Airline vs airline · Checked October 29, 2026
American vs British Airways: baggage rules compared
Carry-on, personal item, checked bag and check-in deadlines for American Airlines and British Airways, from each airline's own website.
The short version
- British Airways' carry-on limit is roomier (22 x 18 x 10 in) than American's (22 x 14 x 9 in), about 36% more space.
- American's personal item allowance (18 x 14 x 8 in) is bigger than British Airways' (16 x 12 x 6 in).
| American | British Airways | |
|---|---|---|
| Carry-on size | 22 x 14 x 9 in / 56 x 36 x 23 cm | 22 x 18 x 10 in / 56 x 45 x 25 cm |
| Carry-on weight | No published limit | No published limit |
| Carry-on on the cheapest fare | Included | Included |
| Personal item | 18 x 14 x 8 in / 45 x 35 x 20 cm | 16 x 12 x 6 in / 40 x 30 x 15 cm |
| Checked bag size | 158 cm (62 in) in total | 90 x 75 x 43 cm |
| Checked bag weight | 23 kg (50 lb) per bag in economy, 45 kg (100 lb) max for any bag | 23 kg (51 lb) per bag in economy, 32 kg (71 lb) max for any bag |
| Online check-in opens | 24 hours before | 24 hours before |
| Bag drop closes | 45 min before (domestic / short-haul), 60 min before (international / long-haul) | 45 min before (domestic / short-haul), 60 min before (international / long-haul) |
| At the gate by | 15 min before | 20 min before |
| Power banks | Standard 100 Wh / 160 Wh rules | Standard 100 Wh / 160 Wh rules |
Carry-on that fits both
56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14.2 x 9.1 in)
The smallest limit on each side
Personal item that fits both
40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 in)
The smallest limit on each side
Flying both on one trip? The trip checker shows which airline sets each limit, and the gate card keeps the rules on your phone.
Will your bag fit?
Measure with wheels, handles and pockets included. The order of the sides doesn't matter.
Questions people ask
Is the American carry-on bigger than British Airways?
British Airways' carry-on limit is roomier (22 x 18 x 10 in) than American's (22 x 14 x 9 in), about 36% more space.
What carry-on size fits both American and British Airways?
A bag no bigger than 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14.2 x 9.1 in) fits both carry-on limits, and 40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 in) fits both personal item limits. Check weight limits too.