Aer Lingus Airlines Baggage Allowance Policy

Confused about Aer Lingus cabin bag allowance and policy? This guide breaks down everything you need to know: weight limits, size restrictions, cabin bag allowances, and more.

Whether you're travelling with a single suitcase or multiple bags, we'll help you understand all the rules to ensure you pack within the permitted limits. With this comprehensive guide, you can travel with peace of mind, knowing that all your bags are accounted for and that your journey will proceed as smoothly as possible.

Overview of Aer Lingus Airlines

Aer Lingus is Ireland's national airline and the country's oldest airline, having been founded in 1936. The airline's headquarters are at Dublin Airport, and it also has bases at George Best Airport, Cork Airport, London Gatwick Airport, Heathrow Airport, and Shannon Airport. Along with 62 specialised aircraft, Aer Lingus provides flights at five airports in Ireland as well as to locations in Europe, Africa, North America, and Africa.

Aer Lingus recognises that travellers have different needs and budgets. That's why it has a tiered fare system: Saver, Smart, and Flex fares.

Saver fares give passengers access to low prices, but the baggage allowance is the most limited and the tickets are non-refundable. Flex fares offer the most value with features like free seat selection and unlimited ticket changes. In this article, we’ll go into details about the difference between these classes in terms of baggage allowances and fees.

Aer Lingus Baggage Allowance: Carry-On Size and Weight Limits

According to the latest Aer Lingus policy, each passenger can fly with one carry-on and one small personal item for free. More specifically, you can bring a small personal item, such as a laptop bag or handbag, on all Aer Lingus flights. This item must fit under the seat in front of you.

However, the rules for carry-on baggage are slightly different on European, regional, and transatlantic flights. You’re NOT always allowed to bring your carry-on into the cabin free of charge. Here’s the breakdown:

*€35/£35 if you don’t have any free carry-on in your booking or you didn’t prebook before going to the airport.

Flights within Europe

If you’re boarding an Aer Lingus for your European trips, you have two options when it comes to carry-on luggage:

• Drop your 10kg of luggage at the Aer Lingus bag drop kiosk or check-in desk. Your luggage is free in the hold. 

• If you wish to take 10kg of luggage into the cabin, you must book and prepay €9.99/£9.99 for it. 

Note: Not all passengers have to pay for their carry-on on European flights. If you’re an AerClub member (Silver, Platinum and Concierge), the 10 kg of carry-on is already included. Free 10kg is also applicable to certain fare types (Advantage, AerSpace, All Plus and Economy that you purchase via British Airways). Those flying with infants are also entitled to take their luggage into the cabin for free, too.

Regional flights

Aer Lingus regional flights have smaller overhead bins, so you can't bring as much carry-on luggage. That’s why all regional flights operated by Emerald Airlines can only carry 7kg of carry-on for each passenger, which must fit snugly into the overhead locker. 

The dimensions of carry-on bags on these flights are also smaller, at 48 x 33 x 20cm. When transferring between an Aer Lingus transatlantic flight and an Aer Lingus Regional flight, this 7kg allowance will apply to both legs of the trip. So you should plan and pack accordingly.

Transatlantic flights

Life gets easier when you’re flying on a transatlantic flight, as 10kg of carry-on luggage is available regardless of the airfare you’re flying with. The dimensions of your carry-on are limited to 55cm x 40cm x 24cm, so you can stuff the bag into the overhead locker trouble-free. Note that you don’t have the option of checking your carry-on for free as you would on a European flight. 

Make sure the underseat bag fits. Photo courtesy of Ger Preston

Aer Lingus Baggage Allowance: Checked Bag Sizes & Weight Limits

The maximum luggage weight will be 50 lb / 23 kg, with a maximum first checked baggage dimensions of 62 in / 158 cm (length + breadth + height).

When separated into regional flights, Aer Lingus' checked baggage policy is fairly clear and precise.

More precisely, on Aer Lingus flights, any passenger class, except flights in Economy and/or Saver, is entitled to one free checked bag and more depending on seat class. In addition to the first piece of free luggage, the cost of additional checked baggage varies based on your itinerary.

Flights Within Europe

There are three alternatives for flights inside Europe: 44 lbs / 20 kg, 55 lbs / 25 kg in one suitcase, or 88 lbs / 40 kg distributed across two bags.

• Saver: no free checked bags

• Plus, Advantage, and AerSpace fare: 1 free check-in bag 20kg.

