British Airways is one of the two largest airlines in the United Kingdom, along with EasyJet. The carrier is headquartered in London, England, near its main hub at Heathrow Airport.
Ever flown British Airways? If not, and if you’re thinking of trying them out, perhaps you’re curious about how strict they are regarding their carry-on/personal item policies.
Let me fill you in on some of British Airways’ current rules and policies and then answer questions I often get about them.
And if you need new carry-on bags, take a look at these Southwest-compliant ones:
This great carry-on bag is for travelers that want to get the best value out of their luggage investment.
This Travel Pro bag could end up being the last carry-on bag you ever purchase!
Let’s get started right away!
How Strict is British Airways With Its Carry-on Baggage Policy?
So, just how strict is British Airways in regard to its carry-on and personal item policies? British Airways is considered to be somewhat lenient in regard to carry-ons, and the carrier maintains that any passenger traveling with hand luggage only will be allowed to take one main bag on board as well as a smaller personal item. According to the airline’s policy, main bags must fit in the sizer to ensure they’ll fit in the overhead compartment. Your personal item needs to be able to fit underneath the seat in front of you. British Airways recommends carefully measuring your carry-on and personal items before traveling.
British Airways, like other airlines, establishes and implements its own policies. Note that if your luggage is deemed to be “oversize,” you might have to pay additional check-in fees at your boarding gate.
British Airways Hand Baggage Allowance Policy
British Airways passengers are allowed the following:
1 handbag/laptop bag up to 16” l x 12” w x 6” h (40 x 30 x 15 cm), and weighing a max. Of 51 lb / 23 kg
plus
1 additional cabin bag up to 22” x 18” x 10” (56 x 45 x 25 cm), and weighing no more than 51 lb / 23 kg
According to British Airways’ website:
“These allowances also apply on our hand baggage only (Basic) fares, available on selected British Airways short and long haul flights.
- Your bags must fit into the baggage gauge at check-in (including handles, pockets and wheels).
- The weight limit applies to each bag; it isn’t possible to split the total weight across multiple bags.
- You must be able to lift your bags into the overhead locker by yourself.
- Your handbag/laptop size bag is guaranteed to travel in the cabin.
- On busy flights, you may be asked to check in your additional cabin bag, so make sure you have no valuables or essential medication packed in this bag.
- All duty free bags or airport purchases count as hand baggage so if you have more than your free allowance, your extra bags will be checked into the hold.
If your hand baggage is over these free allowances, the excess may be checked into the hold at bag drop or at the gate. Be aware that if you exceed your checked baggage allowance, any extra hold bags are chargeable.
Tips on packing essentials.”
Take some proactive steps beforehand and invest in some British Airways-compliant carry-on luggage, so that you can travel and relax.
How Can I Measure My Carry-on Bag to Make Sure It Fits on a British Airways Flight?
To help you verify your baggage conforms with British Airways’ carry-on size restrictions, the carrier recommends taking note of bag sizers at airport locations that feature its required 22″ x 18″ x 10″ dimensions.
It’s also a good idea to measure your carry-on bag before you leave for the airport to ensure that your entire bag, along with the wheels and handles, falls within British Airways’ carry-on size requirements.
It’s important to remember that the three dimensional measurements together – length + height + width – cannot add up to more than 50 linear inches/126 linear cm. If you happen to be traveling with a soft-sided or expandable suitcase, you may want to measure your carry-on again after it’s packed it, to ensure it still complies.
My British Airways-compliant Luggage Recommendations
Need some suggestions for carry-on luggage that I would recommend for flying with British Airways? I personally recommend the following British Airways-compliant carry-on luggage bags:
This is a great carry-on bag if you’re looking for long-lasting value out of your travel baggage investment.
This Travel Pro bag is one you’ll love (I know I love it!), and it just might end up being the last carry-on bag you’ll ever purchase.
British Airways’ Carry-on Luggage Allowance
What is British Airways’ carry-on baggage allowance? According to British Airways’ website, “On all our flights you are entitled to a free baggage allowance which will depend on the class you travel in onboard and the type of ticket you book. You can take extra bags with you for a charge. In most circumstances you can save money by buying your extra allowance online in advance.
If your bag is larger or heavier than the free baggage allowance you may be charged extra.
Items which do not fit into a sizing device or which are considered to be oversized will need to be checked, with gate-checked baggage fees assessed accordingly.
Your bag must be light enough that you can store it yourself in the overhead luggage bin.
Bringing Carry-on Liquid Items Onto British Airways Flights
According to British Airways’ website regarding toiletries, liquids, gels, etc.:
“Under the IATA’s (International Air Transport Association) Dangerous Goods regulations, each person may carry the below weights in their baggage.
Individual items Total per person
Weight Max 500g (1 lb) 2kg (4 ½ lbs)
Volume Max 500ml (17 fl. oz) 2 litres (70 fl. oz)”
You’ll find plenty more information here on our TravelontheFly site about what items you are and aren’t allowed to bring on a plane with you.
You may want to check full details on British Airways’ website.
How Strict Is British Airways With Your Carry-on Size?
