Navigating airline baggage rules can often feel like the most stressful part of planning a trip.
With different allowances for carry-on and checked bags, plus varying fees for routes and fare types, it’s easy to get confused, and even easier to face unexpected charges at the airport.
Aer Lingus Baggage Policy at a Glance
For a quick overview, this table summarizes the key baggage allowances and fees for Aer Lingus flights.
Remember that rules differ for European and Transatlantic routes, so always check which applies to your journey.
| Category | Policy Details |
| Carry-On Bag (Standard Flights) | 1 free bag up to 10 kg (22 lbs) and 55x40x24 cm (21.5″x15.5″x9.5″). Note: Saver fares on European flights may require you to check this bag for free at the gate or pay for priority boarding. |
| Carry-On Bag (Regional Flights) | 1 free bag up to 7 kg (15 lbs) and 48x33x20 cm (18.5″x13″x8″). |
| Personal Item (All Flights) | 1 free small item (handbag, laptop bag) up to 25x33x20 cm (10″x13″x8″). Must fit under the seat in front of you. |
| Checked Bags (European Flights) | – Saver Fare: No free bag. – Plus/Advantage/AerSpace Fares: 1 free 20 kg (44 lbs) bag. |
| Checked Bags (Transatlantic Flights) | – Saver Fare: No free bag. – Smart/Flex Fares: 1 free 23 kg (50 lbs) bag. – Business/Business Flex Fares: 3 free bags (up to 69 kg / 150 lbs total). |
| Excess Baggage Fee (European) | €10 per extra kilogram. |
| Overweight Bag Fee (Transatlantic) | €75 / $100 for bags weighing between 23-32 kg (50-70 lbs). |
| Standard Bag Dimensions | Max linear dimensions (L+W+H) of 158 cm (62″). |
| Special Items | Sports and musical equipment can be checked for a fee (€40-€75). Fees vary by route and booking channel. |
What Baggage Is Free on Aer Lingus?
Your free baggage allowance depends entirely on your fare type and destination. Every passenger, regardless of their ticket, gets a personal item.
Carry-On and Personal Items
All Aer Lingus passengers can bring one small personal item on board, such as a handbag, laptop case, or small backpack. It must fit under the seat in front of you.
Your carry-on allowance depends on your flight:
- Standard Aer Lingus Flights: You can bring one carry-on bag weighing up to 10 kg (22 lbs).
- Aer Lingus Regional Flights (operated by Emerald Airlines): The limit is slightly smaller, with one carry-on bag allowed up to 7 kg (15 lbs).
A key point for travelers on European flights with a Saver fare: you may need to check your 10 kg carry-on bag at the gate, free of charge.
If you want to guarantee it stays with you in the cabin, you must purchase priority boarding.
Checked Baggage Included with Your Fare
Whether you get a free checked bag is determined by the fare you purchased.
European Flights
Passengers with Plus, Advantage, or AerSpace fares receive one free 20 kg (44 lbs) checked bag. Saver fares do not include a free checked bag.
Transatlantic Flights
Smart and Flex economy fares include one free 23 kg (50 lbs) checked bag.
Business Class passengers receive a generous allowance of three checked bags, with a combined total weight of 69 kg (150 lbs).
What Baggage Incurs Fees?
If your ticket doesn’t include a checked bag or if you need to bring more than your allowance permits, you will need to pay additional fees.
Checked Baggage Fees
Purchasing checked baggage is always cheapest online during or after your booking and most expensive at the airport.
Fees are structured based on the route (Near, Mid, Far for Europe) and the weight of the bag (e.g., 20kg, 25kg).
- For European Saver Fares: A 20kg bag costs between €25 and €57 online, depending on the route. The same bag at the airport will cost €35 to €65.
- For Transatlantic Saver Fares: A 20kg bag costs approximately €45 / $55 online. At the airport, a 23kg bag costs €75 / $100.
Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees
Exceeding the weight limit for your purchased bag will result in extra charges.
- On European flights, the fee is a straightforward €10 per kilo over your allowance.
