For Those That Have Flown British Airways Lately...

[dkingdom]

We will be flying to Europe this summer to catch a cruise and using British Airways and was wondering how strict they are about the weight of their carry-on luggage in economy? I'm worried about bringing back items that are breakable so I would like to bring them on with me but we are restricted to a 13 pound limit. I've never had my carry-on luggage weighed when I have flown before but have never flown BA. Also, are we allowed one bag and a purse or in my husband's case a bag and a camera bag? Thanks for any info you can supply!

[Globaliser]

In general, BA mean what they say but they are not usually sticklers about precise weight. Some flights have all their cabin baggage systematically weighed, but this happens fairly rarely. However, anything that looks too big or too heavy is likely to attract attention, as will anyone who is obviously carrying way more than they should.

 

BA says this in particular:

- A mans or womans purse may be carried in addition to the allowance listed.

- A computer bag would count as one carry on bag.

- Large bags of duty free merchandise would also count as a carry on item.

So if the camera bag is similar in size to a handbag or purse, there won't be a problem. Also, staff usually show some flexibility, so if both the carry-on bag and the camera bag are small, there won't be a problem. But someone who is obviously taking liberties by bringing the maximum size wheelie and then a substantial camera bag as well is likely to get swooped on. Similar considerations apply to the breakable object - although, again, something that's reasonably small but obviously can't be checked may well get sympathy or indeed some help once you're on board.

 

If your carry-on baggage can't be accepted, then it will probably be gate-checked. If you're going to tickle the dragon's tail, then be prepared for this - but that's the same as for most airlines anyway.

 

However, you will see the benefit of this when you're on board. There's no need to scrum to be first on board to get storage space, especially on the long-haul aircraft, plus you can actually get access to your bags in flight without difficulty.

[dkingdom]

Thank you Globaliser for your great response. I don't plan on taking anything enormous by any means but something within the dimensions they state on their site. My only concern is the weight because it doesn't take much to add up to 13 pounds. On a flight from Florida last year with Song Airlines my check-in bag was overweight by a few pounds and they let me take some things out and add it to my carry-on. In that case my bag would have easily gone over 13 pounds but it was not a problem with that airline. Thanks again!

[susancruzs]

I flew British Airways to Rome via Heathrow and home from Milan via Heathrow in Oct. My friend that I was traveling with had alot with her and did not have a problem. My carry on was heavy to start then I added some wine and they didn't say a word. I felt they were fair and not imposing restrictions, I saw people with alot of stuff (not checked but at the gate to go onboard)!

 

Susie