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Airlines · UK and Europe

British Airways Baggage Allowance: What You Can Take

British Airways baggage allowance explained: hand bag and cabin bag sizes, checked bag weight, Basic fare rules and smart packing tips.

Quick answer

British Airways gives you 1 handbag or backpack (40 x 30 x 15 cm) and 1 cabin bag (56 x 45 x 25 cm). Most fares include 1 checked bag up to 23 kg, but Basic fares include no checked baggage. Checked bags can measure up to 90 x 75 x 43 cm.

British Airways
Personal item1 handbag or backpack, 40 x 30 x 15 cm
Cabin bag1 cabin bag, 56 x 45 x 25 cm
Cabin bag weight—
Checked bag included1 checked bag included on most fares; no checked baggage included on Basic
First checked bag—
Second checked bag—
Checked bag weightUp to 23 kg (50 lb) per bag
Overweight bag—
In-flight wifi—

By fare type

FarePersonal itemCabin bagChecked bag
Basic (hand baggage only)1 hand bag, 40 x 30 x 15 cm1 cabin bag, 56 x 45 x 25 cmNo checked baggage included

Hand baggage: what fits in the cabin

Every passenger gets 1 handbag or backpack measuring 40 x 30 x 15 cm. It must fit easily under the seat in front of you, and it is guaranteed to stay in the cabin. You also get 1 cabin bag measuring 56 x 45 x 25 cm. You need to lift this bag into the overhead compartment yourself, without help. If you cannot lift it, it may need to travel as checked baggage.

Checked baggage: what is included

Most fares include 1 checked bag weighing up to 23 kg (50 lb). Basic fares are hand baggage only, so no checked bag is included. Checked bags can measure up to 90 x 75 x 43 cm (35 x 30 x 17 in). Gold, Silver, oneworld Emerald or Sapphire, and AerClub Platinum or Concierge members get extra checked bags in Economy: 2 bags, up to 32 kg each.

Packing tips and battery rules

Power banks and spare batteries are forbidden in checked baggage. Carry them in your hand baggage instead. Keep your hand bag light enough to slide under the seat, and pack your cabin bag so you can lift it overhead on your own. Before you fly, sort your bags by size and weight so nothing is repacked at the gate. An eSIM keeps your data working on landing, so you can check baggage rules or message home without hunting for a local SIM.

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Questions

What is the British Airways baggage allowance for hand baggage?

You get 1 handbag or backpack at 40 x 30 x 15 cm and 1 cabin bag at 56 x 45 x 25 cm. The handbag must fit under the seat in front of you.

Does British Airways Basic fare include a checked bag?

No. Basic fares are hand baggage only, so no checked baggage is included. Most other fares include 1 checked bag.

How much can a British Airways checked bag weigh?

A checked bag can weigh up to 23 kg (50 lb). Checked bags can also measure up to 90 x 75 x 43 cm (35 x 30 x 17 in).

Can I put a power bank in my checked bag?

No. Power banks and spare batteries are forbidden in checked baggage and must be carried in your hand baggage.

Do British Airways elite members get extra checked bags?

Yes. Gold, Silver, oneworld Emerald or Sapphire, and AerClub Platinum or Concierge members get 2 checked bags in Economy, up to 32 kg each.

Sources. Checked against the official pages on 28 September 2026: britishairways.com · britishairways.com · britishairways.com · britishairways.com

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