British Airways to change baggage policy

Josh Roberts believes the best trips involve long hikes and muddy boots. His life goals haven't changed much since he was a kid: He still wants to be Indiana Jones when he grows up.

Follow him on Twitter (@joshwhowrites) and Instagram (@joshwhowrites), and visit his website (joshrobertsbooks.com) or Goodreads page to learn more about his forthcoming novel.

Josh joined SmarterTravel in 2001, and is an active member in both the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

In addition to SmarterTravel, he has written for USA Today, The Boston Globe, Yahoo! Travel, The Huffington Post, Airfarewatchdog, TripAdvisor, Jetsetter, ABC News, Oyster, and Business Insider. His travel photography can be seen in Britain and Ireland's Best Wild Places, published by Penguin UK.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "A lacrosse ball. It's small, lightweight, and works wonders on loosening up tight muscles."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Being the first to discover an ancient lost city. Failing that, visiting as many of the already-discovered ancient ruins as possible."

Travel Motto: "Not all those who wander are lost." -J.R.R. Tolkien

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle."

See recent posts by Josh Roberts

British Airways is making some revisions to its baggage policies. The first wave of changes, effective July 5, focuses on carry-on baggage. The highlight of the revised policy is the removal of current weight-limit restrictions for carry-on items. There will no longer be a limit; if you can lift your bag into the overhead bin without assistance, you can take it on the plane. Actual size limitations will still apply, however.

The second phase of revisions applies to checked baggage. Beginning July 12, if you have excess baggage beyond the allowance for free checked bags, you can pre-pay for your excess baggage online and receive a 20-percent discount on airport charges. Starting October 11, extra baggage charges will be “standardized across the network” and will be charged a fixed fee based upon the length of the journey. Also effective October 11, says the airline, “We will no longer be able to carry pets as baggage… These will only be carried as cargo.”

British Airways is not the first airline to implement baggage policy changes. Earlier this year, Ryanair made similar moves aimed at checked luggage.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.