British Airways Baggage Allowance

British Airways baggage allowance

According to British Airways baggage policy, your baggage allowance will depend on your travel class, route, type of fare purchased, and frequent flyer membership status. Musical instruments and sporting equipment are included in your baggage allowance if they are within the specified weight and size limits.

Some key points to keep in mind about British Airways baggage allowance are as follows:

1. The free carry-on baggage allowance (hand baggage) for all passengers is:
   1. 1 hand bag up to 40cm x 30cm x 15cm (16in x 12in x 6in) in size
      and 51lb/23kg in weight. 
   2. 1 standard cabin bag up to 56cm x 45cm x 25m (22in x 18in x 10in) in size
      and 51lb/23kg in weight.

The carry-on baggage allowance for lap infants is 1 additional standard cabin bag up to 56cm x 45cm x 25m (22in x 18in x 10in) in size and 51lb/23kg in weight.

2. The free checked baggage allowance on British Airways flights is as follows:
   1. Basic/Hand Baggage Only 0 
   2. Economy 1 bag x 51lb/23kg*
   3. Premium Economy 2 bags x 51lb/23kg 
   4. Business 2 bags x 70lb/32kg 
   5. First 3 bags x 70lb/32kg 

All checked bags must adhere to the following dimensions: 90cm x 75cm x 43cm (35.5in x 29.5in x 16in).
Children and infants (2 – 11 years) occupying their own seats have the same baggage allowance as the accompanying adult plus up to 2 articles such as a collapsible stroller, car seat, harness, or travel cot.

3. The maximum size of a checked bag cannot exceed 190cm x 75cm x 65cm (75in x 29.5in x 25.5in) and the maximum weight of a checked bag cannot exceed 70lb/32kg. 
4. You can carry up to 10 bags subject to your per bag weight allowance. 
5. Paying baggage fee online is cheaper than paying at the airport. 
6. Waivers. Executive Club Gold and oneworld Emerald members are allowed to carry 1 additional checked bag in any travel class (excluding Hand Baggage Only fares), subject to a maximum weight of 70lb/32kg per bag. Executive Club Silver and oneworld Sapphire members are allowed to carry 1 additional checked bag but not more than 2 bags per passenger on Economy Class (excluding Hand Baggage Only fares, subject to a maximum of 70lb/32kg per bag.
7. Mobility aids such as wheelchairs for personal use can be checked free of charge but require an advance notice of at least 24 hours before departure if they exceed the maximum weight allowed.

*2 bags x 51lb/23kg each for flights to/from: Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria; between Europe and Japan; flights originating in Shanghai to London Heathrow and return; between India and Canada/USA/Bermuda; between Islamabad and Canada/USA/Bermuda; flights originating in Saudi Arabia to Canada/USA/Bermuda; flights originating in Kuwait to the BA network and return flight to Kuwait; flights originating in UAE to Canada/USA/Mexico and return flights to UAE. London – Doha flights have a baggage allowance of 1 bag x 70lb/32kg.

British Airways Carry-on Baggage Allowance

According to the British Airways baggage policy, the free carry-on baggage allowance for all passengers is 1 hand baggage and 1 standard carry-on bag—subject to the following weight and size limitations:

• Standard Cabin Bag (1)
  • Max. size (incl. handle, pockets and wheels) 56 x 45 x 25cm/22 x 18 x 10in
    Must fit inside the check-in area’s bag gauge.
  • Max. weight 51lb/23kg
    You must be able to lift it and place it in the overhead bin yourself. 

• Hand Bag (1)
  • Max. size (incl. handle, pockets and wheels) 40 x 36 x 15cm/16 x 12 x 6in
    Must fit under your front seat.
  • Max. weight 51lb/23kg
    

Carry-on Baggage Allowance for Lap Infants (1)

• Max. size (incl. handle, pockets and wheels) 56 x 45 x 25cm/22 x 18 x 10in
• Max. weight 51lb/23kg 

PLUS

• Fully Collapsible Children’s Stroller (1 per child)
  • Max. size (when collapsed) 116.9 x 38.1 x 38.1cm/46 x 15 x 15in
    

Note. You may be required to check in your standard cabin bag on busy flights (at no additional charge if it’s within your allowance), so keep your essential items incl. travel documents in your smaller handbag.

