With there being an update to the Virgin Baggage allowance at the end of 2009, and to the KLM baggage allowance from the 28th March 2010, we thought it timeous to remind our clients of the British Airways baggage allowances.
[see British Airways site for most up to date baggage allowance rules]
You are allowed to take a handbag or laptop with you on the plane, in addition to one piece of hand luggage. If you have an infant (under 2 years of age at end of flight) travelling with you, you may take one bag containing items the infant may require during the flight.
The main item of hand luggage may not be larger than 45cm x 56cm x 25cm (including the pockets, handle and wheels). The laptop or handbag may not be larger than 36cm x 45cm x 20cm (including the pockets & handle).
Passengers must be able to lift and place their hand luggage into the overhead lockers without assistance.
A musical instrument may be carried over and above passengers' stated hand baggage allowance, with the proviso that its dimensions are not larger than that of a guitar and that it can be security screened.
As a result of smaller aircraft used than British Airways, Comair in South Africa and Sunair of Scandinavia have maximum baggaqe weights. Comair (BA6200 - BA6449) has a maximum hand baggage allowance of 7kg. Sunair of Scandinavia (BA8200 - BA8299) has a maximum hand luggage allowance of 6kg.
It is possible to book flights on the British Airways website which are not operated by British Airways, but by one of its codeshare partners. It is possible that the British Airways baggage allowance is more generous than the codeshare partner, and you should check with the codeshare partner what their luggage allowance is. British Airways has codeshares with Oneworld Alliance members () as well as with Aer Lingus, Flybe, Loganair and Meridiana.
You are entitled to a free baggage allowance, which will vary depending on which 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.
The dimensions of the bag should be 90cm x 75cm x 43cm, including the handle, pockets and wheels, but you may take bags up to the dimensions 190cm x 75cm x 65cm (including the handle, pockets and wheels). This allows you to take items such as sporting equipment and musical instruments etc at no additional cost. These larger bags can take longer to arrive from your flight and are generally delivered to a separate area of the baggage hall.
If you are travelling in more than one cabin e.g. outbound in economy class and the return in business class, you will be given the more generous allowance for the whole journey.
If you are travelling on separate tickets the baggage allowance for each ticket will apply individually.
Free allowances for all flights EXCEPT Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria 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 |
Three bags |
23kg free |
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. |
Club Europe |
Two bags |
23kg free |
||
World Traveller Plus |
Two bags |
23kg free |
||
World Traveller |
One bag |
23kg free |
||
Gold and Silver Executive Club members can carry two bags up to 32kg (BA will waive the heavy bag charge) in all cabins, on all routes, unless the cabin allowance is greater. |
Free allowances for Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria 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 |
Three bags |
23kg free |
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 |
World Traveller Plus |
Two bags |
23kg free |
||
Gold and Silver Executive Club members can carry two bags up to 32kg (BA will waive the heavy bag charge) in all cabins, on all routes, unless the cabin allowance is greater. |
If you want to take bags which are larger or heavier than the guide given above, you will need to send them via British Airways World Cargo. The only exceptions are musical instruments and film equipment weighing less than 45kg that cannot be broken down and that we have been notified of in advance.
There is no additional allowance for sporting equipment, but it can still be carried free of charge as part of your free checked baggage allowance.
If it is in addition to your free checked baggage allowance, you will need to pay extra bag charges.
British Airways will only accept sporting equipment if it is packed appropriately (to avoid damage) and meets the dimension and weight restrictions.
