United Kingdom & Ireland · United Kingdom
British Airways Baggage Rules
Published personal item, carry-on and checked bag allowances for British Airways (BA), verified against the carrier's own policy page on August 16, 2026.
Official British Airways baggage policyWill my bag fit British Airways?
Measure your bag including wheels and handles, then check it against British Airways's published limit.
British Airways carry-on limit: 22 × 18 × 10 in (55.9 × 45.7 × 25.4 cm) · 50 lb
Allowance
Personal Item
| Cabin / fare | Route | Max size | Max weight | Fees & notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| economy | All routes | 16 × 12 × 6 in (40.6 × 30.5 × 15.2 cm) | 50 lb (22.7 kg) | Free |
Allowance
Carry-On
| Cabin / fare | Route | Max size | Max weight | Fees & notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| economy | All routes | 22 × 18 × 10 in (55.9 × 45.7 × 25.4 cm) | 50 lb (22.7 kg) | Free |
Allowance
Checked Bag
| Cabin / fare | Route | Max size | Max weight | Fees & notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| economy | All routes | 80 in total (L+W+D) / 203.2 cm | 51 lb (23.1 kg) | Included on most fares |
Two-bag hand baggage allowance.
Security rules for flights from United Kingdom
These are government security and safety rules — separate from your airline's baggage allowance. They are set by the aviation authority at your departure point, not by the airline.
Screening at major departure airports
London Gatwick (LGW)
- Authority:
- UK DfT / airport operator
- Liquids:
- 100 mL containers in a 1 litre transparent bag — check the airport's current published rule
- Scanners:
- Next-generation scanners in phased use
- Electronics:
- Follow the lane signage
London Heathrow (LHR)
- Authority:
- UK DfT / airport operator
- Liquids:
- 100 mL containers in a 1 litre transparent bag — check the airport's current published rule
- Scanners:
- Next-generation scanners in phased use
- Electronics:
- Follow the lane signage; rules differ by terminal
Manchester Airport (MAN)
- Authority:
- UK DfT
- Liquids:
- 100 ml containers in one 1 L bag
- Scanners:
- CT scanners at selected lanes
- Electronics:
- Follow lane signage for laptops
UK airport liquids rule
UK Government / Department for TransportLiquids in hand luggage must be in containers holding no more than 100 mL, carried in one transparent resealable bag of about 20 cm x 20 cm holding no more than 1 litre. Individual UK airports may apply different limits depending on their scanning equipment.
- Carry-on:
- Yes, within the airport's published limit
- Checked:
- Yes, larger containers permitted
- Container limit:
- 100 mL per container
- Medication:
- Essential medicines and medical equipment are permitted above 100 mL with supporting documentation.
- Infants:
- Baby food, baby milk and sterilised water for the journey are permitted above 100 mL.
UK airport rules are not uniform. Always check your specific departure airport's published security page before you travel.
Last verified August 16, 2026Official source
Lithium batteries and power banks
UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)Spare lithium batteries and power banks must be carried in hand baggage only, with terminals protected. Up to 100 Wh needs no approval; 100-160 Wh requires airline approval.
- Carry-on:
- Yes - hand baggage only
- Checked:
- No - not permitted in hold baggage
- Watt-hour ceiling:
- 160 Wh
- Medication:
- Medical devices and their batteries are permitted with supporting documentation.
Large electronics may be screened separately.
Last verified August 16, 2026Official source
ICAO dangerous goods baseline
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)ICAO Technical Instructions set the worldwide baseline that national regulators adopt: no spare lithium batteries in checked baggage, no flammable gases or liquids, no strike-anywhere matches, and e-cigarettes carried in the cabin only and never charged in flight.
- Carry-on:
- E-cigarettes and vapes: cabin only, charging prohibited
- Checked:
- Spare batteries, flammable liquids and gases prohibited
- Watt-hour ceiling:
- 160 Wh
- Medication:
- Medical oxygen and battery-powered medical devices require advance airline arrangement.
Where your departure country publishes no separate rule, carriers apply this ICAO baseline.
Last verified August 16, 2026Official source
FAQ
British Airways baggage questions
- What is British Airways's carry-on size limit?
- British Airways's published cabin bag limit is 22 × 18 × 10 in (55.9 × 45.7 × 25.4 cm).
- Does British Airways weigh carry-on bags?
- Yes — the published cabin bag weight limit is 50 lb (22.7 kg), and gate staff can weigh bags at any time.
- What size personal item does British Airways allow?
- The under-seat personal item allowance is 16 × 12 × 6 in (40.6 × 30.5 × 15.2 cm).
- What is British Airways's checked bag size and weight limit?
- Checked bags are limited to 80 in total (L+W+D) / 203.2 cm, with a 51 lb weight limit. Bags over the limit are charged overweight or oversize fees.
- How do I know if my bag will fit on British Airways?
- Measure your bag with the wheels and handles included, then run the measurements through the Travel Review HQ bag size checker. It compares your bag against British Airways's published limits and, for connecting itineraries, against the strictest carrier on your route.
- Are British Airways's baggage rules the same as airport security rules?
- No. British Airways sets the size, weight and fee allowance. Liquids, power banks and prohibited items are set by the security authority in your departure country (United Kingdom for most British Airways departures), and both sets of rules apply to the same bag.
Check your own bag against British Airways
Enter your bag's measurements and we'll tell you whether it clears the sizer — including on connecting flights with other carriers.
You may also need
- Best personal item bags for British AirwaysTRHQ-scored bags verified against this airline's sizer.
- Compare carry-on bagsSide-by-side dimensions, weight and TRHQ scores.
- Packing cubes for personal itemsFit more into a smaller bag.
- Travel electronics & power banksWhat's allowed in the cabin, and what we pack.
- TSA liquid & security rulesScreening rules for your route, with the CT scanner status.
- All airline baggage guidesCarry-on and checked limits for carriers worldwide.
Airline and airport baggage policies can change. Travel Review HQ verifies requirements against official sources, but travelers should confirm current restrictions with their airline before departure.