Aer Lingus Baggage Allowance 2026: Cabin Bag and Checked Luggage
Aer Lingus sits in an awkward middle ground. It is not a budget airline, but it sells Saver fares that behave like one — you get a personal item and that is it. Before I started doing the maths properly, I booked a Saver to Dublin and added the cabin bag separately. It came to more than the Plus fare. Now I check the Plus price first, every time.
The aer lingus baggage allowance system is fare-driven, not route-driven. Here is the full picture for 2026 — every fare type, the AerClub tier benefits that are actually useful, infant allowances, and what to do if your bag goes missing.
Aer Lingus baggage at a glance — checked March 2026
Route Cabin bag Personal item Checked bag Short-haul Saver Not included (add €9.99–35) 40 x 30 x 20 cm Not included Short-haul Plus 55 x 40 x 24 cm, 10 kg 40 x 30 x 20 cm 20 kg included Short-haul Advantage / AerSpace 55 x 40 x 24 cm, 10 kg 40 x 30 x 20 cm 20 kg included Short-haul Flex 55 x 40 x 24 cm, 10 kg 40 x 30 x 20 cm 23 kg included Regional (ATR aircraft) 48 x 33 x 20 cm, 7 kg 40 x 30 x 20 cm Not included Transatlantic Saver 55 x 40 x 24 cm, 10 kg 40 x 30 x 20 cm Not included Transatlantic Smart / Flex 55 x 40 x 24 cm, 10 kg 40 x 30 x 20 cm 1 x 23 kg Transatlantic Advantage 55 x 40 x 24 cm, 10 kg 40 x 30 x 20 cm 2 x 23 kg Business 55 x 40 x 24 cm, 10 kg 40 x 30 x 20 cm 3 x 23 kg (70 kg max)
Aer Lingus hand baggage size
Personal item — all fares
Every fare on every Aer Lingus route includes one free personal item:
- Dimensions: 40 x 30 x 20 cm (including handles, wheels, pockets)
- Goes under the seat in front
- No weight limit
Handbags, laptop bags, small backpacks, and camera bags all fit. A standard carry-on suitcase does not.
Overhead cabin bag — standard routes
When included (or purchased), the overhead cabin bag is:
- Dimensions: 55 x 40 x 24 cm
- Weight: 10 kg maximum
- All measurements include handles and wheels
Aer Lingus staff do check at the gate on busy routes. The 10 kg limit is enforced.
Aer Lingus regional cabin bag (ATR aircraft)
Smaller turboprop aircraft — ATR 72-600 and similar — operate regional routes to Kerry, Donegal, Knock, and some short UK hops. Overhead bins are smaller, so the cabin bag limit is reduced:
- Dimensions: 48 x 33 x 20 cm
- Weight: 7 kg maximum
Check your booking confirmation for the aircraft type before packing. If it shows ATR, your cabin suitcase probably will not fit.
Recommended: Cabin Max Metz 30L Backpack
The Cabin Max Metz 30L (45 x 36 x 20 cm) fits within the standard Aer Lingus cabin bag allowance. At 0.5 kg, it leaves nearly all of the 10 kg weight limit for your belongings. On regional ATR flights, use a smaller bag.
Saver vs Plus: what does it actually cost?
The question most people get wrong. On Aer Lingus short-haul routes, Saver is the base fare. Here is what it looks like when you add the bags you actually need:
Scenario: London Heathrow to Dublin, one passenger, cabin bag + 20 kg hold bag
| Option | Fare cost | Cabin bag add-on | Hold bag add-on | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saver + both bags | Lower base fare | €9.99–35 | £25–40 | Base + £35–75 in extras |
| Plus fare | Higher base fare | Included | Included (20 kg) | Usually cheaper overall |
Run these numbers before booking. On many routes, Plus is the better buy as soon as you add one bag. If you are going carry-on only, Saver is fine.
Aer Lingus checked baggage
Short-haul European routes
| Fare | Checked bag | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Saver | Not included — purchase separately | Up to 32 kg |
| Plus | 1 bag included | 20 kg |
| Advantage | 1 bag included | 20 kg |
| AerSpace | 1 bag included | 20 kg |
| Flex | 1 bag included | 23 kg |
Transatlantic routes
| Fare | Checked bags | Weight each |
|---|---|---|
| Saver | Not included | — |
| Smart | 1 bag | 23 kg |
| Flex | 1 bag | 23 kg |
| Advantage | 2 bags | 23 kg |
| Business | 3 bags | 23 kg (70 kg total max) |
Key point: On transatlantic Saver fares, the cabin bag is included but checked luggage is not. Many passengers assume a transatlantic Saver works like any other Saver — it does not. You will need to purchase a checked bag separately from €75 online if you want to hold luggage.
