If you’re travelling with British Airways on an upcoming flight, here’s everything you need to know about your British Airways baggage allowance and fees.
If you’re flying with British Airways soon, here’s everything you need to know about your baggage allowance and fees.
Keep in mind that your baggage allowance with British Airways may differ based on your cabin class and frequent flyer status, with Silver and Gold Executive Club members potentially eligible for a greater allowance.
All British Airways passengers are permitted to carry one piece of hand luggage and one small item (such as a handbag or laptop bag) onboard the aircraft. Below are the weights and measurements for hand luggage on flights operated by British Airways, BA Euroflyer and BA Cityflyer.
Hand luggage should not exceed 56 x 45 x 25cm, and the small item should not exceed 40 x 30 x 15cm. Both items can have a combined weight up to 23KG.
Onboard the aircraft, larger hand luggage must be stowed in the overhead locker, while smaller items with a yellow tag should be placed under the seat in front of you. If your hand luggage exceeds the limits advised, it must be checked into the aircraft’s hold and will be counted toward your checked baggage allowance. You may also be charged excess baggage fees at the airport for this.
The checked baggage allowance with British Airways for international flights depends on your cabin class and fare type. Each piece of checked baggage must not exceed 90 x 75 x 43 cm, including handles and wheels, and the weight can range from 23 to 32 kg, depending on your cabin class and ticket.
Below are the weight limits based on your cabin class for flights operated by British Airways, BA Euroflyer, and BA Cityflyer.
| Cabin Class/Ticket | Checked Bags |
|---|---|
| Economy Basic | 0 x Bags / Hand Luggage Only |
| Economy | 1 x Bag at 23KG |
| Premium Economy | 2 x Bags at 23KG each |
| Business | 2 x Bags at 32KG each |
| First | 3 x Bags at 32KG each |
Please note that this policy does not apply to flights to/from Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, or connecting journeys between India and the USA, Bermuda, or Canada.
Extra baggage can be added with British Airways either online or at the airport, but it’s more cost-effective to add it online. The prices to add extra baggage depend on the route that you’re flying and range from £35-£140 if booked online, and from £75-£165 is added at the airport.
The table below outlines the price ranges when adding extra baggage, comparing online and airport prices. The ‘1st bag’ option is applicable only to passengers who booked the Economy Basic fare, as all other fare types include the 1st checked bag as standard.
| Checked Bag - Max: 23KG | Online Price | Airport Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Bag (if adding a bag to a Basic Economy fare) | £35-£80 | £75-£95 |
| 2nd Bag | £65-£80 | £75-£95 |
| 3rd Bag | £80-£140 | £95-£165 |
| 4th Bag | £80-£140 | £95-£165 |
The prices and allowances when adding extra baggage may differ if your British Airways flight is operated by a partner airline (for example on a connecting flight).
Any checked baggage that exceeds the weight allowance is considered an overweight bag, and a heavy bag fee will apply. The fee is £65 GBP, €75 EUR, $100 USD or $100 CAD per bag per journey. Baggage that is heavier than 32KG will not be accepted.
Checked bags that are larger than the standard size but do not exceed 190 x 75 x 65cm, will be considered an oversized bag. It’s recommended that you contact British Airways in advance as an oversized item may require special handling, and you should also aim to have the item checked in at least 90 minutes before your flight.
It’s important to note that many airports only accept major credit or debit cards for payment, as cash isn’t as commonly accepted. Avios points can’t be used to pay for overweight or oversized baggage.
When flying with an Infant (child under 24 months) without a seat on a British Airways, BA Euroflyer, or BA Cityflyer flight, the infant will receive a checked baggage allowance of 23KG.
This does not apply to Economy Basic fares, where there is no checked baggage allowance.
Additional baggage cannot be purchased for an infant without a seat.
| Infant Checked Baggage | Allowance |
|---|---|
| Economy Basic | 0KG |
| Economy & All Other Ticket Types | 23KG |
Instruments and sporting equipment can be carried as part of your checked baggage allowance or extra purchased checked baggage. In certain circumstances, British Airways may carry heavier items up to 45kg and 190cm x 75cm x 65cm.
Pieces over 23kg, however, may incur an extra charge.
| Baggage Type | Size Restrictions | Weight Allowance | Fees | Additional Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabin Baggage | 56 x 45 x 25cm | 23kg | N/A | Airport fees apply if oversized or overweight |
| Checked Baggage | 90 x 75 x 43cm | 23kg - 32kg depending on route/ticket type | £20 - £65 depending on route/ticket type | *see excess baggage* |
| Excess Baggage | 90 x 75 x 43cm | 32kg | £65 per bag | N/A |
British Airways is the flag carrier for the United Kingdom, operating a huge network across the UK, Europe, and Worldwide. Although it’s main hub is London Heathrow, BA have a large presence at London Gatwick and London City Airport. The airline offers many cabin classes including World Traveller (Economy), World Traveller Plus (Premium Economy), Club World (Business), and First Class, operating a mixed fleet of Airbus, Boeing and Embraer Jets.
When travelling internationally, it’s a requirement that you pass through customs. However, for domestic travel, or travel within the EU, customs is not usually required. In all cases, you will pass through security checks, to which it’s likely your ID and Documents will be checked, so it’s a good idea to have these documents ready and available throughout your journey.
Entry requirements vary from country to country. It’s very important that you research the exact requirements specific to you before you travel, as certain countries may require a visa, proof of insurance, and possibly bank statements. Your passport must also be valid for the full duration of your stay, with some countries requiring at least 6 months validity. However, all requirements will differ and are subject to your specific circumstances, such as duration of stay, purpose of travel, and the regulations that the country has set.
We recommend sourcing information about entry requirements from the country’s official websites.
Connecting flights refer to you taking multiple flights in order to reach your destination. This results in having a longer journey time, however, it’s quite common when direct services are not available.
If you have a connecting flight booked on the same ticket, typically your baggage will be checked through to your final destination. However, with potential flight delays, busy airports, and tight connections, you might make the connection, but often your baggage does not. This is why more and more travellers are travelling light by shipping their luggage ahead.
Many low-cost airlines don't offer connecting flights. This means it's your responsibility to manage your onward connections, and collect your baggage after each flight.
If you’re unsure, we recommend that you contact your airline directly.
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