Aer Lingus is Ireland’s flag carrier and a popular choice for UK passengers flying to Ireland, Europe, or connecting through Dublin to the USA. The Aer Lingus baggage allowance is more generous than budget airlines but varies significantly between short-haul and transatlantic routes.
I fly Aer Lingus regularly between the UK and Ireland, and occasionally to the US via Dublin. The US pre-clearance at Dublin is a major advantage — you clear US immigration before boarding, making arrival much faster.
Aer Lingus Baggage Allowance Summary
| Route Type | Cabin Bag | Personal Item | Checked Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-haul (Saver) | Not included | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | Not included |
| Short-haul (Plus/Flex) | 55 x 40 x 24 cm (10kg) | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | 20kg/23kg included |
| Regional | 48 x 33 x 20 cm (7kg) | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | Not included |
| Transatlantic (Saver) | 55 x 40 x 24 cm (10kg) | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | Not included |
| Transatlantic (Smart/Flex) | 55 x 40 x 24 cm (10kg) | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | 1 x 23kg |
| Transatlantic (Advantage) | 55 x 40 x 24 cm (10kg) | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | 2 x 23kg |
| Business | 55 x 40 x 24 cm (10kg) | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | 3 x 23kg |
Important: Short-haul Saver fares only include a personal item. Overhead cabin bag access must be purchased separately (€9.99-€35).
Cabin Baggage
Personal Item (All Fares)
Every Aer Lingus passenger receives a free personal item regardless of fare type:
Personal item:
- Dimensions: 40 x 30 x 20 cm
- Must fit under the seat in front of you
- Included free with all fares
This includes handbags, laptop bags, small backpacks, and camera bags.
Overhead Cabin Bag
The overhead cabin bag allowance depends on your fare and route:
Cabin bag (when included):
- Dimensions: 55 x 40 x 24 cm (including handles and wheels)
- Weight: 10kg maximum
Short-haul European flights:
- Saver fares: Overhead cabin bag NOT included. You can purchase access for €9.99-€35, or check your 10kg bag free (if overhead bins are full).
- Plus, Flex, Advantage fares: Cabin bag included.
Transatlantic flights:
- All fares include the 10kg cabin bag in the overhead locker.
Regional Flights
Aer Lingus operates smaller ATR aircraft on regional routes (e.g., Dublin to Donegal, Kerry, and some UK routes). These have reduced cabin allowances:
Cabin bag:
- Dimensions: 48 x 33 x 20 cm
- Weight: 7kg maximum
The personal item allowance remains the same. Check your booking confirmation to see which aircraft operates your route.
Business Class
Business Class is available on transatlantic flights. Passengers receive:
- 1 cabin bag (55 x 40 x 24 cm, 10kg)
- Personal item (40 x 30 x 20 cm)
- Dedicated check-in and priority boarding
- Lounge access
Recommended: Cabin Max Metz 30L Backpack
The Cabin Max Metz 30L at 45 x 36 x 20 cm fits within Aer Lingus standard cabin bag allowance (55 x 40 x 24 cm). At just 0.5kg, it maximises your usable weight from the 10kg limit. Opens flat like a suitcase, with a padded laptop compartment. For regional ATR flights, consider a smaller bag.
Checked Baggage
Short-haul Flights (Europe and UK)
| Fare Type | Checked Bag Included | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Saver | None | — |
| Plus | 1 bag | 20kg |
| Flex | 1 bag | 23kg |
Note: Business Class is only available on transatlantic routes.
Adding a checked bag (Saver fares):
- 20kg bag: £25-40 (online at booking)
- 23kg bag: £30-50 (online at booking)
- At airport: £55-75
Transatlantic Flights
| Fare Type | Checked Bags | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Saver | None | — |
| Smart | 1 bag | 23kg |
| Flex | 1 bag | 23kg |
| Advantage | 2 bags | 23kg each |
| Business | 3 bags | 23kg each (70kg max total) |
Important: Transatlantic Saver fares do NOT include checked baggage. You must purchase it separately (from €75 online). Smart and Flex fares include one 23kg bag.
Checked bag dimensions: Maximum 158cm total (length + width + height), including handles and wheels. This is the standard international allowance.
Maximum single bag weight: 32kg. Bags over 32kg will not be accepted.
Adding Extra Baggage
| Route | Online Price | Airport Price |
|---|---|---|
| Short-haul (20kg) | £25-40 | £55-75 |
| Short-haul (23kg) | £30-50 | £60-80 |
| Transatlantic (extra 23kg) | £65-95 | £100-140 |
Always add bags online. Airport prices are significantly higher, sometimes double the online rate.
