British Airways Hand Luggage Size & Baggage Allowance
British Airways allows one cabin bag up to 56 × 45 × 25 cm (22 × 17.7 × 9.8 in), 23 kg (51 lb), plus a personal item up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in). Checked on 9 October 2026 against British Airways' own policy; use the size checker to see whether your own bag fits.
What is carry-on, personal item and checked baggage?
Baggage allowance for British Airways · check fare, route and operating-carrier conditions before travel
A handbag, laptop bag or small backpack that fits under the seat in front of you.
One cabin bag per passenger. Measured with wheels and handles included.
British Airways publishes a per-bag maximum of 90 × 75 × 43 cm rather than a 158 cm linear limit. Economy/Premium Economy: 23 kg per bag; Business/First: 32 kg per bag.
Allowance by Cabin Class / Fare
Baggage allowance for British Airways · check fare, route and operating-carrier conditions before travel
Excess & Oversize Fees
Charges are usually lower when paid online before travel than at the airport.
Good to Know
Will your bag fit British Airways?
Enter your suitcase dimensions in the size checker and see instantly whether it meets these limits.
Check my bag for British AirwaysThe three baggage types, explained
Airlines split what you travel with into three allowances. Each has its own size and weight limit, and the one you exceed decides what you pay.
The small bag that goes under the seat in front of you — handbag, laptop bag or small backpack. Usually free and rarely weighed.
The wheeled case you take into the cabin and store in the overhead bin. Sized at the gate, and weighed by many airlines.
The large suitcase you hand over at the desk and collect at your destination. Charged by bag, with strict weight limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a cabin bag free on British Airways?
Yes, according to British Airways' published policy: one cabin bag up to 56 × 45 × 25 cm (22 × 17.7 × 9.8 in), 23 kg (51 lb), plus a personal item up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in). Basic fares and flights operated by partner airlines can differ, so check the allowance on your booking.
What happens if my bag doesn't fit British Airways' sizer?
Staff can send it to the hold at the gate, and depending on your fare British Airways can charge for it. Adding a bag online before you fly is usually cheaper. The current amounts are on British Airways' own fees page. British Airways baggage fees
Can I bring a personal item in addition to my British Airways cabin bag?
Yes. Besides the cabin bag you can bring one personal item up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in), such as a handbag, laptop bag or small backpack, stowed under the seat in front of you.
Compare with other airlines
Baggage limits differ sharply between carriers — these are the ones travellers most often weigh against British Airways.
