British Airways Reduces Hand Luggage

Are you the type of traveller that struggles to pack light? We may have some news that will change this! British Airways has announced plans to reduce its hand luggage allowance for all passengers, and it is thought that these new regulations will be enforced over the next few weeks. Travellers can currently take a handbag or laptop bag measuring no more than 45 x 36 x 20cm on board and an additional cabin bag measuring no more than 56 x 45 x 25cm.

New luggage allowance

This could all change, however, as the airline plans to reduce the allowed size for handbags and laptop bags to 40 x 30 x 15cm. This could mean rethinking your packing or even purchasing a new, smaller handbag or laptop bag. Passengers will need to pack more into their cabin bag to meet the new, smaller regulations for their second piece of hand luggage. The new plans aim to speed up boarding times to prevent aircraft delays in future. Valuables such as gadgets and money should still be carried in your handbag or cabin bag so that they are accessible should you need them during the flight. Cheap gadget travel insurance will make sure your laptop, tablet and e-reader stay safe on board.

What does this mean for your trip?

Travellers with hand luggage that exceeds the new allowance will be asked to check it into the hold; therefore, make sure you pack light and measure your bags before setting off for the airport. All passengers ‒ apart from those travelling in Club World and First Class ‒ will be provided with a yellow tag for their laptop bag or handbag. This guarantees that you will be able to take your bag on board the aircraft with you, where it should be placed under the seat in front of you.

Varying regulations

Airlines currently have varying regulations when it comes to the size and amount of hand luggage you can take on board. This could soon change, however, as the International Air Transport Association recently outlined plans to reduce the size of carry-on luggage across all airlines by up to 39%. This would mean passengers could only take hand luggage measuring 54.6 x 34.2 x 19cm on board the plane with them. Our advice? Make sure that you check the size of your laptop bag or handbag and main carry-on bag before you start packing for your trip. This gives you plenty of time to organise your packing and even get a new, smaller bag if required. It pays to be prepared for the new regulations.