Hand baggage
Hand baggage
You can take advantage of our generous free hand baggage allowance, which you take onto the aircraft with you. There are size and weight limits that apply.
- Hand baggage allowance
- Restricted items in hand baggage
- Allowance for flights operated for us by franchise airlines
- Travelling with one of our partner airlines (codeshare)
Hand baggage allowance
You are allowed one piece of hand baggage plus a laptop or handbag. Please see below for sizes.
- Your main piece of hand baggage is up to the dimensions 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22in x 18in x 10in), including the handle, pockets and wheels.
- Your bag must fit into the bag gauge, available at the check-in area.
- Musical instruments may be carried in addition to your stated hand baggage allowance, providing the dimensions do not exceed those of a guitar and providing it can be security screened.
- Your laptop or handbag is up to the dimensions 45cm x 36cm x 20cm (18in x 14in x 8in), including the handle and pockets.
- Your laptop or handbag must fit under the seat in front of you.
Your maximum number of hand baggage items
Number of hand baggage items
| Passenger | Type of baggage allowed | Weight | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adults and children(aged 2 and over) | One bag and One laptop-sized bag, handbag or briefcase | You must be able to lift the bag into the overhead locker unaided | |||
| Infants (under 2 years) | One bag (for items your infant may require during the flight) | You must be able to lift the bag into the overhead locker unaided | |||
| Updated information on travelling with hand baggage to the US | |||||
View and purchase approved hand baggage sized items at the Highlife Shop
Restricted items in hand baggage
Governments and local authorities may impose restrictions on what you are allowed to take on board with you and what you pack in the baggage that you check in.
Find out about liquids you can take on board with you
Find the instructions for dangerous, restricted and banned items
Allowance for flights operated for us by franchise airlines
If you are travelling on a route operated by another airline on behalf of British Airways, the following allowances apply:
Franchise hand baggage allowances
| Carrier | Flight numbers | Aircraft | Class of travel | Hand bag allowance (max) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comair | BA6200 - 6449 | All | All | 7kg (15lbs) | |
| Sunair of Scandinavia | BA8200 - 8299 | All | All | 6kg (13lbs) | |
| The aircraft used by these airlines are smaller than those used by British Airways and so the maximum baggage weight and size allowances are smaller. | |||||
Travelling with one of our partner airlines (codeshare)
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. In this case you should contact the operating airline for information about their baggage allowances.
If you travel with British Airways and another airline during your journey, the British Airways baggage allowance may be more generous and you could be charged for extra baggage by the other airline.
If you've made a booking and are unsure who the carrier is, check in 'Manage my booking'.