British Airways Baggage Policies & Fees - British Airways is one of the largest airlines when it comes to flying across the Atlantic, offering travelers the option to "cross the pond" in options including economy to true first class. It's the class of service that determines your British Airways baggage allowance — from no free checked bags up to three checked bags of 70 pounds each.

British Airways Baggage Policies & Fees

Let's dive into the details of British Airways' baggage policies 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.

You can always take assistance from Airlines Ticket Policy by calling at the customer support tollfree number +1-888-474-0163.

British Airways Hand Baggage

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.

Need help? Call Airlines Ticket Policy at +1-888-474-0163 for assistance.

British Airways Checked Baggage

Travelling with British Airways, you can add checked baggage either during booking or at the airport, although be aware that booking at the airport will cost you more. 

The cost of travelling with checked baggage will depend on your route. Bags should not be heavier than 23kg or 32kg (this will be determined by your route/ticket type). The maximum size is 90 x 75 x 43cm – anything larger than this will be classed as excess baggage. 

Passengers can travel with up to 10 pieces of luggage per person. Prices range from £36 – £120 per bag if you book online, and £40 – £140 if you want to book at the airport.

Call Airlines Ticket Policy at +1-888-474-0163 if you need more guidance.

Excess Baggage Policy of British Airways

  • Any bag exceeding 90 x 75 x 43cm will be counted as excess baggage and subject to an excess baggage fee of £65.
  • If your bag is heavier than 32kg it will be shipped as cargo. Please contact the airline directly for more information about this.

British Airways Overweight or Oversized Bags

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 approximately per bag per journey. Baggage that is heavier than 32 kg 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.

Want to know more? Call Airlines Ticket Policy at +1-888-474-0163.

British Airways Infant Baggage Allowance

  • 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 23 kg.
  • 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.

Musical Instruments and Sporting Equipment of British Airways

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

56x45x25cm

23kg

N/A

Airport fees will apply if oversized or overweight

Checked Baggage

90x75x43cm

23-32kg depending on route/ticket type

£20-£65 depending on route/ticket type

Follow excess baggage policy

Excess Baggage

90x75x43cm

32kg

£65 per bag

N/A

What are the Baggage Allowance Restrictions on British Airways?

With British Airways, several restrictions have been imposed on the planned trip. You can choose to keep these things in mind while getting through with the bag packing are as follows:

  • Alcohol: under 70% is accepted to be carried on the air carrier.
  • Sharp Objects: Items like nail clippers, razors, and blades can be packed in carry-on luggage.
  • Gas-contained Items: These are only allowed in carry-on bags, as they can’t be carried with checked in bags.
  • Prohibited Items: Explosives, Weapons, and combustible items cannot be brought on the trip. E-cigarettes and vapor goods are not allowed on the aircraft.

Conclusion

British Airways includes a free carry-on bag and personal item with all tickets. However, you won't be able to check a bag for free if you book one of its cheapest basic economy fares. All other fares include at least one checked bag of up to 51 pounds (23 kilograms) — or up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms) on business and first class fares.

Oneworld elite members may get an additional checked bag on British Airways, depending on their status tier and the booking class. However, even top-tier elites can't avoid British Airways' restriction on basic economy fares.

For more details, Call Airlines Ticket Policy at +1-888-474-0163 for assistance.



Frequently Asked Questions on British Airways Baggage Policies & Fees
Hand or cabin bags bigger than the maximum weight and size limits will be tagged at the gate and sent to the hold as checked luggage. If this happens, you’ll be charged the same fee as you would if you checked baggage prior to boarding in keeping with your seating class.
The timeframes for checked baggage drop off vary depending on the distance of your flight. Short Haul Flights: Baggage drop off closes 45 minutes before your flight and Long Haul Flights: Bag drop closes 60 minutes before your flight.
No, British Airways does not allow this as some other airlines do. Each passenger must stay within their own baggage allowance.
If your baggage is damaged, be sure to file a report before you leave the airport and take photos of the damage so you can use this in a compensation claim. Typically the airline will reimburse you for the repair cost or pay for a replacement.
Baggage rules are determined by the operating airline, so if you’re flying with a BA partner like American Airlines, you’ll have to adhere to the baggage requirements and fees of that airline.