British Airways Checked Baggage Allowance

What is British Airways baggage policy on checked bags?

Your checked baggage allowance on British Airways, i.e., the number of bags and their weight, will depend on your travel class, route, fare purchased, and membership status.

Note

1. The maximum weight and size of a checked bag must not exceed:
   1. Maximum weight 70lb/32kg.
      Bags exceeding 70lb/32kg will not be accepted.
   2. Maximum size 190cm x 75cm x 65cm
      (75in x 29.5in x 25.5in)
2. The maximum number of extra checked bags per ticketed passenger is 10 bags, subject to the per-bag weight limit permitted in the baggage allowance. 
3. Baggage Allowance Waivers
   1. Executive Club Gold and oneworld Emerald members are allowed to carry 1 additional checked bag in any travel class (excluding Hand Baggage Only fares), subject to a maximum weight of 70lb/32kg per bag. 
   2. Executive Club Silver and oneworld Sapphire members are allowed to carry 1 additional checked bag but not more than 2 bags per passenger on Economy Class (excluding Hand Baggage Only fares, subject to a maximum of 70lb/32kg per bag.
4. Mobility aids such as wheelchairs used by a passenger can be checked for free. However, you must inform British Airways at least 24 hours in advance if your wheelchair exceeds the maximum weight limit.
5. Paying your excess baggage fee online is cheaper than paying at the airport. 

Can I check my baggage for a connecting flight?

If your connecting flight is on the same booking, British Airways will check your baggage to your final destination. However, if your connecting flight requires a change of airport, you will have to collect your baggage and check it in yourself.

British Airways Extra Baggage Fee

British Airways allows you to pay your extra baggage fee online or at the airport. If you pay at the airport, you will have to pay more.

British Airways has stopped publishing their excess/excess/additional baggage fee on the website, and recommends that you use the online baggage calculator tool to calculate the baggage fee, which depends on your route. However, an estimate of the excess baggage charges that will apply if you pay online is given below.

British Airways Baggage Fee—Hand Baggage Only (Basic) Fares

According to British Airways baggage policy, the baggage fee for Hand Baggage Only fares (i.e., Basic fares) will depend on your flight route, and how you pay the fee—online or at the airport. 

As shown in the table below, the baggage fee for the first bag (if paid online in advance) ranges from USD 30–72 for short-haul flights. However, if you pay your baggage fee at the airport, it will cost you from USD 75–110. 

The baggage fee on long-haul flights for the first bag ranges from USD 55–90 if paid online, and USD 60–110 if paid at the airport. 

Route-wise details of British Airways baggage fees (payable online and at the airport) are given below. 

British Airways Baggage Fees—Economy Class

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

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

British Airways Baggage Fee—Premium Economy Class

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

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

British Airways Baggage Fee—Business and First Class

Club Europe

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

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

Club World and First Class
British Airways baggage fees for Economy Class fares (Club World and First Class) are as follows:

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

British Airways Overweight Baggage Fees

British Airways baggage fee for overweight bags for bags weighing 51–70lb/23–32kg is USD 100 per bag. Any bag weighing in excess of 70lb/32kg will be rejected and must be shipped as cargo or freight separately.

British Airways Oversized Baggage Fees

British Airways allows you to carry bags measuring up to 190cm x 75cm x 65cm (75in x 29.5in x 25.5in)—at no additional charge (the oversize baggage fee has been waived for now). However, the weight of your bag must not exceed the maximum permissible weight in your baggage allowance. Bags exceeding this size will not be accepted and must be shipped cargo. 

British Airways Baggage Rules for Flights Operated by BA or Other Airlines

If your travel itinerary includes a flight operated either by British Airways or another airline such Iberia, etc., the following rules apply:

• If all the flights include a BA code, the checked baggage allowance of British Airways will apply, even if one or more flights are operated by partners airlines. 
• If all the flights in your itinerary have a non-British Airways code, the other airline’s baggage allowance/allowances will apply. 
• If your itinerary includes a mix of British Airways and other codeshare flights, the Most Significant Carrier Rule will apply, i.e., the baggage allowance of the airline that operates the longest route on your ticket will apply. 

