Aer Lingus Baggage Fees: What You Pay, What Is Included,
and How to Avoid Extra Charges
This guide covers Aer Lingus checked baggage fees by fare type, weight limits, excess and overweight charges, and practical steps
to keep costs down.
Last Updated: April 2026
Quick Answer: Aer Lingus Baggage Fees
Aer Lingus baggage fees depend on your fare type and route. Saver fares usually do not include a free checked bag, while Plus and AerSpace fares may include checked baggage depending on the route. Standard checked bag limits are generally 20 kg on short-haul routes and 23 kg on transatlantic routes. Fees are usually lower when you add baggage online before travel.
At a Glance: Aer Lingus Baggage Fees
| Feature | Details |
| Free Checked Bag | Not included on Saver fares |
| Weight Limit | 20 kg on European routes / 23 kg on transatlantic routes |
| Add Baggage | Online via aerlingus.com or through Manage Booking |
| Maximum Bag Weight | Up to 32 kg — bags over this are not accepted |
Aer Lingus is Ireland’s national airline, flying both short-haul European routes and transatlantic flights to North America. Flying Aer Lingus is easier to plan once you know how its baggage rules work. The airline uses a fare-based system, so your checked baggage allowance depends on the ticket you buy and the route you travel.
Does Aer Lingus charge for checked baggage?
Yes, Aer Lingus charges for checked baggage on Saver fares, while higher fares may include it depending on the route.
Yes, in most cases.
- Saver fares → usually no free checked bag
- Plus, Advantage, and AerSpace fares → checked baggage may be included depending on the route
- Business Class → checked baggage is included
- On international flights, Aer Lingus baggage allowance can vary by route and fare conditions
Aer Lingus Checked Baggage Allowance by Fare and Route
| Fare Type | Free Checked Bags | Weight Limit | Route |
| Saver | Usually no free checked bag | 20 kg or 23 kg if purchased | Short-haul and transatlantic, depending on route |
| Plus | Often includes 1 checked bag | 20 kg (short-haul) / 23 kg (transatlantic) | Route-dependent |
| AerSpace / Business | Typically includes checked baggage | Up to 32 kg per bag for Business | Route-dependent |
On a Dublin to New York flight, Saver fare passengers usually pay separately for a checked bag, while Plus fare passengers often have one 23 kg bag included in their fare.
Always check your booking confirmation, because baggage inclusions can differ by fare family and route.
Aer Lingus Checked Baggage Fees (Overview)
| Bag Type | Typical Fee | Notes |
| First checked bag | Paid on basic fares | Cheaper if booked online |
| Second checked bag | Higher fee | Depends on route |
| Extra bags | Additional cost | Increases per bag |
| Overweight bags | Extra charge per kg | Applied at airport |
Aer Lingus excess baggage charges are usually lower when purchased online in advance.
Can I Add Baggage After Booking Aer Lingus?
Yes. You can usually add checked baggage after booking through Manage Booking on aerlingus.com or through the app. Adding baggage later is generally more expensive than adding it during the original booking.
Adding baggage as early as possible — ideally at booking — is the most cost-effective approach.
Aer Lingus Overweight Baggage Charges
If your bag exceeds the standard weight limit for your route and fare, an overweight fee applies:
- Bags above the standard allowance but under 32 kg — overweight fee applies
- Bags over 32 kg — generally not accepted as standard checked baggage
- Bags exceeding 158 cm linear dimensions — oversized fee applies
Overweight and oversized fees are charged separately and apply on top of any standard bag fees. Weighing luggage at home before travel remains the simplest way to avoid these charges.
Overweight charges vary by route. Confirm current rates directly with Aer Lingus before travel.
How to Avoid Aer Lingus Baggage Fees
Here are some of the ways that can help you avoid baggage fees on Aer Lingus.
- Compare fares — a higher fare with baggage included can sometimes cost less than a Saver fare with a bag added separately.
- Add baggage at booking — it is cheaper than adding it later or at the airport.
- Weigh your bag at home to avoid overweight charges.
- Never buy baggage at the airport — it is the most expensive option.
What Makes Aer Lingus Baggage Policy Different
Aer Lingus is an Irish carrier operating both short-haul European routes and transatlantic services. This means the baggage rules can differ significantly depending on which type of route you are flying.
