British Airways Baggage Rules: Cabin & Checked Luggage Guide
Everything you need to know about British Airways carry-on baggage, personal items, checked luggage, liquids and baggage allowances before you fly.
British Airways offers a generous cabin baggage allowance across its short-haul and long-haul network, with two pieces of hand baggage included for passengers travelling on British Airways operated flights.
You can bring one cabin bag measuring up to 56 × 45 × 25cm, including wheels and handles, plus one smaller handbag or backpack measuring up to 40 × 30 × 15cm.
Each item can weigh up to 23kg, although you must be able to lift your larger cabin bag into the overhead locker without assistance.
Your smaller handbag or backpack must fit beneath the seat in front of you and is guaranteed to travel in the cabin. Your larger cabin bag is normally stored in the overhead locker but may need to be placed in the hold on busy flights when cabin storage is limited.
Keep medication, travel documents, valuables and essential electronics in your smaller bag so they remain with you.
Liquids, gels and aerosols carried through airport security are subject to the rules at your departure airport. Where standard liquid restrictions apply, containers should generally be 100ml or less, making travel-size toiletries a convenient option for passengers travelling with hand baggage.
Checked baggage depends on your fare, cabin and route. British Airways' hand-baggage-only Economy Basic fare does not include a checked bag, while standard Economy fares commonly include one checked bag weighing up to 23kg.
Premium Economy, Business and First provide larger checked baggage allowances, although the exact entitlement should always be confirmed for your booking.
For passengers travelling without checked luggage, British Airways' combination of a full-size cabin bag and separate under-seat item provides considerable packing capacity.
Measure your bags before travelling and keep essential items in your smaller bag in case your larger cabin bag needs to travel in the hold.
Free Cabin Bag Allowance
1 cabin bag included
Up to 56 × 45 × 25cm
Up to 23kg
Plus 1 handbag or backpack
Up to 40 × 30 × 15cm
Up to 23kg
You must be able to lift your cabin bag into the overhead locker unaided
Checked Baggage
Economy Basic
No checked bag included
Economy
1 bag up to 23kg
Premium Economy
2 bags up to 23kg each
Business
2 bags up to 32kg each
First
3 bags up to 32kg each
Additional Baggage Fees
Extra checked bags
Price varies by route
Cheaper when added online
Overweight bag charge
£65 per bag, per one-way journey
Maximum checked bag weight 32kg
Up to 10 extra bags can be purchased
Subject to availability
Key British Airways Baggage Tips
Make use of both included cabin items: one cabin bag plus one smaller handbag or backpack.
Keep your cabin bag within 56 × 45 × 25cm and your smaller item within 40 × 30 × 15cm.
Both cabin items can weigh up to 23kg each, but you must be able to lift your larger cabin bag into the overhead locker without assistance.
Keep passports, medication, valuables and essential electronics in your smaller bag. It is guaranteed in the cabin, while your larger cabin bag may need to travel in the hold.
Economy Basic includes the same cabin baggage allowance but does not include checked baggage.
Standard Economy generally includes one checked bag up to 23kg, while Premium Economy, Business and First provide larger allowances.
Checked bags can measure up to 90 × 75 × 43cm. Economy and Premium Economy bags are normally limited to 23kg, while Business and First allow up to 32kg per bag.
Pack liquids, gels and aerosols according to the security rules at your departure airport. Where standard restrictions apply, use containers of 100ml or less.
Check your individual booking if your journey includes a partner airline, as its baggage rules may differ from British Airways.
Measure and weigh your luggage before travelling, particularly if you are close to BA's size or weight limits.
Cabin baggage sizes explained
Understanding the difference between small cabin bags, cabin suitcases and checked baggage helps you pack efficiently and avoid delays at the airport.
British Airways baggage allowance by fare type
Your British Airways ticket type determines how many bags you can bring in the cabin and in the hold. All fares include a cabin bag and a small personal item, while checked baggage depends on your fare.
