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You can usually select your seat during booking or by managing your booking online. Some airlines may charge a fee for selecting a seat.

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Report lost or delayed baggage at the airline’s baggage counter as soon as you land. They will provide a tracking ID and updates on the status of your baggage.

British Airways Baggage Fees – Costs & Allowances

By flightshelpcenter

Published on December 12, 2025

Traveling with British Airways is comfortable, but understanding their baggage fees is essential to avoid last-minute airport charges. Whether it’s a checked baggage fee, overweight baggage fee, or excess baggage charge, knowing the costs upfront allows you to budget effectively and prevent unexpected expenses at the airport. British Airways uses a region-based pricing system, and fees vary depending on your fare type, destination, and whether you pay online or at check-in. Staying informed about these rules ensures smoother travel and more predictable costs. This updated guide includes all baggage prices in USD for 2025–26, giving passengers the most accurate and current information to plan ahead and save money.

Quick Overview: British Airways Baggage Fees

British Airways baggage fees follow a structured system based on fare type, route distance, and whether your bag exceeds size or weight limits. Understanding these rules helps travelers avoid last-minute airport charges and save money on domestic and international flights.

Standard Allowance: Economy includes 1 checked bag (23 kg), Premium Economy includes 2 bags, and Business/First include 2–3 bags depending on the route.
Carry-On Rules: All passengers may bring 1 cabin bag (22 × 18 × 10 in) plus 1 personal item (16 × 12 × 6 in) at no cost if within size limits.
Checked Baggage Fees: Short-haul flights cost $30–$55 online; mid-haul routes cost $45–$85; long-haul routes range from $70–$125. Airport fees are typically $15–$30 higher.
Overweight Fees: Bags over 23 kg but under 32 kg incur $65–$100 depending on the route and cabin class.
Oversize Fees: Items larger than 35.5 × 29.5 × 16 inches cost $70–$150 per bag, depending on destination.
Extra Baggage Fees: Additional checked bags cost $75–$150, with online purchases offering 20–40% savings.
International Routes: Transatlantic, Asia, and Africa routes carry the highest fees, especially for overweight or additional bags.
Infant & Family Policies: Infants may bring a stroller, car seat, and one small bag at no cost; families can combine allowances on select fares.
Not Accepted: Bags over 32 kg, oversized sports equipment beyond limits, and restricted items may be refused.

Pro Tip: Prepay online to secure the lowest British Airways baggage fees and always weigh bags before travel to avoid overweight charges. For booking help or fee questions, contact +1 (866) 558-3017.

What Are British Airways Baggage Fees?

British Airways baggage fees are charges applied when a passenger’s luggage exceeds the allowance included with their fare or when traveling on a fare type that does not include a checked bag. These fees can apply to checked bags, overweight items, oversized luggage, or additional bags beyond what your ticket permits. Costs vary depending on factors such as your route, fare class, weight of your bag, and whether you pay online or at the airport.

On average, British Airways baggage fees range from $35 to over $150 per bag, with airport prices typically higher than online rates. Passengers in Basic Economy generally pay for all checked bags, while higher cabins—such as Premium Economy, Business, and First—receive more generous allowances. Understanding these fees helps travelers avoid unexpected costs and prepare efficiently for their journey.

Difference Between Checked and Carry-On Baggage

Checked baggage: Stored in the aircraft hold, fees apply if you exceed allowance.
Carry-on baggage: Brought inside the cabin; exceeding limits leads to charges.

Factors Affecting Fees

Route & Distance
Cabin Class
Elite Status
Online vs Airport Purchase

British Airways Checked Baggage Fees

Standard Checked Baggage Allowance

British Airways offers a tiered baggage allowance based on cabin class, allowing travelers to pack according to their needs without unnecessary fees. The standard allowance includes:

Economy: 1 checked bag up to 23 kg (50 lbs)
Premium Economy: 2 checked bags, each up to 23 kg
Business / First Class: 2–3 checked bags, depending on fare and route

These allowances apply per passenger per direction, and exceeding them results in additional charges.

British Airways Checked Baggage Fee by Route

Checked baggage fees vary depending on the distance and region of travel. British Airways uses zone-based pricing, and booking baggage online provides the lowest rates.

Route Type	Online Fee (One-Way)	Airport Fee (One-Way)
Domestic / Short-Haul	$30–$55	$40–$75
Mid-Haul (Europe, Middle East)	$45–$85	$60–$100
Long-Haul (US, Canada, Asia, Africa)	$70–$125	$85–$150

Long-haul routes—especially transatlantic flights—carry the highest baggage fees due to distance and demand.

Online vs Airport Payment

British Airways recommends pre-paying for checked baggage online, as online rates are typically 20–40% cheaper than paying at the airport. Airport baggage purchases incur service fees and higher standard pricing.

Fees for Excess Carry-On

If a carry-on bag exceeds British Airways’ size or weight limits, it must be checked at the airport. In such cases, the item is treated as regular checked baggage, and fees apply based on the route:

Oversized/overweight carry-on is converted to checked baggage
Fees range from $70–$150, depending on destination

To avoid these charges, passengers should measure and weigh bags before arriving at the airport.

British Airways Overweight & Oversize Baggage Fees

British Airways overweight and oversize baggage fees apply when a checked bag exceeds the 23 kg (50 lbs) limit or goes beyond the airline’s maximum size dimensions. Overweight bags up to 32 kg typically incur additional charges ranging from $65–$100, depending on the route. Oversize luggage—items larger than 35.5 × 29.5 × 16 inches—may cost $70–$150 per bag each way. To avoid these fees, travelers should weigh and measure their luggage before arriving at the airport and distribute heavier items across multiple bags when possible.