Checked luggage is not permitted on Saver tickets. Instead, the airline charges a Baggage Charge for each checked bag. The cost of each trip is from 45 to 55 euros for 44 lbs / 20 kg. Other prices range from 60 to 70 euros for 44 lbs / 40 kg. To learn more about the fixed cost of luggage for your journey, you can contact the official website or booking agencies.

Transatlantic Flights 

• Economy Saver fliers have no complimentary checked bags. They have to pay if they want to bring a hold bag.

• Economy Smart or Economy Flexible class can bring up to one free checked bag. The maximum weight per bag is 50 lb / 23 kg.

• If you travel in business class, you are permitted to bring up to three checked bags for free. The combined weight of 3 bags should be no more than 150lb / 69kg.

The prices range from 45 euros for 44 lbs / 20 kg to 55 euros for 66 lbs / 30 kg. Other prices range from 60 to 70 euros for 44 lbs / 20 kg. Since different locations and different ticket classes have a completely separate fee policy, what you need to do is refer to the departure point and destination of the official site or through reputed and reliable agents.

Aer Lingus' Excess Baggage Policy

The airline will charge you an extra cost if your baggage is overweight or exceeds the authorised size for your ticket type. Excess baggage fees will be assessed for each kilogram of checked baggage, regardless of the amount of baggage bought.

For each bag weighing up to 23kg-32kg (50lbs-70lbs), the charge is EUR 75/GBP 68/USD 100/CAD 100.

If you are flying within Europe, you will be charged 10 euros each kilogramme above the 44 lbs / 20 kg limit. This cost is estimated in kilograms and is determined by your route.

For transatlantic flights, any luggage weighing between 50-70 lbs / 23-32 kg will cost 75 euros, which includes the excess baggage fee.

Booking with Aer Lingus

Aer Lingus website: 

Step 1: Visit the Aer Lingus website via your phone or tablet

Step 2: Choose your type of flight, whether it’s a one-way, round trip, or multiple-city flight. 

Step 3: Enter the departure and destination, and departure/return dates. Enter the number of passengers and fill out information about the accompanying infants/children (if any). Press “Search”.

Fill out all the sections to find your flights. Photo captured from Aer Lingus website

Step 4: The next page will show all the available flights of Aer Lingus based on your input. You can filter the most suitable flights using cabin types, price, stopover duration, etc. 

Choose filtering features on the page to find your best flight. Photo captured from Aer Lingus website

Step 5: Select your flight and press continue. You will move to the next page where you’ll need to fill out all the passenger information that Aer Lingus requires. Finally, proceed with the payment.

Telephone reservation system

You can book your flights directly with the Aer Lingus customer service team via their phone number. If you’re flying with a group of more than 25, you can’t book your tickets online but will need to contact Group Sales directly. 

Airport ticket counters/kiosks

Another way to book your flight with Aer Lingus is through the airport counter, with the assistance of a friendly agent. However, it’s not the most convenient way for sure. Normally, this is the last choice for those who are in dire need of travelling (after they miss their nearest flight or connection). After all, the last-minute buy is always the most expensive one. 

Check-In with Aer Lingus

Passengers can check in for their flights on the Aer Lingus apps or on the website. Checking in online will save you tons of time wasted at the airport and you can do it anywhere, anytime from your phone or laptop. You can go for the most traditional option, which is check-in at the airport, at the self-service kiosks or check-in desk. But be mindful of the potentially long queues. 

After you’ve completed the check-in, you will need to save your boarding pass to your phone if using their website. On the Aer Lingus app, the boarding pass is automatically saved and you can view it even when you’re offline. The rest is all about handling your luggage at the airport. 

If the 10 kg baggage is included in your airfare as carry-on, you can skip the “bag dropping” and head straight to the security. If there’s any bag to check in, you can drop it at the self-service kiosk or check-in desk before proceeding with screening.

You can easily choose your seat and add extra bags by checking online. Photo by Mariia Korneeva - stock.adobe.com 

Sports Equipment Policy

Aer Lingus passengers can fly with one piece of sports equipment as checked baggage. Your gear shouldn’t exceed 23kg (50lb), or you’ll have to pay an excess fee for it.

• The fee is €40 per sports item each way if you book online.

• You’ll pay €50 when booking your sports equipment through a guest services centre or at the airport right before departure.

