Traveler Services

Baggage information

Check in requirements

Maximum weight per piece of baggage

All passengers traveling to and from the UK are not permitted to check in any bag that weighs in excess of 32kg (70lbs).

The maximum weight limit of 32kg for any individual piece of baggage does not relate to your overall entitlement but is a safety measure to reduce injuries to baggage handling staff. Any item over 32kg (70lbs) should be referred to bmi cargo.

Maximum size
Hand baggage must have a maximum length of 55cm (21 inch), width of 40cm (15 inch) and depth of 23cm (9 inch). These dimensions include wheels, handles, side pockets, etc. If your hand baggage exceeds this size, you will be asked to return to check-in and check the bag into the hold.

Checked baggage on flights to the USA and Caribbean should have maximum dimensions (length + width + height) of 158cm (62ins).

What can I take in my cabin baggage?

make sure you are aware of the latest security restrictions for hand baggage
cigarette lighters are not permitted in hand baggage or about your person when traveling to/from/via the USA and Barbados
make sure you have your tickets, passport and other important documents, plus medication, car keys, valuable items and money in your hand baggage (we cannot accept liability for any loss or damage to such items placed in your checked baggage)

What can't I take in my cabin or checked baggage?

compressed gases - flammable, non-flammable and poisonous, e.g. butane, oxygen, liquid nitrogen, aqualung cylinders
corrosives - such as acids, alkalis, apparatus containing mercury, wet-cell batteries
explosives - munitions, fireworks, flares - such as hand guns, pistol caps, ammunition
flammable liquids and solids - such as lighter fuel, ‘strike anywhere' matches, paints, thinners, fire lighters
radioactive materials
briefcases and attaché cases with installed alarm devices
oxidising materials - such as bleaching powders and peroxides
poisons and infectious substances - such as insecticides, weed killers and live viruses
other dangerous articles - such as magnetized material, offensive or irritating materials

Medicines and toiletries

You may take items like hairsprays, perfumes, colognes and medicines containing alcohol in limited quantities in your checked baggage:

single articles must not weigh more than 0.5kg(1.1lbs) or 0.5 litres(16 ounces)
combined articles must not weight more than 2.0 kg(4.4lbs) or 2.0 litres(67 ounces)

Miscellaneous articles

You should be aware that items like medical oxygen, heat producing articles, mercury barometers or thermometers have additional regulations and need to be approved by us.

Other dangerous articles need to be packed in accordance with the Dangerous Goods Act. You must check all these details when you book your tickets.

Fare type/ Diamond Club status/ Other	Equipment charge – effective October 6, 2009
Business, Economy Flexible and Premium Economy (Cairo and Tel Aviv)	Free if within baggage allowance. If in excess of baggage allowance: £25 fixed fee, per max 20kg item (or less), per sector.
Economy – All routes except Saudi Arabia	£25 fixed fee, per max 20kg item (or less), per sector regardless of weight allowance.
Economy – Saudi Arabia	£25 fixed fee per item if within weight allowance. If in excess of allowance excess baggage rates per kilo apply.
Gold and Silver Diamond Club members	May carry an item for free if within weight allowance regardless of route or fare.

Golfing equipment* - includes pair of golf shoes and one golf bag with clubs

Skiing/snow boarding equipment* - includes one pair of skis/poles/boots or snow board and boots

Bicyles* - must be suitably packed (accepted subject to hold space)

Fishing equipment - includes one tackle box, rucksack/backpack, anglers basket, one rod bag or box

Surfboards/sail boards/water skis (accepted subject to hold space)

Canoes (accepted subject to hold space)

*these items can be paid for online during the booking process or via 'manage your booking'

Please note that if your journey has been booked on a single ticket but requires that you go via another location i.e. Edinburgh-Heathrow-Amsterdam you will only be charged once outbound and once inbound. If you choose to book the same journey but on separate tickets i.e. Edinburgh-Heathrow and then, Heathrow-Amsterdam you will be charged £15 per item for each sector of the journey. In this case you would be charged twice on the outbound and twice on the inbound journey.

Effective October 6, 2009, firearms and other weapons will incur a fee of £50 per sector. They remain subject to correct documentation and clearance by Customs or the Police and certain conditions including the following: the firearm is unloaded with all ammunition packed separately (max 5kgs/11lbs); it is packed separately and packed in a strong box made of metal or fireboard.
Please note that this policy does not apply for bmi Regional flights operating from regional airports including Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford and Manchester. Passengers can continue to enjoy the benefit of carrying firearms as checked baggage for free within their weight allowance (£25 per sector if outside of allowance). Please contact reservations at 1-800-788-0555 or in the UK at 0870 6070 555 for more information.

Musical instruments can be carried as checked baggage free of charge within size and weight allowance. Certain instruments can be carried in the cabin subject to an additional seat being purchased. Please contact reservations at 1-800-788-0555 or UK 0870 6070 555 for more information.

Exceptional items of baggage on long haul flights, if within your baggage allowance, will be carried free of charge. If the item is outside your baggage allowance the item is charged per piece at the same rate as excess baggage.

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