I once paid £60 at Heathrow for a bag that was 2kg overweight. The lesson stuck. Now I know exactly what British Airways allows for each ticket type, and I weigh my bags before every flight. The rules have changed multiple times over the years, especially with the introduction of Basic Economy fares that include no checked bag at all. Here is the current breakdown so you do not make the same expensive mistake I did.
British Airways baggage allowance varies by ticket type and cabin class. All tickets include a cabin bag and a personal item.
Checked Baggage by Class
| Class | Checked Bags | Weight per Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Economy Basic | None | – |
| Economy (with checked bag) | 1 bag | 23kg |
| Premium Economy | 2 bags | 23kg each |
| Business | 2 bags | 32kg each |
| First | 3 bags | 32kg each |
Checked bag dimensions: Each bag must not exceed 90 x 75 x 43 cm, including handles and wheels.
Maximum weight: No single bag can exceed 32kg. Bags heavier than 32kg will not be accepted — you must repack into multiple bags.
Oversized bags: Bags larger than standard but not exceeding 190 x 75 x 65 cm are considered oversized and may incur additional fees.
Cabin Baggage
All tickets include two bags in the cabin:
Cabin bag:
- Max size: 56 x 45 x 25 cm (22 x 18 x 10 inches)
- Goes in the overhead locker
Personal item (handbag/laptop bag):
- Max size: 40 x 30 x 15 cm (16 x 12 x 6 inches)
- Must fit under the seat in front
Combined weight: Both bags together must not exceed 23kg total. This is a combined limit, not 23kg per bag.
The personal item is guaranteed to fly in the cabin. Pack essentials (electronics, medicines, travel documents) in this bag. Duty-free purchases are allowed separately on top of your baggage allowance.
British Airways, BA Cityflyer, and BA Euroflyer all have the same hand baggage allowance.
Recommended: Cabin Max Metz 30L Backpack
The Cabin Max Metz 30L at 45 x 36 x 20 cm fits comfortably within British Airways’ generous 56 x 45 x 25 cm cabin bag allowance. At just 0.5kg, it maximises your usable weight from the 23kg combined limit. Opens flat like a suitcase for easy packing, with a padded laptop compartment and organiser pockets. Made from showerproof 600D recycled polyester. A practical choice for travellers who prefer a backpack over a rigid cabin case.
Executive Club Benefits
British Airways Executive Club members get enhanced baggage allowances:
Silver Members
- 2 checked bags in Economy (instead of 1)
- 32kg per bag (instead of 23kg)
- Benefits extend to everyone on your booking
Gold Members
- 1 extra checked bag on top of your fare allowance (any cabin class)
- 32kg per bag weight limit
- Benefits extend to everyone on your booking
Important: Executive Club benefits do not apply to Economy Basic fares — you must upgrade to standard Economy or higher.
OneWorld Emerald members receive the same benefits as Gold, and Sapphire members receive the same as Silver when flying British Airways.
Travelling with Infants and Children
Infants (Under 2 Years)
Infants travelling on an adult’s lap (without their own seat) receive:
- 23kg checked bag included (except Economy Basic fares)
- 2 free items of baby equipment — any combination of pushchair, car seat, booster seat, or travel cot
- Baby equipment is checked at the gate and collected at baggage reclaim
Children (2-11 Years)
Children aged 2 and over receive the same baggage allowance as adults for their ticket class.
Adding Extra Baggage
If you need more than your included allowance, add extra bags when booking:
| Route Type | Online Price | Airport Price |
|---|---|---|
| Short-haul (Europe) | £25-45 | £75-95 |
| Long-haul | £65-140 | £150-165 |
Always add bags online. Airport prices are significantly higher. You can add bags through Manage My Booking up until online check-in closes.
Special Routes
Some British Airways routes include extra baggage at no additional cost:
- Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria: 2 free checked bags in Economy
- India: Enhanced allowance on many routes
- USA connections: Additional allowance may apply
Check your specific booking confirmation for your exact allowance.
