British Airways·oneworld
British Airways Baggage Fees & Allowance
British Airways Baggage Fees & Allowance — Summary
British Airways carry-on size limits, checked bag fees, weight limits, overweight and oversize charges, and who gets bags free. Updated policy summary with booking help.
Key Travel Facts & Insights
- Personal item: One handbag or laptop bag in addition to the cabin bag — a genuinely generous cabin allowance by US standards..
- Carry-on bag: One cabin bag up to 23 kg (51 lbs) plus one personal item, on every fare including hand-baggage-only tickets.
- First checked bag: Included on standard long-haul economy fares.
- Second checked bag: Charged in economy; included in Premium Economy and above..
Personal item
One handbag or laptop bag in addition to the cabin bag — a genuinely generous cabin allowance by US standards.
Carry-on bag
One cabin bag up to 23 kg (51 lbs) plus one personal item, on every fare including hand-baggage-only tickets. The 23 kg cabin weight allowance is far above US carrier norms. Maximum dimensions: 56 x 45 x 25 cm (22 x 18 x 10 inches) for the cabin bag.
First checked bag
Included on standard long-haul economy fares. Charged on hand-baggage-only fares and on most short-haul European tickets.
Second checked bag
Charged in economy; included in Premium Economy and above.
Weight limits
23 kg (51 lbs) in economy and Premium Economy; 32 kg (70 lbs) in Club World and First.
Overweight bag charges
Bags between 23 kg and 32 kg incur a heavy bag charge. Above 32 kg the bag is refused for handler safety reasons.
Oversize bag charges
Over 90 x 75 x 43 cm attracts an oversize charge.
Who gets bags free
Extra bags for Executive Club Silver and Gold members, oneworld Sapphire and Emerald, and premium cabins.
Sports and special equipment
Golf clubs, skis and bicycles are carried as checked baggage within weight limits; some items require advance notification.
British Airways baggage allowance & fees — common questions
What is the British Airways carry-on size limit?
56 x 45 x 25 cm (22 x 18 x 10 inches) for the cabin bag including wheels and handles. One cabin bag up to 23 kg (51 lbs) plus one personal item, on every fare including hand-baggage-only tickets. The 23 kg cabin weight allowance is far above US carrier norms.
How much does a checked bag cost on British Airways?
Included on standard long-haul economy fares. Charged on hand-baggage-only fares and on most short-haul European tickets. A second bag: Charged in economy; included in Premium Economy and above.
What is the British Airways checked baggage weight limit?
23 kg (51 lbs) in economy and Premium Economy; 32 kg (70 lbs) in Club World and First. Bags between 23 kg and 32 kg incur a heavy bag charge. Above 32 kg the bag is refused for handler safety reasons.
Can I get a free checked bag on British Airways?
Extra bags for Executive Club Silver and Gold members, oneworld Sapphire and Emerald, and premium cabins.
More British Airways help
Booking British Airways? Talk to a US travel consultant.
Fare rules, baggage allowances and change policies differ by route and fare brand. Our consultants confirm the exact terms attached to your itinerary before you pay — and handle the change or refund if plans move.