British Airways Baggage Policy (2026) — Fees, Limits & Rules
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.
Baggage Allowance Summary
| Airline | British Airways (BA) |
|---|---|
| Carry-On | 22x18x10 inches (56x45x25 cm), 51 lbs (23 kg) max |
| Personal Item | 1 personal item: 16x12x6 inches (40x30x15 cm), up to 51 lbs (23 kg). Includes handbag or laptop bag. |
| Checked Bag Allowance | 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). |
| First Bag Fee | $70-$75 for long-haul Basic Economy, free for standard Economy |
| Second Bag Fee | $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 Weight | 32 kg |
| Max Dimensions | 90 x 75 x 43 cm (35 x 30 x 17 inches) |
| Free Bag in Economy | Yes |
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.
International Rules
Economy allowance increases to 2 free bags (23 kg each) for flights to/from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and between Europe and Japan.
Tips to Avoid Fees
1. Book standard Economy instead of Basic Economy for a free checked bag. 2. Pay for extra bags online in advance to save compared to airport prices. 3. Join Executive Club (Silver/Gold) or Oneworld (Sapphire/Emerald) for extra baggage allowance. 4. Take advantage of the generous 23kg carry-on weight limit to avoid checking bags.
Unique Nuances
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.