What is British Airways Baggage Allowance?

When travel plans involve packing more than your allowance, British Airways provides options for adding extra baggage. Whether heading on an extended trip, moving, or bringing back souvenirs, understanding the fees and process for extra baggage is essential. So, how much does it cost for additional baggage on British Airways? Let’s break it down.

British Airways Baggage Allowance

Knowing the standard baggage allowance for each ticket class is essential before considering extra baggage costs. Your cabin class, route, and fare type determine how much baggage you can take.

• Economy (Euro Traveller and World Traveller): You can check in 1 bag up to 23kg (51lbs).
• Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus): You get two checked bags up to 23kg (51lbs) each.
• Business Class (Club Europe and Club World): You are allowed 2 checked bags, each up to 32kg (70 lbs).
• First Class: You may check in 3 bags up to 32kg (70lbs) each.

If you need to carry more than this allowance, you’ll need to pay for the extra baggage, whether adding more pieces or exceeding the weight and size limits.

How Much Does Extra Baggage Cost on British Airways?

The cost of extra baggage on British Airways depends on the route, the number of additional bags, and whether you purchase the extra baggage online or at the airport. Here’s what you need to know about the fees:

1. Extra Baggage Fees for Short-Haul Flights (Europe and Domestic Routes)

For short-haul flights within Europe or domestic UK routes:

Purchasing extra baggage online before your flight costs £20 to £40 per additional bag.

At the airport, you’ll pay £65 per additional bag.

2. Extra Baggage Fees for Long-Haul Flights

For long-haul international flights, such as between the UK and the US or Asia:

When you buy extra baggage online, it costs £65 to £120 per additional bag.

At the airport, the cost jumps to £140 per additional bag.

3. Fees for Overweight or Oversized Baggage

Besides the fees for extra pieces of baggage, you will pay additional fees if your bags exceed the weight or size limits.

• Overweight baggage: For bags weighing between 23kg and 32kg (51lbs-70lbs), there’s an extra fee of £65.
• Oversized baggage: Bags that exceed the size limit of 90cm x 75cm x 43cm may also require additional fees. The cost varies depending on the route, so you should check with the airline.

4. Sports Equipment and Special Baggage

British Airways considers sports equipment like golf clubs, skis, or bicycles as part of your checked baggage allowance. However, if your sports gear exceeds the standard weight or size limit, you must pay an extra fee.

Sports equipment fees: Typically range from £40 to £65, depending on the type of equipment and its weight.

Also Read: British Airways Baggage Policy

How to Add Extra Baggage on British Airways

Adding extra baggage to your British Airways booking is straightforward, and doing it in advance can save you money compared to paying at the airport. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to add extra baggage for a seamless experience:

1. Log In to Your Booking

To begin, visit the British Airways website or mobile app. Access your flight details in the “Manage My Booking” section. To log in, enter your booking reference number and last name. This will bring up your booking summary and options related to your flight.

2. Select the Extra Baggage Option

Once you’re booking, scroll down to find the “Extra Baggage” section. Here, you can view your current baggage allowance and select the option to add more bags if needed. British Airways will show you the costs of adding more bags based on your route and flight details.

3. Choose the Number of Additional Bags

After selecting the extra baggage option, decide how many additional bags you need. British Airways allows you to purchase up to 10 checked bags per person, depending on the flight. Review the weight and size limits for your chosen fare, as exceeding these could result in extra fees at the airport.

4. Pay for the Additional Baggage

Once you’ve selected the number of extra bags, the website or app will display the total cost. Follow the prompts to enter your payment information and complete the transaction. Paying for extra baggage online can be significantly cheaper than paying at the airport, so it’s a good idea to do this in advance.

5. Receive Your Confirmation

After processing the payment, you will receive a confirmation email reflecting your trip’s updated baggage allowance. Keep this email handy; you may need to show it when checking in at the airport.

6. Present Your Baggage Confirmation at the Airport

On the day of your flight, proceed to the baggage drop counter at the airport. Present your confirmation email, boarding pass, and necessary documents to the British Airways staff. Your additional baggage will be weighed and checked in for your flight.

Following these steps, you can easily manage your baggage needs and avoid any last-minute surprises or extra costs at the airport.

How to Add Extra Baggage on British Airways at the Airport

Adding extra baggage at the airport with British Airways is simple but can be more costly than pre-purchasing online. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to handle it:

1. Arrive Early at the Airport

Ensure you arrive at the airport enough time to handle your baggage needs. British Airways recommends arriving at least two hours before your flight for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. This ensures you have enough time to check in and add extra baggage without rushing.

