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British Airways Baggage Policy (2026)

Last updated: May 2026 · Source: British Airways official website

Quick Answer

British Airways allows 1 carry-on and 1 personal item for free, both with a generous 51 lbs (23 kg) weight limit. Standard Economy includes 1 free checked bag, while Basic Economy charges around $70-$75 for the first bag on long-haul flights.

Carry-On Baggage

Carry-On Size22x18x10 inches (56x45x25 cm), 51 lbs (23 kg) max
Personal Item1 personal item: 16x12x6 inches (40x30x15 cm), up to 51 lbs (23 kg). Includes handbag or laptop bag.

Checked Baggage Fees

ItemFee / Details
Included BagsBasic Economy: 0 bags. Economy: 1 bag (23 kg). Premium Economy: 2 bags (23 kg each). Business: 2 bags (32 kg each). First: 3 bags (32 kg each).
1st Checked Bag$70-$75 for long-haul Basic Economy, free for standard Economy
2nd Checked Bag$90-$100 for long-haul flights
Overweight Fee$100 USD / £65 GBP / €75 EUR for bags 23-32 kg
Oversized Fee$100 USD / £65 GBP / €75 EUR for bags over standard dimensions up to 190 x 75 x 65cm
Max Weight32 kg per bag
Max Dimensions90 x 75 x 43 cm (35 x 30 x 17 inches)

Free checked bag included in economy class

International Baggage Rules

Economy allowance increases to 2 free bags (23 kg each) for flights to/from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and between Europe and Japan.

Special Items

Sports Equipment

Golf bags, skis, and surfboards (up to 240cm) count as part of standard checked allowance. Bikes must be in a box up to 190x95x65cm and count as checked bag.

Musical Instruments

Small instruments (up to 80cm) allowed as carry-on in place of second bag. Medium instruments (up to 140cm) require purchased seat. Large instruments checked in hold.

Tips to Avoid Baggage Fees

  1. 1Book standard Economy instead of Basic Economy for a free checked bag.
  2. 2Pay for extra bags online in advance to save compared to airport prices.
  3. 3Join Executive Club (Silver/Gold) or Oneworld (Sapphire/Emerald) for extra baggage allowance.
  4. 4Take advantage of the generous 23kg carry-on weight limit to avoid checking bags.

Did You Know?

British Airways has an unusually generous carry-on weight limit of 51 lbs (23 kg) for both the cabin bag and personal item. They also allow a free checked bag for infants under 2 years old, even if they don't have their own seat. You can purchase an extra seat specifically for a cello or guitar to travel in the cabin.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does British Airways charge for checked bags?
British Airways charges $70-$75 for long-haul Basic Economy, free for standard Economy for the first checked bag and $90-$100 for long-haul flights for the second bag.
What is British Airways's carry-on bag size limit?
British Airways carry-on allowance: 22x18x10 inches (56x45x25 cm), 51 lbs (23 kg) max. 1 personal item: 16x12x6 inches (40x30x15 cm), up to 51 lbs (23 kg). Includes handbag or laptop bag.
Does British Airways include free checked bags in economy?
Yes, British Airways includes at least one free checked bag in economy class. Basic Economy: 0 bags. Economy: 1 bag (23 kg). Premium Economy: 2 bags (23 kg each). Business: 2 bags (32 kg each). First: 3 bags (32 kg each).
What is British Airways's overweight baggage fee?
$100 USD / £65 GBP / €75 EUR for bags 23-32 kg
Can I bring sports equipment on British Airways?
Golf bags, skis, and surfboards (up to 240cm) count as part of standard checked allowance. Bikes must be in a box up to 190x95x65cm and count as checked bag.

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