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British Airways Baggage Fees & Tips To Cover the Expenses

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British Airways Baggage Fees & Tips To Cover the Expenses
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Key Takeaways

  • British Airways utilizes a pretty classic baggage allowance system, dependent on cabin class.
  • Fees for additional luggage per piece depend on when you purchase your baggage allowance, your cabin class, and lastly (at times), whether you’re flying out of Gatwick/Stanstead or any other route.
  • Executive Club members with elite status may receive additional baggage benefits.

The British Airways baggage policy can get a little confusing at times — we hope our guide clears things up a bit!

British Airways Carry-on Allowance

1 handbag/laptop bag: FREE
1 standard carry-on bag: FREE

Size Restrictions:

  • Personal item: 16 x 12 x 6 inches (40 x 30 x 15 cm), up to 51 pounds (23 kg)
  • Standard carry-on: 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 45 x 25 cm), up to 51 pounds (23 kg)

Lap Infant Carry-on Policy:

  • 1 additional cabin bag is permitted for items required during the flight
  • Up to 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 45 x 25 cm), up to 51 pounds (23 kg)

Stroller Check Policy:

  • 1 stroller per child can be checked at the gate free of charge.
  • A small, fully collapsible stroller (with maximum dimensions of 46 x 15 x 15 inches/117 x 38 x 38 cm (when collapsed)) can be taken to the gate and picked up outside of the destination gate on arrival.
  • A stroller that collapses down into a carry bag can be taken on board in place of your standard carry-on bag, providing it does not exceed the maximum carry-on bag dimensions.
  • Larger strollers checked at the gate will be available for pick up at the baggage carousel in the baggage hall.

British Airways Checked Baggage Allowance

All checked bags must adhere to a max weight of 51 pounds (23 kg) for economy and premium economy or 70 pounds (32 kg) for business and frst class fares and must adhere to max dimensions of 35 x 30 x 17 inches (90 x 75 x 43 cm). Check the airline’s baggage calculator for your accurate allowance.

Hand Baggage Only/Basic: 0 bags included

Economy: 1 bag included (51 pounds/23 kg)*

Premium Economy: 2 bags included (51 pounds/23 kg)

Business: 2 bags included (70 pounds/32 kg)

First: 3 bags included (70 pounds/32 kg)

Children and infants (aged 2 to 11 with a booked seat): Same allowance as an adult plus up to 2 items, including a collapsible stroller, travel cot, car seat or carry harness.

Infants under 2 years: 1 bag (51 pounds/23 kg) plus up to 2 items, including a collapsible stroller, travel cot, car seat or carry harness.

*2 bags included (23kg) for economy flights:

  • Flights to/from Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria
  • Flights between Europe and Japan
  • Connecting between India and U.S./Bermuda/Canada
  • Connecting between Islamabad and U.S./Canada
  • Journeys originating in Kuwait to the British Airways network 
  • Journeys originating in Saudi Arabia to U.S./Bermuda/Canada
  • Journeys originating in Shanghai to London Heathrow 
  • Journeys originating in the United Arab Emirates to U.S./Mexico/Canada 

Additional/Excess Baggage Fees

British Airways no longer publishes additional baggage charges on its website and advises passengers to use its baggage calculator tool as the fee varies by route. Below are example fees from searches that we’ve run using the tool.

Economy Hand Baggage Only (Basic)

SCROLL FOR MORE

Route

Purchased Online 

Purchased at the Airport

Short-haul to/from London City Airport

First bag: £30-£35/€40-€45
Second bag: £65/€80
Additional bags: £80/€95		First bag: £75/€85
Second bag: £75/€85
Additional bags: £95/€105

Short-haul to/from London Gatwick Airport

First bag: £25-£35/€30
Second bag: £45-£65/€60
Additional bags: £70-£80/€85		First bag: £50-£75/€65
Second bag: £50-£75/€65
Additional bags: £80-£95/€95

Short-haul to/from London Heathrow Airport

First bag: £30-£55/$75/€45-€80
Second bag: £65/$90/€80
Additional bags: £80/$115/€95		First bag: £75/$115/€85
Second bag: £75/$115/€85
Additional bags: £95/$135/€105

Short-haul to/from Dublin, Edinburgh, Manchester

First bag: £25-£35/$50/€40-€45
Second bag: £45-£65/$90/€70-€80
Additional bags: £60-£80/$90/€70-€95		First bag: £50-£75/$100/€75-€85
Second bag: £50-£75/$100/€75-€85
Additional bags: £65-£95/$100/€75-€105

Long-haul to/from U.S./Mexico from London Gatwick 

First bag: £55/$70
Second bag: £65/$90
Third+ bags: £130/$170		First extra bag: £60/$75
Second extra bag: £75/$100
Third+ bags: £155/$200

All other Long-haul flights

First bag: $70/€65-€80
Second bag: $90/€70-€80
Third+ bags: $170/€140-€150		First bag: $75/€70-€95
Second bag: $100/€90-€120
Third+ bags: $200/€150-€180

Economy

Euro Traveller (Plus and Plus Flex)

SCROLL FOR MORE

Route

Purchased Online

Purchased at the airport

Flights to/from London Gatwick

Second bag: £45-£65/€60
Third+ bags: £70-£80/€85		Second bag: £50-£75/€65
Third+ bags: £80-£95/€95

