Irish Timesjournalist Laurence Mackin writes that Aer Lingus appears to be cracking down on heavy hand luggage if an experience in Barcelona is anything to go by
"I had booked flights for myself and my wife, and when we got to the gate for our return flight we were told that our hand luggage, which we didn't want to check in, was too heavy.
"The person at the desk told us that the e-mail ticket specifies that hand luggage is not to exceed six kilograms (this actually isn't on the ticket, but it does refer customers to check the airline's cabin-baggage terms and conditions on the Aer Lingus website, which clearly state that it is not to exceed six kilograms).
"We quickly divvied up our luggage, checked in one bag at a cost of €18 and carried on the other, now slimmed-down bag.
"In this case Aer Lingus is acting within the letter of its law, but the practice leaves a bad taste in the mouth. There doesn't appear to be much logic to this rule other than money. I watched several people check in bags, and their hand luggage was not weighed. The rule of thumb seemed to be that once you are paying something for luggage, you are safe enough.
"Also, most carry-on bags, especially the now ubiquitous wheelie variety, weigh about three or four kilograms on their own, leaving you with a paltry two kilograms to play with.
"Ryanair allows up to 10kg in hand luggage, while easyJet places no weight limit once the bag is within its specified dimensions.
"On trips out of Dublin you can print your ticket in advance or use the self-service check-in machines, which mean that, when you get to the gate, staff might not bother checking the weight of your cabin luggage.
"Beware on your return trip, though, especially if you've stocked up on some shopping while abroad."
• Get in touch What has impressed - or annoyed - you on recent holidays? We'd like to hear all about it. E-mail us, with your name and address, at go@irish-times.ie