Lois Larson
If you're connecting between airports, you'll need to check that you have the correct documents to enter the UK. Your baggage will not be automatically forwarded, so you must collect all your bags before leaving the airport. If you're connecting at an airport that requires you to clear your baggage at the first point of entry and you're connecting to a domestic flight, follow the signs for 'Arrivals/Baggage Reclaim' to collect your bags and check them in again as normal for your connecting flight. If you are connecting onto another flight, you can check your bags through to your final destination, providing all your flights are on one booking reference with the same ticket number. British Airways also offers left baggage services at Heathrow and Gatwick airports, but only for customers arriving in the UK.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Baggage collection during connecting flights | In most cases, your bags are checked through to your final destination, so you don't need to collect them. However, if you've bought two separate flights, you may need to collect your bags and check in at arrivals. |
| Baggage weight limit | British Airways' 23 kg baggage weight limit applies to each bag and can't be split between multiple bags. Bags over 32 kg won't be accepted as checked baggage. |
| Oversized bags | The maximum dimensions for an oversized bag in the hold are 190 x 75 x 65 cm. Oversized bags are usually accepted as part of your checked baggage allowance, but there may be some restrictions. |
| Additional hold bags | The cost of each additional hold bag depends on your destination and the number of bags. You can pay for up to 10 extra checked bags at a discounted online rate before checking in. |
| Baggage insurance | British Airways recommends ensuring adequate baggage insurance to cover damage, removal, or loss of electrical devices from hold baggage, as they refuse claims for these items. |
| Baggage collection assistance | British Airways offers assistance for passengers who need help with their baggage. This includes a bag drop service where they can collect your baggage from your location and check it in for you before your flight. |
| Hand baggage restrictions | Liquids, gels, and creams over 100ml purchased at Duty-Free can be carried through security to your connecting flight if sealed in a Security Tamper Evident Bag. Any items purchased count towards your hand baggage allowance for your next flight. |
| Transit information | British Airways operates from London Heathrow Terminal 3 and Terminal 5. Gate information at Heathrow becomes available shortly before the flight opens. |
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What You'll Learn
Liquids and food restrictions on hand luggage
If you are travelling with essential liquid medical supplies, you can take more than the standard amount, but you will need an official medical letter signed and dated by your doctor. There is no limit to the number of alcoholic beverages you can travel with as long as the alcohol volume is below 24%. You can bring up to five litres of alcohol with an alcohol volume between 24% and 70%. Drinks above 70% alcohol volume are not permitted on board.
If you leave the airport during a layover and return for your connecting flight, you can take duty-free items with you as long as you don't open the sealed bag. You will need to go through security again, where staff might need to open and reseal your items in a new bag.
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Baggage allowances and fees
British Airways allows each passenger to carry one handbag and one carrier bag. Additionally, passengers can bring one piece of cabin baggage and one small item (e.g. a handbag or laptop bag) on board. Cabin baggage should not exceed 56 x 45 x 25 cm, and small items should not exceed 40 x 30 x 15 cm. The weight of both pieces of baggage must not exceed 23 kg.
If your hand baggage exceeds the allowance, it must be checked into the cargo hold and counted towards your checked baggage allowance. This may result in you being charged for excess baggage. The number of checked bags you're allowed for free depends on your booking, cabin class, and British Airways Club membership tier. Each customer can pay for up to ten additional hold bags, as long as they are for personal items only.
If your checked baggage weighs more than your allowance, you may have to pay a heavy bag charge. British Airways charges £65/€75/US$100/CAD$100 per piece of excess baggage and one-way journey.
If you need to travel with extra bags, you can add them online via 'Manage My Booking' before checking in for your flight. You can pay for up to 10 extra checked bags at a discounted online rate by card or using Avios. After checking in for your flight, extra bags can only be added at the airport rate, and you won't be able to pay using Avios.
If you're connecting at an airport that requires you to clear your baggage at the first point of entry and you're connecting to a domestic flight, follow the signs for ''Arrivals/Baggage Reclaim' to collect your bags and check them in again as normal for your connecting flight. If you are connecting onto another flight, you can check your bags through to your final destination, providing all your flights are on one booking reference with the same ticket number.
If you leave the airport and return later for your connecting flight, you can take items with you as long as you don't open the sealed bag. You will then need to go through security again, where airport staff might need to open and reseal your items in a new bag. Any items you buy at the airport or on board count towards your hand baggage allowance for your next flight. If you exceed this, you may need to check the items in and be charged a fee.
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Checking in bags for multiple flights
Check Your Booking Details:
Firstly, review your booking details. If all your flights are booked under one reservation or booking reference, with the same ticket number, your bags can usually be checked through to your final destination. This is true even if the flights are operated by different airlines within the same alliance or with interlining agreements. However, it is always a good idea to confirm this with your airline(s) before assuming your bags will be checked through.
