British Airways hand luggage allowance
Two free bags on every fare — the most generous allowance of any UK carrier.
British Airways offers the most generous hand luggage allowance of any UK carrier. Every economy fare includes both a personal item (40 × 30 × 15 cm) AND a large cabin bag (56 × 45 × 25 cm) — free, up to 23 kg each. If BA prices work for your route, you get two bags for the money the low-cost airlines charge for one.
The rules
- Every fare (including Basic economy) includes 1 personal item at 40 × 30 × 15 cm PLUS 1 cabin bag at 56 × 45 × 25 cm — both free.
- Each bag can weigh up to 23 kg, but you must be able to lift your own bag into the overhead locker.
- The cabin bag goes in the overhead locker; the personal item under the seat in front of you.
- There is no gate fine — oversized bags are simply moved to the hold.
- On very full flights BA may check cabin bags into the hold free of charge at the gate.
British Airways fees at a glance
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Personal item (40×30×15) | £0 |
| Cabin bag (56×45×25) | £0 |
| First 23 kg hold bag (short-haul) | Varies by route and date — cheapest when booking |
| First 23 kg hold bag (long-haul) | Included on most fares |
Airline baggage fees and rules change frequently and can vary by route, travel date and when you book. Always check British Airways's current official baggage policy before travelling.
Bags that fit — every time
36×26×14 cm · 17L · 0.3kg
Fits easyJet free underseat +14 more
36×26×14 cm · 17L · 0.3kg
Fits easyJet free underseat +14 more
55×40×20 cm · 45L · 0.7kg
Fits easyJet cabin bag +12 more
55×40×20 cm · 40L · 2kg
Fits Ryanair cabin bag +12 more
55×40×20 cm · 40L · 2kg
Fits Ryanair cabin bag +12 more
45×36×20 cm · 30L · 0.5kg
Fits easyJet free underseat +12 more
Check any bag against British Airways's exact dimensions
Enter your bag's outside measurements and we'll tell you instantly whether it passes — free, no login needed.
FAQ
Does British Airways charge for hand luggage?+
No. Every economy fare, including Basic (hand-baggage-only), includes both a personal item and a cabin bag free of charge.
What is BA's cabin bag size in 2026?+
The overhead cabin bag is 56 × 45 × 25 cm. The under-seat personal item is 40 × 30 × 15 cm. Each may weigh up to 23 kg.
Will a Ryanair 40 × 30 × 20 cm bag fit BA's personal item slot?+
It is 5 cm deeper than BA's stated 40 × 30 × 15 cm personal item, so use it as your cabin bag instead — it fits BA's 56 × 45 × 25 cm allowance easily.