Checked Baggage allowance US >>> UK

So I bought a $290 flight to London, great deal but there is one connecting flight within the US... which means I have to keep an eye on baggage allowance and fees. Ends up that US Airways connection will charge me $75 and the my United Airlines $100 so leaving that 2nd bag in the States now. I was researching flights with limitations and baggage fees and here are a few I found (all economy class):

(based of if you took it to the airport for check-in)


US Airways

Domestic and non-transatlantic bought on and after Aug 26, 2009 = 1st bag $25, 2nd bag $35, 3rd bag $100

Transatlantic bought on and after Nov 4, 2009 = 1st bag FREE, 2nd bag $55, 3rd bag $100


United Airlines

Domestic and non-transatlantic bought on and after May 14, 2009 = 1st bag $20, 2nd bag $30, 3rd bag $100

Transatlantic bought before September 30, 2009, for travel on or after December 15, 2009 = 1st and 2nd bag FREE

Transatlantic bought on or after September 30, 2009, for travel on or after December 15, 2009 = 1st bag FREE, 2nd bag $50


British Airways

Domestic and Transatlantic flight allows 1st bag FREE

Transatlantic bought from November 10, 2009 = 2nd bag $60, 3rd bag $140, thereafter $140 per bag


American Airlines

Customers purchasing Economy Class tickets prior to September 14, 2009, may check two bags at no charge within the size and weight limitations.

Transatlantic bought on or after September 14, 2009, for travel on or after December 15, 2009 = 1st bag FREE, 2nd bag $50


Virgin Airlines

Transatlantic bought on or after November 25, 2009, for travel on or after December 15, 2009 = 1st bag FREE, 2nd bag $48, 3rd bag $48

*Passengers travelling in Economy between the USA and India - one additional bag at 23 kilos.


Aer Lingus

Transatlantic flight allows 1st and 2nd bag FREE
Any additional bag over the 2 free bags will be charged $100 (€80) per bag


Air Baltic

Little confusing -  "There is a fee of EUR 10 per one way of travel for 1st checked-in baggage piece with total weight up to 20 kg. For passengers purchasing tickets at airBaltic ticket offices and travel agencies 1 piece of checked-in baggage with total weight up to 20 kg is included in the ticket price." -from the Air Baltic website

For each piece of baggage above your allowance and as well for 1st checked-in bag if it’s not paid together with ticket purchased at the airBaltic website you will have to pay EUR 13 (if paying at the airBaltic website) or EUR 15 (if paying at airBaltic ticket offices) on each flight segment. Please note that buying additional baggage pieces does not increase weight allowance.


Air Canada

Transatlantic flight allows 1st and 2nd bag FREE, 3rd bag $225 CAD



Continental Airlines

Transatlantic purchased on or after Oct. 2, 2009 for travel on or after Nov. 1, 2009 = 1st bag FREE, 2nd bag $50



Klm-Royal Dutch Airlines

Transatlantic from the US to Europe = 1st bag FREE, 2nd bag $50



Delta Air Lines

Transatlantic purchased on or after May 23, 2009 = 1st bag FREE, 2nd bag $50



bmi british midland

Transatlantic  = Unlimited pieces, max total weight 20kg; All passengers travelling to and from the UK are not permitted to check in any bag that weighs in excess of 32kg (70lbs).

Wow, this is really discouraging news. When DH and I have flown back and forth, all the airlines had 1st and 2nd bag free for international flights. And even when I had to travel domestically, I was able to get them to waive the 2nd bag fee. Since my TRAVEL was international, even though that particular FLIGHT was domestic.

We're moving back to the States next summer, and with a family of four, if we only get one checked bag free (or worse, if they keep changing the rules, by then we may not any bags free!) it's going to really suck. I've been keeping an eye on it, and the same thing seems to be happening going UK >>> US.

When my friend traveled from Idaho to Virginia for our wedding this past February, she had to pay $50 each for her 1st and 2nd bags on each flight, each way, and she had one or two layovers each way. This resulting in a near doubling of her flight cost, I think it was nearly $1000 by the time it was said and done. But because it was a wedding, and she was in town for a week to visit and help and then heading other places for sight seeing, she couldn't bring less than she did bring. There is creative packing, but there are limits. Especially in winter, when you need more layers.

I knew there was a reason I'm flying Air Canada at Christmastime...even if it does mean spending an extra six hours in Toronto airport on the way home!

I was lucky to fly British Airways before this went into effect. I still got 4 bags thru but it will make travelling home now a bit more of a challenge. I have one suitcase full of baking crap and food

Smartest thing I did was bring TWO outfits in my suitcase and went out shopping the next day....loaded up the suitcase with clothes to wear while there. So new wardrobe and no faffing about with clothes that get taken and never worn.

I flew Delta this summer and you had to pay for a 2nd bag for all passengers, it was only £29 ($50) so imo its worth $100 to bring back two extra suitcases.

Its tight all over!