Last Updated on January 1, 2024 by Henry @ The Getaway Lounge
This post is reviewed on a regular basis to ensure a high level of accuracy.
Just how strict are Aer Lingus with cabin baggage size and weight?
As the first to specialise in short haul flight alerts, it’s a question we’re often asked by our members and here’s the latest.
Aer Lingus are very strict and state that if you’re travelling with cabin baggage only, you’ll be limited to take one main bag on board as well as a smaller personal item. According to them, your main bag must fit in the sizer and so be easily stored in the overhead compartment. Your smaller item must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you.
And if you’re looking for a compliant bag with fantastic reviews, we recommend this great value suitcase on Amazon which almost fits to perfection and can be used with the vast majority of other airlines too.
Aer Lingus’ main cabin baggage policy for transatlantic flights is as follows:
In centimetres: 55 x 40 x 24cm (including wheels and handles)
In inches: 21.5 x 15.5 x 9.5 in (including wheels and handles)
What’s more, the weight of your main bag should not exceed 10kg.
If you’re flying on a regional route (within Ireland or the UK), and therefore with a smaller aircraft operated by Stobart Air, you’ll be further limited and you can find out more information here.
As well as your main cabin baggage, Aer Lingus also allow you to bring a smaller personal item on board, too.
Examples on their website include small handbag or laptop bag for instance with maximum dimensions as follows:
In centimetres: 25 x 33 x 20cm (including any handles, etc.)
In inches: 10 x 13 x 8 inches (including any handles, etc.)
With that said, we wouldn’t worry too much if your smaller item is slightly bigger than the dimensions stated below.
As long as it’s easily stored underneath the seat in front of you, you shouldn’t have any issues.
And there is no weight restriction for this particular item, although it certainly needs to be easily carried or you might get questioned!
The weight of your main cabin baggage bag must not exceed 10kg or you can be penalised.
What we can say from experience however, is that it’s rare for airlines to examine the weight of your hand luggage.
Even still, you should stick within the 10kg where possible, but don’t worry too much if it’s slightly over.
Just be prepared to wear some of your heavy clothing to make up for it – think coat with deep pockets if you’re really looking to get your money’s worth!
Nothing out of the ordinary here – you can take all your toiletries through security as long as each bottle contains no more than 100ml each.
They must fit comfortably into one see through, re-sealable bag no larger than 20 x 20cm.
You can usually pick these up at the airport if you don’t already have one.
No is the simple answer.
Certainly not if your main bag is that of a suitcase, or a hard shell – they’ll be no negotiating with the steel cage!
You might get away with it using a soft-edged bag like a backpack, but even then, it’s a risk and you might still have to pay extra.
This is a bit more feasible and may be worth the risk if you really need the additional weight.
Besides, it’s rare for hand luggage to be weighed before you go through the gate.
As long as you’re all checked-in online then our advice would be not to worry too much if your main cabin bag weighs slightly over the 10kg limit.
There’s no guarantee you won’t be checked for weight, but in our experience, this would take a rare circumstance.
Let’s face it, it would only cause unnecessary disruption, and people can simply repack their belongings or wear some of their heavy clothing until they were within the limits!
If you decide to take the risk and get caught out, the penalties are fairly substantial.
In fact, you could buy yourself an Aer Lingus hand luggage compliant bag on Amazon for less!
If your hand luggage is checked and exceeds the dimensions and weight limits – it will be checked into the hold with a fee applied, somewhere in the region of 50 euros.
Made from 100% polypropylene, this hard-shell case is strong and sturdy but surprisingly light and easy to manoeuvre.
The American Tourister is available in a whole range of colours, all with sleek ridged designs – and you can grab one for a great price on Amazon here.
If interested, make sure you get the small size that is 55cm in height and no bigger – perfect size for hand luggage with Aer Lingus and many others!
Features:
Key specs: – Dimensions: 55 x 40 x 20cm; Weight: 2.5kg; Capacity: 30L; Number of wheels: 4
The truth is, you just never know until the day, so we recommend eliminating all concerns and getting a fully compliant bag.
However, if you are going to risk it with Aer Lingus – make sure you’re using a soft-edged bag like a backpack which gives you more room for negotiation with the sizer.
Otherwise, you’re better off investing in an appropriate bag.
Not only will you be able to use this for all future Aer Lingus flights, you could also use it for a range of other airlines too!
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