British Airways carry-on and checked bag policy: sizes and weights
Quick Answer: British Airways allows one personal item (40 x 30 x 15 cm) and one cabin bag (56 x 45 x 25 cm) on all fare types. Checked baggage varies by class: Economy Basic includes no checked bag; Economy includes one bag up to 23 kg; Premium Economy includes two bags at 23 kg each on most routes; Business includes two bags at 32 kg each; and First includes three bags at 32 kg each.
If you’re flying British Airways from the US, knowing exactly what you can bring saves you time at the airport and money at check-in. BA uses a tiered system across five fare classes: Economy Basic, Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First. Your fare determines your checked baggage allowance, while cabin baggage rules stay consistent across all tickets.
This guide breaks down the exact dimensions and weights for each British Airways travel class, from Economy Basic through First. You'll find the specific limits for personal items, cabin bags, and checked luggage, plus what happens if your bag is overweight.
British Airways baggage allowance by travel class
| Baggage type | Quantity | Dimensions | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal item | 1 | 40 x 30 x 15 cm (16 x 12 x 6 in) | No published weight limit |
| Cabin bag | 1 | 56 x 45 x 25 cm (22 x 18 x 10 in) | No published weight limit |
| Checked bag | None included | - | - |
Economy Basic is British Airways' hand-baggage-only fare. It works well if you're traveling light on a short trip and want the lowest ticket price. Your personal item is guaranteed space in the cabin and can hold essentials like medication, electronics, and your passport. The cabin bag may need to go in the hold if overhead space runs out, so keep valuables in your personal item.
If you need a checked bag on an Economy Basic ticket, you can add one through Manage My Booking or at the airport. Buying online in advance is cheaper than paying at check-in. This fare makes sense for weekend trips or when you're connecting to another flight where you'll have checked baggage anyway.
| Baggage type | Quantity | Dimensions | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal item | 1 | 40 x 30 x 15 cm (16 x 12 x 6 in) | No published weight limit |
| Cabin bag | 1 | 56 x 45 x 25 cm (22 x 18 x 10 in) | No published weight limit |
| Checked bag | 1 | 90 x 75 x 43 cm (35 x 30 x 17 in) | 23 kg (50 lb) |
Standard Economy includes one checked bag up to 23 kg, which covers most travelers on transatlantic flights. The 90 x 75 x 43 cm size limit accommodates large suitcases, and the 23 kg weight is enough for a week or two of clothing and personal items.
This fare works well for most US travelers heading to the UK or Europe: the checked bag is included, and the weight limit covers most transatlantic packing needs. If you're traveling with family or planning a longer trip, you can purchase additional bags through BA's website, though the price varies by route.
| Baggage type | Quantity | Dimensions | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal item | 1 | 40 x 30 x 15 cm (16 x 12 x 6 in) | No published weight limit |
| Cabin bag | 1 | 56 x 45 x 25 cm (22 x 18 x 10 in) | No published weight limit |
| Checked bag | 2 | 90 x 75 x 43 cm (35 x 30 x 17 in) | 32 kg (70 lb) per bag |
Business Class (Club World on long-haul flights) gives you two checked bags at 32 kg each, a significant step up from Economy's 23 kg limit. The higher weight allowance means you can pack heavier items without worrying about the scale at check-in.
For business travelers, the 32 kg limit accommodates laptops, presentation materials, and a full wardrobe for extended trips. The two-bag allowance also helps if you're bringing equipment or samples. Combined with priority check-in and lounge access, the baggage benefit is part of a smoother overall airport experience.
| Baggage type | Quantity | Dimensions | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal item | 1 | 40 x 30 x 15 cm (16 x 12 x 6 in) | No published weight limit |
| Cabin bag | 1 | 56 x 45 x 25 cm (22 x 18 x 10 in) | No published weight limit |
| Checked bag | 3 | 90 x 75 x 43 cm (35 x 30 x 17 in) | 32 kg (70 lb) per bag |
First Class passengers get three checked bags at 32 kg each, the most generous allowance British Airways provides. That's 96 kg of checked luggage total, enough for extended trips, formal events requiring multiple outfits, or traveling with sports equipment.
The three-bag allowance covers most eventualities: extended trips, formal events requiring multiple outfits, or travel with bulky equipment. At 96 kg total across three bags, you’re unlikely to need more than First Class provides.
