Aer Lingus Cabin Baggage & Hand Luggage Allowance
Everything you need to know about Aer Lingus hand luggage, cabin bag sizes and checked baggage allowances before you travel.
Last updated: 4th May 2026
Aer Lingus baggage allowances vary depending on fare type and the baggage options selected during booking.
Every passenger can bring one small cabin bag free of charge, measuring up to 30 × 40 × 15 cm, which must fit beneath the seat in front.
Passengers who require additional cabin baggage can add a 10kg cabin bag allowance, allowing a larger bag of up to 55 × 40 × 24 cm to be carried on board.
This bag is normally stored in the overhead lockers, although it may occasionally be placed in the hold on busy flights if cabin space is limited.
Checked baggage is available as an optional extra, with standard allowances typically starting at 20kg and 25kg.
Additional weight options are available, with individual checked bags permitted up to a maximum of 32kg.
Aer Lingus baggage options allow travellers to tailor their allowance to the type of trip they are taking, whether that's a short city break with cabin baggage only or a longer journey requiring additional checked luggage.
If you're travelling with cabin baggage only, remember that UK airport liquid restrictions still apply.
CabinCleared travel toiletries are designed to help travellers pack efficiently, stay within airport security rules and make the most of their available cabin baggage space.
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Flying with Cabin Baggage Only?
If you're travelling with just hand luggage, packing cabin-approved toiletries can save time at airport security and help you avoid last-minute shopping at the airport.
Free Cabin Bag Size
Small Cabin Bag
30 x 40 x 15 cm
Checked Baggage Fees
Pre-booked checked baggage
FROM €9.99
Fees vary by route
and booking date
Checked Baggage Weight
Standard options
20kg or 25kg
Maximum weight
UP TO 32kg PER BAG
KEY AER LINGUS BAGGAGE TIPS
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Every passenger can bring one small cabin bag free of charge provided it fits within Aer Lingus size limits
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Add a 10kg cabin bag allowance before travel if you need overhead locker space
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Booking checked baggage in advance is usually cheaper than purchasing it at the airport
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Liquids carried through airport security should remain within 100ml containers where required
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Measure cabin bags including wheels and handles before travelling
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Choose the checked baggage allowance that best suits the length of your trip
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Cabin bags placed in overhead lockers may occasionally be transferred to the hold on busy flights if space is limited
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Travelling with cabin baggage only can help reduce costs and speed up your airport journey
Cabin baggage sizes explained
Understanding the difference between small cabin bags, cabin suitcases and checked baggage helps you pack efficiently and avoid unexpected fees at the airport.
Aer Lingus baggage allowance by ticket type
Your Aer Lingus ticket type determines whether you can bring a cabin suitcase or only a small underseat bag.
Saver / Basic
Small cabin bag
(30 × 40 × 15 cm)
No overhead cabin bag included​
Best for:
Short trips or minimal packing
Large Cabin Bag (Paid)
Small cabin bag
(30 × 40 × 15 cm)
Best for:
Hand luggage only travel with extra space
Plus / Advantage / AerSpace
Small cabin bag
(30 × 40 × 15 cm)
Best for:
Longer trips or flexible travel
Checked bag included
(20kg / 25kg depends on fare)
Carry-on suitcase
(55 × 40 × 24 cm, up to 10kg)
Carry-on suitcase
(55 × 40 × 24 cm, up to 10kg)
Packing Your Cabin Bag?
Now that you know how much cabin baggage you can take on Aer Lingus, don't forget that airport liquid restrictions still apply. Choosing cabin-approved toiletries before you travel can make security quicker and packing much easier.
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Checked baggage with Aer Lingus: what you need to know
Aer Lingus checked baggage is optional on many fares, with allowances depending on your route, ticket type and whether baggage is added during booking.
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Basic fares typically do not include checked baggage, but it can be added at the time of booking or afterwards. Higher fare types, such as Plus, Advantage and AerSpace, often include a checked bag as part of the ticket.
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Passengers can usually choose between 20kg and 25kg checked baggage options, with the flexibility to increase weight depending on their needs. Individual bags can weigh up to 32kg, and total size must not exceed 158cm (length + width + height).
