Airline Baggage Fees for US to Europe Carriers

Delta Raises Checked Bag Fees on Flights to Europe

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There are three certainties in life: Death, taxes, and airlines raising fees.

As airlines crawl their way out of crisis and transatlantic travel resumes, Delta Air Lines has recently raised baggage fees for some flyers heading to Europe. Travelers on a Delta basic economy ticket flying between the U.S. and Europe will now pay $75 each way for their first bag – up from Delta’s previous $60 charge.

Got a standard main cabin economy fare or higher? Your first bag is still free. But on the cheapest Delta fares to Europe and back, it will cost you more to check a bag.

Read our guide to Delta baggage fees – and how to avoid them!

Delta isn’t the first to raise these baggage fees for the cheapest transatlantic fares – in fact, they’re late to the punch. In the midst of the unfolding pandemic, American raised the cost to check a bag from the U.S. to Europe from $60 to $75 in April 2020. United recently raised its own fees to $70.

Delta’s recent price hike also puts it in line with its partner airlines flying between the U.S. and Europe. Air France, KLM, and Virgin Atlantic each charge $75 for the first checked bag on their cheapest fares.

Fortunately, there’s a relatively easy way for Delta flyers to avoid paying the higher cost – or any baggage cost, period. Travelers with a co-branded Delta card in their wallet – like the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card – get their first checked bag free even on a basic economy fare. And unlike other airlines, that benefit applies to any Delta-operated flight, domestic or international.

Or … you could just pack in a carry-on bag. Those are always free with Delta, no matter which fare you bought.

That’s an easy way to take the sting out of this price increase. And it’s one of many ways to beat Delta basic economy.

On the flipside, Delta’s skimpiest fares recently got much more generous. Whether you’re flying abroad or sticking closer to home, Delta restored some of the flexibility that disappeared this spring: All Delta basic economy fares for travel through the end of 2021 can be changed or canceled for free.

Bottom Line

Paying more for baggage over time is all but a certainty in the world of travel. Still, it’s tough to see Delta raise baggage fees on transatlantic tickets so soon into the rebound of international travel.

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Kyle Potter

Kyle Potter is the executive editor of Thrifty Traveler. He joined the company in 2018 after spending years covering state and national politics for The Associated Press. He loves to help others understand the confusing world of travel, airlines, and points and miles.

Got a story idea or a tip? Email him at kyle (at) thriftytraveler (dot) com

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

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.

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 2019. 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.

In its own category is Norwegian Air. They operate on the European low-cost carrier model, and thus they charge for nearly every extra possible (such as bags, reserved seating, meals). However, they also often offer tickets at far lower rates than their more famous competitors. Thus, just because Norwegian might charge for bags (and be highlighted below in red), the final cost of flying to Europe could be substantially lower than flying on a legacy carrier that offers a free checked bag. In the end, you have to add it all up to find the best deal. (Read more about this.)

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 Save fare which will cost $49.99-$69.99
• 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 on Aer Lingus’ checked baggage policy.
• Carry-on: One piece, up to 22 lbs (10 kg), along with one small personal item. on Aer Lingus’ carry-on policy.

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: $50 or €50
• Third checked bag: $150 or €150
• Excess weight: 50-70 lbs (23-32 kg): $100 or €100 (more information on excess baggage fees) on Aeroflot’s checked baggage policy
• Carry-on: 1 piece, weighing up to 22 lbs (10 kg), plus a small personal item. on Aeroflot’s carry-on policy.

Air Canada

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

• First checked bag: $60 up to 50 lbs (23 kg) with an Economy Basic fare
• Second checked bag: $100
• Third checked bag: $225
• Excess baggage: 50-70 lbs (23-32 kg): $100 (more information on excess baggage fees) on Air Canada’s checked baggage policy.
• Carry-on: 1 piece, weighing up to 22 lbs (10 kg), plus one smaller personal item weighing up to 22 lbs (10kg) on Air Canada’s carry-on policy.

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): $100
• Tip: Pay for additional bags online in advance and pay up to 20% less. 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). on Air France’s carry-on baggage policy.