Excess Baggage Fees
| Issue | Fee |
|---|---|
| Overweight bag (per kg, Europe) | €10 |
| Overweight bag (transatlantic, 24-32kg) | €75 / $100 flat fee |
| Extra bag at airport (short-haul) | €55-75 |
| Extra bag at airport (transatlantic) | €75+ |
| Oversized bag | Contact Aer Lingus |
Maximum weight: 32kg per bag. Heavier bags must be repacked.
AerClub Benefits
Aer Lingus AerClub members earn Avios points and status benefits:
Silver Members
- Priority check-in
- Extra baggage allowance on selected fares
Platinum Members
- Lounge access
- Priority boarding
- Enhanced baggage allowance
Benefits are similar to British Airways Executive Club (both use Avios).
Sports Equipment and Special Items
| Item | Price (online) |
|---|---|
| Golf clubs | £40-55 |
| Skis/snowboard | £40-55 |
| Bicycle | £55-75 |
| Surfboard | £40-55 |
| Musical instrument (large) | Contact Aer Lingus |
Maximum sports equipment dimensions: 190 x 75 x 65 cm.
Pushchairs and car seats: Free. Checked at the gate.
Connecting Through Dublin to the USA
One major advantage of Aer Lingus transatlantic flights is US pre-clearance at Dublin. You complete US immigration and customs before boarding, meaning:
- You arrive in the US as a domestic passenger
- No immigration queues on arrival
- Bags collected at final destination only
- Faster connections at US airports
For UK passengers, this can save hours compared to flying direct and clearing immigration at busy US airports.
Aer Lingus Routes from UK
Aer Lingus flies from several UK airports:
London Heathrow:
- Dublin, Cork, Shannon, Knock
- Connecting to USA: New York (JFK), Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Seattle, Miami, Orlando
London Gatwick:
- Dublin, Cork, Belfast
Manchester:
- Dublin
Birmingham:
- Dublin
Edinburgh:
- Dublin
Bristol:
- Dublin
Newcastle:
- Dublin
Aer Lingus vs Other Airlines
| Airline | Cabin Bag | Size | Weight | Personal Item |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aer Lingus | Depends on fare | 55 x 40 x 24 cm | 10kg | 40 x 30 x 20 cm |
| British Airways | Yes | 56 x 45 x 25 cm | 23kg combined | 40 x 30 x 15 cm |
| Ryanair | Personal bag only | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | No limit | N/A |
| easyJet | Cabin bag | 45 x 36 x 20 cm | 15kg | No |
| Jet2 | Yes | 56 x 45 x 25 cm | 10kg | 40 x 30 x 20 cm |
Aer Lingus sits between budget airlines and full-service carriers. Short-haul Saver fares are similar to budget airlines (personal item only), while Plus/Flex fares compete with full-service carriers.
Tips for Flying Aer Lingus
1. Compare Saver vs Smart/Plus carefully. If you need cabin bag access or checked bags, Smart or Plus fares are often better value than Saver plus add-ons.
2. Transatlantic Saver is cabin-only. The checked bag is NOT included. Smart or Flex fares include one 23kg bag.
3. Use Dublin for US connections. Pre-clearance saves hours on arrival.
4. Check your aircraft type. Regional ATR flights have smaller cabin allowances (48 x 33 x 20 cm, 7kg).
5. Book bags online. Airport prices are significantly higher — up to 50% more.
6. Join AerClub before booking. Avios points work across Aer Lingus, British Airways, and other partners.
7. Weigh cabin bags. The 10kg limit is enforced, especially on busy routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Aer Lingus include a personal item free?
Yes. All fares include a personal item (40 x 30 x 20 cm) that fits under the seat. However, overhead cabin bag access is not included with short-haul Saver fares.
What is the cabin bag size for Aer Lingus?
Standard flights allow 55 x 40 x 24 cm (10kg). Regional ATR flights allow 48 x 33 x 20 cm (7kg). Note: Short-haul Saver fares require you to purchase overhead cabin bag access separately.
Do Aer Lingus transatlantic flights include checked baggage?
Not all fares. Transatlantic Saver fares do NOT include checked baggage — you must purchase it separately (from €75). Smart and Flex fares include one 23kg bag. Advantage includes two bags.
Can I take a handbag and a cabin bag on Aer Lingus?
It depends on your fare. Transatlantic flights and short-haul Plus/Flex fares include both. Short-haul Saver fares only include the personal item — overhead cabin bag access costs €9.99-€35 extra.
What is the maximum bag weight on Aer Lingus?
32kg per bag. Bags heavier than 32kg will not be accepted and must be repacked.
Does Aer Lingus weigh cabin bags?
Sometimes, especially if bags look heavy. The 10kg limit is enforced.
Related
- British Airways Baggage Allowance
- Ryanair Cabin Bag Size 2026
- UK Airline Baggage Comparison
- Luggage Scales
- Cabin Bag Backpacks