Because of the large size and the associated handling complexities, there is some equipment that BA cannot accept as checked baggage. Therefore, we do not accept the following equipment:
hang-gliders
windsurfing boards and sails
water skis that exceed the maximum dimensions*
surfboards that exceed the maximum dimensions*
kayaks and canoes
pole vaults
javelins
British Airways will accept non-motorised bicycles of all dimensions provided they are packed in a recognised bicycle bag. Preparing bicycles for travel:
bicycle pedals must be removed (or fixed inwards)
handlebars must be fixed sideways
the bicycle must be contained in a protective case or bag
you may wish to deflate the tyres to reduce risk of damage
BA will accept the following diving equipment provided it is packed in a recognised kit bag and does not exceed the maximum dimensions and weight restrictions:
scuba regulator
tank harness
tank pressure gauge
face mask
fins
buoyancy control device (BCD)
snorkel
weight belt
cylinder tank
Preparing diving equipment for travel:
cylinders must be empty for carriage.
pressure-sensitive devices may need special packaging. Please refer to manufacturer for advice.
spear-guns must be unloaded with the spear packed separately
BA will accept golfing equipment providing it does not exceed the maximum dimensions and weight restrictions (190cm x 75cm x 65cm, 23kg-32kg...a heavy bag charge may apply)
Golfing equipment will only be accepted if packed appropriately in a recognised bag or case to safeguard against damage.
Notify BA before you fly
All firearms (including replica and decommissioned) and ammunition are restricted under UK law and you must notify BA at least 72 hours before you travel to ensure compliance with UK government (or other local government) embargoes and restrictions. You must ensure you have the required documentation and licences for your firearms and ammunition. This includes export/import licences and authorisation from local and national authorities.
Check-in time
When you travel with firearms you must be at check-in at least 2 hours before your flight, to allow sufficient time to process the paperwork prior to clearing security.
Transferring through London
If you are transferring through London you require a minimum connecting time of 3 hours.
Handling charge
Each case containing firearms is subject to a £50 each way charge at check-in. Firearms are handled by a specialist third party agent on our behalf, this charge covers their costs.
Packing firearms
Firearms will be accepted provided they are packed in an appropriate carriage case, or if this is not possible, packed securely inside a suitcase.
Note when travelling to/from South Africa
If you are travelling to or from South Africa you cannot pack your firearms or ammunition in your checked baggage with your personal effects. The firearm and ammunition must be packed in separate locked bags or containers. You will not be charged for the extra bag.
Preparing firearms for travel:
each firearm carried must be accompanied by the appropriate firearms certificate
the firearm must be unloaded
if possible the firearm should be dismantled
the total weight of the ammunition (including shell) must not exceed the allowance of 5kg (11lbs) per passenger per bag
sharing weight allowance between passengers is not allowed
there will be no additional cost for ammunition packed in your checked baggage, or in a separate compartment in the gun case
if ammunition is carried separately you will be charged for the extra bag
the Heavy Bag Charge will apply to all bags over 23kgs
ammunition must be packed in either its original packaging or in a suitable container that prevents movement between shells or cartridges, i.e. loose ammunition is not permitted
bags with ammunition must not bear 'explosives' labels
British Airways will accept skis and snowboards of all dimensions provided they are packed correctly.
Preparing skis and snowboards for travel:
skis and snowboards must be packed in a recognised ski or snowboard bag
if you are travelling with skis and ski boots you should pack them in one of the following ways :
- pack your skis and ski boots separately*
- pack your ski boots within your ski bag*
- pack your ski boots within your checked baggage
*Note: Remember each bag that exceeds your free checked baggage allowance will incur an extra bag fee.
BA will accept short surfboards as long as they do not exceed the maximum dimensions and weight restrictions*. Surfboards will only be accepted if packed appropriately in a recognised bag or case to safeguard against damage.
*Maximum size dimensions: 190cm x 75cm x 65cm (75ins x 29.5ins x 25.5ins)
Maximum weight: 23kgs (bags between 23-32kg will be accepted; a heavy bag charge may apply).
There is no additional allowance for musical instruments, but they can be carried as part of your free checked baggage allowance.
If the instrument is in addition to your free checked baggage allowance, you will need to pay an extra bag charge.
BA will accept a musical instrument between 23-45kg and up to the dimensions: 190cm x 75cm x 65cm (75in x 29.5in x 25.5in) only if that piece cannot be broken down.
A double bass will still be accepted even if it exceeds the maximum dimensions.
You must notify British Airways at the time of booking or at least minimum of 24 hours before your flight, if you are travelling with a musical instrument.