British Airways Baggage Allowance: Cabin Bags and Checked Luggage
British Airways baggage allowance
British Airways is a useful option for a short break or a longer trip because every customer can take two pieces of hand baggage, including on an Economy Basic fare. The important bit is that the two bags have different size limits: one goes under the seat and one is the larger cabin bag.
This guide sets out the current British Airways cabin-bag and checked-luggage allowance, then helps you choose a case that gives you room without getting too close to the limit. Baggage information checked against British Airways on 2 October 2026. Always check your booking if another airline operates part of the journey.
British Airways baggage allowance at a glance
Bag Maximum size Maximum weight Where it goes Hand bag 40 x 30 x 15cm 23kg Under the seat in front Cabin bag 56 x 45 x 25cm, including wheels and handles 23kg Overhead locker, subject to space Checked bag 90 x 75 x 43cm 23kg in Economy and Premium Economy; up to 32kg in Business and First Aircraft hold British Airways says the hand bag is guaranteed in the cabin. The larger cabin bag may need to travel in the hold if overhead locker space is limited, so keep medication, travel documents, valuables and electronics in the smaller bag.
Cabin baggage: what can you take on a British Airways flight?
You can take one hand bag measuring up to 40 x 30 x 15cm and one cabin bag measuring up to 56 x 45 x 25cm. Both limits include wheels and handles. The cabin bag allowance is generous, but you must be able to lift the bag into the overhead locker without help.
A British Airways cabin-case selection is a practical starting point: the wheeled cabin cases shown there are within the larger 56 x 45 x 25cm limit. Check the full external dimensions of your chosen case before you travel, particularly if you are packing into an expandable section.
Does a British Airways Basic fare include a checked bag?
No. Economy Basic is a hand-baggage-only fare, although it still includes the hand bag and larger cabin bag above. Economy fares with checked baggage include one 23kg bag; Premium Economy includes two 23kg bags; Business includes two bags up to 32kg each; and First includes three bags up to 32kg each.
The allowance can vary where a trip is partly operated by another airline, or where your booking has a specific fare condition. British Airways’ baggage calculator and your booking are the right final check before you pack.
Choosing a checked suitcase for British Airways
For a week away, a medium suitcase is often the easier option to keep within a 23kg allowance. For a longer trip or a family holiday, a large suitcase gives you more space, but leave a little room for the return journey rather than filling it to the zip.
Do a quick home check before you leave: measure the outside of the case, including wheels and handles, and weigh it fully packed. Check the allowance attached to your own fare and each operating flight before you pack.
Before you fly
Put your passport, medication, devices and anything you will need during the flight in the smaller under-seat bag. Keep your larger cabin case easy to lift, and if you have booked a Basic fare, decide before you travel whether you will need to add a hold bag. It is far simpler to make that decision while you can still see the full fare options in your booking.
Will a 40 x 30 x 20cm under-seat bag fit on British Airways?No. British Airways’ smaller hand-bag limit is 40 x 30 x 15cm, so a 40 x 30 x 20cm bag is 5cm too deep. The smaller bag must fit beneath the seat in front.
Is checked baggage included with British Airways Basic?No. An Economy Basic fare includes the two hand-baggage pieces but no checked bag. Check your booking before travel if you think you will need a hold suitcase.
How much can my British Airways cabin bag weigh?The hand bag and cabin bag can each weigh up to 23kg. You must still be able to lift the larger bag into the overhead locker yourself.
What happens if my British Airways cabin bag is too big?A bag over the allowance, or extra cabin baggage, may need to be checked into the hold and charges can apply. Measure the outside of the case, including wheels and handles, before you leave.
- 12th February 2023