From March 15th 2010 British Airways (BA) will introduce ‘understandable’ luggage guidelines (Report by Digital Luggage Scales)
The secong piece of luggage must not exceed 45cm x 36cm x 20cm. The purpose of this is to ensure that personal belongings such as a laptop case, briefcase or handbag can fit under the seat in front.
Should the hand luggage exceed the new dimensional criteria then the carrier will be asked to check-in on of their items of hand baggage in to the aircrafts hold. A consequence of this for the customer is the possibility of an excess baggage charge.
The current dimensional criteria for the first piece of hand luggage will not be effected. The dimensions for this are 56cm x 45 cmx 25 cm (including any case parts such as wheels and the handle etc).
If you are seated in World Traveller or World Traveller Plus and you are flying to the States then you will be permitted to take one piece of hand luggage on board with you. This is due to current travel restrictions.
Customers travelling in First and Club World are permitted two pieces of hand baggage as standard. If the customer is an Executive Club Gold or Silver member travelling in any cabin, they will now permitted two pieces of hand baggage.