British Airways Baggage Fees (2026)
Quick summary
British Airways is a full-service carrier, so even its cheapest Economy Basic fare includes a generous hand-baggage allowance: one cabin bag (56 x 45 x 25 cm) plus an under-seat personal item (40 x 30 x 15 cm). Hold luggage is where fares differ — Economy Basic has no free checked bag, while Classic/Flex, Premium Economy, Club and First include progressively more. Extra and overweight bags are charged by route. Fees are quoted in GBP (with EUR/USD equivalents depending on point of sale).
At a glance
🎒 Personal item
Free on every fare, including Economy Basic: one small under-seat item up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm (such as a handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack).
🧳 Carry-on
Free on every fare: one cabin bag up to 56 x 45 x 25 cm in addition to the personal item. The combined weight you must be able to lift unaided is 23kg. Bags must fit in the overhead locker; on smaller aircraft a full cabin may mean your bag is placed in the hold free of charge.
British Airways checked bag fees
| Economy Basic | No free hold bag (must be purchased) |
| Economy Classic / Flex | 1 × 23kg bag included |
| Premium Economy | 2 × 23kg bags included |
| Club (Business) | 2 × 32kg bags included |
| First | 3 × 32kg bags included |
| Max checked bag size / weight | 90 x 75 x 43 cm, up to 32kg per bag |
🔁 Change & cancellation
Change and cancellation rules depend on the fare. Economy Basic is the most restrictive (changes carry a fee plus fare difference, and it is largely non-refundable). Flex fares allow free or low-cost changes and refunds. A 24-hour cancellation grace period applies to bookings made directly with BA at least 7 days before departure. Always check the specific fare conditions at booking.
Other common fees
| Extra checked bag (online, via Manage My Booking) | £35 – £140 (route dependent) |
| Extra checked bag (added at the airport) | £75 – £165 (route dependent) |
| Overweight bag (23–32kg) | £65 / €75 / $100 per bag, one way |
| Seat selection (standard, Economy) | from about £7 (varies by route) |
How to avoid extra fees
- Even the cheapest Economy Basic fare includes a full-size cabin bag plus a personal item — far more generous than low-cost carriers.
- Economy Basic has no free hold bag; if you need to check luggage, price-compare adding a bag vs. booking the Classic fare.
- Add extra or heavier bags online via Manage My Booking before check-in — airport prices are roughly double.
- Keep each checked bag under 23kg to avoid the £65/€75/$100 overweight fee; bags over 32kg are refused at check-in.
- No single carry-on weight limit per item, but you must be able to lift your bag into the locker unaided (23kg combined guideline).
British Airways baggage — FAQ
Does British Airways Economy Basic include a checked bag?
No. Economy Basic includes hand baggage only (one cabin bag plus a personal item). Any hold luggage must be purchased separately or you can book a Classic/Flex fare that includes a 23kg bag.
What is the British Airways hand baggage allowance?
One cabin bag up to 56 x 45 x 25 cm plus one under-seat personal item up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm, included on every fare, with a 23kg combined lifting guideline.
How much is an extra checked bag on British Airways?
Roughly £35–£140 if added online via Manage My Booking, or £75–£165 at the airport, depending on the route. Overweight bags (23–32kg) add £65/€75/$100 each way.
Sources
This guide is independent and not affiliated with British Airways. Baggage fees and policies change often and vary by route, fare type, and date — always confirm on the airline's official website before booking or flying.