Last Updated: April 2026  

Quick Answer: Aer Lingus Seat Selection

Yes, you can choose your seat on Aer Lingus. Whether it costs anything depends on your fare type. Saver fare passengers typically pay a fee for advance seat selection, while Plus and AerSpace fares generally include seat selection. Seats can be selected during booking, after booking through Manage Booking, or during online check-in. If you don’t select a seat, Aer Lingus will assign one at check-in.

At a Glance

Feature	Details
Free Seat Selection	Included on Plus and AerSpace fares
Paid Seats	Saver fares — fee applies
Check-in Opens	30 hours before departure
Upgrade Options	Paid upgrades, email offers, airport upgrades

Choosing a seat on Aer Lingus is fairly simple once you know how the fare system works. Aer Lingus is Ireland’s national airline, operating both short-haul European routes and long-haul transatlantic flights, and seat selection rules vary slightly depending on the route.

How Does Aer Lingus Seat Selection Work?

Aer Lingus seat selection is tied to your fare type. Passengers on Saver fares generally pay for advance seat selection while higher fare tiers include it at no extra charge.

When can I select my seat on Aer Lingus?

You can select your seat from the moment you book. Additional opportunities exist after booking and at online check-in, which opens 30 hours before departure. 

• During booking — Available on most fare types through aerlingus.com or the app
• After booking — Through Manage Booking on aerlingus.com
• During online check-in — Opens 30 hours before departure; some seats may become available at no charge
• At the airport — Check-in agents can assist but options narrow close to departure

What is Aer Lingus seat selection policy?

Aer Lingus seat selection policy is fare-based. Saver fare passengers pay for advance seat selection. Plus and AerSpace passengers receive it as part of their ticket. 

What Happens if I Do Not Select a Seat?

Passengers who skip seat selection are assigned a seat automatically at check-in. On busy routes — particularly transatlantic flights — this often means a middle seat toward the rear. If you have a preference, selecting early is worth it.


Aer Lingus Seat Types Explained

Aer Lingus offers different seating options depending on the aircraft and route.

Standard Seats

• Regular economy seats
• Included or low-cost depending on fare

Preferred Seats

• Located toward the front of the cabin
• Faster boarding and exit
• Better overhead bin access

Aer Lingus preferred seat price varies by route.

Extra Legroom Seats

• More space to stretch
• Usually near exit rows
• Higher fee applies

Business Class Seats

• More space and recline
• Priority services
• Included with business fares

For example : On a Dublin to Boston flight, Saver fare passengers usually need to pay for preferred or extra legroom seats. However, Plus fare passengers can often select standard seats at no extra cost.

This is why checking your seat type & fare type before paying for seat selection is important.

Can I Choose My Seat on Aer Lingus for Free?

It depends on your fare.

Included seat selection

• Business Class → included
• Some Plus or Flex fares → included

Paid seat selection

• Saver fares → usually require a fee
• Preferred or extra legroom seats → always paid

Aer Lingus seat selection fee varies by route, seat type, and timing.

Aer Lingus Seat Selection by Fare Type

Fare Type	Seat Selection Included	Notes
Saver	Not included — fee applies	Fee shown during booking
Plus	Included on most routes	Standard and some preferred seats
AerSpace / Business	Fully included	All seat categories available

Rules may vary by route. Always check your specific fare conditions when booking.

Is Aer Lingus seat selection free?

Aer Lingus seat selection is free on Plus and AerSpace fares. Saver fare passengers usually pay for advance seat selection. 

Does Aer Lingus charge for seat selection?

Yes, Aer Lingus charges for seat selection on Saver fares. Higher fares like Plus and AerSpace usually include it. 

How Much Does Aer Lingus Seat Selection Cost?

Aer Lingus seat selection fees vary by seat type, route, and how early you select. As a general guide:

• Standard seats on Saver fares — lower fee, varies by route
• Preferred seats closer to the front — higher fee than standard
• Exit row seats with extra legroom — typically the highest economy fee

Fees are shown clearly during the booking process before you confirm. There is no fixed published rate as pricing adjusts based on demand and route. For exact current pricing, check the seat map tool on aerlingus.com during booking.

