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 a carry-on baggage policy to ensure efficient and safe travel for its passengers. While you might be familiar with the basics, only a few understand certain Aer Lingus carry-on size and weight policy guidelines.


What is the carry-on policy for Aer Lingus?

Two young women sit in the airport departure area's waiting room, engrossed in their smartphones, with two white suitcases neatly placed by their sides.

Aer Lingus allows each traveler to bring 1 carry-on bag and 1 small personal item such as a purse, laptop bag, small handbag, or briefcase for both regional flights or other flights. All carry-on luggage must fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you.

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

  • Regional flights: 18.5 x 13 x 8 inches (48 x 33 x 20 cm), including handles, pockets, or other features.
  • Other flights: 21.5 x 15.5 x 9.5 inches (55 x 40 x 24 cm), including handles, pockets, or other features.

You can also bring a personal item that doesn’t exceed 10 x 13 x 8 inches (25 x 33 x 20cm). The dimensions are in the Height x Width x Depth format.

The Aer Lingus carry-on weight limit will also depend on your type of flight. The combined weight of your carry-on bag and small personal item shouldn’t exceed 7kg (15lb) on regional flights or 10kg (22lb) on other flights. If you’re having problems fitting everything, check out this handy guide to packing your carry-on bag.

What is the carry-on liquid policy for Aer Lingus?

Aer Lingus adheres to the rules for carry-on liquids set by EASA and TSA. You are allowed to carry gels, shampoos, pastes, creams, and other liquids in a container that is not more than 100 ml (3.4 oz). These containers should be packed in a clear, resealable bag with a maximum capacity of 1 liter.

You’re also allowed to bring the following liquids onboard Aer Lingus:

  • Medication supported by a doctor’s prescription statement.
  • Special dietary products like baby food.
  • Duty-free liquids. They should be kept in a sealed security bag.

What extra items can you bring on board

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’; you cannot drop it off at check-in. You must take your carry-on bags and personal item onboard. Children aged 2-12 have the same carry-on baggage allowance as adults.

To know if your bag qualifies, use this Bag Measurement tool in the KAYAK app.

Tips for maximizing Aer Lingus’ carry-on baggage allowance

Hands trying to close a luggage packed with clothes.

To get the most out of your Aer Lingus carry-on luggage allowance, you should:

  • Pack light: Pack essential items only and make use of space-saving techniques like folding your clothes.
  • Become an Aer Club member: You can join Aer Lingus’ Aer Club and enjoy benefits like complimentary carry-on baggage allowance in some of the membership tiers.
  • 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.

Aer Lingus carry-on FAQs

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 carry-on bag and 1 small personal item that each passenger can bring onboard free of charge. Some passengers are allowed to bring a ‘carry-on bag with priority boarding, provided they meet certain requirements.

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.

Disclaimer: Information is correct as of 26.09.2023 and may vary with time.

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.

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