Baggage Allowance Waivers

British Airways has provided baggage waivers to Executive Club Gold and oneworld Emerald members, who are allowed to carry 1 additional bag on any travel class. 

Oneworld Sapphire and Executive Club Silver members are also allowed to carry 1 extra bag weighing up to 70lb/32kg, subject to a limit of 2 bags, regardless of their travel class or route. However, if their travel allowance is higher, the higher allowance will apply. The travel waivers will apply to all passengers travelling on the same booking, but do not apply to group bookings and Hand Baggage Only (Basic) fares. 

British Airways has waived the overweight baggage charges for:

• Passengers holding a First or Business Class ticket (Club World, Club Europe, Biz Bed).
• Executive Club Gold/Silver and oneworld Emerald/Sapphire members
  (all passengers on the same booking).
• Essential medical equipment and mobility aids.

British Airways Sports Equipment Policy

A graphic illustrating British Airways’ sports equipment policy

The British Airways sports baggage policy allows you to carry your sports equipment:

• For Free

• As cabin baggage if it fits in your hand baggage. 
• As checked baggage if it fits into your checked baggage and it’s not restricted.
• For a Baggage Fee

• If you’ve already used your allowance, you will have to put your extra bag(s) in the hold.
• If your sporting equipment is heavier than 51lb/23kg, it may incur an overweight baggage fee. Oversized sporting items up to 190cm x 75cm x 65cm will typically incur additional charges but have been currently waived.
• If your sports equipment exceeds the maximum dimensions, you will need to have it shipped as cargo.

Sports items like non-motorized bicycles (with pedals) can be brought as part of your checked baggage allowance. However, if you’ve already used up your free baggage allowance, you will be charged for putting your bicycle box in the hold. If you’re carrying a bicycle, you must inform BA at least 72 hours in advance and provide them with your bike box container size and weight. 

Bicycles

You can pack your bike in a padded case, hard shell, or heavy-duty polythene bike bag as long as it doesn’t exceed 190cm x 95cm x 65cm (75in x 37.5in x 25.5in). If you’re packing your bicycle in a soft bag, you must remove the pedals or fix them inwards, fix the handlebars sideways, and reduce the tire pressure.

Diving equipment

British Airways allows you to carry most types of diving equipment (see the list below) as part of your checked baggage allowance. However, you must pack the equipment safely in a proper kit bag and make sure it does not exceed your checked baggage size and weight limits. 

The following diving equipment items are accepted on BA flights: 

• Scuba regulator
• Snorkel
• Face mask
• Diving lamps 
  (if carrying, you must seek approval from BA at least 24 hours before departure. The fuse/bulb must be removed and packed separately from the power source).
• Weight belt
• Tank pressure gauge
  (must be packaged per manufacturer’s advice) 
• Tank harness
• Spear guns and harpoons
  (must be packed separately)
• Fins
• Cylinder tank 
  (must be totally empty and shown for inspection at check-in)
• Buoyancy control device

Golf Clubs 

Golf equipment must be packed in a protective bag and is included in your checked baggage allowance. An umbrella or parasol carried separately will count as another checked baggage item. Extra charges will apply for exceeding your baggage allowance. 

Firearms and Ammunition

British Airways allows the carriage of firearms and ammunition as checked baggage items, subject to the following conditions: 

• Must obtain approval from BA at least 72 hours before your flight. 
• Includes the following types of firearms: 

• Revolvers, pistols, shotguns, and rifles 
• Imitations/replicas of firearms 
• Firearm components (except telescopic sights)
• CO2/compressed air guns like pellet guns, pistols, ball-bearing guns, etc. 
• Starter/signal flare pistols 

• You must have an appropriate license and documentation, such as an authorization from national/local authorities, etc. 
• You must indicate:

