Last Last Updated 21/12/2011
Latest BA Policy on large bags
“You may take bags up to the dimensions 190cm x 75cm x 65cm (75in x 29.5in x 25.5in), including the handle, pockets and wheels”
Any bags carried in addition to your free checked baggage allowance will incur an extra bag charge.
A heavy bag charge may apply to bags over 23kg (51lb).
The full BA poilicy is available below, but essentially this mans that any LOKKER SKI BAG OR LOKKER SNOWBOARD BAG will be accepted by British Airways as your main bag and so be acceptable as your “free” baggage alllowance. Just keep it under 23kgs, and if you can squeeze all your kit and your board or skis in then no need to pay anmy extra baggage charges for sports equipment / mulitple bags or extra weight.
The LOKKER TEAM WHEELIE SNOWBAORD BAG has a twin deck construction to allow you to pack kit and ski or snowbaord equipment separately to your main luggage. The LOKKER DOUBLE SKI BAG is an all in one bag but still allows space for extra luggage and if its just one pair of skis or a baord you are tkaing then most people can get all their luggage in and their skis.
Here is the full BA policy
Checked baggage
Checked baggage
Your checked baggage allowance will vary depending on the class of travel and ticket type you book. You can take extra bags with you for a charge and save money when you pay online before you fly. Any bag that is heavier than the free weight allowance may incur an overweight baggage charge, payable at check-in.
If your booking includes flights on an airline other than British Airways, your baggage allowance may differ from the British Airways allowances shown. Please see the information below under 'Baggage allowances on other airlines'.
Watch our video of useful baggage tips
Open all linksClose all links- Size and weight of baggage allowances
- Charges for extra baggage
- Charges for overweight baggage
- Baggage allowances on other airlines
- Checking in baggage for connecting flights
- Allowances for people with limited mobility (wheelchairs)
- Packing your bags
- Door-to-door baggage service
Size and weight of baggage allowances
How large can my bag be?
The maximum dimensions of the bag are
90cm x 75cm x 43cm (35.5in x 29.5in x 16 in), including the handle, pockets and wheels.
What to do with larger/bulky items
Larger items of up to 190cm x 75cm x 65cm (75in x 29.5in x 25.5in) can be carried for an additional over-sized bag charge.
Any items bigger than this will require separate shipping as cargo.
We have special arrangements for sporting equipment like skis and surfboards and large musical instruments. In many cases these can be carried as part of your baggage allowance.
- Any bags carried in addition to your checked baggage allowance will incur an extra bag charge.
- A heavy bag charge may apply to bags over 23kg (51lb).
What is my allowance?
Travelling in more than one cabin
If you are travelling in more than one cabin, e.g. outbound in economy and return in business class, you will be given the more generous allowance for the whole journey.
Hand baggage only
For those times when you want to travel light and make a quick getaway from the airport, we now offer hand baggage only fares on selected London Gatwick routes. These fares don't include a checked baggage allowance but everything else is covered by the great-value price, including free online check-in, allocated seats, the same generous hand baggage allowance, and refreshments on board. Infants and children on a hand baggage only fare may still check a fully collapsible pushchair (stroller) and a car seat.
If your plans change, you can arrange to check in bags for an additional fee. See 'charges for extra baggage' below for details.
Hand-baggage only fares are available on direct flights between London Gatwick and airports throughout the UK and Europe.
Travelling with separate tickets
If you are travelling on separate tickets, the baggage allowance for each ticket will apply individually.
Baggage allowances
Baggage allowances for all flights EXCEPT to/from Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone, and connecting journeys between India and USA/Bermuda/Canada
| Adults and children (aged 12 years and over) | Weight per bag | Children (aged 2-11) |
Infants under 2 years |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Club World Biz Bed (Business) |
Three bags | Up to 32kg (70lb) BA will waive the heavy bag charge |
Same as adult allowance plus one fully-collapsible pushchair (stroller) and one car seat | One bag plus one fully-collapsible pushchair (stroller) and one car seat. You cannot pay to take extra bags for an infant |
| Club Europe (Business) |
Two bags | Up to 32kg (70lb) BA will waive the heavy bag charge |
||
| World Traveller Plus Prem Plus (Premium Economy) |
Two bags | 23kg (51lb) free | ||
| World Traveller Y class (full-fare Economy) |
Two bags | 23kg (51lb) free | ||
| World Traveller Euro Traveller Domestic Eco (Economy) |
One bag | 23kg (51lb) free | ||
|
Information for frequent flyers
The following frequent flyer members can check in two bags in all cabins, on all routes, unless the cabin allowance is greater (except hand baggage only fares). This applies to all customers travelling on the same booking (excluding special group rate bookings).
The following frequent flyer members can take the maximum weight of 32kg per bag without paying the heavy bag charge. This applies to all customers travelling on the same booking (excluding special group rate bookings).
