American Airlines Baggage Policy: Chicago to London
American Airlines baggage fees start at $45 online ($50 at the airport) for the first checked bag on domestic flights. All passengers get 1 free carry-on and 1 personal item. Pay online to save $5 per bag.
Baggage Allowance Summary
| Airline | American Airlines (AA) |
|---|---|
| Route | Chicago (ORD) to London (LON) |
| Nonstop | Yes |
| Carry-On | 22x14x9 inches (56x36x23 cm), no specific weight limit mentioned |
| Personal Item | 1 personal item: 18x14x8 inches (45x35x20 cm). Must fit under the seat in front of you. |
| Checked Bag Allowance | Basic Economy: 0 bags. Main Cabin: 1 bag (23 kg) on some international routes, 0 on domestic. Premium Economy/Business/Domestic First: 2 bags (32 kg). Flagship First: 3 bags (32 kg). |
| First Bag Fee | $45 online / $50 at airport for domestic flights |
| Second Bag Fee | $55 online / $60 at airport for domestic flights |
| Overweight Fee | $30 for 51-53 lbs, $100 for 54-70 lbs, $200 for 71-100 lbs (domestic) |
| Oversized Fee | $30 for 62-65 inches, $150-$200 for 65-115 inches depending on destination |
| Max Weight | 23 kg |
| Max Dimensions | 158 cm linear (L+W+H) |
| Free Bag in Economy | No |
Route-Specific Tips: Chicago to London
- AA includes 1 free checked bag (23kg) on all ORD-LHR flights in Main Cabin and above.
- Flagship Business passengers get 3 bags (32kg each) with priority handling.
- AA operates from Terminal 3 at O'Hare for international departures — allow extra time.
- oneworld Sapphire and Emerald members get additional free bags on this route.
International Rules
Transatlantic/Transpacific: 1 free checked bag in Main Cabin. Australia/New Zealand: 1 free bag in Basic Economy. Cuba: $50 first bag fee in Basic Economy.
Tips to Avoid Fees
1. Get a Citi AAdvantage credit card for a free first checked bag on domestic flights. 2. Pay for bags online up to 2 hours before departure to save $5 per bag. 3. Earn AAdvantage elite status for 1-3 free checked bags. 4. Active military get up to 5 free bags on orders or 3 on personal travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does American Airlines include free checked bags Chicago to London?
- Yes. All fare classes include at least 1 free checked bag (23kg). Business includes 2 bags (32kg), First/Flagship includes 3 bags (32kg each).
- What terminal does AA use at O'Hare for London flights?
- American Airlines operates international flights from Terminal 3 at Chicago O'Hare. Check-in opens 3 hours before departure.
- How much does extra baggage cost on AA Chicago to Heathrow?
- A second checked bag costs $75 when prepaid online, or $100 at the airport. Third bags cost $200. Overweight bags (23-32kg) cost $100 extra.
- Can I check bags through from a domestic connection to London on AA?
- Yes. If booked on a single ticket, your bags will be checked through from your origin city to London Heathrow, even with a connection at O'Hare.