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Ireland’s flagship carrier connects Europe and North America through its Dublin hub, but recent fare restructuring has created distinct baggage policies that travelers need to understand before booking. The Aer Lingus baggage allowance now depends heavily on your fare type, with Saver fares offering minimal inclusions while Smart and Flex fares provide more generous allowances. Knowing exactly what each ticket includes prevents expensive airport surprises and helps you choose the right fare for your journey.
What Is the Free Baggage Allowance on Aer Lingus?
Every Aer Lingus passenger brings one small personal item free of charge regardless of fare type. This universal allowance measures maximum 25 x 33 x 20 cm (10 x 13 x 8 inches) and must fit under the seat ahead of you. Acceptable items include handbags, laptop bags, small backpacks, and camera bags.
Beyond this personal item, allowances diverge dramatically based on your booked fare class and route type.
Aer Lingus Hand Baggage Allowance by Route
The Aer Lingus hand baggage allowance operates differently for regular flights versus regional services, creating confusion for travelers unfamiliar with these distinctions.
Regular Aer Lingus Flights (Mainline): Standard cabin bag: 55 x 40 x 24 cm (21.6 x 15.7 x 9.4 inches) with 10 kg (22 lbs) weight limit
Aer Lingus Regional Flights (Emerald Airlines): Smaller cabin bag: 48 x 33 x 20 cm (18.9 x 13 x 7.9 inches) with 7 kg (15.4 lbs) weight limit
This regional restriction catches many travelers unaware, as the smaller dimensions exclude many standard carry-on bags that work perfectly on mainline routes.
Aer Lingus Regional Cabin Bag Size Restrictions
The Aer Lingus regional cabin bag size of 48 x 33 x 20 cm applies specifically to flights operated by Emerald Airlines serving regional Irish and UK destinations. These smaller aircraft cannot accommodate full-size overhead bins, necessitating reduced cabin bag dimensions.
Routes like Dublin to Belfast, Cork to Edinburgh, or Shannon to Manchester fall under regional service, requiring travelers to pack more conservatively or face gate-checking fees.
Aer Lingus Carry On Size and Fare Inclusions
Understanding the Aer Lingus carry on size matters less than knowing whether your fare actually includes overhead bin access. The Aer Lingus cabin bag size of 55 x 40 x 24 cm only applies when your ticket permits it.
Carry-On Baggage by Fare Type
| Fare Type | Personal Item | Standard Carry-On | Regional Carry-On |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saver (Europe) | ✓ Free | Purchase required | Purchase required |
| Saver (Transatlantic) | ✓ Free | Purchase required | N/A |
| Smart | ✓ Free | ✓ Free | ✓ Free |
| Flex | ✓ Free | ✓ Free | ✓ Free |
| Business | ✓ Free | ✓ Free (2 bags) | ✓ Free (2 bags) |
Saver fare passengers wanting overhead bin space must purchase carry-on access separately, typically costing €9.99-€35 depending on route and booking timing.
Aer Lingus Personal Item Size: What Fits
The Aer Lingus personal item size of 25 x 33 x 20 cm provides sufficient space for essentials when packed strategically. This underseat bag accommodates:
- Laptop (13-15 inch) and charger
- Tablet or e-reader
- Travel documents and wallet
- Small toiletries bag
- Phone, headphones, portable battery
- Reading material or snacks
For Saver fare travelers avoiding carry-on fees, maximizing this personal item becomes essential.
Aer Lingus Saver Baggage Allowance
The Aer Lingus saver baggage allowance provides the most restrictive option. Saver passengers receive only one personal item included, with all other baggage requiring a separate purchase:
European Saver:
- Carry-on: €9.99-€35 online
- Checked bag: €45-€70 depending on weight and route
Transatlantic Saver:
- Carry-on: €35-€50 online
- Checked bag: €75+ depending on route
Given these costs, Smart fare with included carry-on often costs less overall than Saver plus purchased baggage for trips exceeding 2-3 days.
Aer Lingus Checked Baggage Policy
The Aer Lingus checked baggage policy maintains consistent size limits while varying weight allowances by fare type. All checked bags must measure a maximum of 158 cm (62 inches) in total linear dimensions.
