Aer Lingus Baggage Policy (2026) — Fees, Limits & Rules
Aer Lingus allows 1 carry-on and 1 personal item for free on transatlantic flights, but European Saver fares only include a personal item. Checked bag fees vary by route, with transatlantic flights using a piece concept and European flights using a weight concept.
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Talk to an ExpertBaggage Allowance Summary
| Airline | Aer Lingus (EI) |
|---|---|
| Carry-On | 55x40x24 cm (21.5x15.5x9.5 inches), 10 kg (22 lbs) max |
| Personal Item | 1 personal item: 40x30x20 cm (15.5x11.5x8 inches). Must fit under the seat in front of you. |
| Checked Bag Allowance | Saver: 0 bags. Plus/Advantage/AerSpace (Europe): 1 bag (20 kg). Smart/Flex (Transatlantic): 1 bag (23 kg). Business: 3 bags (69 kg combined). |
| First Bag Fee | $30-$72 (distance-based) for Europe flights, $55-$75 for Transatlantic flights |
| Second Bag Fee | $65 USD for a second bag (up to 23kg) on Transatlantic flights if booked online |
| Overweight Fee | $11 (€10) per extra kg for Europe flights. $100 (€75) flat fee for bags 23-32 kg on Transatlantic flights. |
| Oversized Fee | Bags over 158 cm may face extra fees or be refused |
| Max Weight | 32 kg |
| Max Dimensions | 158 cm linear (L+W+H) |
| Free Bag in Economy | No |
Special Items
Sports Equipment
Transatlantic: 1 standard piece (max 23 kg) allowed as free checked bag for Smart/Flex/Business. Europe: Specific handling fee charged in addition to standard allowance. Business Class carries sports equipment free.
Musical Instruments
Small instruments allowed as carry-on. Medium instruments (max 75 kg) require a purchased window seat. Checked instruments incur standard baggage fees.
International Rules
Transatlantic flights use a piece concept (1 free 23kg bag for Smart/Flex fares), while European flights use a weight concept (20kg included for Plus/Advantage fares).
Tips to Avoid Fees
1. Book baggage online in advance to save up to 50% compared to airport prices. 2. Avoid Saver fares if you need to check a bag, as higher tiers include baggage. 3. Ensure your carry-on meets the strict 10kg limit to avoid a €35/£35 gate fee.
Unique Nuances
Aer Lingus charges a €35/£35 fee at the gate if your carry-on is not included in your booking or purchased in advance. European flights use a weight concept where you can split your allowance across multiple bags, unlike the piece concept used for transatlantic flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does Aer Lingus charge for checked bags?
- Aer Lingus charges $30-$72 (distance-based) for Europe flights, $55-$75 for Transatlantic flights for the first checked bag and $65 USD for a second bag (up to 23kg) on Transatlantic flights if booked online for the second bag.
- What is Aer Lingus's carry-on bag size limit?
- Aer Lingus carry-on allowance: 55x40x24 cm (21.5x15.5x9.5 inches), 10 kg (22 lbs) max. 1 personal item: 40x30x20 cm (15.5x11.5x8 inches). Must fit under the seat in front of you.
- Does Aer Lingus include free checked bags in economy?
- No, Aer Lingus does not include free checked bags in basic economy. Saver: 0 bags. Plus/Advantage/AerSpace (Europe): 1 bag (20 kg). Smart/Flex (Transatlantic): 1 bag (23 kg). Business: 3 bags (69 kg combined).
- What is Aer Lingus's overweight baggage fee?
- $11 (€10) per extra kg for Europe flights. $100 (€75) flat fee for bags 23-32 kg on Transatlantic flights.
- Can I bring sports equipment on Aer Lingus?
- Transatlantic: 1 standard piece (max 23 kg) allowed as free checked bag for Smart/Flex/Business. Europe: Specific handling fee charged in addition to standard allowance. Business Class carries sports equipment free.
- What are Aer Lingus baggage fees?
- Aer Lingus baggage fees are $30-$72 (distance-based) for Europe flights, $55-$75 for Transatlantic flights for the first checked bag and $65 USD for a second bag (up to 23kg) on Transatlantic flights if booked online for the second. Overweight bags (over 50 lbs) incur an additional fee of $11 (€10) per extra kg for Europe flights. $100 (€75) flat fee for bags 23-32 kg on Transatlantic flights.. Transatlantic flights use a piece concept (1 free 23kg bag for Smart/Flex fares), while European flights use a weight concept (20kg included for Plus/Advantage fares).