Airline baggage fees for US to Europe carriers

When flying between the United States and Europe, you probably know that it’s best to pack light. After all, the less luggage you have to haul around town, the better.
Related: 10 tips for packing for a two-week European trip
For Cheapos, there’s one more obvious reason to keep the amount of luggage to a minimum: checked-baggage charges.
Pre-“Great Recession,” many transatlantic carriers allowed you to check two bags for free on international flights. After years of financial turbulence in the airline industry, however, most airlines have implemented new baggage policies intended to lighten their load while cashing in on new fees.
We’ve just updated the following chart to reflect baggage policies and charges as of April 2024. It’s amazing how things have changed since we first published this piece in 2011.
US to Europe Flights: Baggage fees
Here’s a quick overview of baggage policies for the major airlines flying between the United States and Europe. Prices have gone up quite a bit since we last updated this list, and they keep increasing by the day, even with oil prices now dropping. Some airlines have also made it come complicated to calculate baggage charges, so you might have to dig deep into their websites for the information. But we discovered that in some cases fees have doubled or more in just a couple of years!
Please note that the following charges are one-way .
Note that the prices below are for standard tickets purchased on the airline. Many of these airlines offer a checked bag for free for qualifying members of their frequent flyer programs, for tickets purchased with an airline-connected credit card, or those booking in a class higher than economy. See notes below, and check with your airline or credit card for details.
Click the airline names for more details about their policies.
Winners and losers
We’ve highlighted what we think are the airlines with the best “Cheapo-friendly” baggage policies. This is assuming that most US-based travelers to Europe will be checking in at least one suitcase. Policies that we feel are a good deal are highlighted in green, while those that aren’t budget-friendly are in red.
Most big-name and legacy carriers used to permit one free checked bag for US to Europe passengers with any Economy fare. However, those days are long gone. Although most fare types will give you one bag for free, the cheapest option on almost all airlines (usually called Light or Basic Economy, etc) now charge for checked baggage. Our advice: Read the fine print and check the baggage policy twice. Things can change at a moments notice.
<td”>€80-€90 online, €160-€170 at the airport<td”>€160-170 online, €210-€220 at the airport€120-€440



Carrier
1st checked bag: to 50 lbs (23 kg)

2nd checked bag: to 50 lbs (23 kg)

3rd checked bag: to 50 lbs (23 kg)

Extra weight: 51-70 lbs (24-32 kg)



Aer Lingus
Free (except for Saver fare)
$100 / €75 / £65
$100 / €75 / £65
$100 / €75 / £65


Aeroflot
Free (except for Light fare)
$100 / €94
$200 / €188
$200 / €200


Air Canada
$75 CAD
$100 CAD
$225
$100


Air France
Free (except Light fare)
$100
$285
$100


American
$75
$100
$200
$100


Austrian
Free (except Economy Light fare)
$90 online; $180 at the airport
$185 online; $240 at the airport
$140 to $370


British Airways
Free (except Basic fare)
$90-100
$170-200
$100


Delta
$75 (free with Main Cabin ticket)
$100
$200
$100


Finnair
Free (except for Light fare)
€90/$100
€180/$200
€110/$121


Iberia
Free (except Basic fare)
$80-$90
$150-$180
€75/$100 or €12-€15/kilo


Icelandair
Free (except Economy Light)
$130
$130
$110/€85


ITA Airways
Free (except Light fare)
$85-$250 or €75-€230
$200-$280 or €180-€250
$75-$125 or €60-€100


KLM
Free (except Light fare)
€85/$100
€240/$285
€85-€250 or $100-$300


LOT Polish Airlines
Free
$55-$380
$55-$380
$120-$240


Lufthansa
Free (ski bag can count as a free item)
$90
$185-$285
$140-$505


Olympic Air
Free (except Economy Light, Flex & Family fares)
€20-€70
€20-€70
€20-€65


Swiss Airlines
Free (except Light fare)
€80-€90 online or €160-€170 at the airport
€160-170 online or €210-€220 at the airport
€120-€440


TAP Portugal
Free (except Discount fare)
$70-$225
$80-$300
$70-$440


United Airlines
Free (except Basic Economy)
$100
$200
$200


Virgin Atlantic
Free (except Economy Light)
$100 / £65
$200 / £140
$100-$300/£65-£200





Aer Lingus
Notes: All information is for US to Europe flights, economy class.

