Aer Lingus Carry-On Policy: Size, Weight, & Restricted Items

Aer Lingus is a “semi-low cost” carrier that has both international and domestic operations. They operate as a traditional full service airline for transatlantic routes and as a mixed fare service provider for European routes. This model makes their carry on policy more complicated than other airlines.

In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the Aer Lingus carry-on policy. This includes carry-on baggage and personal item limits, prohibited items, and other restrictions you should know before boarding an Aer Lingus flight.

Aer Lingus Carry-On Policy

Passengers are allowed one personal item onboard, as well as a 10kg bag which must be checked in, at no charge. However, you will have to “book a carry-on bag” in advance if you want to store a bag in the overhead bin onboard the aircraft.  

The cost for this will start at €5.99 per bag.

If you forget to book your carry-on bag in advance, be prepared to pay a penalty. Aer Lingus will charge you a €35 fee if you have not purchased a carry-on bag, or if it’s not included in your fare, and you bring a 10kg bag to the boarding gate.

There are some exceptions to the fee, in the following situations:

• Silver, Platinum, and Concierge AerClub members. This applies to the member only and not traveling companions.
• Bookings made with Plus, Advantage, and Aer Space fare types.
• The accompanying adult is traveling with an infant.
• Customers connecting to/from an Aer Lingus transatlantic flight or a connecting flight with an interline partner.

The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you, and the carry-on bag must be stowed in the overhead bin.

All customers with a carry-on bag with priority boarding (either purchased or included) must check in online or via the Aer Lingus App.

Aer Lingus Carry-On Allowance

Aer Lingus size requirements for a carry-on are different for Transatlantic (Long haul) and Regional flights (Short Haul). If you aren’t sure what size your carry-on is, Aer Lingus has “size check templates” or “gauge units” located at their ticketing.

Aer Lingus Transatlantic Size and Weight Limits

10kg Carry-on Bag

Maximum weight: 10kg (22lb)

Maximum Size:

• Height 55cm (21.5″)
• Width 40cm (15.5″)
• Depth 24cm (9.5″)

Small Personal Item

Maximum Size:

• Height 25cm (10″)
• Width 33cm (13″)
• Depth 20cm (8″)

Recommended Carry-On Bag

If you are looking for a great carry-on bag when flying Aer Lingus on International Flights, I recommend the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Expandable Spinner. I have used this carry-on for years and brought it with me on many domestic and international flights.

It’s durable, reasonably priced, and holds everything I need for shorter trips (3-4 days). Plus the spinner wheels make it very easy to get through the airport quickly and effortlessly.

Aer Lingus Regional Flight Size and Weight Limits

7kg Carry-on Bag

Maximum weight: 7kg (15lb)

Maximum Size:

• Height 48cm (18.5″)
• Width 33cm (13″)
• Depth 20cm (8″)

Small Personal Item

Maximum Size:

• Height 25cm (10″)
• Width 33cm (13″)
• Depth 20cm (8″)

Here is a video to help illustrate:

If the bag is too big or too heavy, you’re going to have to pay a fee, so it’s always better to know your bag size and the limitations in advance.

Carry-On Size Rules for Small Regional Aircraft

If you are flying one of Aer Lingus’ regional planes (operated by Emerald Airlines), there is a 7kg weight limit per passenger for carry-on baggage, which must be stored in the overhead locker. Your small personal item (handbag or laptop bag) is also included and must be stowed under the seat in front of you.

If you want to make sure you have a bag that will fit, check out this article on the best carry-on bags for regional jets.

Related Content: Aer Lingus Flight Deals

Carry-On Liquids with Aer Lingus

The rules for carry-on liquids are set by the TSA in the US and the EASA and European Commission in Europe.  Aer Lingus doesn’t have its own specific Liquids Policy, they just enforce the rules and policies of the Authorities.

• Containers with liquids and gel-like substances may hold up to 100 ml (maximum capacity must be printed on the container).
• All containers must be carried in a plastic bag (transparent, resealable, max. capacity of one liter). One bag per person.
• The bag must be presented separately at security. Take your liquids out of your carry-on baggage at the security screening point and present them separately. In exceptional cases, liquids may be opened during security checks and removed from their outer packaging.
• Liquid duty-free goods purchased at an international airport or on board an aircraft outside the EU must be transported in a tamper-proof, certified bag on connecting flights via an EU airport. The proof of purchase must be inside the bag and the bag must be sealed by the retailer.
• Medicines and special food (e.g., baby food) can be carried outside the plastic bag and must also be presented at security.

Carry-On Food

An important thing to note is the classification of liquid foods vs. solid foods.

The general rule is “If you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it, or pour it, then it’s considered a liquid or gel.” This means your food may be considered a liquid and will fall under the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule, which mandates that any liquid, gel, cream, aerosol, or paste in a carry-on must be 3.4 ounces or less, and fit in one quart-size resealable bag (only one such bag is allowed per passenger).

The TSA website advises what food can be brought with you on your flight.  This applies to food you are bringing from home through security. Once you get through security, you can bring any food on the plane that you buy at the airport.

Carry-On Pet Policy

Aer Lingus does not allow pets in the main cabin with passengers unless it is a trained service dog used to help a passenger with a disability.

Pets must be booked through a pet agent at IAG Cargo for carriage on Aer Lingus flights in the aircraft hold.

Customers traveling with pets from North America can contact the Aer Lingus North American Pet Desk at 1 (888) 578-4806 (Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm EST) or via email to [email protected] to make arrangements to bring your pet(s) into Ireland via IAG Cargo.

• If you are entering Ireland or an EU country your pet must comply with EU Pet Travel rules.
• If you are entering the UK, your pet must meet the requirements of the UK Pet Travel Scheme.
• Pets entering the USA must comply with the US Department of Agriculture entry requirements.
• Pets entering Canada must comply with the Government of Canada entry requirements.

Prohibited Items and Dangerous Goods

Items considered “dangerous goods” are prohibited under the Aer Lingus carry-on policy. A complete list can be found on the FAA website, the TSA website, and/or the EASA website.

One more way to find them is with the Aer Lingus summary of restricted items.

Aer Lingus Carry-On Size and Fees

Here is a link to Aer Lingus Carry-On page to make sure you have the most up-to-date information.