Alitalia

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 $60
• Second checked bag: $50 or €50
• Third checked bag: $200 or €200
• Excess weight: 50-70 lbs (23-32 kg): $75 or €75
• Note: Save 20% when purchasing extra baggage allowance online on Alitalia’s checked-baggage policy.
• Carry-on bag: One piece, up to 11 lbs (5 kg).
• Note: According to their website, personal items such as briefcases and computers are considered to be “hand luggage”.

American Airlines

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

• First checked bag: $60 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. on American Airlines checked and carry-on baggage policy.

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: $50
• Third checked bag: $100
• Excess weight: 50-70 lbs (23-32 kg) $150 (more information on excess baggage charges) on Austrian Airlines’ checked-baggage policy.
• Carry-on: One piece weighing up to 17.5 lbs (8 kg), plus one personal item. on Austrian Airlines’ carry-on baggage policy.

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 or £60 – 65 (depending on ticket type, destination and when you purchase, see details)
• Third checked bag: $180-200 or £120-140
• Excess weight: 50-70 lbs (23-32 kg): $100 or £65 on British Airway’s checked baggage policy.
• Carry-on: One piece no more than 50 lbs (23kg), plus one laptop-sized bag or handbag. on British Airway’s carry-on baggage policy.

Delta

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

• First checked bag: $60, up to 50 lbs (23 kg) (free for Main Cabin and Delta Comfort tickets)
• Second checked bag: $100
• Third checked bag: $285
• Excess weight: 50-70 lbs (23-32 kg): $100 (more information on Delta’s excess weight policy) on Delta’s checked-bag policy.
• Carry-on: One piece, plus one small personal item. on Delta’s carry-on baggage policy.

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 €45 when paid online
• Second checked bag: $100 or €75
• Third checked bag: $200 or €150
• Note: When all the flights in your itinerary are operated by Finnair, and the flight number starts with AY and the ticket number with 105 you can pay in advance online for a discount
• Excess weight: 50-70 lbs (23-32 kg): $100 or €75 (more information on Finnair’s excess weight policy) 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. on Finnair’s carry-on baggage policy.

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: $100 at the airport ($85 online in advance)
• Third checked bag: $200 at the airport ($170 online in advance)
• Excess weight: 50-70 lbs (23-32 kg) $100 on Iberia’s checked-baggage policy.
• Carry-on: One item, plus one personal item. on Iberia’s carry-on baggage policy.

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: $69-95 (depending on destination) up to 50 lbs (23 kg)
• Third checked bag: $133-152 or €100-114
• Excess weight: 50-70 lbs (23-32 kg) $125-141 or €93-105 (more information on Icelandair’s excess weight policy) on Icelandair’s checked-baggage policy.
• Carry-on: One piece, weighing up to 22 lbs (10 kg), plus one small personal item. on Icelandair’s carry-on baggage policy.

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: $100 at the airport or $80 if purchased online
• Third checked bag: $285
• Note: Save 20-50% on additional bags when you pay for them in advance online. Details. on KLM’s checked-baggage policy.
• Excess weight: 50-70 lbs (23-32 kg) $100 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). on KLM’s carry-on baggage policy.

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

• First checked bag: Free, up to 50 lbs (23 kg)
• Second checked bag: $100 or €75
• Third checked bag: €100 or €75
• Excess weight: 50-70 lbs (23-32 kg) $140 or €90
• Tip: Pay online early to save up to 20% on LOT’s checked-baggage policy.
• Carry-on: One piece up to 17.5 lbs (8 kg), along with one small personal item. on LOT’s carry-on baggage policy.

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: $200 or €150
• Third checked bag: $200 or €150 on Lufthansa’s checked-baggage policy
• Excess weight: 50-70 lbs (23-32 kg) $150 or €150
• Tip: You can opt to take your ski bag as part of your free baggage allowance on Lufthansa’s excess weight baggage policy
• Carry-on: One piece up to 17.5 lbs (8 kg), along with one small personal item. on Lufthansa’s carry-on baggage policy.

Norwegian

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

• First checked bag: $42 ($65 at airport) for direct LowFare tickets, free with LowFare+ and Flex fares.
• Second checked bag: $50 for direct LowFare tickets
• Note: When you reserve a ticket you can see your fees for checked baggage for each leg of your flight. Sometimes they offer package deals that include checked baggage, meals and a seat reservation. on Norwegian’s checked-baggage policy.
• Excess weight: price is charged $15 per kilo, call airline for details
• Carry-on: One piece, plus a personal item that must fit under the seat in front of you on Norwegian’s carry-on baggage policy.