First checked bag: Free up to 50 lbs (23 kg); the exception is Saver fare which will cost $49.99-$64.99
Second checked bag: $100, €75 or £65
Third checked bag: $100, €75 or £65
Excess weight: 50-70 lbs (23 kg-32 kg): $100, €75 or £65
More information on Aer Lingus’ checked baggage policy.
Carry-on: One piece, up to 22 lbs (10 kg), along with one small personal item.
More information on Aer Lingus’ carry-on policy.

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Aeroflot
Notes: All information is for US to Europe flights, economy class.

First checked bag: Free, up to 50 lbs (23 kg); the exception is if you have a Light fare ticket
Second checked bag: $100 or €94 (20% off if you pay in advance online )
Third checked bag: $200 or €188 (20% off if you pay in advance online)
Excess weight: 50-70 lbs (23-32 kg): Up to $200 or €200 ( more information on excess baggage fees)
More information on Aeroflot’s checked baggage policy
Carry-on: 1 piece, weighing up to 22 lbs (10 kg), plus a small personal item.
More information on Aeroflot’s carry-on policy.

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Air Canada
Notes: All information is for US to Europe flights, economy class.

First checked bag: $75 CAD up to 50 lbs (23 kg) with an Economy Basic fare
Second checked bag: $100 CAD
Third checked bag: $225
Excess baggage: 50-70 lbs (23-32 kg): $100 ( more information on excess baggage fees)
More information on Air Canada’s checked baggage policy.
Carry-on: 1 piece (no weight limit, but you must be able to store it in the overhead bins yourself), plus one smaller personal item
More information on Air Canada’s carry-on policy.

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Air France
Notes: All information is for US to Europe flights, economy class.

First checked bag: Free, up to 50 lbs (23 kg), unless you have a Light Fare tickets, then it costs $80 (online) or $100 (at the airport)
Second checked bag: $100
Third checked bag: $285
Excess weight: 50-70 lbs (23-32 kg): Varies based on destination
Tip: Pay for additional bags online in advance and pay up to 20% less.
More information on Air France’s checked baggage policy.
Carry-on: 1 bag and one personal item. Total weight for the two items must not exceed 26.5 lbs (12 kg).
More information on Air France’s carry-on baggage policy.

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American Airlines
Notes: All information is for US to Europe flights, Basic Economy class.

First checked bag: $75 up to 50 lbs (23 kg)
Second checked bag: $100
Third checked bag: $200
Excess weight: 50-70 lbs (23-32 kg): $100
Carry-on: One piece and one personal item are allowed.
More information on American Airlines checked and carry-on baggage policy.

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Austrian Airlines
Notes: All information is for US to Europe flights, economy class.

First checked bag: Free, up to 50 lbs (23 kg); the exception is Economy Light fare
Second checked bag: $90 online; $180 at the airport
Third checked bag: $185 online; $240 at the airport
Excess weight: 50-70 lbs (23-32 kg): $140 to $370
More information on Austrian Airlines’ checked-baggage policy, or use the luggage fee calculator .
Carry-on: One piece weighing up to 17.5 lbs (8 kg), plus one personal item.
More information on Austrian Airlines’ carry-on baggage policy.

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British Airways
Notes: All information is for US to Europe flights, economy class.

First checked bag: Free, up to 50 lbs (23 kgs); the exception is Basic fare ticket
Second checked bags: prices range from $90 – 100 (depending on ticket type, destination and when you purchase)
Third checked bag: $170-200
Excess weight: 50-70 lbs (23-32 kg): $100
Carry-on: One piece no more than 50 lbs (23kg), plus one laptop-sized bag or handbag.
More information on British Airway’s checked and carry-on baggage policies.

