Which has the bigger carry-on allowance, American or British Airways?

American: 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm). British Airways: 56 × 45 × 25 cm (22 × 17.7 × 9.8 in), up to 23 kg (50.7 lb). British Airways allows the larger bag.

Are American and British Airways partners?

Yes. Both belong to oneworld, so you can usually earn miles and use elite benefits across the two.

AA vs BA · 2026 comparison

American vs British Airways

Q: Do American and British Airways include a carry-on on basic economy?

American: Basic Economy includes a full-size carry-on and a personal item. Checked bags cost extra. British Airways: Even hand-baggage-only fares include a cabin bag and a handbag.

American wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit and a bigger personal item; British Airways wins on a bigger carry-on. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.

Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction

American

Wins 2 categories

A more generous carry-on weight limit
A bigger personal item

British Airways

Wins 1 category

A bigger carry-on

Quick verdict

American wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit and a bigger personal item; British Airways wins on a bigger carry-on. Both include a carry-on on every fare.

Carry-on size: American: 22 × 14 × 9 in · British Airways: 56 × 45 × 25 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare: American: Included on every fare · British Airways: Included on every fare
First checked bag (regular economy): American: $45 · British Airways: 1 free bag

Side by side

	American	British Airways
Bags
Carry-on size	22 × 14 × 9 in	56 × 45 × 25 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare	Included on every fare	Included on every fare
Carry-on weight limit	None published	23 kg (50.7 lb)
Personal item	18 × 14 × 8 in	40 × 30 × 15 cm
First checked bag (regular economy)	$45	1 free bag
Network
Alliance	oneworld	oneworld
Loyalty program	AAdvantage	British Airways Club
Main hubs	DFW, CLT, ORD, MIA, PHL	LHR, LGW

Highlighted values are better for travelers. Fees are for U.S. domestic economy flights; on-time data is 2025 U.S. DOT figures for each airline's own flights.

Bags and fees

American allows a carry-on up to 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm), and British Airways up to 56 × 45 × 25 cm (22 × 17.7 × 9.8 in), so British Airways's is roomier.

Both include it on their cheapest fares.

British Airways caps carry-ons at 23 kg (50.7 lb); American publishes no limit.

Personal items: 18 × 14 × 8 in (46 × 36 × 20 cm) on American, and 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in) on British Airways.

A first checked bag on American costs $45 on U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and short-haul international flights, and British Airways includes one bag with Economy on flights between the U.S. and the UK.

Basic economy

American (Basic Economy): Basic Economy includes a full-size carry-on and a personal item. Checked bags cost extra.

British Airways (Basic (hand baggage only)): Even hand-baggage-only fares include a cabin bag and a handbag.

Loyalty and where they fly

Both are oneworld members, so status and miles can work across the two.

Loyalty programs: AAdvantage (American) and British Airways Club (British Airways).

American's main hubs are Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW), Charlotte (CLT), Chicago (ORD), Miami (MIA), Philadelphia (PHL). British Airways's are London (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW). The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.

Which should you book?

Choose American if you want…

a more generous carry-on weight limit
a bigger personal item
to earn and use oneworld miles and status
nonstops from DFW, CLT, ORD

Choose British Airways if you want…

a bigger carry-on
to earn and use oneworld miles and status
nonstops from LHR, LGW

On a route both fly, the cheaper ticket isn't always the cheaper trip: add the bags you'll actually bring, and check the fare rules before you book.