Baggage allowances on other airlines If your booking includes travel with British Airways and another airline, the British Airways baggage allowance may be more generous and you could be charged for extra baggage by the other airline. | ||||
Baggage allowances for travel to/from Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone, and connecting journeys between India and USA/Bermuda/Canada
| Adults and children (aged 12 years and over) | Weight per bag | Children(aged 2-11) | Infants under 2 years | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Club World Biz Bed (Business) |
Three bags | Up to 32kg (70lb) BA will waive the heavy bag charge |
Same as Adult allowance plus one fully-collapsible pushchair (stroller) and one car seat | One standard- sized bag plus one fully-collapsible pushchair (stroller) and one car seat You cannot pay to take extra bags for an infant. |
| World Traveller Plus Prem Plus (Premium Economy) World Traveller Eco (Economy) |
Two bags | 23kg (51lb) free | ||
|
Information for frequent flyers
The following frequent flyer members can take the maximum weight of 32kg per bag without paying the heavy bag charge. This applies to all customers travelling on the same booking (excluding special group rate bookings).
Baggage allowances on other airlines Travelling to/from Brazil | ||||
For itineraries involving flights operated by British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia, the most generous baggage allowance will apply across the whole journey.
Please follow the links on this page to ‘Information if you're travelling on American Airlines and Iberia’ for more information about their allowances.
Large and heavy bags
If you want to take bags which are larger or heavier than the guide given above, you will need to send them as cargo. The only exceptions are musical instruments and film equipment weighing less than 45kg (99lb) that cannot be broken down and that we have been notified about in advance.
Sporting equipment
- There is no additional allowance for sporting equipment. If the total number of bags is more than your checked allowance, you will need to pay extra bag charges. You can save money by paying for extra bags online before you check in. Charges at the airport will be higher.
- A heavy bag charge may apply to bags over 23kg (51lb).
- We will only accept sporting equipment if it is packed appropriately (to avoid damage) and meets the dimension and weight restrictions.
- American Airlines and Iberia have different allowances for the carriage of ski boots. Please follow the links to ‘Information if you're travelling on American Airlines and Iberia’ on this page for more information about their allowances.
We have some advice for packing specific types of sporting equipment for travel.
Musical instruments
- There is no additional allowance for musical instruments, but they can be carried as part of your checked baggage allowance.
- If the total number of bags is more than your checked allowance, you will need to pay extra bag charges.
- We will accept musical instruments between 23-45kg (51-99lb) and up to the dimensions 190cm x 75cm x 65cm (75in x 29.5in x 25.5in), provided that British Airways has been notified at the time of booking, or at least 24 hours before your flight.
- A heavy bag charge may apply to bags over 23kg (51lb).
- A double bass will still be accepted even if it exceeds the maximum dimensions.
- American Airlines and Iberia have different allowances for the carriage of small musical instruments. Please follow the links on this page to ‘Information if you're travelling on American Airlines and Iberia’ for more information about their allowances.
Charges for extra baggage
If you wish to take more bags than your checked baggage allowance, you can pay to check in up to 10 extra bags per person with the same weight restrictions as your baggage allowance.
It is possible to pay for extra bags at the airport, as you check in, but these will be charged at a higher rate. Save yourself time and money by paying for your extra bags using Manage My Booking on ba.com, either at the time of booking or any time before you check in for your flight.
Extra bag charges when you pay in advance on ba.com.
| Cabin | Baggage allowance |
1st extra bag |
Further extra bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Club World Biz Bed |
3 bags | £77/$119/€98 | £77/$119/€98 |
| World Traveller Plus Prem Plus |
2 bags | £77/$119/€98 | £77/$119/€98 |
| World Traveller Y class (full-fare Economy) |
2 bags | £77/$119/€98 | £77/$119/€98 |
| World Traveller Eco |
1 bag* | £34/$51/€43* | £77/$119/€98 |
| Club Europe | 2 bags | £34/$51/€43 | £34/$51/€43f |
| Euro Traveller UK Domestic |
1 bag | £34/$51/€43 | £34/$51/€43 |
| Euro Traveller UK Domestic (hand baggage only fares) |
0 bags | £20/$30/€25 | £34/$51/€43 |
|
* Some Frequent Flyer members have a checked allowance of 2 bags, please refer to the section above for more detail (Size and weight of baggage allowances) Customers travelling to and from Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and on connecting journeys between India and USA/Bermuda/Canada have a checked bag allowance of 2 bags. Extra bags will be charged at £77/$119/€98 per bag.
| |||
Extra bag charges when you pay at the airport.