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Delta
Notes: All information is for US to Europe flights, Basic Economy class.

First checked bag: $75, up to 50 lbs (23 kg) (free for Main Cabin and Delta Comfort tickets)
Second checked bag: $100
Third checked bag: $200
Excess weight: 50-70 lbs (23-32 kg): $100 ( more information on Delta’s excess weight policy)
Carry-on: One piece, plus one small personal item.
More information on Delta’s checked and carry-on bag policies.

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Finnair
Notes: All information is for US to Europe flights, economy class.

First checked bag: Free, up to 50 lbs (23 kg); the exception is a Light fare ticket which is €65/$70 when paid online
Second checked bag: €90/$100
Third checked bag: €180/$200
Excess weight: 50-70 lbs (23-32 kg): €110/$121 online or €80/$90 at the airport ( more information on Finnair’s excess weight policy)
More information on Finnair’s checked-baggage policy.
Carry-on: One bag, up to 17.5 lbs plus a small personal item for a combined weight of 8 kg.
More information on Finnair’s carry-on baggage policy.

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Iberia
Notes: All information is for US to Europe flights, economy class.

First checked bag: Free, up to 50 lbs (23 kg); the exception is Basic fare
Second checked bag: usually about $90 at the airport ($80 online in advance), but varies by destination and ticket purchase date
Third checked bag: $180 at the airport ($150 online in advance), but varies by destination and ticket purchase date
Excess weight: 50-70 lbs (23-32 kg): €75/$100 or €12 to €15/kilo
More information on Iberia’s checked-baggage policy.
Carry-on: One item, plus one personal item.
More information on Iberia’s carry-on baggage policy.

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Icelandair
Notes: All information is for US to Europe flights, economy class.

First checked bag: Free, up to 50 lbs (23 kg); the exception is an Economy Light ticket
Second checked bag: $130 per extra bag (depending on destination) up to 50 lbs (23 kg)
Third checked bag: $130 per extra bag (depending on destination) up to 50 lbs (23 kg)
Excess weight: 50-70 lbs (23-32 kg): $110/€85 ( more information on Icelandair’s excess weight policy)
Carry-on: One piece, weighing up to 22 lbs (10 kg), plus one small personal item.
More information on Icelandair’s checked and carry-on baggage policies.

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ITA Airways
Notes: All information is for US to Europe flights, economy class.

First checked bag: Free, up to 50 lbs (23 kg); the exception is a Light fare ticket which costs $75 to $170 or €60 to €150
Second checked bag: $85 to $250 or €75 to €230
Third checked bag: $200 to $280 or €180 to €250
Excess weight: 50-70 lbs (23-32 kg): $75 to $125 or €60 to €100
Note: Save more when purchasing extra baggage allowance online more than 8 days before your trip.
More information on ITA’s checked-baggage policy.
Carry-on bag: One piece, up to 17.6 lbs (8 kg).

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KLM
Notes: All information is for US to Europe flights, economy class.

First checked bag: Free, up to 50 lbs (23 kg); the exception is a Light fare ticket
Second checked bag: €85/$100
Third checked bag: €240/$285
Note: Save 20-50% on additional bags when you pay for them in advance online. Details .
More information on KLM’s checked-baggage policy.
Excess weight: 50-70 lbs (23-32 kg): €85-€250 or $100-$300
More information on KLM’s excess weight policy.
Carry-on: One piece and one small personal item, with a combined weight up to 26 lbs (12 kg).
More information on KLM’s carry-on baggage policy.

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LOT
Notes: All information is for US to Europe flights, economy class.

