Aer Lingus is Ireland’s national airline and flag carrier, popular with UK passengers flying to Ireland, Europe, or connecting through Dublin to the USA and Canada. 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. The Aer Lingus baggage policy follows a tiered system based on fare type and route.
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).
Aer Lingus Hand Baggage Dimensions
Here are the exact Aer Lingus carry on baggage size limits:
| Bag Type | Dimensions | Weight | Where It Goes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal item | 40 x 30 x 20 cm | No limit | Under seat |
| Cabin bag (standard) | 55 x 40 x 24 cm | 10kg | Overhead locker |
| Cabin bag (regional ATR) | 48 x 33 x 20 cm | 7kg | Overhead locker |
Dimensions include handles, wheels, and pockets. Measure your bag before travelling — staff do check at the gate.
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.
Aer Lingus Regional Cabin Bag
Aer Lingus operates smaller ATR aircraft on regional routes. These turboprop planes have smaller overhead bins, so the Aer Lingus regional cabin bag allowance is reduced:
Aer Lingus regional cabin bag size:
- Dimensions: 48 x 33 x 20 cm
- Weight: 7kg maximum
Regional routes include:
- Dublin to Donegal, Kerry, and other Irish regional airports
- Some UK routes on smaller aircraft
- Edinburgh and other regional connections
The personal item allowance (40 x 30 x 20 cm) remains the same on regional flights. Check your booking confirmation to see which aircraft operates your route — if it shows ATR 72-600 or similar, you have the smaller cabin bag limit.
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.
Aer Lingus Checked Bag Cost
The cost of checked baggage on Aer Lingus depends on when you book and your route:
Aer Lingus Checked Bag Prices (Short-haul)
| Bag Weight | Online (at booking) | Online (after booking) | At Airport |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20kg | £25-40 | £35-55 | £55-75 |
| 23kg | £30-50 | £40-60 | £60-80 |
Aer Lingus Checked Bag Prices (Transatlantic)
| Bag Weight | Online (at booking) | Online (after booking) | At Airport |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23kg | £65-95 | £80-110 | £100-140 |
| Extra bag (23kg) | £65-95 | £80-110 | £100-140 |
Always book checked bags online — airport prices are almost double. The cheapest prices are during initial flight booking.
What’s Included with Aer Lingus Fares
| Fare Type | Personal Item | Cabin Bag | Checked Bag | Seat Selection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saver | ✓ Free | €10-35 extra | Not included | Extra cost |
| Plus | ✓ Free | ✓ Included | 20kg included | ✓ Included |
| Flex | ✓ Free | ✓ Included | 23kg included | ✓ Included |
Saver fares work like budget airlines — you only get a personal item. Add cabin bag access or checked bags separately.
Plus and Flex fares include cabin bag and checked bag, making them better value if you need luggage.
Transatlantic (USA and Canada)
Aer Lingus flies from Dublin to US and Canadian destinations including New York (JFK), Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Seattle, Miami, Orlando, and Toronto.
| Fare Type | Personal Item | Cabin Bag | Checked Bag | Hold Luggage Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saver | ✓ Free | ✓ Included | Not included | — |
| Smart | ✓ Free | ✓ Included | 1 bag | 23kg |
| Flex | ✓ Free | ✓ Included | 1 bag | 23kg |
| Advantage | ✓ Free | ✓ Included | 2 bags | 23kg each |
| Business | ✓ Free | ✓ Included | 3 bags | 23kg each (70kg max) |
How many kg is hold luggage with Aer Lingus long haul? Each checked bag on transatlantic flights is 23kg. Advantage gives you 2 x 23kg (46kg total). Business gives you 3 x 23kg (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.
Aer Lingus Baggage Allowance Toronto
The Aer Lingus baggage allowance for Toronto flights is the same as all transatlantic routes:
- Saver: Cabin bag only, no checked bag
- Smart/Flex: 1 x 23kg checked bag included
- Advantage: 2 x 23kg checked bags included
Toronto flights depart from Dublin with connections from UK airports. The same pre-clearance benefits apply for entering Canada.
