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Additional, overweight and oversized baggage

If you have more bags than your free allowance or any of your bags is over the maximum weight or size limit, you should be aware of what arrangements you need to make before you travel. This covers:

  • Items that are heavier or larger than the maximum allowance.
  • Additional bags, which take you over your free allowance.
  • Special items (e.g. carry pets, musical instruments, etc.)

In addition to your free allowance, you can take up to 10 extra bags per person.

Find out more about:

Additional items of baggage over your free allowance

For each item of additional baggage (often referred to as 'excess baggage') above your free allowance, you will need to pay a fee.

If you pay prior to check-in, you will get a discount (the amount is dependent on your destination):

Charges per additional bag up to 23kg (51lbs)

LonghaulShorthaulUK Domestic

£90 per bag (airport)

$165 per bag from any US departure airport

£72 per bag (online with discount)

$132 per bag (online with discount)

£35 per bag (airport)

$65 per bag from any US departure airport

£28 per bag (online with discount)

$52 per bag (online with discount)

£25 per bag (airport)

$45 per bag from any US departure airport

£20 per bag (online with discount)

$36 per bag (online with discount)

You will need to pay £25 (or $45 from any US departure airport) at the check-in desk for each bag or item that is over the maximum free allowance limit of 23kg (51lbs). This fee will be converted into the local currency (other than the US and UK) during the check-in process.

Please note: Checked baggage allowances on codeshare, oneworld and alliance partners may differ. Charges may apply.

Overweight bags that can be checked in

For any bags you are checking in that are greater than the maximum allowable weight of 23kg (51lbs), you will need to pay a fee per bag.

This fee is in addition to any fees already charged for extra checked-in bags.

Calculate the fees for each overweight bag

WeightFee payable per bag

Less than 23kg (51lbs)

No extra charge

More than 23kg (51lbs) and less than 32kg (70lbs)

£25 (or $45 from any US departure airport)

More than 32kg (70lbs)

Carried as freight or cargo

This fee will be converted into the local currency (except the US and UK) during the check-in process.

Note: if the item:

  • cannot be broken down into separate items
  • weighs less than 45kg (99lbs)

the item will be treated as two pieces of checked baggage and should be taken into your calculations regarding your free allowances and any fees payable.

Any items not conforming to these restrictions sholuld be carried as freight or cargo with British Airways World Cargo or your local freight company.

Oversized bags that can be checked in

Calculate the fees for each oversized bag

SizeFee payable per bag

Less than 90cm x 75cm x 43cm (35.5ins x 29.5ins x 16ins)

No extra charge

Larger than 90cm x 75cm x 43cm (35.5ins x 29.5ins x 16ins) and less than 240cm x 75cm x 65cm (94.5ins x 29.5ins x 25.5ins)

£25 (or $45 from any US departure airport)

Larger than 240cm x 75cm x 65cm (94.5ins x 29.5ins x 25.5ins)

Carried as freight or cargo

This fee will be converted into the local currency (except the US and UK) during the check-in process.

Note:

  • Stated dimensions include the handle, pockets and wheels for the free allowance to apply.
  • Sporting equipment listed on ba.com is exempt from the oversized bag charge.

Any items not conforming to these restrictions should be carried as freight or cargo with British Airways World Cargo or your local freight company.

Unaccompanied baggage that cannot be checked in

For any baggage that cannot be carried as checked baggage, i.e.

  • it is over the maximum allowable weight for check-in of 32kg (70lbs)
  • it cannot be broken down into smaller items totalling 45kg (99lbs)

you will need to organize carriage through British Airways World Cargo or via your own freight company.