Packing for a trip can be stressful, especially when it comes to keeping your luggage within airline weight limits. If you're flying with Aer Lingus, understanding their baggage policies—including overweight fees—can save you from unexpected expenses at the airport. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate Aer Lingus overweight baggage fees and avoid unnecessary costs.

Aer Lingus Baggage Allowances

Before discussing overweight baggage fees, it's essential to know the airline's standard baggage allowances. These vary depending on the type of ticket and destination.

Cabin Baggage

  • Economy passengers can bring one carry-on bag weighing up to 10 kg (22 lbs), along with a small personal item such as a handbag or laptop bag.
  • Business Class travelers are permitted two carry-on bags with a combined weight of 20 kg (44 lbs).
  • Maximum carry-on dimensions: 55 cm x 40 cm x 24 cm (21.5” x 15.5” x 9.5”).

Checked Baggage

  • The number of checked bags included in your ticket depends on the fare type.
  • Saver fares typically exclude free checked baggage, while Smart, Flex, and Business Class fares include at least one free checked bag.
  • Each checked bag must adhere to size restrictions: total dimensions must not exceed 158 cm (62 inches).

With these weight restrictions in mind, let’s explore what happens when your luggage exceeds the limits.

Overweight Baggage Fees on Aer Lingus

Aer Lingus charges extra fees for bags that go beyond the standard weight allowance. These fees depend on the flight route and the degree of excess weight.

Short-Haul Flights (Within Europe & the UK)

  • Checked baggage allowance: 23 kg (50 lbs) per bag.
  • Overweight charge: €10 per additional kg over the 23 kg limit.
  • Maximum weight allowed per single checked bag: 32 kg (70 lbs).

If your bag weighs more than 32 kg, it will not be accepted, and you will need to redistribute the weight or remove items.

Long-Haul Flights (U.S. & Canada Routes)

  • Checked baggage weight limit: 23 kg (50 lbs) per bag.
  • Overweight fee: $75/€75 per bag for baggage weighing 23–32 kg (50–70 lbs).
  • Like short-haul flights, bags over 32 kg will not be permitted.

Extra Bag Fees

If you need to bring additional checked baggage, here’s what you can expect to pay:

  • European flights: Extra bags cost €40–€50 when added online but may cost more at the airport.
  • Transatlantic flights: Additional checked bags cost $100/€100 when purchased in advance.

Booking luggage online before your flight is always cheaper than paying at the airport, so planning ahead is key.

How to Avoid Overweight Baggage Fees

No one likes surprise charges at the airport. Here are some strategies to help you stay within Aer Lingus' baggage weight limits and avoid extra fees.

1. Weigh Your Luggage Before Leaving Home

Use a portable luggage scale to check the weight of your bags in advance. This allows you to make adjustments before heading to the airport.

2. Distribute Weight Between Bags

If you’re traveling with multiple suitcases, spread out the weight to ensure that none of them exceed the 23 kg limit.

3. Pay for Extra Bags Online

Aer Lingus charges lower fees for additional baggage when booked in advance. If you think your bag might be overweight, consider paying for an extra checked bag instead of paying overweight charges at the airport.

4. Pack Heavy Items in Your Carry-On

If your checked bag is slightly over the limit, see if you can move heavier items—such as shoes, books, or electronics—into your carry-on bag (as long as it meets the weight restrictions).

5. Wear Your Heaviest Clothing

If your checked bag is just a few kilos over the limit, wear heavier clothing like jackets, boots, or sweaters to reduce baggage weight.

6. Choose Lightweight Luggage

Some suitcases are significantly heavier than others. Using a lightweight suitcase allows you to maximize your baggage weight for actual belongings rather than the suitcase itself.

7. Consider Shipping Heavy Items

For long trips, it may be more economical to ship excess baggage separately using a courier service instead of paying overweight baggage fees.

What Happens If Your Bag Is Overweight at Check-In?

If you arrive at the airport and your checked bag exceeds the weight limit:

  1. You will be charged an overweight baggage fee based on the excess weight.
  2. You may be asked to repack and transfer some weight to another bag.
  3. You can remove items and place them in your carry-on if possible.
  4. If your bag exceeds 32 kg, you will need to remove items or ship them separately, as Aer Lingus does not accept bags over this limit.

Planning ahead and weighing your bags beforehand can help you avoid this situation entirely.

Final Thoughts

Aer Lingus maintains strict baggage weight limits, and exceeding them can result in costly overweight baggage fees. Understanding the airline’s policies on weight restrictions, overweight charges, and extra baggage fees can help you avoid last-minute surprises.

To keep costs down, weigh your bags before heading to the airport, prepay for extra baggage if necessary, and distribute weight efficiently. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a hassle-free check-in experience and avoid unnecessary charges on your trip.

Safe travels!