British Airways Baggage Allowance 2024 Find Your Luggage Needs

Travel with all things important for the journey with British Airways Baggage Allowance. Be it musical instruments, sports equipment, or a baby stroller, you can carry it all. Follow customer-friendly policies and experience a smoother journey. To ensure you pack correctly for your trip, we have discussed the BA luggage allowance for every travel class. Go ahead and delve into the baggage regulations for different fares and selected destinations. 

BA Luggage Allowance Regulations

British Airways Baggage Allowance keeps the customer’s requirements in mind. Thus, it offers free handbags and cabin bags on every flight. Passengers can pack most of their in-flight travel essentials in a bag up to 23kg. If you want to travel with more baggage, add checked baggage to your bookings. British Airways Luggage Allowance permits passengers to check in at least one bag under 23kg. In some fares like Premium Economy, Business, and First Class, passengers can check in two baggage under 32 kg. However, this does not apply to Basic Economy fares, it does not include checked baggage. Passengers have to pay more money than usual to add one. 

In addition to checked and carry-on baggage, there are other items you can take along on your journey. You will discover such items further on this page. Passengers are recommended to pack things according to the baggage allowance in the right quantity. Any prohibited or dangerous item found during security screening will be seized. Therefore, double-check the things you have packed for the trip. 

British Airways Hand Baggage Allowance

All airline flights include a carry-on and hand bang as per British Airlines cabin baggage allowance. No passenger has to pay an additional fee; it’s complementary. However, ensure that the baggage is according to the permitted dimensions. The cabin bag is accepted only when it is up to 56 x 45 x 25cm or 22 x 18 x 10 inches. Include handles and wheels as well while measuring the baggage. It should be under 23kg or 52 lbs. Do not pack any valuable items or electronic devices inside it. The British Airways carry on baggage allowance states that bags that exceed the size or weight limit should be checked in. Moreover, standard fees and regulations will apply. 

According to British Airways hand baggage allowance 2023, the size can be up to 40 x 30 x 15cm or 16 x 12 x 6 inches and weigh not more than 23kg. You can pack items like medicines, cell phones, and other electronic devices for immediate access. Passengers can put the handbag under the seat. 

Extra Baggage in the Cabin 

Passengers with two cabin bags, or if it is over the permitted dimension or weight, may have to check it in. The airline will ask you to put the larger bag for transportation as checked baggage. For this purpose, you will also have to deposit the fee amount as per the checked baggage allowance. If adding the cabin bag exceeds the free baggage allowance, you may have to pay extra charges as well. Therefore, keep your luggage size and weight as permitted in British Airways Baggage Allowance.

Hand Baggage Requirements for Liquid and Powder-based Items

British Airways Hand Baggage Allowance permits 100 mL of liquid-based items stored in their own bottle. Passengers must carry such items in a single plastic bag, it should be transparent and resealable. The size should not be more than 20 x 20cm or 8 x 8 inches with a capacity of up to one litre. This bag should contain all the liquid-based items and be packed in your handbag. During the screening, you should be able to present the plastic bag separately. Usually, passengers are allowed to travel with aerosols packed inside the cabin bag but cannot use them during the flight. Check the following guidelines for traveling with item-based items in the following regions:

• United Kingdom and Europe Union – Authorities will screen the liquids, aerosols, and gels at the airport using a unique tool. Thus, you may have to open them for proper inspection. You will not have to go through taste or skin tests as they are no longer carried out.
  
• Flights to the United States – Passengers flying to the U.S. have to follow a limit of carrying up to 350g of powder-based items. You can pack it in the hand luggage. Such items include cosmetic products, spices, baby formula, flour, powdered sugar, coffee, etc. If you wish to travel with more quantity, pack it in your checked baggage.
  
• Flight from Australia – pack powdered items in your hand baggage which must be packed inside a container that should not be more than 350 mL.
  
• Flights to/from Kenya – The country has banned the usage of plastic bags. So passengers can pack liquid-based items in a thicker and more transparent polyurethane bag. Make sure the baggage is reusable as well. The permitted size would stay the same i.e., 20cm x 20cm. If you choose to use a disposable flight, discard it on the flight or at the security checkpoint when you arrive in Kenya. The security there will provide you with suitable bags for your further journey in the country.

