If you have ever flown to or from Ireland there is a good chance you have seen the green shamrock tail of Aer Lingus. It is Ireland’s national airline and it is loved by many travelers heading across Europe and the Atlantic. Whether you are taking a short hop from Dublin to London or a long stretch from Shannon to New York the airline is usually a solid choice.
But let’s be real. Aer Lingus baggage rules can be a bit confusing. They change depending on whether you are flying within Europe or across the ocean and they also depend on the type of ticket you buy. Buy the Saver fare and you might find yourself stuck with carry on only. Buy Advantage or Business and suddenly you can haul half your wardrobe with you.
I still remember my first Aer Lingus flight years ago. I was convinced my backpack would slide by as a personal item. Spoiler alert. It did not. The gate agent gave me that “nice try” look and I had to check it in. That little lesson cost me a pint or two in Dublin.
In this guide I will walk you through everything you need to know about Aer Lingus baggage rules. From carry on sizes and checked bag allowances to sports equipment and sneaky extra fees. I will also share some tips so you can avoid paying more than you planned and spend that cash on a proper Irish breakfast instead.
Aer Lingus Carry On Allowance
Let’s start with the bag you actually get to keep by your side. Aer Lingus has a pretty clear system but it changes depending on where you are flying.
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Short haul flights within Europe
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Saver fare: one small underseat bag only (think laptop bag or small backpack). It must fit under the seat in front of you.
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Plus or Advantage fare: one cabin bag plus one small personal item. The cabin bag goes in the overhead and the personal item under your seat.
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Business class: two cabin bags plus one personal item.
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Long haul flights (to the US or Canada)
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All passengers, even Saver fare, can bring one cabin bag and one small personal item.
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Business class gets two cabin bags plus one personal item.
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Size limits are the standard airline numbers:
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Cabin bag: 55 x 40 x 24 cm
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Personal item: 25 x 33 x 20 cm
💡 Travel tip: Aer Lingus actually checks cabin bags more often than some budget airlines. If the overhead bins are full, they will tag your bag and check it free of charge, but only if it is within the allowed size and weight. If not, you will pay.
I once saw a guy try to argue that his guitar counted as a personal item. The staff member just raised an eyebrow and pointed at the baggage desk. Safe to say he was not strumming tunes on the plane that day.
Aer Lingus Carry On Weight Restrictions
Now let’s talk about the part that always makes travelers a little nervous. The weight limits. Aer Lingus is not the most forgiving when it comes to heavy hand luggage.
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Short haul flights within Europe
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Your cabin bag can weigh up to 10 kg.
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The small underseat personal item is not usually weighed, but it needs to be small enough to actually fit under the seat.
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Long haul flights to the US and Canada
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Same rule. Cabin bag up to 10 kg.
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Personal item again is more about size than weight.
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Business class
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Two cabin bags are allowed, but together they still cannot weigh more than 10 kg in total. So it is not two heavy suitcases. It is more like two light ones or a suitcase plus a garment bag.
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💡 Personal tip: Get yourself a small digital luggage scale. It has saved me from repacking at the gate more times than I can count. Once I had to wear my heaviest shoes and stuff my coat pockets with chargers just to pass the weigh in. Not exactly a stylish airport look.
Aer Lingus Checked Baggage Rules
Checked bags with Aer Lingus really depend on which fare you choose. This is where people often get caught off guard.
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Saver fare (Europe only)
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No checked bag is included. You will need to pay extra if you want to check one in.
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Plus or Advantage fare (Europe)
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Usually includes 1 checked bag up to 20 kg.
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Transatlantic flights (US and Canada)
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Even Saver fares include 1 checked bag up to 23 kg.
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Advantage or Flex fares give you 2 checked bags up to 23 kg each.
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Business class
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You can check in 3 bags up to 32 kg each. That is a lot of room. Basically enough to move your entire closet from Dublin to Boston if you wanted.
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Bag size limit for all checked luggage is the usual 158 cm total (length + width + height). Go over this and you are in oversized territory.
💡 Traveler tip: If you are flying within Europe and booked the cheapest Saver ticket, make sure you add a checked bag online before your trip. Paying at the airport costs way more. I once stood behind a couple in line at Dublin Airport who had to fork out almost double the online price because they thought “we’ll sort it later.” Painful.
Aer Lingus Excess Baggage Fees
This is the part of the journey nobody enjoys. What happens when your bag is too heavy or too big? Aer Lingus will not let it slide.
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Overweight bags
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If your checked bag is heavier than 23 kg (or 32 kg in Business) you will pay an overweight fee. The fee is charged per kilo and the amount depends on whether you are flying within Europe or across the Atlantic.
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Oversized bags
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Anything bigger than 158 cm (length + width + height) is oversized and will cost extra. Oversized sports equipment like surfboards or large musical instruments usually fall into this category.
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Extra bags
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If your fare includes one bag but you turn up with two you will pay an extra bag fee. Again, it is much cheaper to pay for the extra bag online when you book or later through “Manage Booking” rather than waiting until the airport.
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💡 My advice: never gamble with Aer Lingus baggage staff. I once tried to argue that my suitcase was “only one kilo over” and the agent did not even blink. Out came the credit card machine. It is much cheaper (and less stressful) to weigh your bag at home and pre pay for any extras online.
Aer Lingus Sports Equipment & Special Items
Ireland is famous for golf courses, surfing spots, and cycling trails, so it is no surprise that Aer Lingus sees a lot of sports gear coming through check in. The good news is they do allow it. The bad news is it usually costs extra.
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Golf Clubs
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Aer Lingus is pretty golf friendly. You can check one set of clubs as a piece of sports equipment. It normally comes with a fixed fee unless you are on a higher fare that includes it.
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Surfboards and Kayaks
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These fall under oversized baggage and need to be pre booked. A surfboard is fine if packed properly but a kayak is pushing your luck.
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Bicycles
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Bikes are accepted but they must be packed in a bike box or protective case. Make sure you deflate the tires and remove pedals and handlebars to keep it safe.
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Ski Equipment
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Less common from Ireland but still allowed. Usually treated the same as golf gear.
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Musical Instruments
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Small instruments can go as part of your cabin allowance if they fit the dimensions. Larger ones like cellos or guitars usually need to be checked or you can buy a seat for them.
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💡 Traveler tip: Always book sports gear in advance. If you turn up at the airport with a bike or golf bag that is not booked online you will pay much higher fees. I once saw a surfer in Shannon Airport who looked more upset about the baggage fee than about missing the morning tide.
Tips for Travelers
Flying Aer Lingus can be smooth sailing if you know the baggage game. Here are a few tricks I have learned along the way.
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Book your bags online
If you know you need a checked bag, always add it online before you fly. The airport fees are almost double and you do not want that kind of surprise before boarding. -
Wear your bulky stuff
Ireland is not exactly tropical. If you are traveling with boots, a coat, or even a chunky sweater, just wear it on the plane. I once wore two jackets through boarding just to shave off a couple of kilos. Did I look ridiculous? Yes. Did I save money? Also yes. -
Use packing cubes
These little things keep your clothes neat and make it easier if you have to shuffle weight between bags at the airport. Plus, they stop your socks from hiding in every corner of your suitcase. -
Bring a digital luggage scale
Aer Lingus is strict about the 10 kg carry on rule. A tiny scale that clips to your bag handle can save you from doing the awkward “stuffing shoes into your backpack at the check in desk” routine. -
Know your fare type
Saver means no checked bag in Europe. Plus or Advantage usually means one bag. Long haul Saver includes one. It is easy to get caught out if you do not check.
💡 Personal note: I once tried to wing it with just a backpack and ended up sitting on the floor of Dublin Airport, repacking my bag so my laptop would fit in my “personal item.” Not my proudest travel moment.
Product Suggestions
If you are flying Aer Lingus, the right travel gear can make the difference between breezing through check in or paying painful extra fees. Here are some traveler favorites from Amazon that fit Aer Lingus rules perfectly.
1. Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry On
This carry on is lightweight, expandable, and fits Aer Lingus’s 55 x 40 x 24 cm rule. The spinner wheels glide effortlessly through Dublin or Boston airports.
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Pros: Expandable for extra space, TSA approved lock, durable shell.
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Cons: The glossy finish can scratch if handled roughly.
2. Travelpro Maxlite 5 Lightweight Checked Luggage
If you need a checked bag, this is one of the lightest out there. At just over 2.5 kg, it gives you more allowance for actual clothes rather than wasting it on the suitcase weight.
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Pros: Super light, sturdy handles, affordable price.
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Cons: Fabric shell can scuff more easily than hard cases.
3. Nomatic Navigator Backpack 15L–21L
This backpack works beautifully as a personal item. It is sleek, expandable, and has hidden pockets for passports and chargers.
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Pros: Professional design, expandable capacity, great organization.
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Cons: Pricey compared to standard backpacks.
4. BAGAIL Compression Packing Cubes (Set of 6)
Packing cubes are the ultimate travel hack. These compression ones help you squeeze more into limited space while staying organized.
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Pros: Affordable, compresses clothes, multiple sizes.
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Cons: Zippers can feel a little stiff at first.
5. Athletico Padded Golf Travel Bag
If you are flying to Ireland for golf (and let’s be real, many do), this padded golf bag keeps clubs safe while meeting Aer Lingus sports equipment policies.
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Pros: Thick padding, strong zippers, affordable compared to pro golf bags.
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Cons: Not as protective as hard case golf carriers.
💡 Tip: If you are flying transatlantic on Aer Lingus, make the most of that included checked bag and pack strategically. But for short haul Europe trips, a carry on like the Samsonite Freeform plus packing cubes might be all you need.
FAQs: Aer Lingus Carry On & Baggage Rules
Q1: What is the carry on size limit for Aer Lingus?
The standard cabin bag size is 55 x 40 x 24 cm. In addition, you can bring a small personal item like a handbag or laptop bag up to 25 x 33 x 20 cm.
Q2: How heavy can my Aer Lingus carry on be?
Aer Lingus allows a cabin bag up to 10 kg. Personal items are not usually weighed, but they must be small enough to fit under the seat.
Q3: Does Aer Lingus actually weigh carry on bags?
Yes, especially on European flights where overhead space is limited. If your bag looks heavy, it may be weighed at check in or the gate.
Q4: What is included in the Saver fare?
On short haul European flights, Saver only includes one small underseat personal item. On long haul flights to the US or Canada, Saver does include 1 cabin bag (10 kg) and 1 checked bag (23 kg).
Q5: What checked baggage is included with other fares?
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Plus / Advantage (Europe): 1 checked bag up to 20 kg.
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Transatlantic Saver: 1 checked bag up to 23 kg.
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Advantage or Flex (long haul): 2 checked bags up to 23 kg each.
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Business: 3 checked bags up to 32 kg each.
Q6: What happens if my bag is overweight?
If your bag is above 23 kg (or 32 kg in Business) you will pay an overweight fee per kilo. Fees are lower if you prepay online and much higher at the airport.
Q7: Can I bring duty free items in addition to my carry on?
Yes, duty free shopping bags are allowed on top of your standard allowance. Just make sure they are reasonably sized.
Q8: Can I bring baby gear like a stroller or car seat?
Yes, Aer Lingus allows 1 stroller and 1 car seat per child free of charge. You can also bring a diaper bag in addition to your cabin allowance.
Q9: Does Aer Lingus allow sports equipment?
Yes, items like golf clubs, bicycles, surfboards, and skis are allowed. They usually count as checked baggage and may incur a fixed fee. Always book online in advance for cheaper rates.
Q10: Can I bring musical instruments on board?
Small instruments can travel as cabin baggage if they fit within the size and weight limits. Larger ones like guitars or cellos usually need to be checked in or booked with a paid seat.
Q11: What about liquids in carry on?
The standard EU rule applies — containers up to 100 ml, all in one 1 liter transparent bag.
Q12: Can I pool baggage allowance with another passenger?
No, Aer Lingus does not allow baggage allowance to be combined between passengers. Each person has to stick to their own limit.
Q13: Do they allow pets on board?
Yes, Aer Lingus allows small cats and dogs in the cabin on short haul flights. For long haul, pets must usually travel in the cargo hold. Always book early as spots are limited.
Conclusion
Flying with Aer Lingus is usually a pleasant experience. The crew are friendly, the shamrock logo makes you feel a little Irish even if you are not, and the routes between Europe and North America are convenient. But when it comes to baggage rules you need to pay close attention.
The short version is this: if you are on a Saver fare within Europe you are basically traveling with just an underseat bag unless you pay extra. If you are flying long haul even Saver includes one checked bag which is a nice perk. Business class on the other hand lets you pack like you are moving house.
The golden rule is simple — always check your fare type, weigh your bags before leaving home, and book any extras online instead of waiting for the airport. That way you can avoid those nasty fee surprises and spend the savings on something more fun, like a proper Irish breakfast or a pint of Guinness at the pub.
I have learned this the hard way more than once. Trust me, it is better to prepare than to find yourself wearing two jackets and stuffing snacks into your pockets at the check in desk. With a little planning Aer Lingus can be one of the smoother airlines to fly with.
Horace Dupuy is a seasoned traveler and luggage reviewer who has spent years flying with both major and regional airlines across the United States and abroad. His first-hand travel experience has taught him exactly what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to carry-on rules, baggage fees, and packing strategies.
At CarryOnSizes.com, Horace combines personal travel knowledge with in-depth research to provide accurate, up-to-date guides for travelers who want to fly stress-free. When he is not writing about luggage, you will probably find him exploring new destinations with only a compact backpack in tow.