Wondering about size requirements for carry-on bags and personal items for British Airways? We’ve got all the dimensions (including weights) that you need to know, plus the insider intel on if the airline is really strict about bag size at the gate.
British Airways Carry-On Bag Dimensions and Weights
British Airways has different rules for hand baggage (a bag that can fit under the seat in front of you, like a purse or backpack) and a cabin bag (a carry-on suitcase that goes in the overhead compartment). Here are the carry-on bag sizes for British Airways:
| Bag Type | Dimensions | Weight |
| Hand Bag | Up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm (16 x 12 x 6 in) | Up to 23 kg (51 lbs) |
| Cabin Bag | Up to 56 x 45 x 25 cm(22 x 18 x 10 in) | Up to 23 kg (51 lbs) |
| Checked Bag | Up to 90 x 75 x 43 cm (35 x 30 x 17 in) | Up to 23 kg (51 lbs) in Economy, up to 32 kg (70 lb) in First and Business |
Be warned that carry-on bag sizes for British Airways include wheels and handles, so make sure you account for those when measuring your bag.
How Strict is British Airways About Carry-On Luggage Size?
British Airways can be strict about carry-on luggage size and weight, but it depends on a number of factors. If you are able to check-in online and bypass the check-in counter, you generally can get away with having a bag that’s slightly overweight or too large. However, every time I had to check in at the airport, British Airways weighed my carry-on. (They don’t generally weigh the personal item.) I’ve never had a check-in agent measure my carry-on, only weigh it.
In general, British Airways is more likely to force flyers to gate check their bag if they are in a later boarding group and it’s a full flight than to ask passengers to put their carry-on in a luggage sizer. British Airways can be more strict about sizing on domestic flights and flights within Europe than they are on flights from the U.S. to Europe.
Carry-On Bags That Fit British Airways Luggage Size Requirements
| Bag | Dimension | Weight |
| Away The Carry-On | 21.7″ x 14.4″ x 9″ | 7.5 lbs |
| Briggs & Riley 21” Expandable Carry-On Spinner | 21” x 15” x 9” | 9.9 lbs |
| Samsonite Outline Pro Global Carry-On Spinner | 22” x 14” x 9” | 6.1 lbs |
| Calpak Hue Front Pocket Carry-On | 21″ x 13.75″ x 9.75″ | 8.5 lbs |
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