Aer Lingus Overweight Baggage Fees: A Complete Guide for Travelers

Packing for a trip can be stressful, especially when it comes to managing baggage weight limits. If you're flying with Aer Lingus, exceeding the weight allowance for checked baggage can result in extra charges. Understanding Aer Lingus’ overweight baggage fees will help you plan better and avoid unnecessary costs.

In this guide, we’ll cover Aer Lingus baggage size, overweight baggage charges, and tips to save money on your luggage.

Aer Lingus Baggage Allowance

Before discussing overweight baggage fees, it's essential to understand Aer Lingus' standard baggage policy.

1. Carry-On Baggage Allowance

✔ Standard Fares: One carry-on bag (10 kg / 22 lbs) + one small personal item.

✔ Carry-On Size: 55cm x 40cm x 24cm (21.5” x 15.5” x 9.5”).

✔ Overweight Carry-On: If your carry-on exceeds 10 kg, it must be checked in as hold baggage, and fees will apply.

2. Checked Baggage Allowance

✔ Short-Haul (Europe, UK, Domestic): Standard baggage 20 kg (44 lbs) per bag.

✔ Long-Haul (North America): Economy passengers can check one free bag up to 23 kg (50 lbs).

✔ Business Class: Two free checked bags, each up to 32 kg (70 lbs).

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

Aer Lingus Overweight Baggage Fees

If your checked bag exceeds the standard weight allowance, Aer Lingus charges an overweight baggage fee. The fee varies depending on your travel route.

Short-Haul Flights (Europe, UK, Domestic)

✔ Overweight baggage is charged at €10 per extra kg beyond the 20 kg limit.

✔ Example: If your bag weighs 25 kg, you will pay €50 extra (€10 × 5 kg).

Long-Haul Flights (North America)

✔ If your checked bag weighs between 23–32 kg, you must pay a €75 flat fee.

✔ If your bag exceeds 32 kg, you must repack into two separate bags.

Route Overweight Fee

Europe & UK (Short-Haul) €10 per kg over 20 kg

North America (Long-Haul) €75 flat fee for 23–32 kg

✅ Tip: If your bag is overweight, prepay online for additional weight to save money.

How to Prepay for Extra Baggage and Save Money

Aer Lingus allows passengers to prepay for extra baggage weight online at a discounted rate.

Short-Haul (Europe, UK) Extra Baggage Fees

✔ Purchase an extra 3 kg online for €10.

✔ At the airport, you’ll pay €10 per kg, which is more expensive.

Long-Haul (North America) Extra Baggage Fees

✔ Purchase an extra 23 kg bag for €80–€90 online.

✔ At the airport, you’ll pay the €75 flat fee for 23–32 kg.

✅ Booking extra baggage online is always cheaper than paying at the airport.

What Happens If Your Baggage Is Overweight at the Airport?

If you arrive at the airport with an overweight bag, you have a few options:

✔ Pay the overweight baggage fee (€10 per kg for short-haul or €75 for long-haul).

✔ Repack your items into a second bag (if you have space).

✔ Move items to your carry-on (if it’s within the carry-on weight limit).

✔ Remove unnecessary items to bring your bag within the allowed weight.

🚨 Bags over 32 kg will NOT be accepted—you must repack or purchase an extra bag.

Tips to Avoid Overweight Baggage Fees on Aer Lingus

1. Weigh Your Bag Before Leaving for the Airport

🔹 Use a digital luggage scale to check your bag’s weight at home.

🔹 If your bag is overweight, remove unnecessary items before heading to the airport.

2. Buy Additional Weight Online

🔹 Prepay for extra baggage allowance on Aer Lingus’ website—it’s cheaper than paying at the airport.

3. Distribute Weight Across Multiple Bags

🔹 If traveling with multiple suitcases, spread the weight evenly to avoid exceeding one bag’s limit.

4. Wear Heavy Items Instead of Packing Them

🔹 If your suitcase is close to the limit, wear your heavier clothing items on the plane.

🔹 Shoes, jackets, and sweaters can add extra weight to your luggage.

5. Use a Lightweight Suitcase

🔹 Hard-shell suitcases can be heavy—choose a lightweight suitcase to maximize your baggage allowance.

Aer Lingus Overweight Baggage vs. Other Airlines

How does Aer Lingus compare to other airlines in terms of overweight baggage fees?

Airline Overweight Fee (Long-Haul) Overweight Fee (Short-Haul)

Aer Lingus €75 (23–32 kg) €10 per kg

Ryanair €11 per kg €11 per kg

British Airways £65 per overweight bag £65 per overweight bag

Lufthansa $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.

Special Items and Excess Baggage

Certain items, such as sports equipment, musical instruments, and medical devices, have different baggage policies:

✔ Sports Equipment: Items like bicycles, golf bags, and surfboards may incur additional fees (€40–€100).

✔ Musical Instruments: Small instruments (e.g., violin, guitar) can be carried as hand luggage if they meet size limits.

✔ Medical Equipment: Passengers with disabilities can check necessary medical devices for free.

🚨 Always check Aer Lingus' official website for updated fees on special baggage.

Final Thoughts

Aer Lingus has strict weight limits for checked baggage, and exceeding these limits can be expensive. However, you can avoid overweight baggage fees by prepaying for extra baggage online, redistributing your luggage weight, and packing smartly.

Key Takeaways:

✔ Weigh your luggage before heading to the airport.

✔ Prepay for extra baggage weight online to save money.

✔ Distribute weight across multiple bags to avoid excess fees.

✔ Wear heavy clothing instead of packing it.

By planning ahead and following these tips, you can travel with Aer Lingus without worrying about overweight baggage fees. Safe travels!