Checked Baggage Allowance by Fare
| Fare Type | European Routes | Transatlantic Routes | Weight per Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saver | Purchase required | Purchase required | 20-23 kg |
| Smart | 1 bag | 1 bag | 23 kg (50 lbs) |
| Flex | 1 bag | 1 bag | 23 kg (50 lbs) |
| Business | 3 bags (69 kg combined) | 3 bags (69 kg combined) | Max 32 kg each |
No individual checked bag can exceed 32 kg (70 lbs) regardless of fare type or total allowance, as safety regulations prohibit heavier items from manual handling.
Aer Lingus Carry-On Baggage Policy: Purchase Timing Matters
The Aer Lingus carry-on baggage policy for Saver fares permits purchasing overhead bin access, but costs escalate dramatically based on timing:
Online (Advance): €9.99-€35 Airport Counter: €35-€60 Gate: €35 plus potential €25 handling fee
Always purchase carry-on privileges during booking or through “Manage Booking” online for maximum savings over airport rates.
Aer Lingus Baggage Policy: Elite Benefits
AerClub Silver, Platinum, and Concierge members receive one additional free checked bag on applicable fares, while Star Alliance Gold members enjoy equivalent benefits. These elite allowances don’t apply to Saver fares purchasing zero baseline checked bags.
The Aer Lingus Signature Credit Card provides first checked bag free on Saver fares, a valuable benefit for frequent travelers stuck with budget fares.
Aer Lingus Baggage Allowance International Routes
The Aer Lingus baggage allowance international creates distinctions between European short-haul and transatlantic long-haul operations. Transatlantic Smart and Flex fares include one 23 kg checked bag free, with additional bags costing €75 each.
European routes offer flexible weight purchasing: 20 kg, 25 kg, or 40 kg split across multiple bags, providing travelers options to customize based on trip length.
Aer Lingus Hand Luggage: Sports and Special Items
Sports equipment weighing up to 23 kg counts as one item per passenger, with European flights charging approximately €40 per item and transatlantic routes including it within free baggage allowance.
Small musical instruments meeting cabin dimensions travel as standard carry-on, while medium instruments like guitars require purchasing an additional window seat (max 75 kg, 94 x 58 x 41 cm). Large instruments must be checked with special handling fees.
Overweight and Excess Baggage Fees
Bags weighing 23-32 kg incur €65-75 overweight fees, while bags exceeding 32 kg face €110-130 charges. European excess weight costs €10 per kilogram, while transatlantic routes charge €75 per overweight piece.
Given these substantial fees, redistributing weight across multiple standard bags often costs less than one overweight item.
Tips for Managing Aer Lingus Costs
Calculate Total Fare Costs Compare Saver plus purchased baggage versus Smart with inclusions. Smart frequently costs less overall for trips requiring checked bags.
Buy Bags During Booking Purchasing baggage during ticket purchase saves 50% or more compared to airport fees. Add extras through “Manage Booking” if needed post-purchase.
Know Your Route Type Verify whether your flight operates as mainline (55 x 40 x 24 cm) or regional (48 x 33 x 20 cm) to pack appropriate cabin bags.
Maximize Personal Item The free 25 x 33 x 20 cm underseat bag accommodates 2-3 days of essentials when packed efficiently with compression methods.
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FAQs
No, Saver includes only personal items, standard carry-on must be purchased separately for €9.99-€35.
Mainline allows 55 x 40 x 24 cm; regional restricts to 48 x 33 x 20 cm due to smaller aircraft.
No, choose one personal item (25 x 33 x 20 cm) that fits under the seat.
Infants don’t receive cabin allowance but can check one bag; free stroller and car seat permitted.
European routes: €45-€70 depending on weight; transatlantic: €75+ per bag when purchased online.
Conclusion
The Aer Lingus baggage allowance rewards travelers who understand fare types and purchase baggage strategically. From Saver’s minimal personal-item-only inclusion to Business Class’s generous three-bag allowance, knowing these distinctions helps you choose the right ticket and avoid expensive airport fees.
Calculate total costs including baggage when comparing fares, buy extras during booking rather than at airports, and verify whether your route operates as mainline or regional service to pack appropriate bags for your Irish aviation journey.