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 British Airways Baggage Allowance Policy

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 British Airways Baggage Policy

British Airways offers a detailed and structured baggage policy that varies by travel class, booking type, and membership level. Here’s everything you need to know about carry-on, checked, extra, and oversized baggage, plus charges and refund terms.

Cabin and Hand Baggage

All British Airways customers including those on Basic Economy fares are entitled to bring two pieces of hand baggage into the cabin:

1. Hand Bag (Guaranteed in Cabin)

  • Size: Up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm (16 x 12 x 6 in)
  • Weight: Up to 23 kg (51 lb)
  • Contents: Essentials like medication, mobile phones, passports, and electronics
  • Storage: Must be placed under the seat in front of you

2. Cabin Bag

  • Size: Up to 56 x 45 x 25 cm (22 x 18 x 10 in), including wheels and handles
  • Weight: Up to 23 kg (51 lb)
  • Contents: Must NOT contain valuables, electronics, or essential medicines
  • Storage: Might be placed in the hold if cabin space is limited

If you carry more than two hand baggage items or your items are over the permitted size, British Airways may require you to check one or more bags into the hold.

 Checked Baggage Allowance by Cabin Class

Your free checked baggage allowance depends on your fare type and travel class:

  • Economy Basic: No checked baggage included (carry-on only)
  • Economy (with checked bag): 1 checked bag up to 23 kg
  • Premium Economy: 2 checked bags, each up to 23 kg
  • Business Class: 2 checked bags, each up to 32 kg
  • First Class: 3 checked bags, each up to 32 kg

Club Member Perks

  • British Airways Executive Club Gold and Silver members and
  • AerClub Concierge and Platinum members
    may be entitled to additional baggage allowances.

Checked Bag Size

  • Maximum Dimensions: 90 x 75 x 43 cm (35 x 30 x 17 in)
  • Weight Limit:
    • 23 kg in Economy and Premium Economy
    • 32 kg in Business and First Class
  • Important: Bags over 32 kg are not accepted as checked baggage under any circumstances.

 Extra and Additional Bags

You can check in up to 10 additional bags (on top of your allowance) but they must contain personal items only. Any commercial items must be sent via IAG Cargo.

Cost of Extra Bags

  • The price depends on:
    • Your destination
    • The number of bags beyond your free allowance
  • Use the British Airways baggage calculator to estimate fees.
  • Extra bags are only accepted if space is available on your flight.
  • Local taxes may apply at certain destinations.

Best Way to Pay

  • Airport rates are higher and must be paid by card only (no cash or Avios)

Overweight Baggage Charges

If your checked bag exceeds the weight limit for your fare class, you’ll need to pay a heavy bag fee:

  • Charge: £65 / €75 / $100 / CA$100 (per overweight bag, per one-way journey)
  • If departing from a country using a different currency, the GBP amount will be converted accordingly.
  • Payment is only accepted by credit or debit card at most airports (including London Heathrow, Gatwick, and airports across North America).
  • Avios and cash are not accepted for these fees.

Important: The 23 kg limit cannot be split between multiple bags. Each bag must meet its own weight requirement.

 Oversized Baggage (Out-of-Gauge Items)

A bag that exceeds standard dimensions but is still within maximum limits is treated as oversized. These can still be checked if:

  • Max Dimensions: 190 x 75 x 65 cm
  • Oversized bags include items like bikes, skis, or golf clubs

Refunds and Cancellations

British Airways allows you to cancel pre-paid baggage online before check-in and get a full refund. However:

  • No changes or refunds are permitted after flight departure
  • Refunds are made only to the original payment method
  • For lost, delayed, or damaged baggage, British Airways will follow its General Conditions of Carriage (clauses 15 and 16)