What to Pack in British Airways Cabin Bag?

Pay attention to British Airways baggage policy to learn what type of items you can or cannot pack in your cabin bags. We have prepared a list of things with restrictions levied on them. Read further to know more:

1. Toiletries, Medicines, and Aerosols – Passengers cannot pack such items in cabin bags but can take them in their checked baggage. This includes toiletry items, hairspray, perfumes, colognes, non-flammable, non-toxic aerosols, and medicines.
   
2. Alcoholic Beverages – Passengers are permitted to travel with alcoholic drinks with a maximum alcohol volume of 24%. The airline levies no restrictions on the quantity. Moreover, a traveler can take about five liters of alcohol with an alcohol volume between %24 and %70. You can securely pack them in your carry-on bag if you buy them at the airport duty-free shops. One can also decide to pack them in the checked luggage. The authorities do not allow drinks with an alcohol volume above 70%. In such cases, you cannot pack them in checked or hand baggage.
   
3. Duty-free Items – Passengers can travel with duty-free liquids, gels, or cream products under of above 100 mL quantity. Just make sure they are tightly packed inside at the point of purchase and sealed in a Security Tamper Evident Bag. Put the receipt as well. If you purchase it on board, then feel free to ask the cabin crew to seal the items.
   
4. Food and Infant Milk – Passengers are allowed to carry solid foods like sandwiches, biscuits, fruits, nuts, or other snacks on board. However, the liquid items restriction applies to liquid foods. This includes drinks, soups, sauces, jam, or jelly. You can check the complete guidelines above. Please note that there is no facility to warn or refrigerate the food or any item. Thus, pack stuff with this in mind. In addition, the airline does not serve peanuts to its passengers due to the large number of customers with allergies.
   
5. Insulated Packaging with Liquid Nitrogen – Passengers can bring insulated packaging with liquid nitrogen packed in hand or checked baggage. You do not need operator approval for this as per the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations 2.3.5.10. The content should be completely absorbed in a porous material and should not contain any harmful or dangerous goods.

British Airways Checked Baggage Allowance

British Airways baggage allowance dimensions for checked bags should be up to 90 x 75 x 43cm or 35 x 30 x 17 inches. The weight restrictions vary according to different cabins. Passengers flying in Economy and Premium Economy can check in a bag weighing up to 23kg. Passengers in First and Business class can check in bags up to 32kg. These baggage are stored in a hold for transportation, no passenger is allowed to carry them on board. The airline offers a free checked baggage allowance, which varies according to fares. 

Moreover, checked baggage is not included in the allowance of Economy Basic fare. Such passengers can only carry cabins and handbags. The British Airways Checked Baggage Allowance in terms of quantity for different travel classes is shown below:

Passengers with Gold and Silver Executive Club memberships and Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members are eligible for more checked bags:

Check Baggage Allowance By Destination

British Airways Baggage Allowance may change depending on the selected destination due to the other counter travel restrictions. Whether you’ve purchased the ticket or not, you can always check your allowance online for free. Go to the official website, click on the ‘Discover’ tab, and open the ‘Baggage Essentials’ option.’ Scroll down on the new page and check British Airways checked baggage by destination. Enter the flight origin and departure location with travel dates. Within a minute, the page will display baggage allowance according to your cabin.

Fee for British Airways Overweight Bags

The baggage fee for the standard checked bag can vary from 20 EUR to 60 EUR, depending on the purchased ticket and selected route. Passengers will have to face heavy charges for bags that weigh over the permitted allowance. British Airways baggage fee for oversized bags can be up to 65 GBP / 75 EUR / 100 USD / 100 CAD. The amount is charged per overweight bag and on every part of the flight. Moreover, it is converted into a local country if flying from a different country. Mind you, the authorities may apply additional taxes in some destinations. 

