So how strict is British Airways on personal item size? Is British Airways strict on baggage?
According to British Airways, your carry-on bag can be up to 56 x 45 x 25 cm (22 x 18 x 10 in). It can weigh up to 23 kg (51 lb) and must fit in the sizer at the airport so it can be placed in the overhead bin.
Your personal item can be up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm (16 x 12 x 6 in) and also weigh up to 23 kg (51 lb). It must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you.
But British Airways can be strict, with its personal item size, however; Sometimes the strictness can change based on how full the flight is and how the gate staff checks bags.
This post will explain everything you need to know about British Airways personal item rules and what to expect at the airport. Let’s dive right in.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR
- British Airways allows 1 carry-on (56 × 45 × 25cm, 23kg) plus 1 personal item (40 × 30 × 15cm, 23kg) for free.
- Personal items must fit under the seat — like a laptop bag, slim backpack, or messenger bag.
- On busy flights, cabin bags may be gate-checked, so keep essentials in your personal item.
- Slightly oversized personal items may pass, but larger ones will count as carry-ons and may be checked.
- Best strategy: wear bulky clothes and use a compliant under-seat bag to avoid issues.
Let’s Find Out How Strict Is British Airways With Its Personal Item
How Strict Is British Airways With Personal Item Size?
According to BA, your personal item size must not exceed 40 x 30 x 15cm (16 x 12 x 6in).
That seems too small for a backpack, that’s about the size of a typical messenger bag or a slim, soft-sided briefcase.
Handbags or laptop-sized bags are guaranteed to travel in the cabin as hand baggage.
This means if your carry-on bag is too big, it may be subject to check-in baggage regulations.
However, British Airways is more likely to be strict with your personal item at the gate, especially on busy flights.
My Personal Item Is Slightly Oversized, What Will Happen?
You can have an oversized bag or a personal item on board BA flights, even if it is slightly bigger, but if the airline finds that your bag is several inches over the limits, you’ll find yourself in trouble.
Your personal item will count as a carry-on bag and will be gate-checked.
The only time this might be worth the risk is if your personal item is only an inch or less larger than the limits stated by BA.
How Do I Make the Most of My Personal Item Space?
Of course, we could say pack less or find a compliant personal item, but what if you want to bring more?
There are many ways to make the most of your personal item and beat BA’s carry-on restrictions.
One popular method is to put on extra layers, that way you can take advantage of the space in your carry-on.
Heavy clothes take up a lot of room in your bag, so wear them at the airport.
Plus, if you’re wearing a coat with large pockets, this may give you the chance to store small items like socks or documents.
This will give you more room to pack essentials for your trip.
What Is the Best Personal Item for British Airways?
We love to travel with fancy items, I bet you do too! This bag is only slightly bigger than 16 x 12 x 6in, but it’s foldable, so you can fit more items in it and still squeeze it under the seat.
They’ve been designed especially for “under the seat” personal item travel, and you can grab them for under $40.
Does a backpack count as a personal item on British Airways?
Your backpack will be counted as a personal item if it is within the allowed size and weight: 40 x 30 x 15cm (16 x 12 x 6in) and up to 23kg (51lb).
If you want to take the risk with a bigger backpack, check out this answer from a Reddit user:
That’s about the size of a typical messenger bag or slim briefcase, so probably not a larger backpack-style laptop bag.
That’s a second personal item separate from the cabin bag you can also bring with you.
But if you’re bringing a cabin bag, you must choose either a laptop bag or a shoulder bag as the second piece of hand luggage.
How Strict Is British Airways Personal Item Reddit?
What Is British Airways Carry-On Item Policy?
As described above, BA carry-on policies allow a cabin bag up to 56 x 45 x 25cm (22 x 18 x 10in) with a weight of 23kg (51lb), plus one personal item or handbag up to 40 x 30 x 15cm (16 x 12 x 6in) with a weight of 23kg (51lb).
For more information please visit their website.
Additional Items
In addition to your personal item, you are allowed to bring other day-to-day necessities such as:
- Mobility devices
- Medical equipment
Final Thoughts: How Strict Is British Airways Personal Item?
As BA states, your handbag, computer bag, or personal item is guaranteed to travel with you on board as long as it meets the allowed size and weight.
It must fit under the seat in front of you.
However, your carry-on bag may not always travel with you in the cabin, especially if there is no space available on busy flights.
Make sure your travel documents and other essentials are in your smaller handbag.
To avoid any inconvenience at the airport or onboard BA airplanes, especially in situations like during the pandemic, I highly advise sticking to the airline’s regulations in all areas.
The best way to avoid BA restrictions is to invest in a fully compliant bag and stick to the size and weight limits.
I hope this helps
Happy travels
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