British Airways Baggage Allowance 2026: The Complete Guide
British Airways allows every passenger two pieces of cabin luggage — a larger overhead bag and a smaller under-seat item — along with checked hold luggage that varies by fare and cabin class. Getting any of those dimensions wrong at the gate can mean gate-checking your bag or paying unexpected fees. This guide covers everything you need to know, straight from BA's official policy, so you can fly with complete confidence.
BA Baggage at a Glance
Every passenger flying with British Airways (on fares that include a cabin bag) is entitled to bring two items into the cabin. Here are the key dimensions to know before you even start packing:
56 × 45 × 25cm
Cabin Bag (Overhead)
40 × 30 × 15cm
Hand Bag (Under Seat)
23 kg / 90 × 75 × 43cm
Checked Bag (Economy)
These three numbers — 56x45x25, 40x30x15, and 23kg — are what BA travellers need to memorise. Everything that follows explains what they mean in practice, when exceptions apply, and how to use every centimetre and kilogram of your allowance.
Cabin Bag Allowance: The 56x45x25cm Rule
British Airways permits one cabin bag per passenger in the overhead locker. The maximum dimensions are 56x45x25cm — including wheels and handles. This is one of the most generous cabin bag allowances of any UK airline, and it applies across all fare types that include a cabin bag.
| Cabin Bag Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Maximum dimensions | 56 × 45 × 25cm (22 × 18 × 10in) — including wheels and handles |
| Number of bags | 1 cabin bag per passenger |
| Weight limit | No published maximum weight — but you must be able to lift it into the overhead locker unassisted |
| Overhead locker | May need to go in the hold on busy flights — not guaranteed in cabin |
| Restricted contents | No valuables, electronics, or essential medicines — these must go in your under-seat hand bag |
Hand Bag Allowance: The 40x30x15cm Rule
In addition to your cabin bag, every BA passenger can bring one smaller hand bag or backpack. This is the bag that travels under the seat in front of you and is guaranteed to remain in the cabin at all times — even if your overhead case gets gate-checked on a full flight.
| Hand Bag Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Maximum dimensions | 40 × 30 × 15cm (16 × 12 × 6in) |
| Number of bags | 1 hand bag or backpack per passenger |
| Storage | Must fit under the seat in front of you |
| Cabin guarantee | Guaranteed in the cabin — will not be checked into the hold |
| What to pack inside | Medication, mobile phones, other electronics, passports — and all spare batteries and power banks |
This second bag is where your most important items belong. BA specifically states that all spare device batteries and power packs must be in the smaller under-seat item, in case the larger cabin bag needs to go in the hold. Plan your packing with this in mind — keep your laptop, power bank, medication, and travel documents in the 40x30x15cm bag, not the overhead case.
Checked Baggage Allowance by Fare & Cabin
How much you can check into the hold depends entirely on which cabin you're flying in and which fare type you've booked. Here's the full breakdown:
| Cabin / Fare | Included Checked Bags | Weight per Bag | Max Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Economy Basic Hand baggage only |
No checked bag | — | — |
| Economy | 1 bag | 23 kg (51 lb) | 90 × 75 × 43cm |
| Premium Economy | 2 bags (1 on some routes) | 23 kg per bag | 90 × 75 × 43cm |
| Business (Club World) | 2 bags | 32 kg per bag | 90 × 75 × 43cm |
| First | 3 bags | 32 kg per bag | 90 × 75 × 43cm |
Allowance by Fare Type — What's Actually Included
The number of items you're entitled to depends on which fare you booked, not just the cabin. This distinction catches many travellers off guard, especially on Economy fares.
Economy Basic (Hand Baggage Only)
One 40x30x15cm hand bag under the seat. No overhead cabin bag included — you must purchase it separately or upgrade your fare. No checked bag included.
Standard Economy
One 40x30x15cm hand bag + one 56x45x25cm cabin bag. One 23kg checked bag included. The full two-bag cabin setup at no extra cost.
Premium Economy
Same two-bag cabin allowance as standard Economy. Two 23kg checked bags on most routes (one on some routes). Always confirm via Manage My Booking.
Business & First Class
Same two-bag cabin allowance. Business: 2 checked bags at 32kg. First: 3 checked bags at 32kg. Gold/Emerald members get additional allowances on top.
Extra, Heavy & Oversized Bags
When your baggage falls outside the standard allowance, BA has specific fees and rules that apply. Understanding these in advance helps you avoid expensive surprises at the airport.
| Situation | What Happens | Cost / Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Extra checked bag | Payable online (cheaper) or at airport (more expensive) | Varies by destination — check via Manage My Booking. Up to 10 extra bags total. |
| Heavy bag (23–32kg, Economy) | Heavy bag surcharge per bag | £65 / €75 / $100 per overweight bag per one-way journey |
| Bag over 32kg | Not accepted — must be split into multiple bags | Maximum 32kg per bag across all cabins |
| Oversize bag (up to 190×75×65cm) | Accepted with advance notification (48hrs) | Must check in at out-of-gauge desk 90 mins before departure |
| Bag over 190×75×65cm | Not accepted as luggage | Must be shipped via IAG Cargo |
What Can't Go in the Hold? Key Packing Rules
British Airways has specific guidance on items that must stay in the cabin or are prohibited entirely. These rules exist for tip and security reasons and are enforced at check-in.
Travelling with Family: Children & Infants
British Airways has specific baggage rules for families that are worth understanding before you check in.