Business class passengers will carry their sports items free of charge. You also won’t have to pay for your sports equipment on Aer Lingus flights to and from North America. It will be included in your standard baggage allowance. If your gear exceeds the specified limit, an excess fee of up to €75 will apply for each item, each way.

Musical Instruments

You can fly with your musical instruments in three ways, depending on their sizes. You can take compact instruments onboard as part of your free carry-on allowance if they fall within the limits: 55cm H x 40cm W x 24cm L (on Aer Lingus flights) and 48 cm H x 33cm W x 20 cm L (on Aer Lingus Regional flights). 

More bulky items might require a ticketed seat. They should be within the size of 94 cm H x 58 cm W x 41 cm L, and shouldn’t be heavier than 75kg. Anything larger than this dimension will go into the hold as paid checked bags.

CPAP Devices

According to Aer Lingus’s policies, you can fly with CPAP devices as carry-on or checked baggage. They’re also allowed to be used on board in Economy and Business classes. To bring and use medical equipment like CPAP, ventilators, respirators, or nebulisers on Aer Lingus aircraft, your devices must be FAA-approved. So, look for a manufacturer's label or other documentation to confirm this.

FAQs

1. Do You Get A Free 10kg With Aer Lingus?

A 10kg luggage allowance is NOT always free, and it is subject to your booking and fare type. AerClub members (Silver, Platinum and Concierge) and adults travelling with infants will fly with their carry-ons for free. 

On short-haul European flights, however, Saver fare passengers can either check their 10kg bag for free or pay extra to bring it on the plane. If you wish to take your luggage on board, you must purchase priority boarding starting from €5.99. On transatlantic flights, you’ll get 10kg of free carry while the allowance is only 7kg if you’re on a regional flight. 

2. How Strict Are Aer Lingus With Checked Baggage?

Aer Lingus enforces a 10kg limit for cabin bags, and they’re also strict about their baggage policies. From our experience, Aer Lingus, like most airliners, will not always do a weight check on hand luggage. 

However, it’s best to stay within the limit as penalty fees for exceeding baggage are incredibly high. You can slightly go over the baggage allowance sometimes, but should be well-prepared for potential screening. Think of wearing a heavy coat instead of rolling it into the suitcase. Choose the one with a lot of pockets, as you can sneak in a few items from your over-packed backpack. 

3. Can I Add Luggage After Booking With Aer Lingus?

Yes, you can add extra luggage after booking with Aer Lingus. You can do so by visiting the Aer Lingus website and pre-booking your luggage in the “Manage Booking” section. Otherwise, you can call the Reservations Department of the airline. We recommend purchasing your luggage before the day of departure as it can save you a lot compared to standard rates at the airport. 

4. How Much To Bring A Bike On An Aer Lingus Flight?

Bikes, just like other sports gear, will go in the hold on Aer Lingus flights. It'll cost you €40 when booking online or €50 if you book it later with a service centre or at the airport. It’s worth noting that only one bike per flight can be checked on Aer Lingus Regional flights.

5. Can I Bring A Backpack And A Carry-On Aer Lingus?

Aer Lingus allows their passengers to bring one piece of carry-on and one personal item (laptop bag or handbag). 

These two items have their own sets of rules. Carry-on items shouldn’t be over 7 kg with maximum dimensions of 48 x 33 x 20 cm on regional flights, and 10 kg, with maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 24 cm on other flights. For personal items, the limit is 25 x 33 x 20 cm.

As long as your backpack is within 25 x 33 x 20 cm and fits neatly under the seat in front of you, it’s qualified as a personal item. In this case, you can also bring another carry-on (if it’s included in your allowance or you’ve already paid for it during the booking).

6. How Late Can I Add Checked Bags To My Flight?

You can book your bags online at a discounted rate up to two hours before your flight. It can be done when you book your flight, after booking by adjusting the Manage Trip, or during the check-in process. 

Pack Smart with our Aer Lingus Baggage Allowance Guide

Aer Lingus is a great option if you’re planning a trip to Ireland or around Europe. Yet, before booking your flight, you should double-check Aer Lingus baggage allowance, for carry-on and checked bags, to pack smarter. 

If you’re travelling with budget tickets, be mindful that you’re not always eligible to take your carry-on onboard. Plus, extra baggage is no doubt more expensive when purchased at the airport, so plan ahead and pre-book early to save your cash. Finally, we hope this guide has been helpful to you. Please share this article with your friends and fellow travellers. Happy flying!

Kelsey