Aer Lingus baggage allowance, by fare
Updated September 2026
Aer Lingus always includes a small personal item free of charge -- but the larger 10 kg overhead cabin bag is a different story. It comes included on Transatlantic, Plus, and Advantage fares and for AerClub elite members, but on the cheapest Saver-type fares it's a paid extra starting around EUR 9.99 when booked online, not a standard inclusion.
Cabin bag and personal item
The personal item (40 x 30 x 20 cm, think a handbag or laptop case) is free on every fare, every time. The 10 kg cabin bag (55 x 40 x 24 cm) is what varies -- included on some fares, purchasable on others. If you board with an oversized or overweight cabin bag you haven't paid for, expect a EUR 35 fee to check it into the hold at the gate. Check your bag against Aer Lingus and 52 other airlines with our carry-on checker.
Checked baggage: transatlantic vs. European pricing
| Fare | Checked baggage |
|---|---|
| Transatlantic Saver | None included -- always a paid add-on |
| Transatlantic Smart / Flex | 1 x 23 kg (2nd bag costs EUR 75) |
| European Saver | None included -- priced by distance and weight |
| European Plus / Advantage | Included with fare |
| AerClub elite members | 10 kg cabin bag included regardless of fare |
On transatlantic routes, Smart and Flex fares include one 23 kg bag free, with a second costing EUR 75. Overweight bags between 23.1-32 kg cost EUR 75 / $100 / £68 per direction. Within Europe, Saver fares charge for checked bags by distance and weight tier -- from around EUR 27 for a near route at 20 kg up to EUR 87 for a longer route with two bags at 40 kg combined. Excess weight within Europe costs EUR 10 per kilogram, and checking in at the airport without pre-booking costs EUR 35-65 depending on distance.
Sports gear and instruments
Sports equipment has its own handling fee -- EUR 40 booked online, EUR 50 by phone or at the airport. Musical instruments too large for the cabin can travel on a purchased extra seat, or be checked for a EUR 40-50 handling fee.
Bottom line
Before assuming your cabin bag rides free, check which fare type you booked -- Saver fares, especially transatlantic ones, treat the cabin bag as an add-on rather than an inclusion. See our guide to avoiding baggage fees for how to budget for it upfront instead of at the gate.
Sources
- Send My Bag — Aer Lingus Baggage Allowance 2026
- Official baggage policy — check current rules directly onaerlingus.combefore flying, since fares and allowances change. Last verified: 9 September 2026.
Where to start looking on Amazon
A budget hardside pick with 4 spinner wheels — check its listed dimensions and weight against the limits above before buying.
One of the lighter carry-ons available — worth a look on the airlines above with a low cabin weight limit, since the bag's own empty weight eats into it.
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LuggageSearch is reader-supported. This page may contain affiliate links — see our disclosure. Airline policies change: always confirm on the airline's own site before flying.