Checked bag size limits
- Maximum total dimensions: 158 cm (length + width + height, including handles and wheels)
- Maximum weight per bag: 32 kg — bags heavier than this are not accepted and must be repacked
- A standard large suitcase (75 x 50 x 30 cm = 155 cm) fits within the limit
Checked bag prices
Short-haul (online):
| Weight | At booking | After booking | At airport |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 kg | £25–40 | £35–55 | £55–75 |
| 23 kg | £30–50 | £40–60 | £60–80 |
Transatlantic (online):
| Weight | At booking | After booking | At airport |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23 kg (first) | £65–95 | £80–110 | £100–140 |
| 23 kg (extra) | £65–95 | £80–110 | £100–140 |
Always add bags during initial booking — that is when the cheapest prices are available. Airport prices can be double.
Excess and overweight fees
| Issue | Fee |
|---|---|
| Overweight bag (23–32 kg) — European routes | €10 per kg |
| Overweight bag (23–32 kg) — Transatlantic | €75 / $100 flat fee per bag |
| Cabin bag not booked, taken at gate | €35 |
| Oversized bag (over 158 cm) | Contact Aer Lingus before travel |
The €35 gate fee applies when you turn up with an overhead cabin bag that was not included in your Saver fare and was not pre-purchased online.
Travelling with a baby or child
This section is absent from most Aer Lingus guides. Here is what is actually included.
Infant baggage (under 2, travelling on lap)
- European routes: No separate checked baggage allowance for infants
- Transatlantic routes: 1 x 10 kg checked bag included free, in addition to the adult’s allowance
Pushchairs, car seats, and travel cots
Free on all routes, in addition to normal fare allowance:
- Collapsible pushchair/stroller: One per child, free. Can be taken to the gate and returned there on arrival.
- One of the following per child: car seat, travel cot, or booster seat — free.
- KLM does not supply these items — bring your own.
Children aged 2–12
Children 2–12 receive a full adult baggage allowance based on the same fare rules. The pushchair and car seat entitlement also applies.
AerClub member baggage benefits
Aer Lingus AerClub is the airline’s loyalty programme and shares Avios with British Airways. The baggage benefits were updated in November 2024 — the specific tier and fare restrictions below are current as of March 2026.
| AerClub tier | European routes | Transatlantic routes | Applies to which fares |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver | +1 free bag (20 kg) | +1 free bag (23 kg) | Smart fares and above only |
| Platinum | +1 free bag (20 kg) | +1 free bag (23 kg) | All applicable fares |
| Concierge | +1 free bag (20 kg) | +1 free bag (23 kg) | All applicable fares |
Important for Silver members: The baggage benefit does NOT apply to Saver fares on European routes. Silver status helps on Smart and Flex fares, not on the cheapest Saver tickets. Platinum and Concierge get the benefit across all applicable fares.
Benefits apply to the status member only, not travelling companions.
Sports equipment and special items
| Item | Online fee |
|---|---|
| Golf clubs | £40–55 |
| Skis or snowboard | £40–55 |
| Surfboard | £40–55 |
| Bicycle | £55–75 |
| Musical instrument (large) | Contact Aer Lingus |
Maximum sports equipment dimensions: 190 x 75 x 65 cm.
Bicycles: Unlike most major airlines, bicycles cannot be booked on the aerlingus.com website. You need to contact the Aer Lingus reservations centre or handle it at the airport check-in desk. Book well in advance.
Pushchairs and car seats: Free, in addition to your fare allowance. Check them at the gate.
Connecting through Dublin to the USA
For UK passengers flying to the US or Canada, Aer Lingus routes through Dublin offer US pre-clearance — you complete US immigration and customs before boarding in Dublin. This means:
- You arrive in the US as a domestic passenger
- No immigration queue on arrival at New York, Boston, Chicago, and other destinations
- Checked bags are collected at your final US destination, not at the transit airport
- Faster connections at US airports with domestic-only terminals
Pre-clearance saves significant time, especially at New York JFK during peak periods.
Lost, delayed, or damaged baggage
If your bag does not appear at baggage reclaim, act immediately at the airport — do not leave without reporting it.
Step 1: Report at the airport using Aer Lingus kiosks or at the baggage desk. You will receive a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) number. Keep this for all correspondence.
Step 2: Track and manage your claim online at reportmybag.aerlingus.com. You can update your contact details and delivery address there.
Compensation you are entitled to:
- Delayed bag: Keep receipts for essential purchases (clothes, toiletries). Aer Lingus should reimburse reasonable costs while waiting for the bag.