Most airports, including London Heathrow and London Gatwick and airports in North America, accept credit and debit cards for payments. However, cash is not accepted, and passengers cannot use Avios to make payments. Baggage weighing under 23kg can be divided into two bags. If you bring in bags over 32kg, the authorities will not accept it.

Pay To Check More Bags

Passengers can bring more checked baggage if they pay to add it to their allowance. If you have bought Economy Basic, where only hand baggage is allowed, extra charges will apply for checked baggage. This is because British Airways economy baggage allowance does not include checked bags. The fee will depend on the selected destination and the number of bags a passenger wishes to check-in. 

Curious passengers can use the baggage calculator to check the cost of extra checked baggage on British Airways flights. Remember, this is subject to the availability of space in an aircraft. If there is none, no baggage outside the allowance is permitted. 

Traveling with an Infant on British Airways

The airline is aware of baggage requirements when traveling with your little ones. That is why it introduced the British Airways infant baggage allowance. The airline made sure to include all the traveling must-haves for infants. However, the airline levies the same allowance as adults for children over two years of age. This includes essential items like a pushchair and a car seat.

1. Cabin Baggage Allowance

If you are traveling with children over two years of age, follow the standard British Airways Hand Baggage Allowance. For Infants (below two years), you can bring an additional bag with in-flight essentials. This is included in the allowance. Passengers cannot combine the standard baggage allowance with the one for infants. We recommend double-checking each member’s baggage allowance in accordance with the restrictions. You can purchase an extra seat for your little ones and book it as a ‘child,’ the allowance will be the same as the adults.

2. Checked Baggage

Children over two years of age have the same free checked baggage allowance as adults. This will vary according to the selected cabin and purchased fare type. The free British Airways infant baggage allowance includes one checked bag of up to 23kg in all travel classes. However, if you are flying in Basic Economy fare, this policy becomes invalid. There is no facility for carrying checked baggage in the basic fare. Moreover, do not combine both baggage allowances; make sure you are carrying just as allowed in the policy. In addition to this, every infant or child can take any two of the following items in a checked or carry-on bag:

• Collapsible pushchair or stroller (38 x 117 x 38cm)
• Car or booster seat
• Travel cot
• Baby back carrier

Carry Sports Equipment on British Airways Flights

Check out this section to find out if you can carry sports equipment on board with you or check it in the hold luggage. Explore whether you will have to purchase extra baggage for the equipment transportation. If you are someone who loves to travel with their own equipment, worry no more! British Airways lets passenger take their favorite equipment for their air journey. 

You are required to inform the airline beforehand using the online chat soon after confirming the tickets. If you use up the free checked baggage allowance, additional charges will apply for the sports equipment. If you carry anything bigger than the permitted dimensions, the airline will ship your equipment as cargo. A pedal bike box is an exception to this. Despite being over the dimensions, the airline will take it as checked baggage and inform them timely. 

Discover What Equipment You Can Bring

1. Specialist Equipment 

Pack specialist equipment securely in a suitable case to prevent possible damage. Make sure you have adequate travel insurance for your specialist equipment. However, if it is sharp, electrical, or can be dangerous, the airline will not permit it inside the cabin. Thus, contact the airline directly to confirm the list of restricted items.

2. Bikes

Passengers are permitted to carry non-motorized, non-electrical pedal bicycles securely covered in a suitable cover or in a box. The airline will count it under your British Airways checked baggage allowance. Passengers with Basic Economy fare will have to pay extra to add this to their baggage allowance. Note that the airline will accept it only if the bike is packed in a hard or bicycle box under 90 x 95 x 65 cm or 75 x 37.5 x 25.5 inches. If it is too oversized, you will have to drop it at the airport out-of-gauge bag drop 1 hour 30 minutes before the scheduled departure.

