Aer Lingus Overweight Baggage Fees: Everything You Need to Know

acking for a trip can be stressful, especially when it comes to staying within airline baggage limits. If you’re flying with Aer Lingus, understanding their overweight baggage fees can save you from unexpected charges at the airport.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Aer Lingus overweight baggage policy, including weight limits, excess baggage fees, tips to avoid extra charges, and more.

Aer Lingus Baggage Policy Overview

Aer Lingus offers both carry-on and checked baggage options, but exceeding their weight or size limits can result in additional fees. Here’s a quick breakdown:

1. Carry-On Baggage (Hand Luggage) Policy

 Standard Allowance: One cabin bag + one personal item (e.g., laptop bag, handbag).
 Cabin Bag Size Limit: 55cm x 40cm x 24cm (21.5” x 15.5” x 9.5”).
 Weight Limit: 10 kg (22 lbs) for standard fares; 14 kg (30 lbs) for premium fares.
 Overweight Carry-On: If your carry-on bag exceeds the weight limit, it must be checked in as hold luggage and excess baggage fees will apply.

2. Checked Baggage Policy

 Weight Allowance: Depends on the fare type (ranges from 20 kg to 32 kg per bag).
 Size Limit: 158 cm (62 inches) total (L+W+H).
 Overweight Baggage Fees: Charged per kg over the weight limit.

Aer Lingus Overweight Baggage Fees

If your checked bag exceeds the weight allowance, Aer Lingus charges an overweight baggage fee per kilogram (kg). The amount varies based on the route and whether you pay online or at the airport.

RouteOverweight Fee (Per Kg)Short-Haul (Europe, UK, Domestic)€10 per kgLong-Haul (North America)€75 flat fee (23–32 kg range)

 Important Notes:

• Short-haul flights: Overweight fees are charged per kilogram beyond your allowance.
• Long-haul flights: Instead of per kg, a flat fee applies if your bag weighs between 23–32 kg (50–70 lbs).
• Bags over 32 kg (70 lbs) are not accepted—you must repack or pay for an extra bag.

Pre-Purchasing Extra Weight vs. Airport Fees

Aer Lingus allows you to pre-purchase extra baggage weight at a lower cost compared to paying at the airport.

Short-Haul Flights (Within Europe & UK)

 Prepay Online: €10 per extra 3 kg (cheaper than paying per kg at the airport).
 Airport Payment: €10 per extra kg.

Long-Haul Flights (To/From North America)

 Prepay Online: Purchase an extra 23 kg bag for €80–€90.
 Airport Payment: Pay a €75 flat fee if your bag is overweight (23–32 kg).

 Tip: If you expect your bag to be overweight, prepay online to avoid high airport fees.

How to Avoid Overweight Baggage Fees on Aer Lingus

1. Weigh Your Luggage Before Leaving Home

 Use a digital luggage scale to check your bag’s weight before heading to the airport.
 If it’s over the limit, remove items to avoid excess charges.

2. Purchase Extra Baggage in Advance

 Prepay for extra baggage weight on Aer Lingus’ website to save money.
 Adding weight online is cheaper than paying at the airport.

3. Distribute Weight Evenly

 If you’re traveling with multiple bags, spread the weight across your luggage.
 Keeping each bag under 23 kg (for long-haul) or 20 kg (for short-haul) helps avoid overweight charges.

4. Use a Lightweight Suitcase

 Hard-shell suitcases can be heavy even when empty—consider using a lightweight bag.
 Soft-sided luggage often weighs less, giving you more room for packing.

5. Wear Heavy Items on the Plane

 If your baggage is close to the limit, wear heavier shoes, jackets, or sweaters on the plane.
 This helps reduce checked baggage weight.

What Happens If Your Bag is Overweight at the Airport?

If your checked baggage exceeds the allowed weight, here’s what you can do:

 Pay the overweight fee per kg (for short-haul flights).
 Pay the €75 flat fee for 23–32 kg bags (for long-haul flights).
 Repack your items into another bag or carry-on if possible.
 Discard unnecessary items to bring the bag within the weight limit.

 Bags over 32 kg (70 lbs) are NOT allowed—you must split the weight into two bags.

Excess Baggage Policy for Special Items

Certain items, like sports equipment, musical instruments, and medical equipment, have specific rules:

 Sports Equipment: Bicycles, golf bags, skis, and surfboards may require an additional fee (€40–€100 per item).
 Musical Instruments: Small instruments (violins, guitars) can be carried as hand luggage, but larger ones must be checked.
 Medical Equipment: Passengers with disabilities or medical needs can check necessary medical devices for free.

Aer Lingus Baggage Fees vs. Other Airlines

AirlineOverweight Fee (Long-Haul)Overweight Fee (Short-Haul)Aer Lingus€75 (23–32 kg)€10 per kgRyanair€11 per kg€11 per kgBritish Airways£65 per overweight bag£65 per overweight bagLufthansa$150 per overweight bag$70 per overweight bag

 Aer Lingus is cheaper than some competitors, especially for long-haul flights where a flat fee of €75 applies instead of per kg charges.

Final Thoughts

Aer Lingus has a clear and structured baggage policy, but exceeding weight limits can be costly. To avoid high overweight baggage fees, always weigh your bags before traveling, prepay for extra baggage online, and distribute weight across multiple bags.

If you’re traveling long-haul, the €75 flat fee for overweight baggage is a better deal than per kg charges on short-haul flights. However, keeping your bag under 23 kg is the best way to avoid extra costs altogether.

By planning ahead and following these tips, you can save money and enjoy a stress-free journey with Aer Lingus! Safe travels!