All other routes

Second bag: £60-£65/$90/€70
Third+ bags: £60-£80/$90/€70		Second bag: £65-£75/$100/€75
Third+ bags: £65-£95/$100/€75

Premium Economy

World Traveller Plus

  • Purchased Online/In Advance: £130/$170/€150
  • Purchased at the Airport: £155/$200/€180

Business and First Class

Club Europe

  • To/from London Gatwick:
    • Purchased Online/In Advance: £70/€85
    • Purchased at the Airport: £80/€95
  • All other Routes:
    • Purchased Online/In Advance: £80/€95
    • Purchased at the Airport: £95/€105

Club World and First Class

  • Purchased Online/In Advance: £120-£130/$170/€140-€150
  • Purchased at the Airport:£140-£155/$200/€150-€180

Excess Baggage Fees

  • Overweight Fee: 51 to 70 pounds (23 to 32 kg) £65/$100/€75
  • Oversized Fee: British Airways’ website states — “You can take larger items of up to 190 x 75 x 65cm (75 x 29.5 x 25.5in) as long as they weigh no more than your permitted baggage weight allowance. If the bag weighs more than your allowance, you will be charged extra at the airport. No bag can weigh more than 32kg.”

For baggage fees related to special luggage (sporting equipment, musical instruments, etc.) please refer to British Airway’s policy.

Exclusions and Waivers

The extra allowances apply:

  • In any travel class for everyone on your booking as long as you as the qualifying frequent flyer is traveling on the booking
  • Only on British Airways flights, except for hand baggage only (basic) fares and group rate bookings

Executive Club Gold/Oneworld Emerald: 1 additional free checked bag in any cabin class (excl. hand baggage only (basic) fares); weight allowance of 70 pounds (32 kg) per checked bag.

Executive Club Silver/Oneworld Sapphire: 1 additional free checked bag but maximum of 2 bags per person when traveling in economy (excluding hand baggage only (basic) fares); weight allowance of 70 pounds (32 kg) per checked bag.

Can I Prepay for Baggage?

British Airways does allow passengers the ability to prepay for luggage online.

Passengers need to log in to their booking on the British Airways website to do this.

Credit Cards That Reimburse You for Checked Bag Fees

Unfortunately, the British Airways Visa Signature® Card does not offer free checked baggage as a benefit, but you can use one of the Capital One cards below to knock out some of your checked bag fees when flying British Airways. Simply use your Capital One miles to pay for your travel statement charges (e.g. baggage fees) within 90 days of purchase at a rate of 1 cent per mile.

TOP PICK
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
75,000 miles
$1,350
$395
19.99% - 29.74% (Variable)
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Excellent (740-840)
Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

 

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
Cons
  • $395 annual fee (rates & fees)
  • Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
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  • Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
  • Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.99% - 29.74% (Variable)
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

 

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!
Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
75,000 miles
$1,350
$95
19.99% - 29.74% (Variable)
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent Credit (670-850)
Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 5x miles per $1 on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
  • Up to a $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
Cons
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.99% - 29.74% (Variable)
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Learn More(at Capital One's secure site)
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.
Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel.
20,000 miles
$360
$0
19.74% - 29.74% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Why We Like This Card

Interested in a travel rewards credit card without one of those pesky annual fees? Then say hello to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

In addition to no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card offers no foreign transaction fees.

But is this card worth its salt, or is it merely a shell of the more popular Capital One Venture card?

Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
  • Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
  • No luxury travel or elite benefits
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
  • Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.74% - 29.74% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.74% - 29.74% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

To see more airline baggage fees and policies, click here.

Featured Image Credit: Miguel Ángel Sanz via Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can my suitcase weigh on British Airways?

When flying British Airways, all checked bags must not exceed 51 pounds (23 kg) for economy and premium economy passengers and 70 pounds (32 kg) for business and first class passengers. Bags that are heavier than these standard allowances will be subject to excess baggage fees. Standard carry-on baggage cannot weigh more than 51 pounds (23 kg).

Is luggage included with British Airways?

Luggage is included with British Airways on all fares apart from its economy basic fare (hand baggage only). The standard allowance is 1 bag (50 pounds/23 kg) for economy (apart from selected routes which allow 2), 2 bags for premium economy (50 pounds/23 kg each), 2 bags for business class (70 pounds/32 kg) and 3 bags for first class (70 pounds/32 kg).

How big can a carry-on bag be for British Airways?

British Airways allows passengers to bring 1 standard piece of carry-on that must not exceed 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 45 x 25 cm) with a maximum weight of 51 pounds (23 kg). An additional personal item can be brought onboard that cannot be larger than 16 x 12 x 6 inches (40 x 30 x 15 cm) with the same weight allowance as a standard carry-on piece.

How much is excess baggage on British Airways?

Excess baggage fees for British Airways depend on the route. If your bag exceeds the standard baggage allowance weighing 51 to 70 pounds (23 to 32 kg) then you will be subject to a fee of $100. Baggage heavier than 70 pounds (32 kg) will not be accepted by British Airways. Baggage that is larger than the standard checked baggage allowance of 35.5 x 29.5 x 16 inches (90 x 75 x 43 cm) is permitted up to 75 x 29.5 x 25.5 inches (190 x 75 x 65 cm) and BA states that it currently waives the fee but this might come into effect at some point in the future.

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About Erin Miller

An experienced points hacker, Erin is Alex’s partner-in-crime and contributes to Upgraded Points with in-depth guides and relationship management. Erin’s work has been cited in multiple major publications.

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