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British Airways Baggage Allowance 2026, Carry-on & Checked Bag Rules
British Airways 2026 baggage rules, Carry-on 56×45×25cm (22×18×10in). Personal item 40×30×15cm (16×12×6in). Policy is strict.
Last updated on July 4, 2026
7/10
British Airways Baggage Policy Strictness
Strict
Overview
Standard baggage allowance for your selected route and fare class. All dimensions include wheels and handles.
Carry-on Bag
56 × 45 × 25 cm (22 × 18 × 10 in)
Overhead bin · Not specified
Personal Item
40 × 30 × 15 cm (16 × 12 × 6 in)
Under seat · Not specified
Checked Baggage
≤ 208 cm (82 in)
1 free pc · 23 kg (50 lbs)/pc
Standard Economy Allowance
Quick reference for your selected route type. See below for full cabin class comparison.
| Baggage Type | Free | Max Size | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on Bag Overhead bin · per piece | 1 pc | 56×45×25cm 22×18×10in | Not specified |
| Personal Item Under seat · per piece | 1 pc | 40×30×15cm 16×12×6in | Not specified |
| Checked Baggage Cargo hold · piece system | 1 pc free | ≤ 208 cm 82 in | 23 kg 50 lbs |
Full Cabin Class Comparison
Compare allowances across all fare types and cabin classes for your selected route.
| Item | Economy Basic | Economy | Premium Economy | Business | First |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on Pieces Overhead bin access | 1 pc | 1 pc | 1 pc | 1 pc | 1 pc |
| Carry-on Size L × W × H | 56×45×25cm 22×18×10in | 56×45×25cm 22×18×10in | 56×45×25cm 22×18×10in | 56×45×25cm 22×18×10in | 56×45×25cm 22×18×10in |
| Carry-on Weight Per piece | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
| Free Checked Bags Piece system | No | 1 pc | 2 pc | 2 pc | 3 pc |
| Checked Bag Size Linear (L+W+H) | - | ≤ 208 cm 82 in | ≤ 208 cm 82 in | ≤ 208 cm 82 in | ≤ 208 cm 82 in |
| Checked Bag Weight Per piece max | - | 23 kg 50 lbs | 23 kg 50 lbs | 32 kg 70 lbs | 32 kg 70 lbs |
Recent Traveller Feedback
I flew Premium Economy with my baby and had three checked bags plus a stroller and car seat as the two free baby items. My Cybex Coya travel stroller folds to cabin size, and in years of flying BA I've only been stopped once — they usually let you bring it on board. I checked the car seat and bouncer at the counter. Bring a baby carrier too, because if the stroller goes into the hold some airports return it at baggage claim instead of the jet bridge, and you'll have to carry the baby through the terminal.
Checked bags have no liquid restrictions — just leave everything in your suitcase, no clear bags needed. The 100 ml limit only applies to hand luggage. At Heathrow T5 some terminals now have new scanners where you don't need to remove liquids or electronics from your carry-on, but the 100 ml rule itself hasn't changed.
Policies may vary by specific route or airport. Always check your booking confirmation or the official British Airways website for the most up-to-date information before your trip.
Help keep this data accurate. If you spot outdated baggage rules or have recent experience flying with British Airways contribute your update
Common Luggage Compatibility
Regular Backpack
40×30×15 cm
15.7×11.8×5.9 in
3 kg
7 lbs
Personal: OK Carry-on: OK
16" Under-seat Briefcase
40×30×20 cm
15.7×11.8×7.9 in
4 kg
9 lbs
Personal: Over Limit Carry-on: OK
18" Cabin Suitcase
45×35×20 cm
17.7×13.8×7.9 in
5 kg
11 lbs
Personal: Over Limit Carry-on: OK
Frequently Asked Questions
How many carry-on bags can I bring on British Airways, and what size are they?
British Airways includes 2 free hand baggage items on most fares: 1 cabin bag plus 1 personal item. This applies even to Economy Basic fares that do not include checked baggage.
Cabin bag: maximum size 56 x 45 x 25cm (22 x 18 x 10in) including wheels, handles and side pockets. It must fit in the overhead locker.
Personal item: maximum size 40 x 30 x 15cm (16 x 12 x 6in) and must fit under the seat in front of you.
British Airways does not publish a fixed cabin baggage weight limit. Passengers must be able to lift the bag into the overhead locker without assistance, and airport staff may require oversized or excessively heavy bags to be checked.
Does British Airways Economy Basic fare include a free checked bag?
No. British Airways Economy Basic fares generally include hand baggage only and do not include a free checked bag.
Passengers travelling on Economy Basic still receive the standard cabin baggage allowance: 1 cabin bag plus 1 personal item.
To include checked baggage, choose a fare that includes hold baggage or add baggage separately through British Airways before travel.
Checked baggage fees depend on the route, destination, fare type and when the bag is added.
How many checked bags does British Airways allow, and what is the weight limit?
Checked baggage allowance depends on cabin class, fare type and route.
Economy Standard fares usually include 1 checked bag up to 23kg (50lb).
Premium Economy usually includes 2 checked bags up to 23kg (50lb) each.
Business Class usually includes 2 checked bags up to 32kg (70lb) each.
First Class usually includes 3 checked bags up to 32kg (70lb) each.
Each checked bag must not exceed 90 x 75 x 43cm (35 x 30 x 17in) unless special baggage arrangements apply.
No single checked bag can exceed 32kg (70lb). Heavier items must be transported as cargo.
How much does it cost to add an extra checked bag on British Airways?
British Airways does not use one universal extra baggage price. The fee depends on your route, destination, fare type and when you pay.
Adding baggage online through Manage My Booking is usually cheaper than paying at the airport.
The exact baggage fee is shown during booking or in Manage My Booking before departure.
Extra baggage availability and prices may vary depending on the operating airline for codeshare flights.
What happens if my British Airways checked bag is overweight?
If your checked bag exceeds your permitted allowance but remains within the maximum accepted weight of 32kg (70lb), British Airways may charge an overweight baggage fee.
The overweight fee depends on your departure country, currency and route.
No individual checked bag may exceed 32kg (70lb). Bags heavier than this must be shipped separately as cargo.
Baggage allowance is normally applied per passenger, and each individual bag must stay within the permitted weight limit.