal item on British Airways must fit within 16 x 12 x 6" (40 x 30 x 15 cm) and slide fully under the seat in front of you. Laptop bag, handbag, or small backpack. Must fit under the seat in front of you.

How much does a checked bag cost on British Airways?

The first checked bag on British Airways costs $0 on most domestic economy fares, and the second bag costs $90. On long-haul international routes, the first checked bag fee is $0. Longhaul World Traveller fares (including Basic on transatlantic routes) include 1 checked bag up to 23 kg / 51 lb at 90 x 75 x 43 cm (208 cm / 81 in linear). Second bag is $90 online / $100 airport; 3rd/4th bag is $170 online / $200 airport. Shorthaul Basic (Hand Baggage Only) includes no checked bag. Over-23kg fee is $100. Max single bag 32 kg / 70 lb.

What are the British Airways overweight and oversize bag fees?

Bags weighing 51 to 70 lb incur an overweight fee of $100. Oversize bags between 63 and 80 linear inches are $100. Fees are charged in addition to the standard checked bag fee.

Can I bring a carry-on on British Airways Basic?

Yes. British Airways Basic passengers can bring one carry-on bag plus one personal item.

How can I avoid British Airways checked bag fees?

Four common ways: (1) pack in a carry-on and personal item only (confirm your bag fits the British Airways carry-on size of 22 x 18 x 10"); (2) hold a British Airways co-branded credit card, which typically waives the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions on the same reservation; (3) reach elite status in the airline's frequent flyer program, where mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction; (4) book a higher fare class (Premium Economy, Business, First) where checked bags are included.

Will my bag be gate-checked on British Airways?

British Airways currently has a low gate-check risk based on our review of boarding policies and traveler reports. Overhead bin space is usually sufficient on full flights.

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British Airways hubs & focus cities

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Sources & verification

Airlines change baggage rules without notice. Always confirm with British Airways before flying.