British Airways is one of the most lenient airlines when it comes to baggage allowances. You shouldn’t have any problems at all, as long as your item(s) fit in the overhead bin above you or underneath the seat in front of you.
To make your flight as worry-free as possible I’d suggest complying with British Airways’ policies. If you need a new carry-on bag that will fit British Airways’ (and other carriers’) guidelines, get this bag and don’t have to worry about it ever again.
Related: How Strict Is Emirates With Carry-On & Personal Item Size?
How Strict Is British Airways With Your Carry-on Baggage Weight?
Most airlines are not concerned with carry-on/personal item weight, though British Airways does have some carry-on weight restrictions in place. Be concerned with spaces in the cabin where carry-on items should be able to be stowed comfortably. Meeting the size dimensions of your carry-on bags I mentioned above should cover all your bases.
Should I Risk Flying on British Airways With an Oversized Carry-on?
Should you risk flying on British Airways with an oversized carry-on bag? I say “Why take the chance?” Most frequent flyers would probably agree with me. Do you like paying extra fees? Note that if your bag is only slightly larger than British Airways’ specified size dimensions, you’ll likely be OK. Worst-case scenario if your carry-on is too large, is that you will have to check your bag at the gate and possibly be assessed a fee for checking an oversized bag.
PRO TIP – You have a better chance of getting away with a slightly larger piece of luggage if your carry-on is soft-sided. That‘s why I have highlighted and pointed you toward soft-sided bags like this one here. They are a little easier to squeeze into tight spots, including into the overhead bins on a plane!
British Airways Checked Baggage Fees
All fares receive free personal baggage items, though Basic fares don’t offer a free checked bag. Economy fares receive one free checked bag, and Premium Economy and Business fares receive two free checked bags. First class fares receive three free checked bags.
I travel with a bag that is slightly larger than many airline regulations, and I have never been asked to check it. I can’t guarantee that you won’t be asked to.
Your best bet is to travel with baggage that is within British Airways’ size regulations, and then you will never have to worry about it!
You can read more about British Airways’ baggage allowance policies here, as you’re preparing for a specific upcoming flight.
Where Can I Find a Quality Travel Bag That’s Within British Airways’ Carry-on Item Limits?
I highly recommend this great carry-on bag that is an incredible value for the cost.
And this Travel Pro bag is an excellent choice for even the most particular travelers.
How Strict Is British Airways With Its “One Personal Item” Policy?
How strict is British Airways regarding its “one personal item” policy? British Airways is considered to be quite lenient in regard to baggage sizes and weights for its passengers. One small personal item is allowed per passenger (e.g., purse, handbag, briefcase, laptop bag, backpack, and medically necessary items). Technically speaking, British Airways expects personal items to be 16” l x 12” w x 6” h (40 cm x 30 cm x 15 cm) or less in size, but as long as your personal item can easily be carried and stored underneath the seat in front of you or in the overhead luggage bin, British Airways representatives probably won’t ask you about it.
British Airways’ Personal Item Policy
What about British Airways’ official personal item policy? Your personal item ( e.g., purse, shoulder bag, backpack, diaper bag, etc.) must fit under the seat in front of you, and dimensions should not exceed 16” l x 12” w x 6” h (40 cm x 30 cm x 15 cm).
Carrying Additional Items Onto British Airways Flights
In addition to your carry-on bag(s) and personal item onboard British Airways flights, you are also allowed to bring small items, such as a jacket/sweatshirt, blanket, umbrella, book, strollers*, car seats, diaper bags, duty-free items, a reasonably sized stuffed animal, food/drink purchased past the security checkpoint, crutches, strollers, camera, etc. These won’t count as personal items unless they’re larger things that take up space overhead or underneath a seat, like purses, shoulder bags, backpacks, briefcases, large camera cases, etc.
*Children’s items that do not fit in the cabin will be checked free of charge.
Is the First Checked Bag Free on British Airways Flights?
Does British Airways check your first bag for free? According to British Airways’ website:
“On all our flights, you are entitled to a free baggage allowance which will depend on the class you travel in onboard and the type of ticket you book. You can take extra bags with you for a charge. In most circumstances you can save money by buying your extra allowance online in advance.
If your bag is larger or heavier than the free baggage allowance you may be charged extra.
So, How Strict Is British Airways About Carry-on and Personal Items?
British Airways is considered to be somewhat lenient in regard to carry-ons, and the airline maintains that any passenger traveling with hand luggage only will be allowed to take one main bag on board as well as a smaller personal item. According to the carrier’s policy, main bags must fit in the sizer to ensure they’ll fit in the overhead compartment. Your personal item needs to fit underneath the seat in front of you.
Invest in carry-on baggage that complies with British Airways’ 22” x 18” x 10” size requirements, like this one. You’ll also get to bring on board a smaller personal item, 16” x 12” x 6” or smaller.In case you choose to take a risk by bringing a larger bag onto a British Airways flight, be sure to at least use a soft-sided bag so you’ll be able to better navigate it into a tight space.
If your carry-on or personal item is deemed to be “oversized,” you could be charged a bag check-in fee at your boarding gate. Bags deemed both oversized and overweight will likely be charged for both infractions, not just one.
