Rucksack as hand luggage
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,032
Rucksack as hand luggage
I’ve always had my rucksack wrapped in plastic and checked it in. On my last trip through T5 I saw a couple with rucksacks who were intending to take them as hand luggage.
The frame of my rucksack (65litre) is 1cm longer and 1cm wider than the BA limits. However the website says “A larger bag is allowed in the cabin, subject to available space.”
We will be flying Business class to Salzburg, early morning, mid-week.
Are we likely to be allowed our rucksacks on board? (I would not want them to go in the hold without being wrapped)
Thsnks for responses!
The frame of my rucksack (65litre) is 1cm longer and 1cm wider than the BA limits. However the website says “A larger bag is allowed in the cabin, subject to available space.”
We will be flying Business class to Salzburg, early morning, mid-week.
Are we likely to be allowed our rucksacks on board? (I would not want them to go in the hold without being wrapped)
Thsnks for responses!
#3
Join Date: Nov 2017
Programs: BA, Hilton
Posts: 1,964
Would agree you will be allowed.
I sometimes travel with a bag that is exactly on the size limits and have never had any issue, it's never been "targeted" - presumably it is squishable to a small degree so it will fit into the overheads no problem.
I sometimes travel with a bag that is exactly on the size limits and have never had any issue, it's never been "targeted" - presumably it is squishable to a small degree so it will fit into the overheads no problem.
#4
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Cambridge, UK
Programs: BAEC Silver, IHG Platinum
Posts: 1,342
You should be fine in Business as there is typically enough space. You would have more of a problem in Economy.
Whenever the crew have been trying to get people at the gate to check-in larger bags, a flash of a boarding pass saying "Group 1" is usually sufficient to move them on to someone else.
Whenever the crew have been trying to get people at the gate to check-in larger bags, a flash of a boarding pass saying "Group 1" is usually sufficient to move them on to someone else.
#5
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 41,724
A 65L rucksack seems quite large. Are you sure it’s within the dimensions? I suspect you would have to stow this sideways in the overhead bins.
#6
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: UK
Programs: BA Blue, IC Spire Ambassador
Posts: 5,182
I agree you will probably be ok. I’m just saying this now though to manage expectations: you might not be! As the website also says
So, it’s your risk if the gate agent or crew do decide it needs to be checked in.
- “It may need to go in the hold”
So, it’s your risk if the gate agent or crew do decide it needs to be checked in.
#7
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold; Flying Blue Life Platinum; LH Sen.; Hilton Diamond; Kemal Kebabs Prized Customer
Posts: 62,085
The official dimensions suggest a baggage size of 61.9 litres so yes you are a bit over, but if the rucksack isn't full then you could be under. The problem really are bags which are both over and have rigids sizes such that they take a disproportionate amount of overhead space and can't go under the seat in front. Squidgy bags are much better in that respect.
#8
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: UK
Programs: BA Blue, IC Spire Ambassador
Posts: 5,182
#9
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
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