Multiple Booking References:
If you have booked your flights separately or have multiple booking references, checking in your bags to your final destination may be more complicated. In this case, you will typically need to collect your bags at the baggage reclaim area after your first flight and check them in again for the next leg of your journey. This process may vary depending on the airports and airlines involved, so it is important to check their specific policies.
Allow Sufficient Time:
When travelling with multiple flights and checked bags, it is crucial to allow sufficient time between connections. You will need time to collect your baggage, go through immigration, check-in your bags again, and clear security. The process may take longer if your flights are with different airlines that do not have interlining agreements, as you may need to convince agents of your request or wait for someone with the necessary knowledge to assist you.
Interlining and Codesharing:
Understanding interlining and codesharing agreements between airlines can be beneficial when checking bags for multiple flights. Interlining agreements are basic cooperation agreements between airlines, allowing them to handle passengers and their bags when travelling on the same itinerary, even if the flights have different airline codes. Codesharing is a more intense form of cooperation, where two airlines partner up and allow each other to sell flights using their respective airline codes. These agreements can increase your chances of having your bags checked through to your final destination, even with separate bookings.
Contact the Airlines:
If you are unsure about the process or want to confirm the specific requirements, contact the customer service teams of the airlines involved. They can provide you with accurate and up-to-date information regarding baggage policies, interlining agreements, and any special considerations for your particular itinerary.
Remember, while checking bags for multiple flights can be a hassle, proper planning, and allowing sufficient time between connections can make the process smoother. Always review your booking details, understand the interlining agreements between airlines, and don't hesitate to reach out to their customer support for clarification.
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Restrictions on electronic devices
British Airways allows passengers to carry devices with batteries in their cabin baggage. However, these devices must be protected from accidental activation. Each passenger is allowed a maximum of two spare lithium batteries, including power banks, which must be kept in their original packaging or have their terminals insulated/protected from short circuits. If your cabin baggage is checked in or removed at the gate and placed in the hold, you must carry these batteries with you in the cabin.
Spare batteries are forbidden in checked baggage. Devices with batteries that are transported in checked baggage must be completely switched off (not in sleep or hibernation mode) and protected from accidental activation.
Smart baggage, or bags with built-in lithium batteries, are allowed on British Airways flights if the battery is removable. Electric-powered ride-on baggage, such as Airwheels baggage, is not considered smart baggage and is not permitted on British Airways flights, either as checked or cabin baggage.
Additionally, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) may ask you to power up your electronic devices, including cell phones, at the checkpoint. Devices that cannot be powered on will not be permitted onboard the aircraft.
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Rules for firearms and ammunition
When travelling with firearms and ammunition, it's important to adhere to the specific rules and regulations to ensure safety and compliance with the law. Here are the key rules you need to know:
Firearms:
- Firearms must be unloaded and not accessible during transit. This means they should be locked in a hard-sided container and transported as checked baggage only.
- The container must completely secure the firearm and prevent access. Simple locked cases that can be easily opened are not permitted.
- Each firearm must be accompanied by the appropriate certificate.
- It is your responsibility to comply with the laws concerning firearm possession, as they vary by local, state, and international governments.
- Replica firearms, including toys, may only be transported in checked baggage.
Ammunition:
- Ammunition must be in its original packaging or a suitable container that prevents movement between shells or cartridges. Loose ammunition is not permitted.
- Do not use 'explosives' labels on bags containing ammunition.
- Ammunition may be transported in the same hard-sided, locked case as a firearm, provided it is securely boxed or included within the case.
- Small arms ammunition must be packaged in a fibre (such as cardboard), wood, plastic, or metal box specifically designed to carry ammunition.
- It is recommended that ammunition be stored in a separate, preferably locked container from the firearm.
- You must declare that you are travelling with ammunition at the check-in desk.
Additional Considerations:
- Firearms parts, including magazines, clips, bolts, and firing pins, are prohibited in carry-on baggage but may be transported in checked baggage.
- When travelling with 10 or more firearms or boxes of ammunition, allow at least three hours at the check-in desk to process the necessary paperwork.
- Allow enough time for security checks and comply with any requests from security personnel to open your firearm container for inspection.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave your bags at the airport during transit. However, you must check your bags in for each separate flight and collect them when you land.
The number of free checked bags allowed depends on your booking, cabin class, and British Airways Club membership tier. British Airways Club Gold and Silver members are entitled to more checked baggage. Each liquid must be in its own container, measuring no more than 100ml, and all liquids must be placed in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag.
Items such as oxidisers, organic peroxides, acids, alkalis, corrosives, and bleaching agents are prohibited in hand luggage. Liquids are restricted and must be packed in hold baggage if possible. Electronic devices must be fully charged and switched on before arriving at the airport.