Infants Without a Seat (Under 2)
One 23kg checked bag included. No extra bags can be purchased for infants without a seat. On Economy Basic, no checked bag is included for infant either.
Children with a Seat
Same full baggage allowance as adults. Each infant and child may also check up to 2 essential extras free: pushchair, car/booster seat, travel cot, or baby back carrier — even on Economy Basic fares.
Connecting Flights & Partner Airlines
If your journey involves connecting flights or a partner airline — such as American Airlines, Iberia, Finnair, Qatar Airways, or Japan Airlines — your baggage allowance may differ from the standard BA rules.
On a single booking reference with all flights under one ticket, your allowance is generally determined by the airline operating the longest flight in your itinerary. On separate bookings with different reference numbers, each flight is treated as a completely separate journey — bags must be collected and re-checked at every stop.
The Right Bags for British Airways — Aerolite's BA-Approved Range
Every bag below is sized specifically for British Airways' baggage policy. The cabin suitcase fills the full 56x45x25cm overhead allowance. The under-seat holdall fills the full 40x30x15cm hand bag allowance. Together, they let you carry the absolute maximum BA allows — without a single wasted centimetre.
Aerolite 40x30x15cm BA Hand Bag Holdall
Designed to the exact 40x30x15cm British Airways maximum for the under-seat hand bag allowance. At just 0.7kg empty and 18L capacity, it slots perfectly under your seat and is accepted on BA, KLM, Air France, Turkish Airlines, Finnair, TAP Portugal, SAS, and many more. Spacious lockable main compartment, front zip pocket for documents and devices, adjustable shoulder strap, and a rear mounting sleeve to attach over your trolley handle.
Aerolite 56x45x25cm BA Cabin Suitcase
A softshell cabin suitcase built to the exact 56x45x25cm British Airways overhead maximum. Holds a generous 60 litres at just 2.6kg empty — so almost your entire weight budget goes towards what you pack. Constructed from 600-denier jacquard polyester (resistant to scuffs and tears), lined with recycled eco-friendly materials, and equipped with rollerblade wheels and a telescopic push-button handle. Features a built-in TSA-approved combination lock, chunky SBS zippers, front pockets for quick-access essentials, and packing straps inside. Accepted on BA, Jet2, and easyJet Plus/Flexi. Backed by a 10-year warranty.
Aerolite British Airways Maximum Size Bundle
Both bags. Both BA allowances. One purchase.
The simplest way to fly with the complete British Airways cabin allowance — the 56x45x25cm overhead suitcase and the 40x30x15cm under-seat holdall, bought together. You'll arrive at check-in knowing every dimension is exactly right and every centimetre of your allowance is used.
Shop the BA Bundle →BA Baggage Quick-Reference: The Final Checklist
Before every British Airways flight, run through this. It takes under a minute and means no surprises at the gate.
✅ BA Pre-Flight Baggage Checklist
Shop BA-approved luggage.
Aerolite's British Airways range — exact dimensions, free mainland UK delivery, 5-year warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about British Airways baggage allowance in 2026.
What is the cabin bag size for British Airways in 2026?
British Airways allows one cabin bag up to 56x45x25cm (including wheels and handles) in the overhead locker, plus one hand bag up to 40x30x15cm that must fit under the seat in front of you. Both are included on standard Economy fares and above. Economy Basic (hand baggage only) fares include only the 40x30x15cm under-seat bag.
Does British Airways charge for cabin bags?
British Airways includes one cabin bag (56x45x25cm) and one hand bag (40x30x15cm) free in all fares except Economy Basic. On Economy Basic fares, only the 40x30x15cm under-seat hand bag is included. The overhead cabin bag must be purchased as an add-on or by booking a higher fare type.
How heavy can my British Airways checked bag be?
In Economy and Premium Economy, the standard checked bag limit is 23kg per bag, with maximum dimensions of 90x75x43cm. In Business class, the limit is 32kg per bag. In First class, up to 3 bags at 32kg each are included. Bags between 23kg and 32kg in Economy incur a heavy bag charge of £65 per bag per one-way journey if over the included allowance.
Can I take a power bank on a British Airways flight?
Yes — but power banks and spare batteries must be carried in your smaller under-seat hand bag in the cabin. They are not permitted in checked luggage under any circumstances. BA specifically states that all spare device batteries and power packs must be in the smaller under-seat item, in case the larger cabin bag needs to go into the hold on a busy flight.
What is the excess baggage charge for British Airways?
British Airways charges £65 per overweight bag (between 23kg and 32kg) per one-way journey for Economy passengers whose bag exceeds their included allowance. The cost of adding extra checked bags varies by destination — the cheapest rates are always available online via Manage My Booking before check-in. Airport rates are higher and Avios cannot be used at the airport.
What is the British Airways hand bag allowance size?
British Airways allows one hand bag or backpack measuring up to 40x30x15cm as the smaller of two cabin items. This bag must fit under the seat in front of you and is guaranteed space in the cabin — it will not be sent to the hold. It should contain medication, mobile phones, electronics, passports, and all spare batteries.
What is the best cabin bag for British Airways in 2026?
The best cabin bag for British Airways is one that measures exactly 56x45x25cm to use the full overhead locker allowance. Aerolite's 56x45x25cm softshell cabin suitcase holds 60 litres at just 2.6kg, with a TSA lock and rollerblade wheels. For the under-seat hand bag, Aerolite's 40x30x15cm holdall holds 18 litres at 0.7kg. Both are available together as a British Airways Maximum Size Bundle.