• The exact quantity you will be carrying 
• The type of firearm you’ll be carrying (handgun, shotgun, rifle)
• The make, model, and caliber of the firearm
• The weight and caliber of the ammunition you’ll be carrying

• You must comply with all government regulations and embargoes. 
• Firearms and other projectile discharging devices capable of causing serious injury cannot be carried on your person or as hand baggage items. 
• The following items can be packed in your checked baggage without informing BA:

• Catapults and slingshots 
• Cross bows/bows, arrows
• Laser pistols
• Spear guns and harpoon guns 
• Maximum Limits and Fees

• The maximum permissible limit is 11lb/5kg for ammunition (cartridges) per passenger, and does not include incendiary or explosive projectiles.
• A per-way fee of £125 will apply for each case or bag that contains a firearm or ammunition. The charges must be paid at the check-in desk, along with any local service fee payable to the airline’s handling partner. 
• If you’re carrying extra or heavier bags, you will be charged extra. 
• Passengers flying to Brazil: 

• Can only carry firearms for competition purposes. 
• Are not allowed to carry firearms used for hunting purposes. 
• Must apply for a permit at least 30 days before departure to travel a firearm.
• you will not be able to travel with your equipment:

Ski and Snowboarding Equipment

Ski and snowboarding equipment can be carried as part of your checked baggage allowance, subject to the maximum weight and size dimensions. You must pack your gear in a proper protective bag. The boots can be carried separately in your had baggage if it’s within the permissible dimensions. 

Surfboards and Kayaks

BA allows you to carry small kayaks (with paddles) and short surfboards in a proper protective bag as part of your checked baggage, as long as the bag does not exceed 190cm in length. Personal items incl. clothes are cannot be packed with the equipment. Kayaks and surfboards exceeding 190cm in length must be booked as cargo baggage. 

Rackets, Rods, Sticks, and Cues 

Rackets, rods, sticks, and cues can be carried as part of your checked baggage allowance, but not as hand baggage items. They include tennis/squash rackets, snooker/billiard/pool cues, and hockey sticks. Be sure to pack them a protective case/bag, and remember that any item carried separately will count as a separate piece of baggage. 

British Airways Musical Instruments Policy

British Airways baggage policy allows you to carry your musical instrument as a normal carry-on baggage item, on a paid seat, or as checked baggage.

1. Musical Instrument as Carry-on Baggage
   You can travel with a small musical instrument as a hand baggage item if it fits in your baggage allowance, i.e., if it is up to 80cm long. You can carry a small wind instrument or a violin in place of your handbag if its size (including case) does not exceed 80cm x 45cm x 25cm (31in x 18in x 10in). 

2. Musical Instrument on a Paid Seat

If your musical instrument exceeds your cabin baggage allowance limits, you can purchase an extra seat for it. This includes musical instruments such as a guitar or a cello, provided the size (including hard case) does not exceed 140cm x 50cm x 40cm (55in x 20in x 16in) in size—and you contact British Airlines at least 24 hours before flying (online booking is permitted). 

3. Musical Instrument as Checked Baggage
   If your musical instrument weighs more than 50lb/23kg, you will have to carry it as checked baggage—and inform British Airways at least 24 hours before flying. Also make sure that you pack it in a durable hard case to prevent any chances of damage.

If you’ve used up your free baggage allowance, you will have to pay extra to put your musical instrument in the hold.

Note

• Musical instruments like guitars will not be accepted in soft cases. 
• Pack your musical instrument properly in a rigid and/or hard-shell container specifically designed for shipping similar items, because it will likely be exposed to extreme changes in pressure and temperature. 
• To prevent any chances of damage, ensure that the strings are loosened.
• If your baggage count is more than the maximum number allowed by your fare type, you’ll have to pay additional baggage charges.

What to Do If Your Baggage is Missing

If you can’t locate your checked baggage upon arrival:

• Report your missing bag to a British Airways staff member if you’re still at the airport. 
• Report your missing bag online if you’ve already left the airport.
• Contact British Airways if you’re having problems creating a report.

Note. You must report your missing bag to British Airways within 21 days.

How to Report Damage to a Bag or Contents

(incl. missing contents)

• Report to a British Airways staff member before you leave the airport.
• Contact British Airways if you’ve already left the airport.