First checked bag: Free, up to 50 lbs (23 kg), except for Economy Saver tickets
Second checked bag: $55 to $380 per extra bag, depending on travel dates
Third checked bag: $55 to $380 per extra bag, depending on travel dates
Excess weight: 50-70 lbs (23-32 kg): $120-$240
Tip: Pay online early to save up to 20%
Carry-on: One piece up to 17.5 lbs (8 kg), along with one small personal item.
More information on LOT’s checked and carry-on baggage policies.

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Lufthansa
Notes: All information is for US to Europe flights, economy class.

First checked bag: Free, up to 50 lbs (23 kg)
Second checked bag: $90
Third checked bag: $185 to $230 online, $230 to $285 at the airport
More information on Lufthansa’s checked-baggage policy
Excess weight: 50-70 lbs (23-32 kg) $140-$505
Tip: You can opt to take your ski bag as part of your free baggage allowance
Carry-on: One piece up to 17.5 lbs (8 kg), along with one small personal item.
More information on Lufthansa’s baggage policies.

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Olympic Air
Notes: All information is for US to Europe flights, economy class.

First checked bag: Free, up to 50 lbs (23 kg); the exception is Economy Light, Flex & Family fares
Second checked bag: €20-€60 (pre-purchase) or €30-€70 at the airport
Third checked bag: €20-€60 (pre-purchase) or €30-€70 at the airport
Excess weight: 46-70 lbs (21-32 kg): €20-€65 (pre-purchase) or €30-€65 at the airport
Carry-on: One piece up to 17.5 lbs (8 kg).
More information on Olympic Air’s baggage policies.

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Swiss Airlines
Notes: All information is for US to Europe flights, economy class.

First checked bag: Free, up to 50 lbs (23 kg); the exception is a Light fare ticket
Second checked bag: €80-€90 online or €160-€170 at the airport
Third checked bag: €160-170 online or €210-€220 at the airport
More information on Swiss Air’s checked-baggage policy.
Excess weight: 50-70 lbs (23-32 kg): €120-€440
Carry-on: One piece, up to 17.5 lbs (8 kg), and a small personal item.
More information on Swiss Air’s carry-on baggage policy.

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TAP Portugal
Notes: All information is for US to Europe flights, economy class.

First checked bag: Free, up to 50 lbs (23 kg); the exception is Discount fare
Second checked bag: $70-$225, depending on travel dates and destination
Third checked bag: $80-$300
Excess weight: $70-$440
More information on TAP’s checked-baggage policy.
Carry-on: One item, weighing up to 17.5 lbs (8 kg).
More information on TAP’s carry-on policy.

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United Airlines
Notes: All information is for US to Europe flights, economy class.

First checked bag: Free, up to 50 lbs (23 kg); the exception is Basic Economy which costs $60
Second checked bag: $100
Third checked bag: $200
More information on United Airline’s checked-baggage policy.
Excess weight: 50-70 lbs (23-32 kg) $200
Carry-on: One bag, plus one personal item.
More information on United Airline’s carry-on baggage policy.

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Virgin Atlantic
Notes: All information is for US to Europe flights, economy class.

First checked bag: Free, up to 50 lbs (23 kg), except for Economy Light which costs $75/£65
Second checked bag: $100 / £65 at the airport
Third checked bag: $200 / £140 at the airpor
More information on Virgin Atlantic’s checked-baggage policy.
Excess-weight: 50-70 lbs (23-32 kg) $100 to $300/£65 to £200
Carry-on: One piece, up to 22 lbs (10 kg), along with one personal item.
More information on Virgin Atlantic’s carry-on baggage policy.

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Want more info on airline baggage fees and policies?
To view even more information on airline baggage policies among domestic carriers, have a look at this handy baggage fee guide from airfarewatchdog.com. Or if you’re looking to research airline fees beyond the world of luggage, try this comprehensive airline fee guide from SmarterTravel.com.
Once you’re ready to research airlines routes within Europe, try our guide to cheap flights in Europe and also be sure to use WhichBudget.com’s helpful cheap flights search engine.
The post Airline baggage fees for US to Europe carriers appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog .