Navigating the Aer Lingus Baggage Policy: A Complete Guide

If you’ve ever stood in the middle of a terminal, frantically trying to shove a thick sweater into an already bulging suitcase while a line of impatient travelers watches, you know that airline baggage rules are the ultimate travel stressor. Aer Lingus, Ireland’s flag carrier, has a policy that is actually quite fair, but it’s definitely not "one size fits all."

Depending on whether you’re hopping across the Irish Sea to London or settle in for an eight-hour haul to New York, the rules change significantly. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the Aer Lingus Baggage Policy so you can head to the airport with confidence (and a bag that actually fits).

The Basics of Carry-On: What Stays With You?

Aer Lingus has a slightly unusual way of handling carry-on bags compared to some other European carriers. They distinguish between a "small personal item" and a "10kg carry-on bag."

1. The Small Personal Item (Free for Everyone)

No matter what ticket you bought—even the cheapest Saver fare—you are allowed one small personal item. This is meant to live under the seat in front of you.

Examples: A small handbag, a laptop bag, or a baby changing bag.
Max Size: 40cm x 30cm x 20cm (roughly 15.5" x 11.5" x 8").
Top Tip: If you’re traveling with a laptop, make sure it’s in a dedicated sleeve or bag that fits these dimensions, as it counts as your one personal item.

2. The 10kg Carry-On Bag

This is where it gets a little more specific. Whether this bag is "free" or comes with a fee depends entirely on your route and fare type.

Transatlantic Flights: If you’re flying between Ireland and North America, a 10kg carry-on bag is included in your fare. You can take it on board and pop it in the overhead locker.
European Flights (Mainline): * Included: If you booked a Plus, Smart, Flex, or Advantage fare, the 10kg bag is included.
- Not Included (Saver Fare): If you booked the base "Saver" fare, you do not have a free 10kg carry-on allowance for the overhead bin. You have two choices:
  1. Book "Carry-on bag with priority boarding": This starts around €9.99 and lets you bring the bag into the cabin.
  2. Check it for free: This is a unique Aer Lingus perk. Even on Saver fares, you can usually drop your 10kg bag at the check-in desk for free, and they’ll put it in the hold. You just won’t have access to it during the flight.
Max Size: 55cm x 40cm x 24cm (21.5" x 15.5" x 9.5").

3. Aer Lingus Regional Flights

Flying on a smaller propeller plane (operated by Emerald Airlines)? These planes have tiny overhead bins, so the rules are stricter.

Max Weight: 7kg (not 10kg).
Max Size: 48cm x 33cm x 20cm (18.5" x 13" x 8").
Note: If your bag is the standard "mainline" size, it simply won't fit. You'll likely be asked to leave it at the aircraft steps for the crew to put in the hold.

Checked Baggage: Weight, Fares, and Fees

When the carry-on just isn't enough, you’ll need to look at checked bags. The Aer Lingus Baggage Policy uses a "weight-based" system for most flights, but a "piece-based" system for long-haul.

European Flights (Short Haul)

For flights within Europe, you can choose the weight that fits your needs. You can actually split your weight across up to three bags, which is great for families.

Small: 15kg (often only available on certain routes).
Medium: 20kg (The most common choice).
Large: 25kg.
Extra Large: 40kg (usually spread over two bags).

The Cost of Waiting: Never, ever wait until you get to the airport to add a bag. Pre-booking online via the "Manage Trip" section is up to 50% cheaper than the airport desk price. Airport fees for a 20kg bag can range from €35 to €65 depending on how far you're flying.

Transatlantic Flights (Long Haul)

If you’re heading across the pond, the allowance is usually more generous, but it’s strictly tied to your fare:

Saver Fare: 0 checked bags included.
Smart/Flex Fares: 1 x 23kg (50lb) bag included.
Business Class: Up to 3 bags with a total combined weight of 69kg (150lbs).

Size Limits: Don't Get Caught by the Tape Measure

While weight is what most people worry about, size matters too. For checked luggage, the "linear dimension" is the magic number.

Maximum Linear Dimensions: 158cm (62 inches).
How to calculate: Add the Length + Width + Height of your bag together.

If your bag is shaped like a giant trunk or an awkwardly long tube, it might be classified as "oversized," even if it’s light. This often triggers a flat fee of around €75/$100.

Fees for Excess Weight: The "Per Kilo" Trap

We’ve all been there—you bought too many souvenirs, and suddenly your 20kg bag is 23kg.

Within Europe: Aer Lingus generally charges €10 per extra kilo. If you're 5kg over, that's an extra €50 at the check-in desk.
Transatlantic: They usually apply a flat fee for overweight bags. If your bag is between 23kg and 32kg, expect to pay roughly €75 / $100.
The Hard Limit: No single bag can ever weigh more than 32kg (70lbs). This isn't just an airline rule; it’s a health and safety regulation for the baggage handlers. If your bag is heavier than that, you'll be forced to move items into another bag or leave them behind.

Sports Equipment and Musical Instruments

Aer Lingus is pretty friendly toward golfers and musicians, provided you follow the prep rules.

Sporting Gear

North America: If you're on a Smart/Flex fare, you can often swap your 23kg checked bag for a piece of sports equipment (like a golf bag or skis) for free.
Europe: There is a flat fee, usually around €40 online or €50 at the airport.
Weight Limit: 23kg. If your golf bag is a monster and hits 25kg, you’ll pay the sports fee plus the excess weight fee.

Music to Their Ears

Small stuff: Violins or flutes can usually be your carry-on bag if they fit the 55cm dimensions.
Guitars: You can't usually bring these as carry-on. You have two options: check it in a hard-shell case (standard fees apply) or buy a seat for it. Yes, you can book a window seat for your cello. Just use the name "MR ONE [INSTRUMENT TYPE]" when booking.
Big stuff: Harps and double basses must be checked into the hold.

Traveling with Infants and Children

Aer Lingus is quite generous here. If you’re traveling with a "lap infant" (under 2 years old):

Strollers: You can bring one fully collapsible stroller/buggy for free.
Extras: You can also bring one additional item for free, such as a car seat, booster seat, or travel cot.
Checked Bag: On Transatlantic flights, infants get a 10kg checked bag for free. On European flights, they don't get a separate bag allowance (but the stroller is still free).

A Note on the "Liquid Rule" Changes

There’s been a lot of talk about new scanners at airports like Dublin (DUB). While many airports are moving toward allowing up to 2 liters of liquids in carry-on, this is not universal yet. Even if Dublin lets you through with a full bottle of water, your return airport might not. Stick to the 100ml rule unless you are 100% sure about every airport on your itinerary to avoid losing your favorite toiletries.

Quick Summary Table

Bag Type	Max Dimensions	Max Weight	Cost
Personal Item	40 x 30 x 20 cm	N/A	Always Free
Carry-on (EU)	55 x 40 x 24 cm	10kg	Free (Plus/Smart) or ~€10 (Saver)
Carry-on (Long Haul)	55 x 40 x 24 cm	10kg	Always Free
Checked Bag (EU)	158cm (L+W+H)	15kg - 40kg	Varies by weight & route
Checked Bag (US)	158cm (L+W+H)	23kg (50lb)	Free (Smart/Flex)

Final Tips to Save Money

The "Free" Check-in Trick: If you have a Saver fare and don't mind waiting at the carousel, drop your 10kg carry-on at the desk. It’s free and saves you the €10 priority boarding fee.
Weigh at Home: Use a cheap luggage scale. Those €10-per-kilo fees add up faster than you’d think.
Bundle Up: If you’re right on the edge of a weight limit, wear your heaviest boots and your bulkiest coat onto the plane.
AerClub Status: If you fly Aer Lingus often, joining their loyalty program (AerClub) can eventually get you extra baggage allowances.

Navigating the Aer Lingus Baggage Policy doesn't have to be a headache. Just remember to check your specific fare type on your confirmation email—that’s the "source of truth" for your specific trip.