Aer Lingus Baggage Policy: A Guide to Checked and Carry-on Allowances and Fees

Yadana Chaw

Founded in 1936, Aer Lingus (EI), is a major flag European carrier from Ireland. They operate between Europe and North America, specializing in transatlantic travel, offering flights to 90+ destinations.

Aer Lingus' baggage allowance is primarily determined by the destination and the specific fare brand, such as Saver, Plus, or Business. Additionally, AerClub elite status also influence the permitted weight and dimensions of a passenger's baggage.


Checked bag vs carry on vs personal item

Packing starts with understanding your bags:

  • Checked baggage is the larger luggage checked into the cargo hold; for Aer Lingus, the maximum standard size is 158 cm / 62 in.
  • Carry-on bags (also referred to as cabin bags) go into the cabin for essentials, subject to the 100ml liquid rule, with a max size of 55 x 40 x 24 cm.
  • The Personal Item is the smallest (like a laptop bag or purse) and must fit under the seat in front of you.

For safety, remember all spare lithium batteries, power banks, and e-cigarettes must be in your carry-on, while sharp objects must always be placed in checked baggage.

Aer Lingus carry-on allowance

Class / Fare TypePieces AllowedMax Weight (per piece)Max Carry-on Size
All Fares (Transatlantic)110 kg (22 lbs)55 x 40 x 24 cm (21.5 x 15.5 x 9.5 in)
Saver Fare (European)010 kg (22 lbs)55 x 40 x 24 cm (21.5 x 15.5 x 9.5 in)
Plus, Smart, Flex, Advantage, AerSpace, Business (All Routes)110 kg (22 lbs)55 x 40 x 24 cm (21.5 x 15.5 x 9.5 in)
Aer Lingus Regional Flights17 kg (15 lbs)48 x 33 x 20 cm (18.5 x 13 x 8 in)

Passengers on all routes and fares are also allowed one small personal item free of charge which must fit under the seat in front, with a max size of 40 x 30 x 20 cm (15.5 x 11.5 x 8 in).

Aer Lingus checked baggage allowance

Aer Lingus primarily operates on the Both Weight and Piece Concept for its checked luggage.

The Piece Concept limits the number of bags you can bring (e.g., 2 bags maximum, each up to 23kg), meaning you cannot consolidate one big bag into two small ones without paying extra. Conversely, the Weight Concept limits the total combined weight of all your bags (e.g., a total of 30 kg across any number of pieces).

For Flights within Europe: Weight Concept

Class / Fare TypeWeight Allowance
Saver0 kg
Plus, Advantage, AerSpace20 kg / 44 lb

For Transatlantic Flights: Piece Concept

Class / Fare Type (Branded Terms)Piece Allowance
Saver0 Pieces
Smart, Flex1 Piece (23 kg / 50 lb)
Business, Business Flex3 Pieces (69 kg / 150 lb combined)

For both routes, the maximum weight per piece can weigh no more than 32 kg or have dimensions exceeding 55 x 40 x 24 cm.

Aer Lingus extra baggage fees

Aer Lingus baggage fees depend on whether you are flying within Europe or across the Atlantic:

Overweight & Oversized Fees:

  • Europe: You are charged €10 per extra kilo at the airport. You cannot upgrade your weight limit on the day of travel at the airport.
  • Transatlantic: If a bag is over 23 kg (up to a max of 32 kg), you pay a flat fee of €75 / $100 USD per direction.
  • All bags must be under 158 cm (total dimensions). Anything larger may face extra fees or be refused.

Extra Bag Fees:

  • Europe: You can split your total weight (e.g., 20kg) across up to 3 bags, but this does not give you more total weight. Buying a 20kg allowance at the airport costs €27–€57 depending on the flight distance.
  • Transatlantic: You can check up to 3 bags total. A second bag (up to 23kg) costs about $65 USD if booked online.

Aer Lingus special baggage policy

  • Infants and Children: One fully collapsible buggy/stroller is allowed free of charge, plus one of the following items: car seat, booster seat, or travel cot. Infants under two years of age traveling on a lap do not receive a cabin baggage allowance, but their allowance is considered part of the accompanying adult's. On Transatlantic flights only, infants receive a 10kg (22lb) checked baggage allowance free of charge. Infants on European flights do not receive a checked baggage allowance.
  • Sporting Equipment: For Transatlantic flights, one standard piece of sports equipment (max 23 kg) is allowed as a free checked bag for Smart/Flex/Business fares. If carried in addition, the fee is at the rate of an extra piece. For European flights, a specific handling fee is charged in addition to any standard allowance. Business Class passengers carry sports equipment free.
  • Musical Instruments: Small instruments that fit within the carry-on limits are permitted as the carry-on bag. Medium-sized instruments (max 75 kg, 94 x 58 x 41 cm) may be carried in the cabin if a separate window seat is purchased for the instrument. If checked, standard checked baggage fees apply.

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