British Airways cabin bag size
Everything you can bring on board British Airways — sizes, weight and cost.
British Airways cabin baggage explained
British Airways includes two cabin pieces: a smaller handbag or backpack for under the seat and a larger cabin bag for the overhead locker. Its published 23 kg limit is generous, but it does not remove the requirement to handle the larger bag safely.
What your fare changes
The 40 × 30 × 15 cm personal item and the 56 × 45 × 25 cm cabin bag are included across the standard fare range. The personal item is the piece to use for documents, medicine and electronics because a larger cabin bag may be placed in the hold on a busy flight.
What to check before you fly
The cabin-bag dimensions include wheels and handles, and you must be able to lift the bag into the locker without assistance. A 23 kg maximum is a limit, not a packing target; a very heavy compliant bag can still be awkward to stow.
Full baggage allowance
| Allowance | Max size | Weight | Fare | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Personal item / under-seat Handbag/laptop bag in addition to the cabin bag. | 40 × 30 × 15 cm 15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in | 23 kg | All fares | Free |
Cabin bag / carry-on Generous 23 kg weight limit — you must lift it into the locker yourself. | 56 × 45 × 25 cm 22 × 17.7 × 9.8 in | 23 kg | All fares | Free |
Worked bag-size example
Take a full-size cabin suitcase measuring 56 × 45 × 25 cm and weighing 12 kg. Compare it with the cabin-bag limit of 56 × 45 × 25 cm and 23 kg.
The smallest dimensional margin is 0 cm, so the bag is exactly on or very close to the size limit. Its weight margin is 11 kg.
We compare the three outside edges after orientation, including protruding parts. A result with less than 0.5 cm of clearance is marked tight because measuring and packing can change the real size.
British Airways baggage FAQ
What size cabin bag can I take on British Airways?+
British Airways's cabin bag limit is 56 × 45 × 25 cm (22 × 17.7 × 9.8 in), up to 23 kg. Measure your bag including wheels and handles.
Does British Airways include a free personal item?+
Yes — British Airways lets you bring a personal item up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm that must fit under the seat in front of you at no extra cost.
How do I check if my bag fits British Airways?+
Measure height, width and depth in cm or inches and enter them into the checker — you'll see instantly whether your bag fits British Airways for free, is tight, or is over the limit, with the exact margin.
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