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Booking checked baggage in advance is usually cheaper than adding it at the airport, so planning ahead can help keep costs down.
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For shorter trips, many travellers choose to travel with hand luggage only, especially when a large cabin bag option is included or added.
This can make the airport experience quicker and more convenient.
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Each checked bag must meet Aer Lingus size and weight limits. Bags that exceed these limits may incur additional charges, particularly if they are overweight or oversized.
Aer Lingus cabin baggage rules: liquids, extras and restrictions
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Aer Lingus cabin baggage rules go beyond size and weight. Understanding what you can and cannot take in your hand luggage helps avoid delays at airport security and makes your journey smoother.
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Liquids in hand luggage must follow standard airport security rules. Each container must be 100ml or less, and all liquids must fit within a single transparent, resealable bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre.
This includes everyday toiletries such as toothpaste, deodorant, skincare products, shampoo and cosmetics. Items such as gels, creams and sprays are all included within these restrictions.
In addition to your cabin baggage allowance, Aer Lingus allows passengers to bring essential personal items on board, such as medication, baby supplies and airport purchases, provided everything fits within your allocated cabin space.
Some fares include only a small underseat bag, while others allow a larger cabin suitcase in the overhead locker.
If you bring a larger bag without the correct allowance, it may be placed in the hold and a fee applied at the gate.
Restricted items are not permitted in cabin baggage, including certain sharp objects, large liquids and items considered hazardous.
These rules are enforced at airport security and apply regardless of airline.
For a smoother journey, it is important to pack efficiently, separate your liquids for inspection, and ensure your bags meet your allowance before arriving at the airport.
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Common cabin baggage mistakes to avoid
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Bringing liquids over 100ml in hand luggage
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Forgetting to separate liquids at security
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Bringing a cabin suitcase without the correct allowance
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Overpacking beyond your cabin allowance
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Packing restricted items without checking first
Aer Lingus baggage FAQs
1. What cabin baggage can I take on Aer Lingus?
All passengers can bring one small cabin bag that must fit under the seat in front of them. A larger cabin suitcase can be added depending on your fare or purchased separately.
2. What size is the Aer Lingus small cabin bag?
The small cabin bag must be no larger than 45 x 36 x 20 cm and must fit under the seat in front of you.
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3. Can I bring a carry-on suitcase with Aer Lingus?
Yes, but only if your ticket includes it or you purchase a 10kg carry-on bag option. This allows you to bring a cabin suitcase stored in the overhead locker.
4. What are the size and weight limits for a carry-on suitcase?
A carry-on suitcase must be no larger than 55 x 40 x 24 cm and weigh no more than 10kg.
5. What happens if I bring a cabin bag without paying for it?
If you bring a larger cabin bag without the correct allowance, it may be taken at the gate and placed in the hold, and a fee may be charged.
6. Does Aer Lingus include checked baggage?
Checked baggage is not included in all fares. It depends on your ticket type, but it can always be added during booking or afterwards.
7. How much checked baggage can I take?
Checked baggage options typically range from 20kg to 25kg per bag, with the option to combine weight across multiple bags on some fares.
8. What is the maximum size for checked baggage?
The maximum total dimensions (length + width + height) for a checked bag is 158 cm.
9. What are the liquid rules for Aer Lingus flights?
Liquids must be in containers of 100ml or less and fit within a single transparent, resealable 1 litre bag, in line with standard airport security rules.
10. Can I bring food or duty-free items onboard?
Yes, you can bring food and duty-free purchases, as long as they fit within your cabin baggage allowance and comply with security rules.
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11. Are Aer Lingus strict with cabin baggage?
Aer Lingus can be strict, especially at the gate. Bags may be checked for size and eligibility, so it’s best to follow the allowance shown on your ticket.
12. What is the best way to avoid baggage fees?
Check your ticket allowance in advance, only bring what is included, and add any extra bags online before arriving at the airport to avoid higher fees at the gate.
Don't Forget Your Toiletries
Remember that airport liquid restrictions still apply even if your cabin bag meets Aer Lingus size limits.
Our ready-to-travel kits contain trusted brands in 100ml-compliant sizes, making packing quicker and easier.
