Weighty suitcases

So I've put up a blog post on MS and referred to this blog. I did mention something about the weight limits on suitcases and thought I'd post about that situation here. So here's the skinny.

On domestic flights in the US, Southwest specifically, you are limited to luggage that weighs no more than 50 pounds. On international flights, like Aer Lingus, you are limited to 80 pounds in 2 suitcases. BUT, and this is the problem, on domestic Aer Lingus flights, like the one we are taking from Dublin to Glasgow, you are limited to 44 pounds. So our suitcases cannot weigh more than 44 pounds when we leave, or until after we return from Glasgow.

I was really concerned because I weighed my suitcase when it was empty and it was already 10 pounds. Considering this, I've been really concerned with the whole weight issue. So last weekend I loaded up my suitcase with a bunch of clothes that I thought I would be taking, minus shoes and cosmetics. And to my surprise the suitcase only weighed 25 pounds!

Then I tried carrying the suitcase. Lugging around a 25 pound large box-type item is a pain. So I can't really imagine loading up this suitcase to weigh more than 30 pounds by the time I leave. Besides, with staying in B&Bs that are mostly 2 stories and portering our own luggage, I'm glad mine will weigh less than the 44 pound limit. I may fill it up with souvenirs purchased in Dublin the night before we come home (although everyone I know has already received Irish souvenirs from previous trips).

Maybe I should consider taking along a 4th person just to handle our luggage! Some nice strong lad would be great company. Should have thought about that earlier on. LOL

So for all of you independent travels, be well aware of the luggage requirements if you are planning your own trip and flying between countries.