Sachin Walls
British Airways offers a range of services to assist passengers with their baggage during transit. If you are connecting at an airport and need to clear your baggage, you must follow the signs for 'Arrivals/Baggage Reclaim' and check your bags in again for your connecting flight. This applies particularly if you have booked separate flights with different booking references. However, if all your flights are under a single booking reference and ticket number, or with oneworld® airlines under a single booking reference, you can usually check your bags through to your final destination. Additionally, British Airways provides an Overnight Bag Drop service at select airports, allowing passengers to travel bag-free to the airport. They also offer the Airportr service, which collects bags from passengers' homes, hotels, or offices, checks them in, and delivers them to the desired destination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Baggage collection and check-in | If connecting to a domestic flight, follow the signs for 'Arrivals/Baggage Reclaim' to collect your bags and check them in again. |
| If connecting onto another flight, you can check your bags through to your final destination, providing all flights are on one booking reference with the same ticket number, or all flights are with oneworld® airlines booked under the same reference. | |
| If you have booked separate flights with different booking references, you will need to check in your bags for each flight separately. | |
| Baggage weight limit | British Airways' 23kg baggage weight limit applies to each bag and can't be split between multiple bags. Bags over 32kg won't be accepted as checked baggage. |
| Additional hold bags | The cost of each additional hold bag depends on your destination and the number of extra bags. More bags can only be paid for and carried when space is available, and excess baggage is permitted. |
| Baggage insurance | Ensure you have adequate baggage insurance to cover all eventualities as British Airways refuses any claim for damage, removal, or loss of electrical devices from hold baggage. |
| Baggage collection services | Airportr, a partner service, offers baggage collection from your home, hotel, or office, and check-in services. They also provide baggage delivery to your desired destination. |
| Left luggage facilities | London City and Stansted airports offer left luggage facilities once you've cleared Passport Control and Customs. |
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What You'll Learn
Baggage reclaim and re-checking
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.
- All your flights are with oneworld® airlines booked under the same booking reference, even though you may hold separate ticket numbers.
If you have booked two separate flights with different booking references to reach your final destination, for example, Edinburgh to London in one booking followed by London to New York in another booking, you will need to:
- Check in your bags for your first flight.
- Follow the signs for 'Arrivals/Baggage Reclaim'.
- Re-check your bags for your second flight.
If you are connecting at an airport that requires you to clear your baggage at the first point of entry and you are connecting to a domestic flight in that country, please follow the signs for 'Arrivals/Baggage Reclaim' to collect your bags and check them in again as normal for your connecting flight.
British Airways recommends that you allow plenty of time to collect your bags or, if you require additional support, to get through the airport. If you are travelling on an intercontinental flight from London Heathrow Terminal 5, British Airways will need to check your passport and visa before you go through security. Please go to an Assistance desk before you go to security.
You can also pay to have your baggage securely collected from your home, office, or hotel and checked in for your flight, so you can travel bag-free to the airport, skip the bag drop queues, and go straight to security. British Airways offers this service at London Heathrow Terminal 3 and 5, as well as London Gatwick, London City, and Edinburgh airport.
There are also left luggage facilities at London City and Stansted airports once you’ve cleared Passport Control and Customs.
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Baggage weight and size limits
British Airways does not offer a service to hold your bags at the airport during transit. However, if you have a connecting flight, you may not need to collect your bags and check them in again. If all your flights are on one booking reference with the same ticket number, or if they are all with oneworld® airlines booked under the same booking reference, you can check your bags through to your final destination.
If you have booked separate flights with different booking references, you will need to check your bags in for each separate flight. This applies even if all your flights are with British Airways, BA Cityflyer, and BA Euroflyer. You will need to check your bags in for your first flight, collect them when you land, and then check them in again for your next flight.
The checked baggage allowance for British Airways international flights depends on your cabin class and fare type. Each piece of checked baggage must not exceed 90 x 75 x 43 cm, including handles and wheels, and the weight can range from 23 to 32 kg, depending on your cabin class and ticket. The standard checked baggage weight allowance is 23 kg per bag, but this may differ based on your cabin class and frequent flyer status. Silver and Gold Executive Club members may be eligible for a greater allowance.
For hand luggage on British Airways, BA Euroflyer, and BA Cityflyer flights, the weight limit is 23 kg per bag, with a maximum size of 56 x 45 x 25 cm. In addition to this, you can carry one small item (such as a handbag or laptop bag), with a maximum size of 40 x 30 x 15 cm. Both items can have a combined weight of up to 23 kg. If your hand luggage exceeds these limits, it must be checked into the aircraft's hold and will count towards your checked baggage allowance.
There are no weight limits for medical equipment, but you may need permission to bring it on board, and it is recommended that you carry a letter from a medical professional stating that you need the equipment. This equipment should be brought on board as hand luggage if you need it during your flight or in the first few days of your journey.
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Baggage insurance
British Airways offers travel insurance as part of your booking with them. This insurance covers delays, lost luggage, and medical cover. If your baggage is lost or damaged, British Airways will help you resolve the problem or make a claim. To make a claim, you must report the problem within the set deadlines: missing bags must be reported within 21 days of the bag going missing, and damaged bags or contents within 7 days of receiving your bag. You can also purchase additional baggage insurance from third-party providers to further protect your luggage in case of loss, damage, or theft during your trip.