On European short-haul routes, the weight limit is 20 kg — lower than the 23 kg standard used by many carriers on similar routes. Passengers used to flying full-service European airlines may find this limit tighter than expected.
On transatlantic routes to the US and Canada, Aer Lingus baggage rules can be more flexible than short-haul routes, but exact inclusions still depend on the fare and booking conditions.
Always check your fare conditions carefully, as the same fare name may carry different inclusions depending on the route.
Aer Lingus vs Other Airlines: Baggage Fees Comparison
Here’s a quick way to understand how Aer Lingus compares with other airlines:
| Airline | Free Checked Bag | Weight Limit | Overweight Limit |
| Aer Lingus | Included on Plus fares and above | 20 kg (EU) / 23 kg (transatlantic) | Up to 32 kg |
| British Airways | Included on higher fares | 23 kg per bag | Up to 32 kg |
| Qatar Airways | Included on most fares | 23 kg per bag | Up to 32 kg |
Aer Lingus works on a fare-based system, so whether you get a free bag depends on your ticket. This is quite similar to British Airways.
Qatar Airways, on the other hand, includes checked baggage on more fare types, especially on international routes.
It’s always a good idea to check your ticket details before you travel, as baggage rules can change depending on the route and fare.
Aer Lingus Excess Baggage Charges
Bags beyond your included allowance are treated as excess baggage and may be charged per kilogram or as a flat excess fee, depending on the route.
- Short-haul excess baggage fees are generally lower than transatlantic ones
- Pre-purchasing excess baggage online is cheaper than paying at check-in
- Airport purchase may be subject to availability and higher charges
If you travel with extra bags often, compare the cost of a higher fare with included baggage against paying excess charges separately.
For a broader comparison of how baggage fees work across airlines, see our airline baggage fees guide.
Common Baggage Mistakes on Aer Lingus
Many travelers assume a checked bag is included on all tickets. On Saver fares, this is usually not the case. Another common mistake is exceeding the 20 kg limit on short-haul routes, which leads to unexpected overweight charges at the airport.
Before You Check In with Aer Lingus
Knowing your fare type and what is included before you get to the airport can save time and avoid surprise fees. Saver fares are the most common source of unexpected baggage charges, so checking your booking confirmation is important.
For Aer Lingus seat selection and upgrade information, see our Aer Lingus seat selection and upgrade options guide.For cabin rules, see our Aer Lingus carry-on rules and size limits guide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Aer Lingus baggage allowance for Economy?
Saver fares usually do not include a free checked bag. Plus fares often include one checked bag, depending on the route. Always check your fare conditions before travel.
Does Aer Lingus charge for checked baggage?
Yes, Saver fares usually require separate payment for checked baggage. Other fares may include checked baggage depending on the route.
Can I add baggage after booking Aer Lingus?
Yes. You can usually add baggage through Manage Booking on aerlingus.com or in the app, and it is generally cheaper to add it earlier than at the airport.
What is the Aer Lingus baggage weight limit?
On European short-haul routes the limit is generally 20 kg per checked bag. On transatlantic routes it is generally 23 kg in Economy. Business Class may allow up to 32 kg per bag. Bags over 32 kg are not accepted as standard checked baggage.
How much are Aer Lingus baggage fees?
Aer Lingus baggage fees vary by route, fare, and when you pay. Online purchase is usually cheaper than airport purchase.
What is the Aer Lingus baggage weight limit?
Short-haul routes generally allow 20 kg per checked bag, while transatlantic routes generally allow 23 kg per bag in Economy. Business Class may allow up to 32 kg per bag.
What is included in Aer Lingus baggage?
Saver fares usually do not include a free checked bag. Plus fares often include one checked bag depending on the route. AerSpace and Business Class fares typically include checked baggage. Always check your fare conditions before booking.
FlytripInfo provides independent travel guidance and is not affiliated with Aer Lingus.
Disclaimer: All information on FlytripInfo is provided for general travel guidance only. Airline policies, baggage rules, and fees can change at any time without prior notice. While we strive to keep our content accurate and updated, travelers should always verify details directly with the airline before their journey. FlytripInfo is not responsible for any errors, delays, or decisions made based on the information provided.