What else affects your British Airways baggage
How loyalty status affects your British Airways baggage
British Airways runs The Club (formerly Executive Club), and your membership tier can increase your baggage allowance beyond what your ticket includes. The airline is also a founding member of the oneworld alliance, which means status with partner airlines like American Airlines, Qantas, or Cathay Pacific can unlock the same benefits.
Silver members (and oneworld Sapphire status holders) get two checked bags in Economy and a 32 kg weight limit per bag for everyone on their booking. Gold members (and oneworld Emerald status holders) receive an extra checked bag in any cabin class, plus the 32 kg weight allowance. These benefits apply to everyone traveling on the same booking as the status holder. There's one exception: Hand Baggage Only (Basic) fares don't include checked baggage even with elite status.
What to know about overweight and oversized bags
British Airways charges an overweight fee for bags weighing between 23 kg and 32 kg. This applies when your bag exceeds your ticket's weight allowance. Bags heavier than 32 kg are not accepted at check-in. If your bag exceeds this limit, you’ll need to repack before boarding or arrange to ship the excess separately.
Oversized bags up to 190 x 75 x 65 cm (75 x 29.5 x 25.5 in) are accepted through BA's dedicated oversize bag drop. Sports equipment like golf clubs and skis counts toward your checked baggage allowance and follows the same weight rules.
British Airways baggage rules for children and infants
Children traveling on a paid seat get the same baggage allowance as adults, regardless of fare class. An infant on an adult's lap (under 2 years old) does not get a seat, so their baggage allowance is different: one collapsible stroller or carrycot and one piece of cabin baggage up to 23 kg. The stroller is carried free of charge and checked in at the gate.
For toddlers and older children who have their own seat, the full adult allowance applies. A child in Economy gets one 23 kg checked bag; a child in Business gets two 32 kg bags. Car seats and booster seats can be checked free of charge on top of your normal baggage allowance. This applies in all classes.
See how British Airways compares to other airlines for child baggage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. British Airways applies a different baggage policy for domestic UK routes. Allowances are generally lower than on transatlantic flights, and some domestic fares include no checked bag at all. Check your specific booking on ba.com for the rules that apply to your route.
Yes. You can add a checked bag through Manage My Booking on ba.com after your booking is confirmed. Adding a bag online before check-in is cheaper than paying at the airport. The exact fee depends on your route and how far in advance you add it.
Yes. Your personal item (40 x 30 x 15 cm) can be a laptop bag, backpack, or small tote. It goes under the seat in front of you. Your cabin bag (56 x 45 x 25 cm) goes in the overhead bin.
If your cabin bag exceeds 56 x 45 x 25 cm, it may be checked into the hold at the gate. On Economy Basic fares, this could result in a fee. Keep valuables and essentials in your personal item.
Extra bag fees vary by route. British Airways doesn't publish a fixed price list. Use the baggage calculator linked above to get the exact cost for your specific flight.
British Airways does not routinely weigh cabin bags at check-in or the gate, but staff can ask you to check a bag into the hold if overhead space is full or if a bag appears oversized. There is no published cabin bag weight limit, but you must be able to lift your bag into the overhead locker without assistance. On Economy Basic fares, a gate-checked bag may incur a fee.
Your personal item can be a handbag, laptop bag, backpack, or small tote, as long as it fits within 40 x 30 x 15 cm. It goes under the seat in front of you. Items like a duty-free bag or an umbrella do not count toward your personal item allowance and can be carried in addition.
It depends. When you book a British Airways flight number but the aircraft is operated by a partner airline, the operating carrier’s baggage policy may apply rather than BA’s. Always check the specific fare conditions on your booking confirmation, particularly for transatlantic codeshare routes with American Airlines.
No. The 23 kg or 32 kg limit applies per bag, not as a combined total. Two bags at 20 kg and 26 kg would trigger an overweight fee on the 26 kg bag.
Yes. British Airways accepts sports equipment including golf clubs, skis, snowboards, and bicycles as checked baggage. Sports equipment counts toward your checked baggage allowance and follows the same weight limits as standard bags. Oversized items beyond 90 x 75 x 43 cm may be accepted through BA’s dedicated oversize bag drop, up to a maximum of 190 x 75 x 65 cm. Check ba.com for any additional fees that apply to your specific sport or route.
Information in this article was last verified on 11/02/2026. Details such as prices, measures, and dates are subject to change - always confirm directly with the relevant provider before travel.
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