How does the hand baggage only fare work?
The hand baggage only fare means our customers bring no hold baggage, but are still able to benefit from our generous hand baggage allowance and take one piece (plus a handbag or laptop bag) on board. The new hand baggage only fares will be available for selected direct European (including domestic) flights to and from London Gatwick and will start at just £39 one way. These fares will not be available on any flights with connections and may not be used via London Heathrow or London City airports.
Customers will be able to purchase the hand baggage only fares via ba.com, which now offers both hand baggage only, and the standard fares for customers with bags to check in.
When does hand baggage only start?
Hand baggage only fares will go on sale on 19 February 2013 for travel from 26 February 2013 on the following routes: Gatwick to and from Amsterdam, Jersey, Dubrovnik, Turin and Tunis.
Other Gatwick shorthaul routes follow at a later stage. The fares apply to shorthaul routes operated by British Airways with a BA flight prefix, and are not available on flights operated by franchise or codeshare partners.
Does this mean British Airways is charging for bags?
No, British Airways will continue to offer shorthaul economy fares including a checked baggage allowance (one item at 23kg). Hand baggage only fares provide an additional lower cost choice for customers who do not wish to take checked baggage.
What is my hand baggage allowance?
All customers are allowed to carry one item of hand baggage plus a laptop or handbag. A 23kg maximum bag weight applies, which means that customers must be able to lift the bag unaided into the overhead lockers. Laptops and handbags should be able to fit underneath the seat in front.
How do I know what my baggage allowance is?
When purchasing a hand baggage only fare, ba.com or travel agents will advise customers of the bag allowance. Ba.com e-ticket receipts will also show a zero piece (0pc) baggage allowance.
Can I purchase hand baggage only fares on longhaul flights?
No, these fares are only available on selected shorthaul flights to and from London Gatwick.
Can I purchase hand baggage only fares from London Heathrow or London City?
No, these fares are exclusively available on selected British Airways flights from London Gatwick.
Can I purchase hand baggage only fares one-way?
Yes, Hand baggage only fares can be purchased for a single or return trip.
Can I purchase a hand baggage only fare if I am travelling out of Gatwick and returning into Heathrow?
No, these fares are exclusive to customers travelling to and from London Gatwick on British Airways flights.
If I am connecting from a shorthaul flight to a longhaul flight at Gatwick, can I purchase a hand baggage only fare on the shorthaul sector?
No, these fares are only available on direct journeys.
Can I purchase a hand baggage only fare if I only need to check a bag in, in one direction?
The best option for you may be to purchase the standard fare. However, you may wish to purchase a hand baggage only fare and then purchase excess baggage for £20 via ba.com/managemybooking in one direction.
Can I purchase a Hand baggage only fare if I am travelling with my family and we won’t all have bags to check in?
The best option for you may be to purchase the standard fare for your entire party, as this provides all customers with a one item baggage allowance. Alternatively you may wish to purchase Hand baggage only fares and buy the excess bags that you require.
If I am travelling as part of a large group, can I purchase hand baggage only fares?
These fares are not available for Group bookings (above nine customers). The standard fare which includes a baggage allowance should be purchased for all Group bookings.
I am a Gold Executive Club card holder and normally get an additional baggage allowance when flying in economy, will this apply if I purchase a hand baggage only fare?
Gold and Silver customers will continue to have a minimum two item baggage allowance when purchasing standard fares (which include a baggage allowance). If a hand baggage only fare is purchased then the zero bag allowance will apply.
Will I earn Avios and Tier points when purchasing hand baggage only fares?
Yes, normal Avios and tier points will apply.
Can I upgrade to Club Europe if I have bought a hand baggage only fare?
Yes, by paying the difference in fare and any other charges applicable.
What can I do if I have bought a hand baggage only fare but now need to check a bag in?
The cheapest option is to purchase a one item baggage allowance for £20 via ba.com/managemybooking. The £20 applies to the first bag only. Subsequent bags will be charged at the normal excess baggage rate. At the airport the normal airport excess baggage rate will apply for all bags.
Can I book hand baggage only fares for Unaccompanied Minors (UM)?
Yes, hand baggage only fares can be purchased for Unaccompanied Minors.