Economy Basic
Economy
1 handbag or backpack included
Up to 40 × 30 × 15cm
Maximum weight 23kg
Must fit under the seat
1 cabin bag included
Up to 56 × 45 × 25cm
Maximum weight 23kg
Checked baggage
Not included
Best for:
Hand-baggage-only travellers who don't need a checked bag.
1 handbag or backpack included
Up to 40 × 30 × 15cm
Maximum weight 23kg
Must fit under the seat
1 cabin bag included
Up to 56 × 45 × 25cm
Maximum weight 23kg
Checked baggage
1 bag included
Up to 23kg
Best for:
Travellers who want British Airways' full cabin allowance plus a standard checked bag.
Premium Economy / Business / First
1 handbag or backpack included
Up to 40 × 30 × 15cm
Maximum weight 23kg
1 cabin bag included
Up to 56 × 45 × 25cm
Maximum weight 23kg
Enhanced checked baggage allowance
Premium Economy
2 bags up to 23kg each
Business
2 bags up to 32kg each
First
3 bags up to 32kg each
Best for:
Premium and long-haul travellers who need greater checked-baggage capacity.
Checked baggage with British Airways: what you need to know
British Airways checked baggage allowances depend on your fare, cabin and route. Economy Basic fares do not normally include checked baggage, while other fares generally include one or more checked bags.
On standard Economy fares that include checked baggage, the usual allowance is one bag weighing up to 23kg. Premium Economy generally includes two checked bags weighing up to 23kg each.
Business Class passengers generally receive two checked bags weighing up to 32kg each, while First Class passengers can usually check three bags weighing up to 32kg each. Your individual booking should always be checked because allowances can vary on some routes and itineraries.
A standard British Airways checked bag can measure up to 90 × 75 × 43cm, including handles, pockets and wheels. If your bag exceeds the weight allowance attached to your fare, additional charges can apply.
British Airways currently charges an overweight baggage fee of £65 per bag, per one-way journey when a checked bag exceeds the permitted weight allowance. Local currency equivalents and taxes may apply. No individual checked bag can weigh more than 32kg.
If you need more luggage than your fare includes, additional checked bags can be purchased. British Airways allows passengers to purchase up to 10 additional checked bags, subject to availability and the allowance applying to the journey. Prices vary by route and are generally lower when additional baggage is arranged online before check-in.
If you're travelling on a journey involving another airline or a British Airways codeshare partner, check the baggage allowance shown on your booking because different rules may apply.
For Economy Basic passengers in particular, British Airways' included cabin allowance can provide substantial packing capacity without purchasing checked luggage: one cabin bag plus one smaller handbag or backpack, with each permitted to weigh up to 23kg subject to the applicable size limits.
British Airways cabin baggage rules: liquids, extras and restrictions
British Airways includes two pieces of hand baggage as standard: one cabin bag measuring up to 56 × 45 × 25cm and one smaller handbag or backpack measuring up to 40 × 30 × 15cm.
Each item can weigh up to 23kg, although you must be able to lift your larger cabin bag into the overhead locker without assistance. Your smaller handbag or backpack must fit beneath the seat in front of you and is guaranteed to remain in the cabin. Your larger cabin bag may need to be placed in the hold when overhead locker space is limited.
Liquids, gels, creams and aerosols carried in hand baggage are subject to the security requirements at your departure airport. Where standard UK liquid restrictions apply, containers should generally be 100ml or less and presented according to the airport's current security-screening requirements.
This includes everyday toiletries such as shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste, deodorant, skincare products and cosmetics. CabinCleared travel-size toiletries can help keep these everyday essentials compact, organised and ready for airport security.
If British Airways asks for your larger cabin bag to be placed in the hold, keep passports and travel documents, medication, valuables, money, spare batteries and essential electronics in your smaller bag so they remain with you throughout the journey.
Certain additional items may be permitted alongside your normal baggage allowance, including mobility aids and essential medical equipment where applicable. Rules for pushchairs, child seats, sporting equipment and other specialist items vary, so check the relevant British Airways guidance before travelling.
