LUGGAGE & CHECK-IN
Do additional security checks at the airport affect Flight Times?
All flights are operate to the normal 'on time' performance levels and no major delays are expected.
What time should I be at the airport before my flight?
We recommend for all long haul destinations that you present yourself at check-in 2.5 - 3 hours prior to departure. For short Haul we reccommend brtween 2 and 2.5 hours prior to departure
What is my baggage allowance?
Low Cost Carriers charge extra for Check In Luggage.
Ryanair
Baggage Fee - Per Passenger/ Per One Way Flight (up to 15 Kilo's) £3.50 €4.50 (when arranged at time of booking.
Online Check-In/Priority Boarding Fee - Per Passenger/ Per One Way Flight
Can only be purchased when making your initial booking on ryanair.com £2.00 - €3.00.
Bags in excess of the baggage allowance will be charged excess baggage at €8 or equivalent per kilogram.
Aerlingus
Baggage Weight Allowance:
- A maximum of 20kgs (44lbs) in total baggage weight per passenger is permitted.
- Infant baggage allowance is 10kgs (22lbs) in addition to one collapsible stroller.
- Bags in excess of the baggage allowance will be charged excess baggage at €8 or equivalent per kilogram.
- NO bag may exceed 32 kgs/70 lbs. into the
2. Economy Class to/from USA
If you are travelling economy class on a transatlantic flight and your original booking was made on or after the 9th August 2006 then these new baggage policies will apply to your journey. Details are as follows:
New Free Baggage Allowance:
- A maximum of 2 Bags per passenger.
- A maximum of 36kgs (80lbs) in total weight between two bags when weighed together.
- Infant baggage allowance is 10kgs (22lbs) in addition to one collapsible stroller.
- No one bag to weigh more than 32 kgs (70lbs).
- For Aer Lingus journeys between North America and UK/Europe, the baggage allowance for North America flights will apply to the entire journey within two weeks of initial departure date.
- Baggage weighing between 36kgs - 46kgs (80lbs - 100lbs) will be charged €40/$50.
- Baggage weighing between 46kgs - 64kgs (100lbs - 140lbs) will be charged €80/$100.
- Any additional bag over the 2 free bags will be charged at €80/$100 per bag.
3. Premier class to/from USA only
- A maximum of 2 items of baggage per passenger.
- The weight of any one piece of baggage must not exceed 32 Kgs/70 lbs or combined at 64kgs (140lbs).
- Infant baggage allowance is 10kgs (22lbs) in addition to one collapsible stroller.
4. Flights to/from Dubai
Free Baggage Allowance:
- A maximum of 2 Bags per passenger.
- Premier Class: A maximum of 30kgs (66lbs) in total weight.
- Economy Class: A maximum of 20kgs (44lbs) in total weight.
- Infant baggage allowance is 10kgs (22lbs) in addition to one collapsible stroller.
- Bags in excess of the free baggage allowance will be charged excess baggage at €8 or equivalent per kilogram.
- NO bag may exceed 32 kgs/70 lbs.
Typically airlines allow 2 pieces of luggage at 32kg per piece when travelling to the U.S. A maximum of 20Kg is typically allowed to all other destinations if travelling on a scheduled airline. This does vary from airline to airline with business class passengers having additional allowance, and budget airlines allowing less. Please check your flight ticket for exact details.
Can I bring sporting equipment with me on my flight?
All items of sporting equipment such as golf clubs, skis (with one pair of poles and one pair of boots), rucksacks, sleeping bags, and bicycles will be considered as one piece of luggage. Excess charges may apply. Please check with us at time of booking if you are bringing such items with you on your travel.
Can handbags, rucksacks or camera cases be taken on board as well?
Passengers can carry on board small items of luggage and small cameras.
Will x-ray screening machines harm undeveloped camera film?
All passengers travelling from the United States should be aware of comprehensive security checks which may cause problems with undeveloped rolls of photographic film. Since 31st December 2002 all checked in baggage must be screened for explosive material. This screening requires the use of x-rays which can affect photographic film before development.
We would advise passengers to transport all photographic film in their hand luggage. Hand luggage is also subject to x-ray scanning at security check-points however passengers should ask for the film to be searched by hand. It is therefore ideal that the film is placed in an easily removable separate bag inside your hand luggage.
The following films are particularly at risk of being damaged by x-ray screening:
Film rated at ASA/ISO 800 or higher, and x-ray, scientific, sheet, large format, medical, motion picture and professional film.
Most standard film is usually ASA/ISO 100 - 200, but even these may be affected if they are repeatedly checked by x-ray. One way to avoid problems is to get exposed films developed locally on your holiday.
Can I take a portable CD or Cassette player as hand luggage?
Only if it can be carried within hand luggage and it does not exceed the specified weight constraints. Use of such players during the flight is subject to restrictions so please check with a member of Airline Staff at the time of check-in.
Will I be able to carry things that I need for my young child?
Yes, however, these should be accommodated within the one piece of hand luggage.
Are electrical items or aerosols allowed in hold luggage?
As these items are generally not required for during a journey they can be placed within hold luggage. We recommend that they are carefully packed in the centre of the case wrapped in something to protect them.
Are cameras, camcorders, mobile phones, portable game players or laptops allowed in the cabin?
Yes, these items can be taken in the cabin. Cameras should have films rewound to avoid the pictures already taken being ruined as they may be subject to inspection. All electronic equipment may be subject to x-ray examination. Mobile phones should be switched off at all times.
Should fragile or valuable items be stored in hold luggage?
No, these should be packed in hand luggage. If this is not possible, please consider whether it is essential to take the items. If items are placed in hold luggage, it is unlikely you will be covered by any travel insurance and equally we will not be able to accept any liability.
How is wedding attire transported?
Whatever will worn on the big day, it should be carried as part of the hold baggage allowance. Please check baggage allowance if travelling with an airline other than Virgin Atlantic. For Virgin Atlantic travel we highly recommend, that any garments are packed in a separate hard suitcase, which will be placed in the hold. We would suggest placing layers of white non-acidic tissue paper between the folds of each article of clothing to help prevent creasing. The check-in staff will be happy to label the case as fragile to ensure safe carriage from the UK to the onward destination. Virgin Atlantic are precluded from hanging garments in the cabin as the CAA state that this would impede an emergency exit.
Will the hand luggage requirements detailed above be the same for the return flight?
Yes.
Will the check-in queues be longer?
The check-in shouldn't take any longer than usual, however the security screening process may take longer, that is why we ask customers to check-in earlier.
What extra security procedures are in place?
The security checks at airports around the world have increased considerably. Expect suitcases to be scanned before check-in, hand luggage X-rayed and manually searched, and a further security check at the boarding gate. These checks vary day to day and airport to airport.
What should I remember for check in?
- You should check in at a timely manner.
- You should have the correct travel documents with you in an accessible manner.
- You should have very little hand luggage.
