British Airways Baggage Allowances

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The airline that represents the United Kingdom is British Airways plc. Near its primary hub at Heathrow Airport in London, England, is the company's headquarters. Based on passenger volume and fleet size, the airline is the second-biggest UK-based carrier.

It is crucial and very fundamental to know the baggage policy of any airline you are traveling with. Almost all the rules for airlines are more or less the same. Let's understand the baggage allowance of British Airlines’.  

About British Airways Baggage Allowances

Similar to other airlines, British Airways also has a baggage allowance policy. It talks about the weight and size limitations they have for in-cabin luggage and for checked baggage. 

They also have different allowance policies for musical instruments and sports equipment.

British Airways Carry-on Baggage Allowance 

According to the British Airways baggage allowance, passengers are allowed one piece of hand luggage along with a laptop or handbag. Some criteria are supposed to be kept in mind, like: 

• Your main piece of hand luggage must not exceed the dimensions of 22" x 18" x 10" (56cm x 45cm x 25cm), including the handle, pockets, and wheels. 
• It must be able to fit into the bag gauge, available at the check-in area. 
• Your laptop or handbag must not exceed the dimensions of 18" x 14" x 8" (45cm x 36cm x 20cm), along with the handle and pockets, and must be able to fit under the seat. 

British Airways Checked Baggage Allowance

The British airline baggage policy states that checked baggage must adhere to maximum weight and size limitations. Your baggage can't exceed:

• 51 pounds (23 kg) for economy and premium economy.
• 70 pounds (32 kg) for business and first-class fares.
• dimensions of 35 x 30 x 17 inches (90 x 75 x 43 cm). 

You can check the airline’s baggage calculator for customized information. When talking about the number of pieces, British airline baggage policy allows: 

• 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 are included (70 pounds or 32 kg).

Children and infants (aged 2 to 11 with a booked seat) will have the same allowance rules as adults, along with two extra items that include a collapsible stroller, travel cot, car seat, or carry harness.

If your baby is under 2 years old, you are allowed to carry 1 bag, which should not exceed 51 pounds or 23 kg, plus up to 2 items, including a collapsible stroller, travel cot, car seat, or carry harness.

Can I check my baggage for a connecting flight?

According to British Airlines baggage policy, they will confirm the arrival of your luggage at your final destination if your connecting flight is included in the same reservation. Nevertheless, you will be responsible for picking up and checking in your own luggage if your connecting flight necessitates a change of airport.

British Airways Extra Baggage Fee

 British Airways has stopped posting extra luggage fees on its website and suggests using its baggage calculator tool because the cost changes depending on the route.

You will save money if you pay online on a website.  

Hand Baggage Only (Basic) Fares

For short-haul flights, the first bag's baggage price (if paid online in advance) varies from USD 30 to USD 72.

Nevertheless, the cost of your baggage fee ranges from USD 75 to USD 110 if you pay it at the airport.

The first bag on a long-haul flight costs between USD 55 and USD 90 if purchased online and between USD 60 and USD 110 if purchased at the airport.

British Airways Overweight and oversize Baggage Fees

According to British Airways baggage allowance, you will have to pay extra if your baggage size and weight exceeds their limitations.  

You will be charged extra if your luggage is:

British Airlines baggage rules say that any single bag over 70 lbs/32 kg and 75in x 29.5in x 25.5in (190cm x 75cm x 65cm) in weight and size, respectively, will not be accepted and must be shipped separately as freight or cargo. 

Baggage Allowance Waivers 

According to the baggage allowance policy of British Airways, the travel waivers will cover every passenger traveling under the same reservation; however, they do not cover group reservations or rates for hand baggage alone. 

British Airways has excluded the following from its overweight luggage fees:

• Those traveling in First or Business Class (Club World, Club Europe, Biz Bed).
• Oneworld Emerald/Sapphire and Executive Club Gold/Silver members.
• If essential mobility aids and medical devices are the reason for the overweight problem,.

British Airways Sports Equipment Policy 

Due to their size and brittleness, sporting goods like surfboards and bicycles will have a fixed handling fee; other items will be checked in place of one of your checked bags in accordance with the baggage allowance policy of British Airways.

If you intend to travel with athletic equipment, go to British Airways' website or get in touch with them directly to find out about their baggage policies and costs. 

If your sports equipment exceeds the maximum dimensions and cannot be transported by checked baggage, you will have to ship it as cargo.

British Airways Musical Instruments Policy 

You can travel with a small musical instrument as a hand baggage item if it fits under the in-cabin baggage allowance parameters. As per the baggage allowance policy of British Airways, you can carry small instruments like a violin or ukulele as your hand baggage if their size doesn't exceed 80cm x 45cm x 25cm (31 in x 18 in x 10 in) (Including their case).

And in case you have a bigger instrument, like a guitar or a cello, and its size is not more than 140cm x 50cm x 40cm (55in x 20in x 16in) (Along with its hard case), you can buy an extra seat for it. You need to make a reservation at least 24 hours prior to departure.

If your instrument does not fit any of the above criteria, i.e., weighs more than 50 lb/23 kg, you can transport it as checked baggage. 

Banned and Restricted Items

According to British Airlines baggage allowance policy, items like liquids, creams, aerosols, and powders are banned.

British Airways baggage policy allows you to carry liquids in your check-in baggage. However, different countries have different restrictions on the amount you can carry.

According to British Airways baggage policy, the below-mentioned items in the table are allowed, but with some conditions and also prohibited items listed:

CPAP Devices

To use or travel with a CPAP machine for sleep apnea, you do not require a doctor's approval. It is advised by British Airways to use a dry-cell battery to power your device in case the power outlet next to your seat stops functioning. Our laptop point can generate up to 75 watts of power at its utmost. In the event that your machine requires more power than this, the power outlet will turn off automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I carry wine bottles on British Airways?

Ans. Yes. According to British Airlines baggage policy, you can carry wine bottles in checked baggage that are properly packed and unopened. Provided you follow weight and size limitations.

2. Can I take my baby’s stroller?

Ans. Yes. According to British Airlines baggage policy, you can bring a fully collapsible pushchair (stroller) for your infant. 

3. How much will I charge for excess baggage in economy class?

Ans. The below table explains the excess baggage fees as per British Airways baggage policy:

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