Your checked baggage allowance will vary depending on the class of travel and ticket type you book. You can take extra bags with you for a charge and save money when you pay online before you fly. Any bag that is heavier than the free weight allowance may incur an overweight baggage charge, payable at check-in.
If your booking includes flights on an airline other than British Airways, your baggage allowance may differ from the British Airways allowances shown. Please see the information below under 'Baggage allowances on other airlines'.
Watch our video of useful baggage tips
The maximum dimensions of the bag are
90cm x 75cm x 43cm (35.5in x 29.5in x 16 in), including the handle, pockets and wheels.
Larger items of up to 190cm x 75cm x 65cm (75in x 29.5in x 25.5in) can be carried for an additional over-sized bag charge.
Any items bigger than this will require separate shipping as cargo.
We have special arrangements for sporting equipment like skis and surfboards and large musical instruments. In many cases these can be carried as part of your baggage allowance.
If you are travelling in more than one cabin, e.g. outbound in economy and return in business class, you will be given the more generous allowance for the whole journey.
For those times when you want to travel light and make a quick getaway from the airport, we now offer hand baggage only fares on selected London Gatwick routes. These fares don't include a checked baggage allowance but everything else is covered by the great-value price, including free online check-in, allocated seats, the same generous hand baggage allowance, and refreshments on board. Infants and children on a hand baggage only fare may still check a fully collapsible pushchair (stroller) and a car seat.
If your plans change, you can arrange to check in bags for an additional fee. See 'charges for extra baggage' below for details.
Hand-baggage only fares are available on direct flights between London Gatwick and airports throughout the UK and Europe.
If you are travelling on separate tickets, the baggage allowance for each ticket will apply individually.
| Adults and children (aged 12 years and over) | Weight per bag | Children (aged 2-11) | Infants under 2 years | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Club World Biz Bed (Business) | Three bags | Up to 32kg (70lb) BA will waive the heavy bag charge | Same as adult allowance plus one fully-collapsible pushchair (stroller) and one car seat | One bag plus one fully-collapsible pushchair (stroller) and one car seat. You cannot pay to take extra bags for an infant |
| Club Europe (Business) | Two bags | Up to 32kg (70lb) BA will waive the heavy bag charge | ||
| World Traveller Plus Prem Plus (Premium Economy) | Two bags | 23kg (51lb) free | ||
| World Traveller Y class (full-fare Economy) | Two bags | 23kg (51lb) free | ||
| World Traveller Euro Traveller Domestic Eco (Economy) | One bag | 23kg (51lb) free | ||
|
Information for frequent flyers
The following frequent flyer members can check in two bags in all cabins, on all routes, unless the cabin allowance is greater (except hand baggage only fares). This applies to all customers travelling on the same booking (excluding special group rate bookings).
The following frequent flyer members can take the maximum weight of 32kg per bag without paying the heavy bag charge. This applies to the frequent flyer's own baggage only.
Baggage allowances on other airlines If your booking includes travel with British Airways and another airline, the British Airways baggage allowance may be more generous and you could be charged for extra baggage by the other airline. | ||||
| Adults and children (aged 12 years and over) | Weight per bag | Children(aged 2-11) | Infants under 2 years | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Club World Biz Bed (Business) | Three bags | Up to 32kg (70lb) BA will waive the heavy bag charge | Same as Adult allowance plus one fully-collapsible pushchair (stroller) and one car seat | One standard- sized bag plus one fully-collapsible pushchair (stroller) and one car seat You cannot pay to take extra bags for an infant. |
| World Traveller Plus Prem Plus (Premium Economy) World Traveller Eco (Economy) | Two bags | 23kg (51lb) free | ||
|
Information for frequent flyers
The following frequent flyer members can take the maximum weight of 32kg per bag without paying the heavy bag charge. This applies to the frequent flyer's own baggage only.
Baggage allowances on other airlines Travelling to/from Brazil | ||||
For itineraries involving flights operated by British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia, the most generous baggage allowance will apply across the whole journey.
Please follow the links on this page to ‘Information if you're travelling on American Airlines and Iberia’ for more information about their allowances.
If you want to take bags which are larger or heavier than the guide given above, you will need to send them as cargo. The only exceptions are musical instruments and film equipment weighing less than 45kg (99lb) that cannot be broken down and that we have been notified about in advance.
We have some advice for packing specific types of sporting equipment for travel.
If you wish to take more bags than your checked baggage allowance, you can pay to check in up to 10 extra bags per person with the same weight restrictions as your baggage allowance.
It is possible to pay for extra bags at the airport, as you check in, but these will be charged at a higher rate. Save yourself time and money by paying for your extra bags using Manage My Booking on ba.com, either at the time of booking or any time before you check in for your flight.
It's not currently possible to buy extra bags online for flights departing from Brazil. See our current extra bag charges for details.
The rate you pay is based on when your ticket is issued. For ba.com bookings that's usually as soon as you make your booking. In some instances, such as travel agent and tour operator bookings, your ticket can be issued at any time, so please contact the booking agent to confirm which rate applies to you.
Login to Manage my Booking to order your extra baggage now
For any bag you are checking in that is heavier than the free weight allowance of 23kg (51lb), you may need to pay an overweight baggage charge. Overweight baggage charges are payable at check-in.
| Weight | Overweight baggage charges |
|---|---|
| More than 23kg (51lb) and less than 32kg (70lb)* | £40 or local equivalent at check-in ($60 from any US departure airport) |
| More than 32kg (70lb) | Baggage over 32kg must be shipped separately as freight or cargo. More about freight or cargo |
|
* British Airways will waive the heavy bag charge for:
Passengers travelling to and from Brazil are entitled to 32kg (70lb) per bag at no extra charge. | |
We have partnerships with other airlines to offer you more destinations worldwide, so even if you've booked direct with British Airways, one or more of your flights may be operated by another airline.
If your booking includes flights on an airline other than British Airways, your baggage allowance may differ from the British Airways allowances shown.
The baggage allowance for your whole journey will be shown on your booking confirmation and e-ticket, and on Manage My Booking on ba.com. Please contact the other airline for information about their baggage allowances.
When checking in with another airline, additional baggage charges may apply.
For information about baggage allowances on American Airlines and Iberia, please use the links on this page to 'Information if you're travelling on American Airlines and Iberia'.
If you've made a booking and are unsure which airline it is with, you can find out in 'Manage My Booking'.
You can take an unlimited number of mobility aids, e.g. wheelchairs, if they are for personal use only. These will be carried free of charge in addition to the applicable checked baggage allowance.
Wheelchairs will be carried irrespective of weight.
If your wheelchair weighs over 32kg (70lb):
If you have an existing booking with us, you can request a wheelchair through Manage My Booking.
Find out more about the disability assistance offered by British Airways
Please note that battery powered wheelchairs must be properly prepared for carriage.
Instructions for preparing battery powered wheelchairs for travel
If you are in any doubt or require assistance, please contact us for further information and guidance.
Find out more about the disability assistance offered by British Airways
The following information will help you and your bags have a smoother journey.
Add your email address and/or telephone number to your booking, through Manage My Booking, so that we can contact you if necessary.
Ensure any protruding or loose straps and handles are secured.
Do you prefer to 'travel light' and avoid the need for queuing up at the check-in or Bag Drop desks at the airport?
We provide a service, in conjunction with our partner First Luggage, where your luggage can be collected from your home or office prior to your departure and then delivered to your destination, irrespective of your class of travel.
Receive a 5% discount and find out more about First Luggage's servicing and booking on-line