Definitions

Overweight: Above 23 kg (50 lbs), max 32 kg (70 lbs)
Oversize: Larger than 35 x 30 x 17 in

Overweight Baggage Fee

Route Type	Overweight Fee
Short-Haul	$60–$85
Mid-Haul	$75–$110
Long-Haul	$100–$150

Oversize Baggage Fee – Delta Airlines

Delta Airlines charges $80–$200 for oversize baggage depending on the bag’s size and your travel route. To avoid overweight fees, use a home scale before travel, pack lighter bags, and distribute weight evenly across multiple bags. Always check Delta’s baggage policy for specific size limits and pre-approval requirements.

British Airways Excess & Additional Baggage Fees

Extra Baggage Fees

For each additional bag beyond your allowance:

Route Type	Extra Bag Fee (Online)	Extra Bag Fee (Airport)
Short-Haul	$35–$60	$50–$80
Mid-Haul	$50–$90	$70–$110
Long-Haul	$80–$150	$100–$200

Difference Between Excess & Additional Baggage

Excess: Weight or size exceeds limits
Additional: More bags than allowed
Pre-Booking Saves Money
Pre-booking can save up to 40%.

British Airways Baggage Fees for International Flights

British Airways overweight and oversize baggage fees apply when a checked bag exceeds the standard weight limit of 23 kg (50 lbs) or surpasses the maximum size dimensions allowed. Overweight bags up to 32 kg typically incur fees ranging from $65–$100, depending on the route and cabin class. Oversize bags—those larger than 35.5 x 29.5 x 16 inches—are charged an additional $70–$150 per item. Bags exceeding both weight and size limits may incur combined charges or may need to be shipped as cargo. To avoid these British Airways overweight and oversize fees, passengers should measure and weigh luggage before travel or redistribute items across multiple bags.

Delta Airlines International Baggage Allowance

Delta Airlines allows 1–2 checked bags in Economy, 2 bags in Premium, and 2–3 bags in Business or First Class on international flights. Knowing your allowance helps avoid unexpected fees and ensures smooth travel.

Extra Baggage Fees

If you need extra bags, Delta charges $80–$150 online and $100–$200 at the airport, depending on the route. Booking online in advance can save money and prevent surprises at check-in.

Overweight Baggage Fees

Overweight bags weighing 51–70 lbs (23–32 kg) are charged $100–$150 per bag. Use a home scale before packing to avoid extra charges and make sure your bags comply with Delta’s limits.

Oversize Baggage Fees

Oversized items measuring above 62 linear inches are charged $120–$250 depending on the route. Large items like sports equipment or musical instruments may require pre-approval, so plan ahead to avoid delays or additional fees.

How to Reduce British Airways Baggage Fees

Reducing British Airways baggage fees is possible with a few strategic planning steps that help travelers avoid unnecessary charges. The easiest way to save is by pre-paying for bags online, where prices are 20–40% lower than airport rates. Packing smart—such as using lightweight luggage, rolling clothes, and distributing weight between bags—prevents overweight fees. Frequent flyers can leverage British Airways Executive Club benefits, which offer additional free baggage for Silver and Gold members. Families traveling together can also reduce costs by pooling or redistributing allowances, especially when children receive the same baggage entitlement as adults. Finally, measuring and weighing luggage before leaving home ensures you stay within limits and avoid last-minute airport fees.

Packing Tips

Use compression bags
Roll clothes
Wear heavy items

Frequent Flyer Benefits

Silver, Gold, and Oneworld elites get extra free bags.
Family Baggage Strategy
Combine weight across checked bags for savings.

Conclusion

Understanding British Airways baggage fees in USD is one of the most effective ways to travel confidently and avoid unnecessary airport stress or unexpected expenses. Whether you’re dealing with standard checked baggage, overweight luggage, additional bags, or international route charges, having a clear picture of the airline’s rules helps you budget accurately and make smarter packing decisions. British Airways uses a tiered fee structure based on fare class, destination, and booking method, meaning travelers who pre-book online almost always save significantly compared to paying at the airport.

By reviewing your baggage allowance before traveling, weighing your luggage at home, and following recommended packing strategies, you can eliminate surprise fees and streamline your airport experience. Frequent flyers can also take advantage of loyalty benefits, family pooling options, and cabin upgrades to maximize baggage allowances at little to no extra cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does British Airways give you a free checked bag?

Yes. Most British Airways fares include at least one free checked bag, except Economy Basic, which does not include checked luggage. Premium Economy includes two free bags, while Business and First Class allow two to three free checked bags depending on the route.

How much does it cost to check baggage?

Baggage fees vary by route and whether you pay online or at the airport. Online fees generally range from $30–$55 for short-haul, $45–$85 for mid-haul, and $70–$125 for long-haul flights. Airport prices are typically $15–$30 higher.

Do you have to pay for carry-on bags on British Airways?

No. British Airways allows one cabin bag and one personal item for free on all fares, including Economy Basic. Oversized or overweight cabin bags must be checked, with fees ranging from $70–$150 depending on route and size.

What is included in British Airways Economy Basic?

Economy Basic includes one carry-on, one personal item, your seat, and standard onboard service. It does not include free checked baggage, and seat selection requires an additional fee unless chosen at check-in.

How much is baggage fee on British Airways?

British Airways baggage fees range from $30–$150 depending on destination, booking time, and whether the bag is overweight or additional. Long-haul flights and airport purchases typically cost more.