Musical Instruments
In the cabin:
- Instruments up to 80 x 45 x 25 cm can be carried as your main cabin bag
- Larger instruments (up to 140 x 50 x 30 cm) such as guitars and cellos require purchase of an extra seat
In the hold:
- Instruments can be checked as part of your normal baggage allowance if within size and weight limits
- Pack instruments in hard cases for protection
Sports Equipment
Sports equipment can be checked as part of your normal baggage allowance if it fits within the size (90 x 75 x 43 cm) and weight limits. Items exceeding standard dimensions may incur oversized baggage fees.
Golf clubs, skis, and bicycles should be packed in protective bags or cases. Contact British Airways for specific requirements on large sporting equipment.
Tips
- Weigh your bags before traveling to avoid excess baggage fees
- Pack essentials in your personal item – this bag is guaranteed cabin space
- Check your specific booking on ba.com for your exact allowance
- Economy Basic has no checked bag included – add one when booking if needed
Excess Baggage Fees
| Issue | Fee |
|---|---|
| Overweight bag (per bag, per journey) | £65 / €75 / $100 |
| Extra bag at airport | £75-165 depending on route |
| Oversized bag | Additional fees apply |
Maximum weight: 32kg per bag. Bags exceeding 32kg will not be accepted.
If your bag is slightly overweight, it is often cheaper to redistribute items into your cabin bag than to pay the excess fee. Always weigh bags before you leave home.
British Airways vs Other Airlines
| Airline | Cabin Bag | Size | Weight | Free Checked Bag |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Airways | Yes + personal item | 56 x 45 x 25 cm | 23kg combined | Depends on fare |
| Jet2 | Yes + personal item | 56 x 45 x 25 cm | 10kg | With packages |
| easyJet | Cabin bag | 45 x 36 x 20 cm | 15kg | No |
| Ryanair | Personal bag only | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | No limit | No |
| TUI | Yes + personal item | 55 x 40 x 20 cm | 10kg | With packages |
British Airways offers the most generous cabin bag weight allowance (23kg combined) of any UK airline. The trade-off is that Economy Basic fares include no checked bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does British Airways Economy Basic include a checked bag?
No, Economy Basic tickets do not include checked baggage. You only get a cabin bag and personal item. Add a checked bag when booking online to avoid higher airport fees.
What size cabin bag can I take on British Airways?
Your main cabin bag can be up to 56 x 45 x 25 cm. You also get one personal item (40 x 30 x 15 cm) like a handbag or laptop bag. Both bags together must not exceed 23kg combined weight.
How much does British Airways charge for overweight bags?
The overweight bag fee is £65 per bag, per journey (€75 or $100). This applies if your bag exceeds the weight limit for your ticket class. No bag over 32kg will be accepted.
Do Executive Club members get extra baggage allowance?
Yes. Silver members get 2 checked bags in Economy at 32kg each. Gold members get 1 extra bag on top of their fare allowance at 32kg. Benefits extend to everyone on the booking but do not apply to Economy Basic fares.
Can I combine weight across multiple bags on British Airways?
No, each bag must meet the individual weight limit for your cabin class. You cannot combine a 20kg bag and a 26kg bag to average 23kg each. Each bag is weighed separately.
What is the maximum checked bag size on British Airways?
Checked bags must not exceed 90 x 75 x 43 cm including handles and wheels. Bags up to 190 x 75 x 65 cm are accepted as oversized baggage with additional fees.
Do infants get baggage allowance on British Airways?
Yes, infants under 2 travelling on an adult’s lap get a 23kg checked bag (except Economy Basic) plus 2 free items of baby equipment such as pushchairs, car seats, or travel cots.
Can I take a musical instrument on British Airways?
Instruments up to 80 x 45 x 25 cm can be carried as your cabin bag. Larger instruments like guitars and cellos (up to 140 x 50 x 30 cm) require purchase of an extra seat.
Related
- Wizz Air Baggage Allowance
- Ryanair Cabin Bag Size and Baggage Allowance
- easyJet Baggage Allowance
- Jet2 Baggage Allowance
- TUI Baggage Allowance
- UK Airline Baggage Comparison
- Luggage Scales
- Cabin Bag Backpacks
