About British Airways
British Airways is the flag carrier airline of the United Kingdom, headquartered in London. It is one of the largest airlines in Europe and a founding member of the Oneworld alliance. Headquartered in London, United Kingdom. The airline is a member of Oneworld.
Carry-on Baggage
Carry-on Bag
Personal Item
Checked Baggage Allowance
| Class | First Bag | Second Bag | Weight | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Basic | From £42 / $55 | From £60 / $75 | Not included | 35 linear inches (90 cm) |
| Economy | Free | From £60 / $75 | 51 pounds (23 kg) | 35 linear inches (90 cm) |
| Premium Economy | Free | Free | 51 pounds (23 kg) | 35 linear inches (90 cm) |
| Business/First | Free | Free | 70 pounds (32 kg) | 35 linear inches (90 cm) |
Additional Bags & Notes
Economy Basic includes hand baggage only. Checked bags must be purchased.
💡 Fees and allowances may vary by route, fare type, and booking date. Always verify on the official British Airways baggage page before traveling.
Example Baggage Scenarios
London → New York (Economy)
Carry-on: 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 45 x 25 cm), 23 kg max
Checked bag: 1 piece Not included — From £42 / $55
2nd bag: From £60 / $75
Tip: Prepay online to lower baggage costs before you arrive at the airport
London → Dubai (Business Class)
Carry-on: 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 45 x 25 cm), 23 kg max + personal item
Checked bags: 2 pieces 51 pounds (23 kg) — Included free
Priority: Business class bags tagged priority for faster delivery
Lounge: Complimentary lounge access with extra bag storage
⚠️ These are typical examples. Actual fees depend on fare type, route, booking date, and frequent flyer status.
Excess Baggage Fees
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Bag / Per Kg | £65 flat fee per extra bag up to 23kg | Varies by route and booking time |
| Prepaid Discount | Save up to 40% when prepaying online | Book online before departure to save |
| Overweight (23-32kg) | £65-100 for bags 23-32kg | Per bag exceeding standard weight |
💰 Pro tip: Always prepay for extra baggage online. Airport fees can be 20-40% higher.
Tips to Avoid Extra Baggage Fees
- Weigh at home: Use a luggage scale before leaving. Most overweight fees start at $50-100 per bag.
- Prepay online: Book extra baggage through British Airways's website to save 10-20% vs airport prices.
- Wear heavy items: Boots, coats, and heavy clothing don't count toward luggage weight.
- Use compression bags: Vacuum bags reduce clothing volume by up to 75%.
- Check credit card perks: Premium cards often include free checked bags on select airlines.
- Join Avios: Elite members often get free checked bags and priority boarding.
Special Items & Equipment
British Airways accepts various special items with specific conditions. Advance booking is required for most special items. Contact the airline at least 48-72 hours before departure.
Important: All special items require advance reservation. Airport acceptance is not guaranteed without pre-booking. Fees shown are estimates — actual prices vary by route, season, and availability.
Sports equipment: Golf bags, skis, bicycles accepted with advance booking
Pre-booking required 48-72h before departure.
Must be properly packed in protective bag/case
Musical instruments: Small instruments in cabin, larger ones as checked baggage
Small instruments cabin-allowed if space permits.
Cellos/large instruments may require seat purchase
Infant baggage: One checked bag up to 23kg plus collapsible stroller
Strollers and pushchairs gate-checked free.
Compact strollers may be allowed in overhead bin
Mobility aids: Wheelchairs and mobility devices carried free of charge
Wheelchairs and mobility aids transported free.
Notify airline 48h ahead; battery wheelchairs need approval
Musical Instruments & Sports Equipment — Quick Reference
Musical Instruments
- Cabin: Guitars, violins if overhead space permits
- Extra seat: Cellos, French horns (€100-300)
- Checked: Hard case mandatory, max 32kg
- Booking: Contact airline 72h before flight
Sports Equipment
- Golf: €30-80/bag, max 15kg
- Ski/Snowboard: €40-100/set, max 23kg
- Bicycle: €60-150, must be boxed
- Surfboard: €75-200, depends on length