Note. You must report any damage or loss within 7 days of receiving your bag.

How to Check and Update your Missing Baggage Report

To check or update the status of your missing bag, or update your contact details and forwarding address, log into British Airways baggage tracking system. 

British Airways Baggage Claim

British Airways allows you to make a claim for the following items:

• Essential items like toiletries and basics, subject to
  • A reasonable value 
  • Actual receipts 
• Damaged baggage*
• Damage to contents
• Missing contents
• Missing baggage for 21+ days

*Before purchasing a new bag, discuss with a staff member. 

To make a claim online, fill out the online form on the complaints and claims page. 

How to Travel with a CPAP Device

British Airways allows passengers to carry a CPAP machine for sleep apnea without medical clearance.

• The maximum power output available at your seat is 75 watts. If your machine requires more power, the power point will switch off automatically. 
• Carry enough dry cell batteries for your machine just in case the power point by your seat is not working. 

How to Pay the Baggage Fee on British Airways

You can pay your baggage fee on British Airways:

• Online through BritishAirways.com
  (via Manage My Booking)
• Through British Airways’ mobile app 
• At the airport
  (costliest)

How to Check in Your Bags from Home

British Airways allows you have your bags collected from home via Airportr—starting from £30.

• Book your collection slot the night before
• Your baggage will be collected and sealed at home
• Just board your flight with your cabin baggage
• Collect your bags when you land at your destination

Banned and Restricted Items

A picture showing banned and restricted items on British Airways

Liquids, Creams, Aerosols & Powders

British Airways baggage policy allows you to carry liquids in your check-in baggage. However, many countries have restrictions on the types and amounts you can carry in your hand baggage, so it’s best to check in advance. 

• Toiletries
  • Permitted toiletries include non-radioactive, non-flammable, non-toxic (Division 2.2) Aerosols like perfumes, hair sprays, colognes, and cleaning products. 
  • Maximum quantity (net) per passenger cannot exceed 2 kg or 2 liters.
  • Maximum quantity (net) of single articles cannot exceed 0.5 kg or 0.5 liter.
  • Release valves on aerosols must be adequately protected to prevent accidental leakage.
• Liquid medicines
  • Permitted medicines can include alcohol for personal, sporting or home use in hand or check-in baggage provided that there is no subsidiary risk.
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
  • Permitted up to 5 liters containing 24–70% alcohol volume in hand baggage (if purchased from the airport’s duty-free shop) or checked baggage.
  • Alcoholic drinks with less than 24% alcohol volume are not limited by quantity. 
  • Alcoholic drinks with more than 70% alcohol volume are not allowed. 
  • A single bottle or container can contain up to 5 liters.
• E-cigarettes
  • Check your destination country’s laws before traveling, because some countries have banned their use altogether. 
  • You can carry electronic cigarettes, e-cigars, e-pipes and other personal vaporizers in your hand baggage, but not in your checked baggage.
  • If your e-cigarettes contain liquid components, you will need to follow the safety requirements for liquids.
  • You cannot use e-cigarettes on board.
• Food items (such as sauces, soups, jams, jellies, etc.)
  • You can carry solid foods such as biscuits, sandwiches, fruit, nuts, etc. on board 
  • Same restrictions for liquids apply.
  • You can carry as much baby food and milk/powdered milk and sterilized water (in baby bottle) as is required if you’re traveling with a baby or an infant, even in excess of the limits placed on liquids. 
  • Your destination country may restrict certain types of food, such as fresh fruit, meats, vegetables, etc.
• Powders (as sugar, spices, coffee, milk powder, cosmetics, etc., on flights to USA and from Australia)

Prohibited Items 

British Airways prohibits the carriage of the following items are prohibited, with certain exceptions:

• Firearms and ammunition
• Explosives 
• Flammable substances and devices
• Chemicals
• Stunning devices
• Sharp objects
• Tools and blunt instruments
• Blunt instruments
• Security cases

For details, visit the prohibited items page.

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Frequently Asked Questions on British Airways Baggage Allowance