- On Transatlantic flights, any bag weighing over the standard 23 kg (50 lbs) but under 32 kg (70 lbs) will be charged a flat fee of €75 / $100.
No single bag can weigh more than 32 kg (70 lbs) for health and safety reasons.
Exceptions and Special Allowances
Certain circumstances and passenger types come with different baggage rules.
Traveling with Infants and Children
Infants (under 2 years) are entitled to a 10kg checked bag allowance on Transatlantic routes. For all flights, you can bring one fully collapsible stroller/buggy plus one of the following items for free:
- Car seat
- Booster seat
- Travel cot
AerClub Elite Status Benefits
Members of Aer Lingus’s loyalty program, AerClub, may receive extra baggage benefits depending on their tier status.
- Silver, Platinum, and Concierge members flying on European routes get one free 20kg bag.
- On Transatlantic flights, Silver members can check one 23kg bag for free, while Platinum and Concierge members can check two or three, respectively.
Sports and Musical Equipment
You can travel with special items like golf clubs, skis, or large musical instruments, but they require special handling and fees.
- You must pre-book these items online, as space is limited.
- Fees for sports equipment on European flights are typically €40 per item, each way.
- On Transatlantic routes, sports equipment can sometimes count as your standard checked bag. If it’s an additional piece, the fee is around €75.
- Items must be packed securely in a protective case. A cello or similarly sized instrument may require you to purchase an extra seat.
How to Save Money on Aer Lingus Baggage Fees
A little planning can go a long way in reducing your travel costs.
Book Bags Online and Early
This is the single most effective way to save. Adding bags at the airport is always the most expensive option, sometimes by more than 50%.
Weigh Your Bags at Home
Use a simple luggage scale to ensure you’re within your weight limit. A €10 scale can save you from a €75 overweight fee.
Pool Your Baggage Allowance
If you’re traveling with others on the same booking, Aer Lingus allows you to combine your weight allowances when checking in together.
Upgrade Your Fare
Sometimes, the cost of upgrading from a Saver fare to a Plus or Smart fare is less than the cost of adding a checked bag separately. This often includes other benefits like seat selection.
Join AerClub
Even if you don’t fly frequently, joining the loyalty program can open the door to future perks and baggage benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions that travelers often have.
What happens if my carry-on is too big?
If your carry-on bag exceeds the size or weight limits at the gate, you will be required to check it. A gate baggage fee, which is higher than pre-booking online, may apply. On European flights, this fee is typically around €35.
Can I add a checked bag after I’ve already booked my flight?
Yes. You can add checked bags to your booking through the “Manage Trip” section on the Aer Lingus website. The fee is slightly higher than adding it during the initial booking, but still significantly cheaper than paying at the airport.
Does Aer Lingus have baggage agreements with partner airlines?
Yes, Aer Lingus has agreements with partners like British Airways, United Airlines, and JetBlue. If your itinerary is on a single ticket, your bags will usually be checked through to your final destination, and the primary carrier’s baggage policy will likely apply. Always verify this when booking.
What is the “Evening Before Check-In” service?
For flights departing from Dublin or Cork in the morning, Aer Lingus offers a service that allows you to check in and drop your bags off the evening before your flight. This can save a significant amount of time and stress on your travel day.
Can I bring liquids in my carry-on?
Yes, but you must follow the standard international rule for liquids. Containers must be 100ml (3.4 oz) or less and must all fit into a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag of no more than one liter.
Fly Smarter on Your Next Trip
Understanding the Aer Lingus baggage policy is the key to a smooth and affordable journey.
By packing strategically, booking your bags in advance, and taking advantage of your fare benefits, you can avoid last-minute stress and fees.
For the most current information, always double-check the policies directly on the Aer Lingus website before you fly, as rules and fees can change.
Grace Turner is a travel researcher with 5+ years of experience analyzing airline rules and global travel regulations. She specializes in simplifying complex airline policies to help travelers avoid extra fees and fly with confidence. Her work focuses on accuracy, clarity, and up to date information across international carriers.