Checked Bag Size Limits
Maximum dimensions: 158cm total (length + width + height), including handles and wheels. This is the standard international allowance.
Maximum weight: 32kg per bag. Bags over 32kg will not be accepted and must be repacked.
Oversized Bags (Over 158cm)
Bags exceeding the 158cm dimension limit are considered oversized. Aer Lingus handles these on a case-by-case basis:
- Contact Aer Lingus before travel
- Additional fees apply
- May need to be shipped as cargo on some routes
- Sports equipment has separate allowances (see below)
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
What is the Aer Lingus carry on baggage size?
The Aer Lingus carry on size is 55 x 40 x 24 cm with a 10kg weight limit. This is for overhead cabin bags on standard aircraft. Regional ATR flights have a smaller limit of 48 x 33 x 20 cm (7kg).
What are the Aer Lingus hand baggage dimensions?
Cabin bag: 55 x 40 x 24 cm (10kg). Personal item: 40 x 30 x 20 cm (no weight limit). Regional flights: 48 x 33 x 20 cm (7kg) cabin bag. All dimensions include handles and wheels.
Does Aer Lingus include a personal item free?
Yes. All Aer Lingus fares include a free 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.
Does an Aer Lingus ticket include a check-in bag?
It depends on your fare. Short-haul Saver fares do NOT include a checked bag. Plus fares include 20kg, Flex includes 23kg. Transatlantic Smart/Flex fares include 1 x 23kg. Saver fares on all routes require you to purchase checked bags separately.
What is included with Aer Lingus economy fares?
Aer Lingus economy (Saver) includes only a personal item on short-haul flights. Transatlantic Saver includes personal item plus cabin bag but no checked luggage. Higher fares (Plus, Flex, Smart, Advantage) include more baggage and seat selection.
How much does Aer Lingus charge for checked bags?
Short-haul: £25-50 online, £55-80 at airport. Transatlantic: £65-95 online, £100-140 at airport. Always book online during initial booking for the cheapest prices.
What is the Aer Lingus regional cabin bag size?
On regional ATR aircraft, the cabin bag size is 48 x 33 x 20 cm with a 7kg weight limit. This is smaller than standard flights due to limited overhead bin space on turboprop aircraft.
How many kg is hold luggage with Aer Lingus long haul?
Each checked bag on Aer Lingus transatlantic flights is 23kg. Smart/Flex fares include one 23kg bag. Advantage includes two bags (46kg total). Business includes three bags (70kg max total).
What is the Aer Lingus baggage allowance for Toronto?
Toronto flights follow standard transatlantic rules: Saver = no checked bag, Smart/Flex = 1 x 23kg, Advantage = 2 x 23kg. Cabin bag (55 x 40 x 24 cm, 10kg) is included on all transatlantic fares.
What if my Aer Lingus checked bag is over 158cm?
Bags exceeding 158cm total dimensions are considered oversized. Contact Aer Lingus before travel — additional fees apply and oversized bags may need special handling or cargo shipping.
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 a personal item and cabin bag. 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 maximum. Bags heavier than 32kg will not be accepted and must be repacked at the airport.
Does Aer Lingus weigh cabin bags?
Sometimes, especially if bags look heavy. The 10kg cabin bag limit is enforced on standard flights, and the 7kg limit on regional ATR flights.
What is the Aer Lingus free luggage allowance?
All fares include a free personal item (40 x 30 x 20 cm). Transatlantic fares also include a free cabin bag. Beyond that, free checked luggage depends on your fare — Saver fares have no free checked bag, while Plus/Flex/Smart/Advantage include checked bags.
Related
- British Airways Baggage Allowance
- Ryanair Cabin Bag Size 2026
- UK Airline Baggage Comparison
- Luggage Scales
- Cabin Bag Backpacks