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 a GoLight fare which is €30-60
• Second checked bag: €30 (pre-purchase) or €45 at the airport
• Third checked bag: €30 (pre-purchase) or €45 at the airport on Olympic Air’s checked-baggage policy.
• Excess weight: 46-70 lbs (21-32 kg): €30 (pre-purchase) or €45 at the airport
• Carry-on: One piece up to 17.5 lbs (8 kg). on Olympic Air’s carry-on baggage policy.

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: $200, €150 or 180 CHF. on Swiss Air’s checked-baggage policy.
• Excess weight: 50-70 lbs (23-32 kg): $150, €100 or 120 CHF
• Carry-on: One piece, up to 17.5 lbs (8 kg), and a small personal item. on Swiss Air’s carry-on baggage policy.

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 (but use their online calculator for details)
• Third checked bag: $150
• Excess weight: $150 on TAP’s checked-baggage policy.
• Carry-on: One item, weighing up to 17.5 lbs (8 kg). on TAP’s carry-on policy.

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 on United Airline’s checked-baggage policy.
• Excess weight: 50-70 lbs (23-32 kg) $200 on excess baggage charges
• Carry-on: One bag, plus one personal item. on United Airline’s carry-on baggage policy.

Virgin Atlantic

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

• First checked bag: Free, up to 50 lbs (23 kg)
• Second checked bag: $100 / £65 at the airport (or $85 / £55 online in advance)
• Third checked bag: $200 / £140 at the airport ($170 / £120 online in advance) on Virgin Atlantic’s checked-baggage policy.
• Excess-weight: 50-70 lbs (23-32 kg) $60 / £40
• Carry-on: One piece, up to 22 lbs (10 kg), along with one personal item. on Virgin Atlantic’s carry-on baggage policy.

Want more info?

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.

Travelling to Europe From US: What Travellers Must Know

This tourist season may have been mesmerizing for many Americans who chose European countries in order to spend some holidays after a year in lockdown.

Yet, those who postponed their trip to Europe for the end of summer and beyond may have to wait a little bit longer, in particular, if they haven’t been vaccinated yet as some European countries have started to ban non-essential travel for arrivals from the United States after the latter reported a surge in the number of COVID-19 infections.

Besides being profoundly affected by the Delta variant, the new COVID-19 variant known as Mu has been detected in 49 US States up to this point.

Therefore authorities in some European countries have decided to implement additional preventive measures in order to stop another COVID-19 epidemic wave.

EU Council Has Already Recommended to the Member States to Tighten Entry REstrictions for Americans

All travellers from the United States welcomed the Council of the European Union decision of June 18 when the US was included in the list of countries considered safe based on the rate of COVId-19 infections.

From June 18, travellers from the US were permitted to enter the majority of EU countries, restriction-free, even for non-essential purposes such as tourism.

However, last week, on August 30, the Council removed the United States together with five other countries from the safe list, urging its Member States to impose stricter entry rules for Americans and ban non-essential travel. Soon after the Council made its recommendation public, European countries started to make their position clear regarding the EU advice.

While some of them followed the Council’s advice, some other states clarified that they would not take such a step as the recommendation is not legally binding.

Before travelling to Europe, American travellers must know whether European countries implemented the EU Council recommendation or not.

Which EU Countries Have Applied the EU Recommendation & Which Have Refused to Do So?

On September 1, Bulgaria included the United States in its red list that consists of countries highly affected by the virus. Thus, regardless of their vaccination status, US travellers are banned from entering Bulgaria unless for specific exceptional cases.

Encouraged by the EU advice, authorities in Denmark also prohibited the entry for arrivals from the US as of September 6. However, authorities in Denmark emphasized that US travellers wishing to enter Denmark for essential purposes would be allowed to do so.

In an effort to stop the further spread of the virus, the Swedish government announced stringent entry requirements for Americans. However, authorities in Sweden announced that travellers wishing to enter the Scandinavian country for essential purposes would not be affected by the recent changes.

