British Airways is the United Kingdom’s flag carrying airline, based in London. They fly to over 183 destinations and are one of only a few airlines to fly to all 6 inhabited continents. On this page, you can find all the information you will need about British Airways baggage allowance and fees.
Explore our luggage storage options.
British Airways Cabin Baggage
With British Airways, passengers are allowed one piece of hand luggage and one personal item as carry-on baggage. The maximum size for hand luggage is 56 x 45 x 23cm and it must weigh no more than 23kg. The small item must be no larger than 40 x 30 x 15cm.
If your hand luggage is larger than this, it will be checked into the hold, and you will be charged for checked luggage.
| Baggage Type | Size | Weight Allowance | Fees | Additional Fees |
| Carry-on baggage | 56 x 45 x 25cm | 23kg | None | Fees apply if oversize or overweight |
| Checked luggage | Up to 90 x 75 x 43cm | 23kg – 32kg | £20 – £65 depending on route and ticket type | If greater than allowance, will be charged as excess baggage |
| Excess baggage | Over 90 x 75 x 43cm | 32kg | £65 | N/A |
British Airways Checked Baggage
Travelling with British Airways, you can add checked baggage either during booking or at the airport, although be aware that booking at the airport will cost you more.
The cost of travelling with checked baggage will depend on your route. Bags should not be heavier than 23kg or 32kg (this will be determined by your route/ticket type). The maximum size is 90 x 75 x 43cm – anything larger than this will be classed as excess baggage.
| Luggage | Online Price | Airport Price |
| First Bag | £20 – £40 | £40 – £65 |
| Each Additional Bag | £36 – £60 | £40 – 65 |
| Bags On Connecting Flights | £65 | £40 – £65 |
Pro tip: Book your checked-in baggage before you travel to save costs and time at the airport.
Passengers can travel with up to 10 pieces of luggage per person. Prices range from £36 – £120 per bag if you book online, and £40 – £140 if you want to book at the airport.
Use The Stasher App For Convenient Luggage Storage Wherever You Are – Download Now
British Airways Excess Baggage Policy
Any bag exceeding 90 x 75 x 43cm will be counted as excess baggage and subject to an excess baggage fee of £65.
If your bag is heavier than 32kg it will be shipped as cargo. Please contact the airline directly for more information about this.
British Airways Sports Equipment
The British Airways policy for sports equipment is very straightforward. If your equipment is within the checked luggage size and weight allowances then you can take it as normal – you may need to book extra bags for this.
If they are heavier or larger, then you can arrange to have them shipped as cargo.
British Airways Musical Instruments
As with sports equipment, as long as your instrument is within the British Airways size and weight allowances, you can travel with them as carry-on or checked luggage.
If your instrument is larger than hand luggage but you do not wish for it to go in the hold, you may like to reserve a seat for it. You cannot book these seats online, so make sure to contact the airline at least 24 hours before you fly to check availability.
Pro tip: When travelling with an instrument, make sure you pack it in a sturdy flight case to prevent it being damaged.
Contact British Airways
To get help with baggage enquiries, you can contact British Airways directly on 0344 493 0787 6am – 11pm daily.
Alternative to Excess Baggage Fees
While carry-on and checked baggage is an easy option for small amounts of luggage, sometimes we find ourselves needing to transport large amounts of luggage or bulky, heavy items abroad, which can be very expensive through the airline.
With Stasher’s delivery service, you can remove the hassle of travelling with luggage and the exorbitant fees of excess baggage. Shipping your luggage with Stasher is safe, affordable, and fully insured.
Luggage delivery removes the problem of weight and size restrictions, and leaves you with more travel flexibility, and less stress on the day of travel. With Stasher you can conveniently book this service online in record time and your luggage will be picked up from your desired location at a time specified by you.
It will then be shipped to the destination address provided by you. And you can check its progress all along the way, so you always know where your luggage is on its journey as well as feel secure that it is safe.
With Stasher, your luggage is in good hands.