When connecting flights, you may need to collect your bags and check them in again for your connecting flight. This depends on the airport and the booking of your flights. If you are connecting at an airport that requires you to clear your baggage at the first point of entry and you are connecting to a domestic flight, you must collect your bags and check them in again. However, if all your flights are on the same booking reference with the same ticket number or are with oneworld® airlines booked under the same reference, you can check your bags through to your final destination.
Left luggage facilities are available at London City and Stansted airports after clearing Passport Control and Customs. British Airways also offers a bag drop service at London Heathrow Terminal 3 and 5, London Gatwick, London City, and Edinburgh airport, where you can pay to have your baggage securely collected and checked in for your flight, allowing you to travel bag-free to the airport.
It is always recommended to have travel insurance that covers baggage loss, damage, or theft when travelling. This can provide peace of mind and financial protection in case of any issues with your luggage during your trip. Additionally, having separate baggage insurance can offer more comprehensive coverage than the basic coverage provided by airline travel insurance.
When considering baggage insurance, it is important to review the terms and conditions carefully. Understand what is covered, the limits of coverage, and any exclusions or restrictions. Also, ensure that you have the correct travel documentation and allow enough time for baggage collection and check-in during your transit.
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Baggage collection and delivery services
British Airways does not offer a service to hold your bags during transit. However, there are other options available to passengers.
Airportr
British Airways has partnered with Airportr to offer a baggage-free travel experience. This service is available for flights departing from Heathrow, Gatwick, Geneva, Zurich, and Vienna. Airportr collects your baggage from your home, transports it to the airport, and checks it in for your flight. This allows you to travel to the airport without any luggage and head straight to security.
You can also use Airportr's arrival service, where they collect your bags straight from the plane and deliver them to your desired destination. This means you can skip the baggage carousel and head straight to your final destination.
Left Luggage
Heathrow Airport also offers a left luggage service. You can drop off your bags at designated locations in all terminals, and they will be stored until you are ready to collect them. This service is also available at central London rail stations, hotels, offices, and residences.
Connecting Flights
If you are connecting between flights with British Airways, you will need to collect your bags before leaving the airport. Your baggage will not be automatically forwarded, even if all your flights are under a single booking reference and ticket number.
However, if your connecting flight is with another airline, the rules may differ. In some cases, your bags may be checked through to your final destination, especially if your flights are booked under the same reference. However, if you have booked separate flights, you may need to collect and re-check your bags at the connecting airport.
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Transit between terminals
When transiting between terminals at London Heathrow Airport, British Airways passengers should be aware that the airport has three terminals: Terminal 3, Terminal 5, and the main terminal building (A Gates) in Terminal 5. Terminal 5 also has two satellite buildings, B Gates and C Gates, which are connected to the main terminal by a transit train. It takes approximately 20 minutes to get to the B and C Gates from the main terminal. Passengers should follow the signs to the transit train or use the moving walkway, which offers easy escalator/lift access. The British Airways Customer Service desks for flight connections are located in Terminal 3 after Flight Connections Security and in Terminal 5 in the Flight Connections area before Security.
Passengers connecting through Heathrow Airport should allow enough time to collect their bags and proceed to their next flight. If you are connecting at an airport that requires you to clear your baggage at the first point of entry and you are connecting to a domestic flight, follow the signs for 'Arrivals/Baggage Reclaim' to collect your bags and check them in again for your connecting flight. If all your flights are on one booking reference with the same ticket number or are with oneworld® airlines booked under the same reference, you can check your bags through to your final destination.
For international flights departing from London Heathrow Terminal 5, passengers must go to an Assistance desk before proceeding through security to allow British Airways to check their passport and visa. Passengers should also ensure they have the correct travel documentation for the country they are travelling to.
British Airways offers a bag drop service at London Heathrow Terminal 3 and 5, London Gatwick, London City, and Edinburgh airports. Passengers can pay to have their baggage securely collected from their home, office, or hotel and checked in for their flight, allowing them to travel bag-free to the airport and skip the bag drop queues. Additionally, left luggage facilities are available at London City and Stansted airports once passengers have cleared Passport Control and Customs.
To streamline your travel experience, British Airways offers a service called Airportr, which provides baggage-free, smarter travel. With Airportr, your bags are individually sealed, secured, monitored 24/7, and trackable. You can choose your collection and delivery slots, and your bags will be delivered to your desired destination at a time of your choosing. Airportr's partner drivers are vetted to airport security standards and provide excellent customer service.
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Frequently asked questions
If you have booked your flights separately, you may need to collect your bags and check in at arrivals. However, if all your flights are on one booking reference with the same ticket number, or if they are with oneworld® airlines booked under the same reference, you can check your bags through to your final destination.
Make sure all your flights are on one booking reference with the same ticket number, or that they are with oneworld® airlines booked under the same reference.
If you miss your connecting flight at London Heathrow, go to the British Airways Customer Service desk in the Flight Connections area to rebook.
There are left luggage facilities at London City and Stansted airports once you’ve cleared Passport Control and Customs.
British Airways does not specify that they can hold your bags at the airport during transit. However, they do offer an Airportr service where they can collect your bags from any home, hotel, or office and check them in for your flight.