Regardless of their vaccination status, travellers from the US are also banned from entering Norway. As for the Netherlands, since September 6, Americans are required to present a recent negative result of the Coronavirus test and follow a ten-day self-isolation requirement upon their arrival in the Netherlands.

SchengenVisaInfo.com yesterday reported that Spain banned the entry of non-vaccinated travellers from the US, unless for emergency purposes, upon the recommendation of the Council of the EU to make such a step. The decision was confirmed by the Spanish Ministry of Health, Consumption and Social Welfare.

Due to the Coronavirus situation in the United States, Belgium and Germany imposed stricter entry rules for US arrivals before the Council recommendation.

However, other European countries, such as Greece, Croatia, Iceland, Portugal and Ireland, refused to impose stricter entry rules for arrivals from the US, despite the latter being profoundly affected by the virus, especially from the Delta variant.

“EU recommendation is non-binding, and the Member States retain control over their own border restrictions,” the Irish government stressed through a statement.

Authorities in Greece, Croatia, Iceland, Ireland, and Portugal refused to impose stricter entry rules for arrivals from the United States, despite the latter being profoundly affected by the virus, especially from the Delta variant.

Travelling to Europe As a Vaccinated US Citizen

Vaccinated travellers from the US are permitted to enter most of the European countries provided they have been fully vaccinated, except Bulgaria and Norway that have banned the entry even for vaccinated Americans.

Most European countries accept as valid proof of immunity vaccines that are approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), such as:

• Pfizer/BioNTech (Comirnaty)
• AstraZeneca EU (Vaxzevria)
• Moderna (Spikevax)
• Johnson & Johnson (Janssen)

However, European countries are permitted to individually decide whether they want to accept other vaccines that are not approved by EMA or not.

Are Vaccinated US Residents Obliged to Present Negative Result of COVID-19 Test

Despite being vaccinated against the Coronavirus, travellers from the US must prove that they have recently tested negative for the virus in several EU countries. For example, authorities in Germany, Iceland and Italy, oblige US arrivals to present a negative result of the COVID-19 test, not older than 72 hours, upon arrival.

Are Americans Obligated to Quarantine Anywhere in Europe

The Netherlands imposes among the strictest restrictions for Americans. While the country permits only fully vaccinated US travellers, they must also follow the compulsory quarantine requirement.

As per non-vaccinated travellers, they are permitted to in many EU countries; however, they must follow strict entry rules. For example, unvaccinated US travellers planning to head to the Czech Republic, Ireland, Iceland, Estonia, Slovakia, Italy, and Romania must follow mandatory self-isolation requirements.

Health Insurance Remains a Must Even for American Travellers to EU

Travellers from the US planning to travel to Europe any time soon are urged to purchase travel insurance in order to be protected during their trip.

Travel insurance can help them save most of the money if the trip gets cancelled due to the COVID-19 situation or other similar reasons. Besides, if passengers get sick or suffer an accident during their trip, travel insurance will cover all the medical treatment costs.

Passengers can purchase reasonably priced travel insurance in European countries from AXA Assistance or Europ Assistance.

What Is Open for Visitors in Europe

Despite the upsurge in the number of COVID-19 infections, vaccinated travellers from the United States can pack their suitcase and head to some of Europe’s most famous places, even for tourism, including countries like Ireland, Iceland, Croatia, Portugal, and France, provided they follow carefully the requirements imposed by local authorities due to the COVID-19 situation.

Current COVID-19 situation in the US & the US Travel Ban on Europe

Even though WHO’s figures show that the US has a marked total of 39,893,580 cases according to data provided by the New York Times, the number of COVID-19 infections in the United States has already surpassed 40 million cases.

Whereas so far, 53 per cent of the American population have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Source https://thriftytraveler.com/news/airlines/delta-raises-bag-fees-europe/#:~:text=As%20airlines%20crawl%20their%20way%20out%20of%20crisis,bag%20%E2%80%93%20up%20from%20Delta’s%20previous%20$60%20charge.

Source https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/airline-baggage-fees-us-to-europe-flights-on-21-carriers.html

Source https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/travelling-to-europe-from-us-what-travellers-must-know/