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British Airways Baggage Policy

British Airways Baggage Policy
Carry-On Baggage:
  • Allowance: All passengers can bring one cabin bag and one personal item (e.g., handbag, laptop bag) free of charge.
  • Size and Weight Restrictions:
    • Cabin Bag: Maximum dimensions are 56 x 45 x 25 cm (22 x 18 x 10 inches), including handles, pockets, and wheels. Maximum weight is 23 kg (51 lbs). Must fit in the overhead locker or baggage sizer at check-in.
    • Personal Item: Maximum dimensions are 40 x 30 x 15 cm (16 x 12 x 6 inches). Maximum weight is 23 kg (51 lbs). Must fit under the seat in front of you.
  • Additional Notes:
    • On busy flights, larger cabin bags may be checked into the hold at no extra cost if within allowance, but essentials (medications, valuables, travel documents) should be in the personal item.
    • Infants (under 2 years) without a seat can have one cabin bag (56 x 45 x 25 cm, 23 kg) for in-flight essentials. If an infant has a booked seat, they receive the same allowance as an adult.
    • Liquids in carry-on must be in containers up to 100 ml, placed in a single, transparent, 1-liter bag.
    • Prohibited items (e.g., sharp objects, flammables) are restricted; check the airline’s list of prohibited items.
Checked Baggage:

Allowance (varies by fare class, route, and frequent flyer status):

  • Economy Basic: No free checked bags; can purchase additional bags.
  • Economy (Standard): One checked bag up to 23 kg (51 lbs).
  • Premium Economy: Two checked bags, each up to 23 kg (51 lbs).
  • Business (Club Europe, Club World): Two checked bags, each up to 32 kg (70 lbs).
  • Infants (under 2 years): One checked bag up to 23 kg (51 lbs), plus two essential extras (e.g., fully collapsible stroller, car seat, travel cot, baby back carrier), even on Basic fares.
  • Children (2–11 years): Same checked baggage allowance as adults based on fare class, plus two essential extras.
  • Executive Club Members: Silver members get one extra bag in Economy; Gold members get higher allowances. oneworld Sapphire/Emerald members receive additional bags (up to 32 kg each), except on Basic fares.

Size and Weight Limitations:

  • Maximum dimensions: 90 x 75 x 43 cm (35 x 30 x 17 inches), including handles, wheels, and pockets.
  • Oversized bags (up to 190 x 75 x 65 cm) are accepted with special handling; check-in at least 90 minutes before departure. Bags exceeding these dimensions must be shipped as cargo.
  • Maximum weight: 23 kg (51 lbs) for Economy/Premium Economy, 32 kg (70 lbs) for Business/First Class. Bags over 32 kg are not accepted and must be shipped as cargo.
  • Weight cannot be combined across multiple bags; each bag must meet the limit.

Excess Baggage Fees:

  • Extra Bags: £35–£140 online, £75–£165 at the airport, depending on route and fare class. Up to 10 extra bags can be added, subject to availability.
  • Overweight Bags (23–32 kg): £65/€75/$100 USD/$100 CAD per bag per one-way journey.
  • Oversized Bags (90 x 75 x 43 cm to 190 x 75 x 65 cm): Subject to fees; contact BA for specifics.
  • Prepay online via “Manage My Booking” for lower rates. Refunds for prepaid extra baggage are available if canceled online before check-in.
  • Fees vary by route; use BA’s baggage calculator to check costs.
Special Items (Sporting Equipment, Musical Instruments, etc.):
  • Allowance: Items like golf clubs, skis, snowboards, bicycles, and musical instruments can be included in the checked baggage allowance if within size (90 x 75 x 43 cm) and weight (23 kg for Economy/Premium Economy, 32 kg for Business/First) limits.
  • Specific Rules:
    • Golf Clubs: Must be in a protective bag or hard case; counts as one checked bag. Extra fees apply if over allowance.
    • Ski/Snowboard Equipment: Counts as one checked bag; check weight limits to avoid fees.
    • Bicycles: Must be in a bike cover or box; counts as one checked bag. Extra fees apply if over allowance. Notify BA at booking or 48 hours prior.
    • Scuba Gear: Tanks must be empty and presented at check-in. Diving lamps require approval 24 hours prior, with bulb/fuse packed separately.
    • Musical Instruments: Small instruments (up to 80 x 45 x 25 cm) can replace the cabin bag. Larger instruments must be checked and may incur fees.
    • Oversized/Heavy Items: Up to 45 kg or 190 x 75 x 65 cm may be accepted with fees; contact BA for approval.
  • Non-Accepted Items: Motorized items (e.g., hoverboards, e-scooters), spear guns, and items exceeding 190 x 75 x 65 cm or 32 kg must be shipped as cargo.
  • Mobility Aids: Battery-operated wheelchairs and mobility scooters for passengers with reduced mobility are accepted free of charge, with advance notification.
Medical Equipment:
  • No weight or quantity limits for medical equipment (e.g., CPAP machines, nebulizers, insulin pumps, portable oxygen concentrators), but permission may be required. Carry a medical professional’s letter and bring as hand baggage for immediate access. For CPAP machines, use a dry cell battery if power output exceeds 75 watts.
  • Check partner airline policies for connecting flights.
Pet Policy:
  • Only registered assistance animals are allowed in the cabin with prior arrangement. All other pets must travel in the cargo hold, with special arrangements made in advance.
Tips to Avoid Fees:
  • Use BA’s baggage calculator to confirm allowance based on route, fare, and class.
  • Measure and weigh bags at home (cabin bag: 56 x 45 x 25 cm, 23 kg; personal item: 40 x 30 x 15 cm, 23 kg; checked bag: 90 x 75 x 43 cm, 23–32 kg).
  • Prepay extra baggage online for savings.
  • Pack essentials in the personal item to avoid issues if the cabin bag is checked.
  • Label all bags to prevent loss.
  • Arrive early for oversized/special items (90 minutes before departure).
  • Avios points cannot be used for baggage fees
Lost, Delayed, or Damaged Baggage:
  • Report issues at the airport immediately to obtain a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). Report damaged luggage or missing contents within 7 days.
  • Track lost baggage using the baggage tracing system with the PIR number.
  • For compensation, check BA’s General Conditions of Carriage (clauses 15 and 16).