Always refer to the official Aer Lingus website for the most accurate and up to date seat selection pricing.

Aer Lingus Seat Map and Booking Tool

Aer Lingus provides a seat map during booking and in the Manage Trip section.

This helps you:

• See available seats
• Choose preferred locations
• Avoid less desirable seats near lavatories or at the back of the cabin.

Checking the seat map early gives you better options.

Aer Lingus Seat Selection Fees — Quick Reference

Seat Type	Typical Cost	Notes
Standard Economy	Variable fee (Saver) / Included (Plus)	Varies by route
Preferred Seats	Higher fee	Front of economy cabin
Exit Row Seats	Higher fee	Eligibility restrictions apply
AerSpace Business	Included	Transatlantic routes

How to Select Seats on Aer Lingus

If you’re wondering how to select seats on Aer Lingus, the process is simple through the booking flow or Manage Trip section. 

If booking a new flight

1. Visit Aer Lingus website or app
2. Select your flight
3. Open the seat map
4. Choose your seat
5. Confirm selection

If you already booked

1. Go to “Manage Trip”
2. Enter booking details
3. Open seat map
4. Select or change your seat
5. Confirm

Aer Lingus Seat Upgrade Options

If you’re looking at how to upgrade your seat on Aer Lingus, options include paid upgrades and offers closer to departure. You can upgrade your seat in a few ways:

1. Paid Upgrades

• Available during booking or after
• May include upgrade to Business Class

2. Upgrade Offers (Email / Check-in)

• Sometimes offered closer to departure
• Based on availability

3. At the Airport

• Limited upgrades may be available
• Usually more expensive

Aer Lingus seat upgrade options depend on route and seat availability.

Aer Lingus vs Other Airlines: Seat Selection Comparison

Airline	Free Seat Selection	Paid Seats	Check-in Window
Aer Lingus	Plus and AerSpace fares	Saver fares	30 hours before departure
Ryanair	Not typically included	Most seats require a fee	24 hours before departure
British Airways	Not included on Euro Traveller	Most economy seats	24 hours before departure
American Airlines	Main Cabin Extra and above	Basic Economy excluded	24 hours before departure
Delta	Comfort+ and above	Basic Economy excluded	24 hours before departure

Tips for Getting the Best Seat on Aer Lingus

If you’re traveling short-haul, paying for a preferred seat may not add much value. On long-haul flights, extra legroom or front cabin seats can make a noticeable difference. To get your preferred seat you should consider the following tips 

• Select early — preferred seats and exit rows fill quickly on popular routes
• On transatlantic flights, window seats in AerSpace offer good privacy in the flat-bed configuration
• Check in exactly when the 30-hour window opens — some standard seats become available at no charge for Saver passengers
• On short-haul flights, seats near the front speed up deplaning significantly on tight connections
• Avoid seats directly in front of exit rows — these often have limited or no recline

For baggage fee details before your flight, see our Aer Lingus baggage fees guide. For cabin luggage size and rules, check Aer Lingus cabin baggage rules and size limits. 

Who Should Pay for Seat Selection on Aer Lingus?

Not everyone needs to pay for a seat — it depends on how you’re travelling.

• Budget travelers → You can wait until check-in (opens 30 hours before). Some standard seats may become free then.
• Long-haul travelers → On longer flights, paying for extra legroom or upgrading to AerSpace can make a noticeable difference.
• Families → It’s better to select seats early so you’re not split across rows.
• Business travelers → Seats closer to the front help you board faster and get off the plane quicker.

A quick check of your route and fare can help you decide if paying is actually worth it.

Before You Choose Your Seat on Aer Lingus

Aer Lingus seat selection is straightforward when you know your fare type. Saver passengers pay for advance selection, while Plus and AerSpace fares include it. For the best availability and pricing, select your seat at the time of booking rather than leaving it to check-in. Seat availability and pricing change as departure approaches. Always verify current options directly on aerlingus.com before making a decision. For a broader comparison of seat selection policies across airlines, see our airline seat selection guide.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ):

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.