BA · checked 2026-10-19

British Airways carry-on and personal item size

The limits below are quoted from British Airways's baggage rules. Sizes include wheels and handles unless noted.

Personal item

40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in)

1 hand bag Max dimensions of 40 x 30 x 15cm (16 x 12 x 6in) Must easily fit under the seat in front of you ... Guaranteed in the cabin

No weight stated. Wheels/handles wording is given only for the cabin bag. The page's baggage-calculator template also shows an unlabeled alternative result '1 handbag or backpack (45 x 36 x 20cm)'; it is not tied to a cabin or route, so use 40x30x15 for fit checks.

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Carry-on

56 × 45 × 25 cm (22 × 17.7 × 9.8 in)

1 cabin bag Max dimensions of 56 x 45 x 25cm (22 x 18 x 10in) – including wheels and handles You must be able to lift your cabin bag into the overhead compartment unassisted

No cabin-bag weight limit is stated on the current page (the 23kg/32kg figures on the page are for checked bags). Third-party sites quoting 23 kg for hand baggage were not verified. 'May need to go in the hold.'

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Which fares include a carry-on

Fare	Carry-on included	Notes
Economy Basic (hand baggage only)	Yes	'If you are travelling on our hand baggage only (Economy Basic) fare, you are charged extra to put any bags into the hold as these fares do not include checked baggage.' Cabin bag + handbag still included.
Economy (with checked bag), Premium Economy, Business, First	Yes	Same hand baggage sizes in every cabin.

Personal items that fit British Airways

No personal item in our list fits this limit by its listed size.

Carry-ons that fit British Airways

See all 20 in the finder

Source

Checked 2026-10-19. Airlines change these rules, so confirm on British Airways's page before you fly.