Aer Lingus has introduced a new checked baggage fee system that could add an extra price tag to your next getaway.

The Irish airline is now categorising destinations by distance to bring in new baggage costs.

Flying to European locations Near, Mid and Far will be now be priced differently, with popular holiday spots being included in the high-cost Far categories.

Image: AerLingus.com

Sunseekers heading to the Canary Islands, Croatia, Greece and other places will now have to pay between €50-€85 for a checked bag each way, depending on weight.

Aer Lingus have defended the new three-tier system to point out that Near destinations could be paying less for their luggage in comparison to last year. All flights to the UK, as well as Brussels, Amsterdam and some cities in France are in this category. Checked bags to Near destinations will cost from €15-€60.

The Mid priced destinations include many countries of the continent, including Italy, Spain, Portugal, Poland, France Denmark and Germany. With the lowest rate available for Mid flights being €35 one way for a 15kg bag, a family of four will have to add €280 to their ticket prices.

The new charges came into play on bookings made after March 28th.