Restricted and dangerous items are subject to both airline and airport-security rules. Some items may be permitted only in cabin baggage, others only in checked baggage, while certain dangerous goods are prohibited altogether. Spare lithium batteries and power banks should not be packed in checked baggage and should remain with you in the cabin.
If your journey includes a flight operated by another airline, check the baggage rules applying to that sector. The operating carrier's cabin baggage dimensions, weights and restrictions may differ from British Airways' own allowances.
Before travelling, measure and weigh your cabin baggage and check the current security requirements at your departure airport. This is particularly important for liquids because airport screening arrangements can differ depending on where your journey begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much cabin baggage can I take on British Airways?
British Airways allows one cabin bag measuring up to 56 × 45 × 25cm plus one smaller handbag or backpack measuring up to 40 × 30 × 15cm. This allowance applies across British Airways cabins, including Economy Basic.
How much can a British Airways cabin bag weigh?
Both your larger cabin bag and smaller handbag or backpack can weigh up to 23kg each. However, you must be able to lift your larger cabin bag into the overhead locker without assistance.
Is my British Airways cabin bag guaranteed to stay in the cabin?
Not necessarily. Your smaller handbag or backpack is guaranteed to remain in the cabin, provided it meets the permitted dimensions. Your larger cabin bag may need to be placed in the hold if overhead locker space is limited.
Does British Airways Economy Basic include cabin baggage?
Yes. Economy Basic includes the standard British Airways cabin allowance of one cabin bag plus one smaller handbag or backpack. The main difference is that Economy Basic does not normally include checked baggage.
Is checked baggage included with British Airways?
It depends on your fare. Economy Basic normally excludes checked baggage. Standard Economy generally includes one bag up to 23kg, Premium Economy generally includes two bags up to 23kg each, Business generally includes two bags up to 32kg each, and First generally includes three bags up to 32kg each.
What size checked bag does British Airways allow?
A standard British Airways checked bag can measure up to 90 × 75 × 43cm, including handles, pockets and wheels. Your permitted weight depends on your cabin and fare.
What happens if my British Airways checked bag is overweight?
If your checked bag exceeds the weight allowance included with your fare, an overweight baggage charge can apply. British Airways currently charges £65 per overweight bag, per one-way journey, subject to applicable local currency and taxes. No individual checked bag can weigh more than 32kg.
Can I buy additional checked baggage with British Airways?
Yes. Additional checked bags can be purchased, with prices varying according to your journey. British Airways allows up to 10 additional checked bags, subject to availability, and purchasing additional baggage online before check-in is generally cheaper than arranging it at the airport.
Can I take liquids and toiletries in my British Airways cabin baggage?
Yes. Liquids, gels, creams and aerosols are subject to the security rules at your departure airport. Where standard liquid restrictions apply, containers should generally be 100ml or less. This includes toiletries such as shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste, deodorant, skincare products and cosmetics.
Can I take a power bank on a British Airways flight?
Power banks and spare lithium batteries should be carried in your cabin baggage rather than checked luggage. Additional restrictions can apply depending on battery capacity, so check British Airways' dangerous-goods guidance before travelling with larger batteries.
What should I keep in my smaller cabin bag?
Keep passports, medication, valuables, money, essential electronics and other important items in your smaller handbag or backpack. This bag is guaranteed in the cabin when it meets BA's requirements, whereas your larger cabin bag may need to be placed in the hold.
Do British Airways baggage rules apply on codeshare flights?
Not always. If part of your journey is operated by another airline, different cabin or checked-baggage rules may apply. Check the baggage allowance shown on your booking and the requirements of the operating carrier before travelling.
Can I take medical equipment in addition to my British Airways baggage allowance?
British Airways provides allowances for certain essential medical equipment and mobility aids, subject to its requirements. If you need to travel with specialist medical equipment, check the airline's guidance before departure and contact British Airways in advance where required.
Do wheels and handles count towards British Airways cabin bag dimensions?
Yes. Your bag must fit within the published 56 × 45 × 25cm cabin-bag dimensions when its wheels, handles and other external parts are taken into account.