Aer Lingus Overweight Baggage Fees: Everything You Need to Know

Packing for a trip always comes with the challenge of meeting airline baggage limits. If you’re flying with Aer Lingus, understanding their overweight baggage fees can help you avoid unexpected charges at the airport. In this guide, we’ll break down Aer Lingus’ baggage policies, overweight fees, and tips to minimize extra costs.

Aer Lingus Baggage Policy Overview

Before diving into overweight baggage fees, it’s important to understand Aer Lingus overweight baggage fees. The airline has different policies for carry-on and checked baggage, depending on your route and fare type.

Carry-On Baggage

• Economy Class: Passengers are allowed one carry-on bag (10 kg/22 lbs) plus a small personal item like a laptop bag or handbag.
• Business Class: Two carry-on bags are permitted, with a combined weight limit of 20 kg (44 lbs).
• Carry-on dimensions must not exceed 55 cm x 40 cm x 24 cm (21.5” x 15.5” x 9.5”).

Checked Baggage

• The checked baggage allowance varies by fare type and route.
• Saver fares typically do not include free checked bags, while Smart and Flex fares include at least one checked bag.
• Business Class passengers usually get two checked bags at no extra cost.
• Checked baggage must adhere to size limits of 158 cm (62 inches) in total dimensions.

Now that we have an overview of baggage policies, let’s focus on overweight baggage fees.

Aer Lingus Overweight Baggage Fees

Aer Lingus enforces strict weight limits on checked baggage. If your luggage exceeds the standard allowance, you will be charged an overweight baggage fee.

Overweight Fees for Short-Haul Flights (Within Europe & UK)

For short-haul flights, Aer Lingus allows checked baggage up to 23 kg (50 lbs) per bag. If your bag exceeds this limit:

• A fee of €10 per extra kg applies.
• The maximum weight allowed per checked bag is 32 kg (70 lbs).
• Bags over 32 kg will not be accepted and must be repacked or shipped separately.

Overweight Fees for Long-Haul Flights (To/From the U.S. & Canada)

For transatlantic flights, passengers generally get one or two checked bags depending on their fare type. Each bag has a weight limit of 23 kg (50 lbs). If a bag exceeds this limit:

• A flat fee of $75/€75 per bag applies for overweight luggage (23–32 kg).
• Similar to short-haul flights, bags over 32 kg will not be accepted.

Additional Fees for Extra Bags

If you need to check more than your fare allows, additional baggage fees apply:

• Short-haul routes: Extra checked bags cost €40–€50 per bag when booked online, but higher fees may apply at the airport.
• Long-haul routes: Extra bags cost $100/€100 per bag when booked in advance.

Booking baggage online is always cheaper than paying at the airport, so it’s best to plan ahead.

Tips to Avoid Overweight Baggage Fees

Overweight baggage fees can quickly add up, but there are ways to avoid them. Here are some practical tips:

1. Weigh Your Bags Before Heading to the Airport

Invest in a digital luggage scale to check your baggage weight before leaving home. This ensures you can adjust your packing if needed and avoid surprise fees.

2. Distribute Weight Evenly

If traveling with multiple bags, distribute weight evenly to prevent a single bag from exceeding the 23 kg limit.

3. Purchase Additional Baggage in Advance

Aer Lingus offers lower rates for additional baggage when booked online rather than at the airport. If you expect to carry extra weight, prepaying for additional baggage can save money.

4. Wear Heavy Items on the Plane

If your bag is slightly over the limit, consider wearing heavier items, like jackets or boots, instead of packing them.

5. Use a Lightweight Suitcase

Some suitcases are heavier than others. Opt for lightweight luggage to maximize the amount of actual belongings you can carry.

6. Consider Shipping Heavy Items

For long trips or relocation, shipping heavy items via a courier service may be more affordable than paying overweight baggage fees.

What Happens if Your Bag is Overweight at the Airport?

If your luggage exceeds the weight limit at check-in, Aer Lingus staff will ask you to:

• Pay the applicable overweight baggage fee.
• Repack your bag to distribute weight between multiple bags.
• Remove items and place them in your carry-on (if it complies with the size/weight limits).

If you refuse to pay or repack, the airline may refuse to transport the bag.

Final Thoughts

Aer Lingus has clear policies regarding overweight baggage, and understanding these fees can help you avoid unnecessary costs. Whether you’re flying within Europe or across the Atlantic, sticking to the standard baggage limits or planning ahead for extra baggage can save you money.

By weighing your bags, purchasing extra baggage in advance, and packing smartly, you can ensure a smooth check-in experience without last-minute stress. Always check Aer Lingus’ website for the most up-to-date baggage policies before your flight to avoid surprises.