| Cabin | Baggage allowance |
1st extra bag |
Further extra bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Club World Biz Bed |
3 bags | £90/$140/€115 | £90/$140/€115 |
| World Traveller Plus Prem Plus |
2 bags | £90/$140/€115 | £90/$140/€115 |
| World Traveller Y class (full-fare Economy) |
2 bags | £90/$140/€115 | £90/$140/€115 |
| World Traveller Eco |
1 bag* | £40/$60/€50* | £90/$140/€115 |
| Club Europe | 2 bags | £40/$60/€50 | £40/$60/€50 |
| Euro Traveller UK Domestic |
1 bag | £40/$60/€50 | £40/$60/€50 |
| Euro Traveller UK Domestic (hand baggage only fares) |
0 bags | £40/$60/€50 | £40/$60/€50 |
|
* Some Frequent Flyer members have a checked allowance of 2 bags, please refer to the section above for more detail (Size and weight of baggage allowances) Customers travelling to and from Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and on connecting journeys between India and USA/Bermuda/Canada have a checked bag allowance of 2 bags. Extra bags will be charged at £90/$140/€115 per bag.
| |||
Charges for overweight baggage
For any bag you are checking in that is heavier than the free weight allowance of 23kg (51lb), you may need to pay an overweight baggage charge. Overweight baggage charges are payable at check-in.
Overweight baggage charges
| Weight | Overweight baggage charges |
|---|---|
| More than 23kg (51lb) and less than 32kg (70lb)* | £40 or local equivalent at check-in ($60 from any US departure airport) |
| More than 32kg (70lb) | Baggage over 32kg must be shipped separately as freight or cargo. More about freight or cargo |
|
* British Airways will waive the heavy bag charge for:
Passengers travelling to and from Brazil are entitled to 32kg (70lb) per bag at no extra charge. | |
Baggage allowances on other airlines
We have partnerships with other airlines to offer you more destinations worldwide, so even if you've booked direct with British Airways, one or more of your flights may be operated by another airline.
If your booking includes flights on an airline other than British Airways, your baggage allowance may differ from the British Airways allowances shown.
The baggage allowance for your whole journey will be shown on your booking confirmation and e-ticket, and on Manage My Booking on ba.com. Please contact the other airline for information about their baggage allowances.
When checking in with another airline, additional baggage charges may apply.
For information about baggage allowances on American Airlines and Iberia, please use the links on this page to 'Information if you're travelling on American Airlines and Iberia'.
If you've made a booking and are unsure which airline it is with, you can find out in 'Manage My Booking'.
Checking in baggage for connecting flights
- Baggage will normally be checked to your final destination, provided your journey is on the same ticket and all sectors are with the same airline
If you hold separate tickets for the flights in your journey, British Airways, where possible will check your baggage to your final destination. - Some countries will require you to clear customs at the first point of entry. For that purpose, please collect your baggage on arrival, even if it is tagged to the final destination, clear it through customs and then hand it back to an airline representative for your next flight(s).
- If your journey involves a change of airport (e.g. arriving at Heathrow, departing from Gatwick or arriving at New York JFK and leaving from La Guardia), your baggage will not be checked to your final destination. Please reclaim your baggage at the arrival airport and check them in again once you reach the airport that your next flight will depart from.
Allowances for people with limited mobility (wheelchairs)
You can take an unlimited number of mobility aids, e.g. wheelchairs, if they are for personal use only. These will be carried free of charge in addition to the applicable checked baggage allowance.
Wheelchairs will be carried irrespective of weight.
If your wheelchair weighs over 32kg (70lb):
- please notify us at the time of making your booking, or
- contact us later but at least 24 hours before you fly.
If you have an existing booking with us, you can request a wheelchair through Manage My Booking.
Find out more about the disability assistance offered by British Airways
Battery powered wheelchairs
Please note that battery powered wheelchairs must be properly prepared for carriage.
Instructions for preparing battery powered wheelchairs for travel
If you are in any doubt or require assistance, please contact us for further information and guidance.
Find out more about the disability assistance offered by British Airways
Packing your bags
The following information will help you and your bags have a smoother journey.
- Label your bags inside and out with your name, destination address, email address and mobile or cell number.
- We recommend the use of TSA-approved locks to avoid potential damage to your baggage. If you are travelling to the USA, the TSA (Transport Security Administration) may open bags as part of their security checks. Also, our baggage tracing department may need to open your bag as part of our baggage tracing process, in the event that the outer label has come off your bag.
- Ensure all bag tags from previous flights are removed from your checked baggage before you travel.
- Pack sharp objects in your checked baggage, not in your hand baggage.
- Do not pack valuables in your checked baggage.
- Carry medication, money and important documents in your hand baggage.
-
Add your email address and/or telephone number to your booking, through Manage My Booking, so that we can contact you if necessary.
-
Ensure any protruding or loose straps and handles are secured.
Door-to-door baggage service
Do you prefer to 'travel light' and avoid the need for queuing up at the check-in or Bag Drop desks at the airport?
We provide a service, in conjunction with our partner First Luggage, where your luggage can be collected from your home or office prior to your departure and then delivered to your destination, irrespective of your class of travel.
Receive a 5% discount and find out more about First Luggage's servicing and booking on-line
http://www.britishairways.com/travel/bagchk/public/en_gb
