Hand baggage
When you travel with British Airways, you need to ensure you are aware of the restrictions on your hand baggage, including:
- the maximum allowable size of your bag
- the restrictions on carrying liquids
- the restrictions on carrying duty-free liquids and when they might be purchased
- the list of banned and restricted items in your baggage
Your free size allowances
The standard-sized bag is no more than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22ins x 18ins x 10ins), including the handle, pockets and wheels.
The bag must be able to be:
- fitted into the gauge available in the check-in area
- lifted into the aircraft's overhead lockers unaided
Your maximum number of hand baggage items
Hand baggage allowances
| Passenger | Type of baggage allowed |
|---|---|
| Adults and children (aged 2 and over) |
One standard-sized bag |
| Infants (under 2 years) |
One standard-sized bag (for items your infant may require during the flight) |
British Airways sells cabin-approved baggage on its Highlife Shop website.
Travelling with medical equipment
If you require any medical equipment on your journey, you may need to obtain clearance before you fly.
Travelling with other airlines
If your journey involves another airline, you should check the hand baggage allowance with that airline before travelling.
If you are travelling with one of our oneworld alliance partners, the hand baggage allowance may differ and you should also check this before travelling.
Allowance for flights operated for us by another airline
If you are travelling on a route operated by another airline on behalf of British Airways, the following allowances apply:
Standard franchise 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.
Hand baggage restrictions
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 the latest information on any baggage restrictions
- Find out about liquids you can take on board with you
- Find the instructions for dangerous, restricted and banned items