2. Proceed to the Check-In or Baggage Drop Counter

Once you arrive at the airport, head to the British Airways check-in or baggage drop counter. Here, British Airways staff will assist you in checking in and managing your baggage. Be prepared with your passport, ticket, and booking reference.

3. Request to Add Extra Baggage

Let the staff at the counter know that you need to add extra baggage to your booking. They will check your current allowance and help you understand the fees for adding additional bags based on your flight route. Be sure to inform them how many extra bags you plan to check in.

4. Pay the Extra Baggage Fees

Once you’ve confirmed the extra bags, the agent will inform you of the cost. Payment can be made directly at the counter via credit, debit, or cash. Remember, paying for extra baggage at the airport is more expensive than online. For instance, it can cost up to £65 for short-haul flights and £140 for long-haul flights per bag.

5. Weigh and Check Your Bags

The British Airways staff will then weigh your extra baggage to ensure each bag meets the airline’s size and weight requirements. For economy class, the maximum weight per bag is 23kg (51lbs), while business and first-class bags can weigh up to 32kg (70lbs) each. If any of your bags exceed these limits, you’ll be asked to pay an overweight baggage fee.

6. Receive Confirmation and Proceed

Once payment is made, the staff will confirm your additional baggage allowance and provide you with baggage receipts. You can then proceed to security and your flight as usual. Keep these receipts handy, as they will be required for baggage collection at your destination.

Adding extra baggage at the airport is a convenient option if you’re unsure of your baggage needs ahead of time, but it’s more cost-effective to plan and pay for extra baggage in advance online.

Tips to Avoid Extra Baggage Fees

• Pack smart: Keep your luggage within the weight and size limits to avoid paying extra for overweight baggage.
• Pre-purchase online: Always buy additional baggage online before arriving at the airport to take advantage of lower fees.
• Maximize hand baggage: British Airways allows a carry-on bag and a personal item, so use these allowances effectively to avoid needing extra checked baggage.
• Travel light: For shorter trips, try to fit everything into your carry-on to avoid checked baggage fees.

The cost of extra baggage on British Airways varies depending on your route and when you purchase it. Always aim to buy extra baggage online before your flight to save money. By understanding your baggage allowance and packing strategically, you can avoid unexpected fees and enjoy a hassle-free travel experience.

For more details, visit British Airways’ website or contact their customer service team for personalized assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does adding extra baggage cost for British Airways?

The cost of adding extra baggage depends on your route and whether you purchase it online or at the airport. For short-haul flights, additional baggage fees range from £20 to £40 online and £65 at the airport. For long-haul flights, fees range from £65 to £120 online and £140 at the airport.

2. Can I add extra baggage online before my flight?

You can add extra baggage through the “British Airways Manage Booking” section on the British Airways website or mobile app. Adding baggage online is often cheaper than paying at the airport.

3. How many extra bags can I add to my booking?

British Airways allows you to check up to 10 bags per passenger, depending on the fare class and availability. You can purchase these additional bags online or at the airport.

4. What is the weight limit for checked baggage on British Airways?

The standard weight limit for checked baggage on British Airways is 23kg (51 lbs) for the economy and premium economy. Business and first-class passengers can check bags weighing up to 32kg (70 lbs) each. Exceeding these weight limits will result in an extra fee.

5. What happens if my bag exceeds the weight limit?

If your bag weighs more than the allowed limit (23kg for economy or 32kg for business and first class), you must pay an overweight baggage fee of £65 per bag, depending on the route.

6. Can I add extra baggage at the airport?

Yes, you can add extra baggage at the airport. However, it is more expensive than purchasing extra baggage online. For short-haul flights, it costs £65 per bag at the airport, and for long-haul flights, it costs £140 per bag.

7. Can I add sports equipment as part of my extra baggage?

British Airways allows you to add sports equipment to your checked baggage allowance. However, if the equipment exceeds size or weight limits, you may incur extra fees ranging from £40 to £65, depending on the type of equipment and flight route.

8. Is extra baggage free for British Airways Executive Club members?

Depending on their tier status, particular Executive Club and OneWorld members may have additional baggage benefits. Gold and Silver members often get one extra bag free on top of their standard allowance.

9. Can I cancel my extra baggage if my travel plans change?

If your travel plans change, you can cancel your extra baggage purchase through the “Manage My Booking” feature on the British Airways website. However, the refund policy for baggage fees may depend on the fare class and timing of the cancellation. It is best to review the airline’s cancellation terms for baggage fees.

10. Can I transfer my extra baggage allowance to another passenger?

No, British Airways does not allow the transfer of baggage allowance between passengers. Each passenger must pay for extra baggage; the allowance is specific to the individual ticket.