Baggage fees for overseas flights

This is one of those questions that gets a better answer if you just use Google to find the most comprehensive source of info. The chart in the below link is allegedly accurate as of Nov 2015 for both domestic and international travel. I would cross reference it for accuracy once you narrow down the airline. Most airlines do not charge any fees for international travel for one "normal sized" bag that meets their dimensions (if that's all you plan on carrying, I wouldn't worry about it).

http://www.farecompare.com/about/worldwide-baggage-fee-chart/#/

Take the time to compare all the fees of a low budget airline like WOW against other carriers because it is possible to come out ahead, even with all the a la carte surcharges (if the base fare is low enough, that can happen). If can nothing else, low budget airlines can really nudge (or force) you to economize with luggage and that may not be a bad thing if you're on a budget (it's not a bad trade-off).

Agnes' like is a good overview of baggage policy differences.

Another consideration if you need to check a bag is the convenience or inconvenience of paying to check a bag. My nephew flew Norwegian a year plus ago and needed/wanted to check a bag. Paying for the checked bag was cheaper on-line prepaid but he and his family could not get their cards accepted on-line. Paying at the airport was more expensive and Norwegian did not accept cash. Fortunately, the family got one of their credit cards accepted by Norwegian.

Over the last 13 flights to Europe in 14 years, I have never been charge for checking one bag on either a main European airline or twice on Delta (acting in place of KLM). Whenever I happen to fly within the US, I fly on Alaskan Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines and book using their credit card which provides me with one free checked bag.

Hi Rob,

I've flown on the following airlines to get to and from Europe - Continental, United, Air Canada & Lufthansa. I always carry on while going to Eutope. I have at times checked a bag on the way home. United allows one free checked bag up to 50 lbs. for international flights. Lufthansa allows one bag up to 23 kg. Air Canada also allows one free bag to be checked.

I never check a bag with any airlines. Last time I did, I had to stay in a hotel 2 nights waiting on my bag--since my electronic car key was in the bag.
Traveling lighter is just so much better. We scale down in luggage every trip.

If you have an airline-branded credit card you get to check some bags for free and get priority boarding, along with bonus miles. Varies by airline.

Agnes' answer provides your info.

Basically, most legacy airlines allow one checked bag free/included on trips to/from Europe.

The second one will cost.

FWIW Turkish still allows 2 free bags on trans-Atlantic.

While some folks "never check baggage", those of us traveling with "special baggage" don't have a choice. While renting gear is an option, some of us need/want our special gear (skis, trekking poles, bikes etc) and don't want to rent after wheels down.

So far legacy carriers like Delta/KLM, Lufthansa, SAS have allowed me to check my ski box as my "first bag free" luggage. Heading to Finland in a couple of weeks on SAS and here's what they say:
http://www.flysas.com/en/us/travel-info/baggage/special-baggage/

If you are traveling with only a golf bag, ski equipment or a musical
instrument – and no other baggage – there will be no additional
charge. One piece of baggage is always included!

If your skis need to fly with you, here's a website comparing airline policies:
http://www.skyscanner.net/news/skyscanners-simple-guide-airlines-ski-baggage-charges-pr-11531
Norwegian charges the equivalent of 30 GPB each way to check skis.

Regarding phred's comment about airline credit cards, sadly the "one free bag" benefit does NOT entitle you to get one free from your card in addition to the free first bag on an international flight.