UK 🇬🇧 · BA · Verified 2026-08-27
British Airways Baggage Allowance 2026
British Airways uses PIECE concept globally with a distinctive generosity in cabin bag: 23 kg for the overhead bag PLUS a full 23 kg personal item. Combined 46 kg of cabin — unmatched.
Full baggage rules by fare class
| Class | Carry-on | Personal item | Checked | First bag fee | Overweight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Basic (Y Basic) Basic fare — no checked baggage | 23 kg 56 × 45 × 25 cm | 40 × 30 × 15 cm | None — checked NOT included | £40-75 online | £65 per bag over 23kg |
| Economy Standard / Plus | 23 kg 56 × 45 × 25 cm | 40 × 30 × 15 cm | 23 kg | Free | £65 per bag |
| Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus) | 23 kg 56 × 45 × 25 cm | 40 × 30 × 15 cm | 2 × 23 kg | Free | £65 |
| Club World (Business) | 23 kg + 23 kg 56 × 45 × 25 cm each 2 pieces | 40 × 30 × 15 cm | 2 × 32 kg | Free | £65 |
| First | 23 kg + 23 kg 56 × 45 × 25 cm each 2 pieces | 40 × 30 × 15 cm | 3 × 32 kg | Free | £65 |
The real rules
British Airways uses PIECE concept globally with a distinctive generosity in cabin bag: 23 kg for the overhead bag PLUS a full 23 kg personal item. Combined 46 kg of cabin — unmatched.
Economy Basic (introduced 2018) does NOT include checked baggage — £40-75 to buy back. Standard + Plus fares include 1 × 23 kg. Club World gets 2 × 32 kg.
Executive Club status: Bronze +12 kg (extra bag), Silver +22 kg (extra bag + 32kg limit), Gold +32 kg (extra 32 kg bag). oneworld Emerald + Sapphire: +32 kg bonus on BA long-haul.
Key rules quick reference
- ✓Piece concept globally
- ✓Overhead cabin bag 23kg + personal item 23kg — largest cabin allowance in industry
- ✓Basic fare has NO checked bag
- ✓Executive Club Bronze/Silver/Gold: +12/22/32 kg
- ✓oneworld Sapphire/Emerald: +32 kg on long-haul
Insider tip
Anyone status-less can pack heavier by using BA's generous PERSONAL ITEM allowance — 40×30×15 cm bag at up to 23 kg counts as your personal item, so 46 kg of cabin baggage total. Most airlines cap personal items at 7-10 kg.
Data verified 2026-08-27 against British Airways's official baggage policy page. Rules change — confirm with the airline before travel.
British Airways baggage — FAQ
What is British Airways's carry-on allowance?
1 bag(s) at 23 kg, dimensions 56 × 45 × 25 cm. Plus 1 personal item (40 × 30 × 15 cm).
What is British Airways's checked baggage allowance in Economy?
None — Economy Basic fares do not include checked baggage. Buy back: £40-75 online.
How much is overweight baggage on British Airways?
£65 per bag over 23kg. Book excess weight online in advance where possible — airport rates are typically 50-100% higher.
Does British Airways Business Class include more baggage?
Yes — Business Class includes 2 × 32 kg checked plus 23 kg + 23 kg carry-on across 2 bag(s).
Can I take sports equipment on British Airways?
Sports equipment generally counts against your standard allowance if pre-declared. Book separately for excess weight.
What is British Airways's baggage insider tip?
Anyone status-less can pack heavier by using BA's generous PERSONAL ITEM allowance — 40×30×15 cm bag at up to 23 kg counts as your personal item, so 46 kg of cabin baggage total. Most airlines cap personal items at 7-10 kg.
Other airline baggage guides: