Personal item
15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 in
- Applies to:
- Fare: Standard fares
- Last reviewed:
- 2026-06-15
Hand bag must fit under the seat in front.
Reviewed baggage rules
British Airways personal item and carry-on size rules
Start with the reviewed outside limit, then keep fare, route, aircraft, and enforcement caveats beside the rule they qualify.
Carry-on
22 x 17.7 x 9.8 in
- Applies to:
- Fare: Standard fares
- Last reviewed:
- 2026-06-15
Dimensions include wheels and handles; Hand bag also allowed.
Cabin bag may need to go in the hold; passenger must lift it unassisted.
Bags ranked for British Airways's personal item rule
Each card shows the calculated fit, tightest margin, and useful product facts.
1
Fits
0.4 in spare against this rule. Ranked first for this rule on fit margin, category, and source confidence.
- Capacity
- 14 L
- Weight
- 0.63 lb
2
CALPAK Luka 15 inch Laptop Backpack
16 x 12 x 7 in
1.1 in over against this rule. Use conservatively because this rule or bag is missing complete dimensions.
- Capacity
- 22 L
- Weight
- 1.8 lb
- Laptop
- up to 15"
3
Monos Metro Backpack
16.5 x 11.5 x 6 in
0.8 in over against this rule. Borderline option; its tightest positive margin is 0.3 inches, but at least one axis is over.
- Capacity
- 18 L
- Weight
- 3 lb
- Laptop
- up to 15"
4
Baggallini Soho Backpack
15.8 x 11.5 x 5.5 in
0.1 in over against this rule. Borderline option; its tightest positive margin is 0.3 inches, but at least one axis is over.
- Weight
- 1.3 lb
- Laptop
- up to 13"
5
Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Backpack
16 x 12 x 6 in
0.3 in over against this rule. Use conservatively because this rule or bag is missing complete dimensions.
- Capacity
- 13 L
- Weight
- 1.3 lb
- Laptop
- up to 13"
6
Photo pending
Fjallraven High Coast Totepack
15.8 x 12.2 x 5.5 in
0.4 in over against this rule. Borderline option; its tightest positive margin is 0.4 inches, but at least one axis is over.
- Capacity
- 23 L
- Weight
- 0.88 lb
- Laptop
- up to 15"
Dimensions summary
- Personal item
- Personal item: 15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 in (published; high confidence).
- Carry-on
- Carry-on: 22 x 17.7 x 9.8 in (published; high confidence).
Useful next checks
FAQ
What size personal item does British Airways allow?
British Airways's reviewed published personal-item rule lists 15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 in. Hand bag must fit under the seat in front. Source last checked 2026-06-15.
What carry-on size is listed for British Airways?
British Airways's reviewed published carry-on rule lists 22 x 17.7 x 9.8 in. dimensions include wheels and handles; Hand bag also allowed. Source last checked 2026-06-15.
Are British Airways fit results guaranteed at the gate?
No. This page compares reviewed bag dimensions against reviewed airline rules and does not guarantee gate acceptance. Bulk-reviewed official airline policy snapshot; verify edge cases before adding fare-specific UI copy.