So, can you bring extra luggage on British Airways?
Whether you’re a frequent British Airways flier or flying with BA for the first time, this guide explains everything you need to know about extra baggage and how to purchase it online through the British Airways website.
British airways checked baggage should respect the max weight of 51 pounds (23 kg) for Economy and Premium Economy; 70 pounds (32 kg) for Business and First Class fares, and must adhere to max dimensions of 35.5 x 29.5 x 16 inches (90 x 75 x 43 cm ).
If your baggage goes over the allowed check in baggage regulations, you will have to pay for excess baggage, and if you want to transport more bags on hold, extra baggage charges will apply.
TL;DR
- Yes, you can bring extra luggage on British Airways for additional charges
- Standard checked bag: 23 kg in Economy, 32 kg in Business/First (max 90 x 75 x 43 cm)
- Bags over 32 kg will not be accepted as checked baggage
- Overweight bag fee is £65 / $100 / €75 per bag (one-way)
- Extra baggage fees vary by route and when you purchase
- Buy extra luggage online via “Baggage Essentials” on the BA website
- Basic fares usually don’t include checked baggage
- Executive Club members may get free extra baggage
- Cash is not accepted for baggage at many airports
Pro Tip: Use this free Cabin Luggage Size Checker to see if your carry-on is within your airline size and weight limits.
How To Buy Extra Baggage On British Airways Website?
Add Extra luggage on British Airways if you already book a flight
If you’ve already booked your flight:
- Go to the British Airways website
- Click on Discover
3. Select Baggage Essentials
4. Scroll down and click Add More Baggage
5. Enter your booking reference and name
6. Now review your current baggage allowance and select the amount of extra baggage you want to add.
7. Confirm the details, then proceed to payment using a credit or debit card.
8. After purchase, you will receive confirmation of your updated baggage allowance via email.
What Is Considered Extra or Excess Baggage on British Airways?
If your hand baggage exceeds the allowed size or weight, you may need to register it as a checked bag.
And If you have more bags than the standard checked baggage allowance, they are considered extra baggage.
If any bag exceeds the weight or size limit, it’s classified as excess baggage.
Overweight baggage fees are:
- £65 / €75 / $100 / $100 CAD per bag (one-way)
These charges may be converted to the local currency at your departure airport. The weight limit is per bag and cannot be split across multiple bags.
No checked bag over 32 kg (70 lbs) is accepted.
Please note that cash is not accepted for baggage payments at many airports, including London Heathrow, Gatwick, and most North American airports. Use a credit or debit card only.
How Much Does It Cost For Extra Baggage On British Airways?
Additional / Excess Baggage Fees
British airlines do not display extra baggage fees on its website; you can use the calculator tool as the fee varies by route.
here some example for popular routes using the tool:
Economy Hand Baggage Only (Basic)
| Route | Purchased Online | At the Airport |
|---|---|---|
| London City (National) | £25–£40 / $40–$60 / €35–€55 | £60 / $90 / €70 (additional bags: £65 / $100 / €75) |
| London Gatwick (National) | £20–£36 / $30–$56 / €25–€46 | £50 / $75 / €65 |
| London Heathrow (Short-Haul) | £25–£48 / $40–$72 / €35–€66 | £75 / $110 / €85 |
| Stansted, Bristol, Birmingham, Dublin, etc. | £20–£35 / $30–$55 / €25–€45 | £65 / $100 / €75 |
| USA, Canada, Mexico (from Gatwick) | £40 / $55 / €45 (2nd bag: £60 / $90 / €70) | £45–£140 / $60–$200 / €50–€150 |
| Other International Routes | £60 / $90 / €70 (2nd: same) | £75 / $110 / €85 and up |
Can I Buy Extra Baggage On British Airways? Takeaway
If you want to take extra baggage on British Airways without always paying those gigantic fees, being a British Airways member will give you more advantages especially if you are a frequent traveler.
below the BA membership luggage advantages.
| Tier | Allowance |
|---|---|
| Gold or OneWorld Emerald | 1 extra checked bag (up to 32 kg) in any cabin except Basic |
| Silver or OneWorld Sapphire | 2 checked bags (up to 32 kg each) in Economy (except Basic) |
Final thoughts
You can buy and bring extra luggage on British Airways, but you will need to pay additional charges.
And if your bags gos over the allowed size and weight you might end up paying more fees.
It is always a good idea to pay for extra luggage on the airline website, this way you can know the charges and avoid any surprises at the airport.
If you fly often or are a British Airways member, you might get to bring more bags for free.
Remember, many airports don’t accept cash for baggage charges, so bring a credit or debit card to pay.
I hope this helps
Happy travels
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- How strict is British Airways about carry-on luggage?
