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-   -   Aer Lingus Carry-on Baggage (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/aer-lingus-carry-on-baggage-430152/)

Budman May 10th, 2004 11:38 AM

Aer Lingus Carry-on Baggage
 
Flying Aer Lingus out of Boston to Shannon. Anybody know how strict they are on carry-on baggage with regard to weight. Their website says 14 lbs, and I called and they reiterated that.

I've been on some airlines that will weigh every piece, and others could care less, especially if the flight isn't full.

Any experiences on Aer Lingus out of Boston would be appreciated. ((b))

rshersnow May 10th, 2004 12:33 PM

I went last year and I do not believe they weighed my carry on. They are definitely strict about the weight for your checked baggage ( I also flew out of Boston to Shannon). The people of Aer Lingus were very helpful and accomodating. I would recommend arriving at Logan early though. The check in line can get very long very quickly.

MaryZ May 10th, 2004 12:36 PM

I've flown out of both Boston and BWI and they've never weighed my carry-ons.

janis May 10th, 2004 12:58 PM

BUT they certainly COULD weigh your bag. I'd go w/ their weight limit or you could end up in a bind -- having to check essential items.

amyb May 10th, 2004 05:45 PM

I've flown Aer Lingus numerous times. Leaving Boston, they do weigh your checked luggage. On the odd occasion when mine is heavy, they put a "Heavy" tag on it and that's it.

Leaving Dublin once, my checked luggage was too heavy and they handed me a large plastic bag and had me break it down into "legal" weight pieces. I'd bought a load of books in Dublin, so I just put those in the plastic bag...which arrived home 3 days after I did.

I have never, ever had my carryon weighed or even looked at coming or going.

Budman May 10th, 2004 05:53 PM

amyb, thanks for your response. I'm sure my wife's "kitchen sink" will get the weight test, but she has learned her lesson on a recent trip to New Orleans. 50 pounds was the limit, and we had to shift stuff. I'm hoping she learned something.

I understand 70 pounds is the overseas weight limit, but I'm not telling. ((a))

I'm just concerned with carry on because I plan on bringing some wine (7-8 bottles) as gifts. ((b))

Budman May 15th, 2004 05:53 PM

Can anybody else share their experience with carry-on from Boston to Shannon on Aer Lingus? ((b))

Budman May 16th, 2004 03:57 PM

Topping -- I'm leaving on Friday. ((b))

allisonm May 17th, 2004 08:53 AM

Topping for Budman. Sorry I can't help, we bring booze OUT of Ireland!

Budman May 17th, 2004 10:17 AM

I'll be doing that too -- Nice duty free store in Shannon. ((b))

BuzzyJ May 17th, 2004 10:36 AM

Budman: I flew from Boston to Dublin last month and was allowed to bring only two liters of still wine, and they had to be in my checked luggage.

Budman May 17th, 2004 11:24 AM

WOW! Did they search your carry-on baggage? I've never had my carry-on checked except going thru Security. ((b))


amyb May 17th, 2004 11:31 AM

There's no way anything you buy in duty free could be in your checked luggage, as you've already checked in at that point.

Budman, I think you'll be fine, really. I've never had my carryon weighed ever...and I've been to Europe 20+ times, and Ireland specifically 12+ times.

Budman May 17th, 2004 11:44 AM

I called Aer Lingus and they confirmed 2 bottles of wine and 1 bottle of spirits, but I agree, how are they going to check when you hit the duty free before boarding.

I have never been check or had to go thru customs in Europe. They just know you are an American and don't bother with you.

The only time I have ever had my carry-on weighed was on Virgin out of London. I lost a good bottle of port that I thought was wrapped up enough -- ruined some clothes. ((b))

allisonm May 17th, 2004 04:19 PM

Budman, we brought our wine home from Paris in bubble wrap and then in ziplock bags. (This was in our carryon, I think we brought back 5 bottles of wine and two cool beers.) So if something breaks, hopefully it will be sort of contained.

Love Shannon duty-free. Bought a bottle of Clontarf whiskey in April 03 for E4 and it was very nice!

Budman May 17th, 2004 04:40 PM

allisonm, Sorry for the misleading post -- the bottle broke in a carry-on 22" roller that they made me check. Ouch!! That was a good bottle of port -- I should have taken it out.

I bubble wrap my carry-on, good enough for carry-on, but not for checked baggage. ((b))

Ann41 May 18th, 2004 12:17 AM

People do get stopped in customs. True, it doesn't happen all that often, but it does happen. I've never been stopped, but my husband has. Somehow he convinced the customs guy at Heathrow that the brand-new set of Pings were his, even though the clubs still had the plastic wrapper on top. You can take as much alcohol out of the country as you want, as long as you are prepared to pay tax on them if stopped going through customs.

nj9000 May 18th, 2004 06:42 AM

I'm flying from Newark and connecting to the Aer Lingus flight out of Boston. Does anyone know whether they will check my bags through to Ireland from Newark or will I have to reclaim them and re-check at Boston? I'm flying on an American codeshare flight so the Newark-Boston leg is American and the Aer Lingus flight has an American flight number on my ticket. Thanks,

mary

rkkwan May 18th, 2004 07:48 AM

nj9000 - AA at Newark will check your bags to Ireland. No need to pick up luggage at BOS.

Budman May 18th, 2004 08:21 AM

I called, and yes, Newark will check your luggage all the way to Ireland. AA also told me we had to be there for International check-in (minimum 2 hours before the flight -- need to check passports, etc.), and when we get to Boston, we have to check in with Aer Lingus for our boarding passes for that leg of the flight.

We're leaving this Friday. When are you going? ((b))

BuzzyJ May 18th, 2004 08:51 AM

No, my carry-on was not searched, but I was told by Aer Lingus in advance that the wine could not be in my carry-on; it had to be in my checked luggage.

nj9000 May 18th, 2004 01:50 PM

Hi, Budman.

We're leaving on June 1 so we will miss you over there. I've seen many of your posts. Thanks for the info. Have a great time!

Mary

Budman May 18th, 2004 04:15 PM

nj9000, Mary, you'll have a great time. I promise I won't drink all the Guinness before you get there. ((a)) Wishing you a nice trip. ((b))

bwise May 19th, 2004 07:00 AM

Budman, My sister (ali_oops) and I will be on the same flight as you and your wife from Boston to Shannon. We are still worried about making our connection in Boston. I'm going to try to go standby on an earlier flight from Denver. I'm pretty sure I will make it, but I'm worried about her.

I was also concerned about the carry-on weight and went from a rolling carry-on to a very thin duffel bag. Weighs next to nothing. Wish us luck, and I wish you luck with the "kitchen sink."


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