- Lost bag (not returned within 21 days): Declared lost. Claim through Aer Lingus Customer Care.
- Maximum compensation under the Montreal Convention: approximately €1,920 (updated October 2024). This is not automatic — you need to submit a claim.
- Claim deadline: 21 days from the day you received your delayed bag.
Aer Lingus vs other airlines
| Airline | Cabin bag | Weight | Personal item | Free checked bag |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aer Lingus (Plus) | 55 x 40 x 24 cm | 10 kg | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | 20 kg |
| British Airways (Economy) | 56 x 45 x 25 cm | 23 kg combined | 40 x 30 x 15 cm | Fare-dependent |
| Jet2 | 56 x 45 x 25 cm | 10 kg | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | No (22 kg on holidays) |
| Ryanair | 40 x 30 x 20 cm (under seat) | No limit | N/A | No |
| easyJet | 45 x 36 x 20 cm (under seat) | 15 kg | No | No |
For the full UK airline baggage comparison across all major carriers, see our dedicated guide.
Tips for flying Aer Lingus
Price Plus before Saver. If you need a cabin bag or checked bag, check the Plus or Smart fare total first — it is often cheaper than Saver plus add-ons.
Check your aircraft type. If your booking shows ATR aircraft, your standard cabin bag will not fit. Pack a smaller bag or plan to gate-check it.
Book bags at initial booking. Prices increase after booking and are much higher at the airport.
Transatlantic Saver is cabin-only. You get the overhead bag but no checked luggage. Smart or Flex fares include one 23 kg bag.
Join AerClub before booking. Avios accumulate on every Aer Lingus and British Airways flight. Silver status gives you a free extra bag on Smart fares and above.
Use Dublin pre-clearance. If you are connecting to the US or Canada, departing through Dublin saves hours on arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Aer Lingus carry-on baggage size?
The standard cabin bag is 55 x 40 x 24 cm with a 10 kg weight limit. On regional ATR aircraft, the limit is 48 x 33 x 20 cm at 7 kg. All measurements include handles and wheels.
Does Aer Lingus include a free checked bag?
On short-haul routes: Saver fares do not. Plus, Advantage, and AerSpace fares include 20 kg. Flex includes 23 kg. On transatlantic routes: Saver does not. Smart and Flex include one 23 kg bag. Advantage includes two.
What is the Aer Lingus personal item size?
40 x 30 x 20 cm. No weight limit. Goes under the seat in front. Included free with all fares on all routes.
How strict is Aer Lingus about the 10 kg cabin bag limit?
Moderately strict. Staff check at the gate on busy routes. A bag that is visibly heavy will get weighed. The €35 gate fee for an unbooked overhead bag is applied. Packing close to the limit is usually fine; packing well over it is not.
Is Aer Lingus Saver fare worth it if I need bags?
Usually not once you add a cabin bag and a checked bag. Run the maths: Saver + cabin bag add-on (€9.99–35) + checked bag (£25–40 online) often exceeds the Plus fare price on the same route. Check Plus first.
Does AerClub Silver include a free bag?
Yes, but only on Smart fares and above on European routes. If you booked a Saver, Silver status does not add a free bag. On transatlantic routes, Silver adds +1 x 23 kg bag on applicable fares.
Can I take a pushchair on Aer Lingus for free?
Yes. One collapsible pushchair per child is free on all routes, in addition to your normal baggage allowance. It can be taken to the boarding gate and returned there on arrival.
Do infants get a free checked bag on Aer Lingus?
On European routes: no. On transatlantic routes: one 10 kg checked bag is included free for lap infants, in addition to the adult’s allowance.
What is the Aer Lingus transatlantic baggage allowance?
Smart and Flex: 1 x 23 kg. Advantage: 2 x 23 kg. Business: 3 x 23 kg (70 kg max). Transatlantic Saver includes a cabin bag but no checked luggage.
What is the Aer Lingus overweight baggage fee?
On European routes: €10 per kg over the limit. On transatlantic routes: a flat fee of €75 / $100 per overweight bag (rather than a per-kg charge). Maximum accepted weight is 32 kg — bags over that will not fly.
How do I claim for delayed or lost baggage on Aer Lingus?
Report at the airport immediately and get a PIR number. Then manage your claim at reportmybag.aerlingus.com. Keep receipts for essential purchases while waiting. If the bag is not returned within 21 days it is declared lost and you can claim up to approximately €1,920 under the Montreal Convention.
Can I book a bicycle on Aer Lingus online?
No. Unlike most airlines, Aer Lingus does not accept bicycle bookings through aerlingus.com. Contact the reservations centre directly or handle it at the airport check-in desk. Book well in advance.