3. Diving equipment

Passengers can easily take their diving equipment as checked baggage as long as it is packed appropriately. Make sure the equipment does not exceed the permitted weight and size limits. If you are bringing cylinder tanks, empty them for the travel. Separately pack spear guns and harpoons to avoid potential damage. In the case of diving lamps, kindly contact the airline at least a day before the scheduled departure. Passengers are instructed to remove the bulb and pack it separately. The following items are permitted:

4. Golf clubs and umbrellas

If your fare includes checked baggage, you can take Golf club equipment packed in a suitable bag or hard-shell box. This includes gold balls, umbrellas, tees, shoes, etc. Such equipment is usually larger than the standard checked baggage dimensions. It is always considered as an oversized bag. Passengers will have to reach the airport earlier to check Golf Club equipment and drop it at the out-of-gauge drop at least 1 hour 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. The airline will consider it as extra baggage for passengers with a Basic Economy fare, and a standard fee will apply.

5. Firearms and ammunition

British Airways considers firearms and ammunition as checked baggage only in specific conditions, passengers have to contact the airline at least three days before the scheduled departure to get the approval. Travelers carrying firearms and ammunition have to comply with the government embargoes and restrictions. In case you don’t contact the airline and reach the airport with the equipment, the airline will not accept it.

6. Ski and snowboarding equipment

Passengers can travel with Ski and snowboarding equipment on British Airways flights if it’s within 190 x 75 x 65cm. Put it inside a protective bag or in the same bag where you packed your boots and clothes. If you decide to pack the boots separately, you can carry the boot bag as a bigger piece of hand baggage. However, it should be of correct dimensions otherwise, check it in as an extra checked baggage. Note that passengers are not allowed to board the aircraft weaning ski boots.

7. Surfboards and kayaks

Passengers can also take surfboards and kayaks as a part of checked baggage if packed in a protective bag. Ensure it does not exceed 190cm in overall length. The airline will not accept it if you try to be smart and pack clothes or personal items instead. Passengers with larger surfboards or kayaks have to check it in as cargo.

8. Rackets, rods, cues, sticks and skateboards

British Airways does not accept such items as hand baggage because they usually measure over 56cm in length. Moreover, many airport security checkpoints may not permit these sporting items. In this scenario, the passengers are asked to carry it in the hold, so pack them securely. This is counted towards your baggage allowance. The airline will count each item packed separately as extra checked baggage, and additional charges will apply. Please note that electric skateboards are not allowed for transportation, not in the cabin or on hold. Such skateboard operates under lithium batteries, which have an unstable nature. 

British Airways Guidelines for Carrying Musical Instruments

If you are able to adjust your musical instrument in your baggage allowance, no fee is charged. However, if it’s out of your allowance, the airline will charge additional charges to the instrument. Since your instrument is precious to you, we recommend packing them in a protective case to prevent damage. If it’s not packed properly, the airline will refuse the transportation. Make sure you are well prepared and have enough insurance on your musical instrument. 

Passengers can bring instruments longer than 80cm packed in suitable cases. The airline will consider it as checked baggage. If you do not wish to check it in, purchase an additional seat for your instrument. You can purchase it up to 48 hours before scheduled departure. No passenger is allowed to carry the instrument as hand baggage. 

Booking Seat for Your Musical Instrument

Passengers can purchase additional seats only when there is availability of one. Musical instruments like guitars, wind instruments, cellos, etc. are allowed inside the cabin. They should be under 140 x 50 x 40cm or 55 x 20 x 16 inches. You have to keep the instrument in the seat you bought for it. Book the additional seat right while making the reservation. However, you cannot do it online; contact the airline directly to confirm the seat bookings. If you are booking through a travel agency, contact them. Make sure to do it before the deadline. 

Conditions for Carrying Larger Instruments 

Passengers with larger musical instruments have to contact the airline at least a day before the scheduled departure. If the baggage exceeds the weight limit, you will have to charge for oversized baggage. The airline can accommodate instruments weighing under 45kg or 99 lbs. Do inform the airline that you are carrying an instrument over 32kg at least 24 hours before scheduled takeoff. The airline will keep the arrangements ready for handling the larger and heavier instruments. We’d like to remind you that any instruments over the baggage restrictions are shipped as cargo. 

Restricted & Prohibited Items on British Airways

British Airways has banned some items on flights or has put some restrictions on the quantity. The airline has completely prohibited these items from complying with international law, aircraft safety, or regulations. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)