BA · United Kingdom · Europe

British Airways hand luggage & liquid rules

British Airways gives every passenger one handbag (40×30×15 cm) plus one cabin bag (56×45×25 cm), each up to 23 kg. Liquids in the cabin follow airport rules: 100 ml per container at most airports, up to 2 L at Heathrow, Gatwick, London City, Edinburgh, Birmingham and other CT-scanner airports.

Cabin bag allowance

Personal item40 × 30 × 15 cm · 23 kg

Handbag / laptop bag.

Overhead cabin bag56 × 45 × 25 cm · 23 kg

Free on every BA fare including Basic.

Liquid rules on this airline

BA defers to the departure airport's screening rules.
At Heathrow T2, T3 and T5 (2026) the CT scanner rollout means most passengers can leave liquids in bags and carry up to 2 L per container.
Alcohol between 24% and 70% ABV is capped at 5 L per passenger in checked baggage. Above 70% ABV is banned outright.

Duty-free & connections

Sealed duty-free in the STEB is allowed in the cabin.
On connecting flights via non-UK/EU hubs, the STEB may be re-screened at transfer security.

Medicines, baby milk, batteries & vapes

Musical instruments up to 126×30×38 cm may replace your cabin bag.
Suit carriers up to 60×110×11 cm are allowed as an additional handbag on some fares.
Vape devices, spare batteries and power banks must be cabin-only, protected against activation.

Frequently asked

Does British Airways charge for a cabin bag?

No. Every BA fare includes both a handbag and a full-size overhead cabin bag, each up to 23 kg.

How much liquid can I take on BA from Heathrow?

Heathrow's CT scanners now allow containers up to 2 L in the cabin at most terminals. Confirm with the terminal on the day, as some lanes may still be on legacy X-ray.

Main hubs

London Heathrow (LHR) · London Gatwick (LGW) · London City (LCY)

Sources

BA hand baggage allowance — checked 2026-06-01

Last reviewed 2026-06-01.