preloadA man wearing casual attire, carrying a backpack and dragging a suitcase, walks along a walkway leading to a railway station.

Popular Irish airline Aer Lingus has specific carry-on baggage policies to ensure efficient and safe travel for its passengers. While you might be familiar with the basics, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with the updated Aer Lingus carry-on size and weight policy guidelines.

Aer Lingus carry-on size policies explained

According to their luggage guidelines, Aer Lingus allows each traveler to bring 1 small personal item such as a purse, laptop bag, small handbag, or briefcase on all flights. Carry-on luggage is included free of charge on transatlantic and regional flights, but not on European flights.

aer-lingus-carry-on-sizes

The Aer Lingus carry-on bag size will differ depending on the type of flight:

All carry-on luggage must fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you.

The Aer Lingus carry-on weight limit will also depend on your flight type. The combined weight of your carry-on bag and small personal item shouldn’t exceed 7kg (15lb) on regional flights. If you opt to bring a carry-on onto a European or transatlantic flight, it should not weigh more than 10kg (22lb), but your personal item doesn’t factor into that.

If you’re having problems fitting everything, check out this handy guide to packing your carry-on.

Note that Aer Lingus has updated its carry-on policy for European flights. If you want to bring a carry-on bag of up to 10kg, you must add it for a fee of €9.99/£9.99, unless you have priority status. Depending on your ticket, you may, however, check this bag free of charge.

Lily Cichanowicz, travel expert

What extra items can you bring on board

A Muslim mother carries her child in her arms as they sit in the bed.

Be sure to review what is and isn’t allowed on your carry-on before you fly to avoid having your things confiscated.

The following additional items are allowed on board Aer Lingus:

  • A collapsible stroller/pushchair plus a car seat, travel cot, or seat booster.
  • Medical equipment such as a foldable wheelchair or mobility aid.
  • Smaller musical instruments that meet the Aer Lingus carry-on luggage size requirements for regional or other flights. You can purchase an extra window seat if your instrument is larger than required. The weight of the instrument, including its case, shouldn’t exceed 75kg (165 lbs).
  • Urn carrying ashes. You should store it safely in a cushioned leakproof container not made of metal.

All carry-on baggage for infants (children below 2 years of age) must be included in the baggage allowance of the accompanying adult. It will be listed as a ‘carry-on bag with priority boarding’. Children aged 2-12 have the same carry-on baggage allowance as adults.

Aer Lingus carry-on FAQs

Carry-on policies can be tricky to decipher. Find answers to the most commonly asked questions below.

Aer Lingus is very strict with its carry-on policy. Your hand luggage will be checked into the hold if it surpasses the set requirements, and you’ll pay the relevant baggage fees.
The free baggage allowance on Aer Lingus applies to 1 small personal item on all flights, with varied regulations for carry-on luggage. Be sure to double check the specifics of your flight and fare type to determine your carry-on allowance, as these regulations have recently changed.
Yes. Aer Lingus is very strict with its carry-on luggage policy, and you’re likely to pay additional fees if your bag doesn’t meet the right size and weight requirements.

Expert tips for maximizing Aer Lingus’ carry-on baggage allowance

from travel expert Lily Cichanowicz

lily-ciechanowicz-travel-expert

1. Pack light

Pack essential items only and make use of space-saving techniques like rolling your clothes. These expert tips will help you make the most out of the space you have.

2. Become an AerClub member

You can join Aer Lingus’ AerClub and enjoy benefits like complimentary carry-on baggage allowance in some of the membership tiers.

3. Choose the right bag

You should look for a compact and lightweight bag that fits perfectly in the compartments and does not take up much of the total weight.

Still have questions about Aer Lingus carry-on size?

Luggage policies can be confusing. For an easy way to compare carry-on rules across airlines, check out our carry-on luggage guide. Need help deciding between a carry-on or checked bag? Or perhaps you’re stuck on what to pack? We have plenty of handy tips for that, too. Finally, don’t forget to check what's allowed in a carry-on before you head to the airport.

⏰ Last update: February 20, 2025 – because staying informed makes travel smoother.

About the author

Fie KornumFie is Head of Content at KAYAK. Her ideal holiday would be sitting by the fireplace in a quiet cabin somewhere off the grid, watching the snow fall while relaxing with a glass of wine. Reality, however, is messier – and a lot noisier. Because when you’re travelling with two kids, there’s always something happening (usually involving pools or ice cream.) Follow Fie on Linkedin for more travel inspiration.
Lily CichanowiczLily is a freelance writer, digital nomad, and jet setter. Currently based in Berlin, she dreams of someday moving back to Latin America. She prefers slow travel and befriending locals in order to understand cultures deeply. On a trip, you can find her seeking out authentic cuisine and connecting with the political history of a destination.

Explore more articles