British Airways Hand Baggage All customers are permitted to carry one piece of hand luggage and one small item (handbag, laptop) on board. Hand luggage must not exceed 56cm x 45cm x 25cm and the small item must be no bigger than 40cm x 30cm x 15cm.

On British Airways, a handbag does not count as your main "hand luggage" (cabin bag); instead, it is classified as a personal item. In 2026, BA’s generous baggage policy allows every passenger to bring two pieces of luggage into the cabin for free: one large cabin bag and one small personal item (like a handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack). The large cabin bag can be up to 56 x 45 x 25cm (22 x 18 x 10in), while the handbag/personal item must not exceed 40 x 30 x 15cm (16 x 12 x 6in). Both items can weigh up to 23kg (51lbs) each, though you must be able to lift the larger bag into the overhead locker yourself. The handbag is specifically meant to be placed under the seat in front of you. British Airways often attaches a yellow tag to these smaller items during check-in or at the gate to guarantee they stay with you in the cabin even on full flights where larger bags might be gate-checked. This dual-allowance applies even to "Basic Economy" (Hand Baggage Only) fares, making BA one of the more flexible major carriers for travelers who prefer not to check luggage.