BAChecked 20 Oct 2026 against britishairways.com
British Airways cabin bag size 2026
On British Airways’ cheapest fare (Economy (no checked bag)) you can bring one free under-seat bag up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm. A cabin bag up to 56 × 45 × 25 cm is included too.
Check my bag against British Airways- Free under-seat bag
- 40 × 30 × 15 cmOn Economy (no checked bag)
- Overhead cabin bag
- 56 × 45 × 25 cmIncluded on Economy (no checked bag)
Check your bag against British Airways’ limits
British Airways cabin bags by fare
What each ticket type includes, as published by British Airways.
| Fare | Under-seat bag | Cabin bag |
|---|---|---|
Economy (no checked bag)
| Included 40 × 30 × 15 cm Must fit under the seat in front of you. | Included 56 × 45 × 25 cm No weight limit, but you must be able to lift it into the locker yourself. |
Economy
| Included 40 × 30 × 15 cm | Included 56 × 45 × 25 cm |
| Premium Economy, Business & First | Included 45 × 36 × 20 cm A larger handbag or backpack. | Included 56 × 45 × 25 cm |
British Airways measures the whole bag, including wheels, handles and pockets.
If your bag is too big at the gate
With more than two bags, or bags over the size limit, your larger bags may have to go in the hold as checked baggage.
It’s almost always cheaper to add the right bag when you book or online before you fly.
Other British Airways cabin rules worth knowing
- You must be able to lift your cabin bag into the overhead locker without help.
- On busy flights your cabin bag may go in the hold, but your under-seat bag stays with you: keep valuables, electronics and medicines in it.
- Power banks and spare batteries must be in your hand baggage, never checked in.
Also check before you fly British Airways
Power banks on British Airways
British Airways allows up to 2 power banks of up to 100 Wh each, and you can't charge them from the seat power sockets.
Power-bank rules and Wh calculatorLiquids depend on the airport
The airline doesn’t set the liquids limit — the departure airport’s security does. Some now allow up to 2 litres.
Liquids rules by airportBritish Airways cabin bag questions
What size is British Airways’ free under-seat bag?
40 × 30 × 15 cm on the Economy (no checked bag) fare. It must fit under the seat in front of you.
What size cabin bag can I take on British Airways?
Up to 56 × 45 × 25 cm. It’s included with Economy (no checked bag), Economy and Premium Economy, Business & First.
Do British Airways’ size limits include wheels and handles?
Yes. The limits are for the whole bag, including wheels, handles and side pockets.
What happens if my bag is too big for British Airways?
With more than two bags, or bags over the size limit, your larger bags may have to go in the hold as checked baggage.
Can I take a power bank on British Airways?
British Airways allows up to 2 power banks of up to 100 Wh each, and you can't charge them from the seat power sockets.
How British Airways compares
Free allowances on the cheapest fare of similar airlines.
| Airline · cheapest fare | Free under-seat bag | Overhead cabin bag | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| British AirwaysEconomy (no checked bag) | Under-seat40 × 30 × 15 cm | Cabin bag56 × 45 × 25 cm | |
| Air FranceBasic | Under-seat40 × 30 × 15 cm | Cabin bagPaid add-on · 55 × 35 × 25 cm · 12 kg | |
| American AirlinesBasic Economy | Under-seat45 × 35 × 20 cm | Cabin bag56 × 36 × 23 cm | |
| Delta Air LinesDelta Main Basic (Basic Economy) | Under-seatIncluded · size not published | Cabin bag56 × 35 × 23 cm | |
| EmiratesEconomy Special | Under-seatNot published | Cabin bag55 × 38 × 22 cm · 7 kg |